Bon Ton Stores (BONT) 10-K 15 Apr 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014	Mar. 27, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	BON TON STORES INC
Entity Central Index Key	878079
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$141.90
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			17,266,317
Class A Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			2,951,490

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,753	$7,058
Merchandise inventories	734,956	709,733
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,394	76,285
Total current assets	837,103	793,076
Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $910,494 and $865,111 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively	641,996	640,004
Deferred income taxes	15,781	15,765
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $64,451 and $62,068 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively	90,151	102,800
Other long-term assets	23,483	25,584
Total assets	1,608,514	1,577,229
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	208,882	200,465
Accrued payroll and benefits	28,848	28,343
Accrued expenses	158,022	150,595
Current maturities of long-term debt	6,788	7,363
Current maturities of obligations under capital leases	3,961	3,797
Deferred income taxes	24,478	22,744
Total current liabilities	430,979	413,307
Long-term debt, less current maturities	850,963	804,372
Obligations under capital leases, less current maturities	45,016	48,977
Other long-term liabilities	193,908	182,617
Total liabilities	1,520,866	1,449,273
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders' equity
Preferred Stock - authorized 5,000,000 shares at $0.01 par value; no shares issued
Treasury stock, at cost - 337,800 shares at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014	-1,387	-1,387
Additional paid-in capital	161,359	160,772
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-80,405	-50,448
Retained earnings	7,873	18,811
Total shareholders' equity	87,648	127,956
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,608,514	1,577,229
Common Stock
Shareholders' equity
Common Stock	178	178
Total shareholders' equity	178	178
Class A Common Stock
Shareholders' equity
Common Stock	30	30
Total shareholders' equity	$30	$30

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization (in dollars)	$910,494	$865,111
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$64,451	$62,068
Preferred Stock, authorized shares	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Treasury stock, shares	337,800	337,800
Common Stock
Common Stock, authorized shares	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, issued shares	17,818,323	17,846,457
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, authorized shares	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, issued shares	2,951,490	2,951,490
Common Stock, outstanding shares	2,951,490	2,951,490

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (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
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales	$942,590	$642,735	$563,452	$607,460	$914,863	$651,161	$557,140	$646,904	$2,756,237	$2,770,068	$2,919,411
Other income									66,659	63,992	59,425
Total									2,822,896	2,834,060	2,978,836
Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold	613,107	409,484	357,252	393,110	583,144	412,932	351,008	421,588	1,772,953	1,768,672	1,873,890
Selling, general and administrative	248,009	220,901	215,807	222,319	247,810	215,204	211,253	225,096	907,036	899,363	936,175
Gain on insurance recovery	-10,779								-10,779
Depreciation and amortization									90,118	85,872	88,276
Amortization of lease-related interests									4,542	4,543	4,696
Impairment charges									2,492	6,230	5,800
Income from operations	87,547	4,925	-20,298	-15,640	76,108	15,850	-15,461	-7,117	56,534	69,380	69,999
Interest expense, net									61,736	68,587	82,839
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt							3,917		153	4,433	8,485
Loss before income taxes									-5,355	-3,640	-21,325
Income tax provision (benefit)									1,619	-84	228
Net loss	$71,738	($11,008)	($36,192)	($31,512)	$61,339	($931)	($37,329)	($26,635)	($6,974)	($3,556)	($21,553)
Basic:
Net loss (in dollars per share)	$3.56	($0.57)	($1.86)	($1.63)	$3.06	($0.05)	($1.95)	($1.41)	($0.36)	($0.19)	($1.16)
Diluted:
Net loss (in dollars per share)	$3.55	($0.57)	($1.86)	($1.63)	$3.04	($0.05)	($1.95)	($1.41)	($0.36)	($0.19)	($1.16)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (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
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Net loss	$71,738	($11,008)	($36,192)	($31,512)	$61,339	($931)	($37,329)	($26,635)	($6,974)	($3,556)	($21,553)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans									-29,957	22,794	1,114
Comprehensive (loss) income									($36,931)	$19,238	($20,439)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock	Class A Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
BALANCE at Jan. 28, 2012	$171	$30	($1,387)	$155,400	($74,356)	$51,749	$131,607
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net loss						-21,553	-21,553
Other comprehensive (loss) income					1,114		1,114
Dividends to shareholders, $0.20 per share for the years ended 1/31/2015, 2/1/2014 and 2/2/13						-3,894	-3,894
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes	-2			-1,658			-1,660
Proceeds from stock options exercised	1			537			538
Share-based compensation expense	5			4,449			4,454
BALANCE at Feb. 02, 2013	175	30	-1,387	158,728	-73,242	26,302	110,606
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net loss						-3,556	-3,556
Other comprehensive (loss) income					22,794		22,794
Dividends to shareholders, $0.20 per share for the years ended 1/31/2015, 2/1/2014 and 2/2/13						-3,935	-3,935
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes	-2			-2,132			-2,134
Proceeds from stock options exercised	1			594			595
Share-based compensation expense	4			3,582			3,586
BALANCE at Feb. 01, 2014	178	30	-1,387	160,772	-50,448	18,811	127,956
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net loss						-6,974	-6,974
Other comprehensive (loss) income					-29,957		-29,957
Dividends to shareholders, $0.20 per share for the years ended 1/31/2015, 2/1/2014 and 2/2/13						-3,964	-3,964
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes	-2			-1,935			-1,937
Proceeds from stock options exercised				22			22
Share-based compensation expense	2			2,500			2,502
BALANCE at Jan. 31, 2015	$178	$30	($1,387)	$161,359	($80,405)	$7,873	$87,648

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Dividends to shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20

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 loss	($6,974)	($3,556)	($21,553)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	90,118	85,872	88,276
Amortization of lease-related interests	4,542	4,543	4,696
Impairment charges	2,492	6,230	5,800
Share-based compensation expense	2,502	3,586	4,454
Gain on sale of property, fixtures and equipment	-2,510	-275	-2,768
Reclassifications of accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,255	6,203	6,384
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt	153	4,433	8,485
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,938	3,877	6,610
Amortization of deferred gain on sale of proprietary credit card portfolio			-1,021
Deferred income tax provision	1,718	248	1,400
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in merchandise inventories	-25,223	48,667	-58,896
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-17,109	-5,684	-1,569
(Increase) decrease in other long-term assets	-768	-2,168	2,004
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	4,136	-2,812	2,591
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and benefits and accrued expenses	6,105	-20,411	9,035
(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable		-739	739
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities	-18,746	-7,947	18,603
Net cash provided by operating activities	46,629	120,067	73,270
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-90,707	-77,336	-73,770
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment	5,349	1,335	8,268
Net cash used in investing activities	-85,358	-76,001	-65,502
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-728,166	-1,267,418	-733,653
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	770,259	1,229,418	750,401
Cash dividends paid	-3,956	-2,952	-4,855
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes	-1,937	-2,134	-1,660
Proceeds from stock options exercised	22	595	538
Deferred financing costs paid	-69	-11,133	-1,135
Debt exchange costs paid			-6,992
Increase (decrease) in book overdraft balances	4,271	8,690	-16,758
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	40,424	-44,934	-14,114
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,695	-868	-6,346
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,058	7,926	14,272
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$8,753	$7,058	$7,926

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS

NATURE OF OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
NATURE OF OPERATIONS	1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is a Pennsylvania corporation incorporated on January 31, 1996 as the successor of a company incorporated on January 31, 1929. As of January 31, 2015, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operated, through its subsidiaries, 270 stores, including nine furniture galleries and four clearance centers, in 26 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates.
	References to "the Company" refer to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (the "Parent") and its subsidiaries.
	The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearer January 31, and consisted of 52 weeks for each of 2014 and 2013 and 53 weeks for 2012. References to "2014," "2013" and "2012" represent the Company's fiscal 2014 year ended January 31, 2015, fiscal 2013 year ended February 1, 2014 and fiscal 2012 year ended February 2, 2013, respectively. References to "2015" represent the Company's fiscal 2015 year ending January 30, 2016.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company has identified two operating segments: stores and eCommerce (its internet websites). The two operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, merchandising and distribution processes involved, target customers, and economic characteristics of the two operating segments.
	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include those related to merchandise returns, the valuation of inventories, long-lived assets, intangible assets, insurance reserves, contingencies, litigation and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes and retirement and other post-employment benefits, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgments. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year balances presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not impact the Company's net loss for 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are generally overnight money market investments.
	Merchandise Inventories
	Merchandise inventories are determined by the retail method. Inherent in the retail inventory method calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, merchandise markups, markdowns and shrinkage, which significantly impact both the ending inventory valuation and the resulting gross margin.
	Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns include inventory obsolescence, excess inventories, current and anticipated demand, age of the merchandise, customer preferences and fashion trends. Pursuant to the retail inventory method, permanent markdowns result in the devaluation of inventory and the resulting gross margin reduction is recognized in the period in which the markdown is recorded.
	The Company seeks return privileges from its vendors for damaged inventory or marks the goods out-of-stock. Historically, damaged inventory has been an immaterial factor in the Company's calculation of gross margin.
	The Company regularly records a provision for estimated shrinkage, thereby reducing the carrying value of inventory. A physical inventory of each merchandise department is conducted annually in January, with the recorded amount of inventory adjusted to reflect this physical count. The differences between the estimated amount of shrinkage and the actual amount realized have been insignificant.
	As of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, approximately 32% and 33%, respectively, of the Company's merchandise inventories were valued using a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") cost basis and approximately 68% and 67%, respectively, of merchandise inventories were valued using a last-in, first-out ("LIFO") cost basis. There was no effect on costs of merchandise sold for LIFO valuations in 2014, 2013 and 2012. If the FIFO method of inventory valuation had been used for all inventories, the Company's merchandise inventories would have been lower by $6,837 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 due to the Company having recognized prior years' cost increases associated with its LIFO calculations. The Company's LIFO calculations yielded inventory increases due to deflation reflected in price indices used. The LIFO method values merchandise sold at the cost of more recent inventory purchases (which the deflationary indices indicated to be lower), resulting in the general inventory on-hand being carried at the older, higher costs. Given these higher values and the promotional retail environment, the Company has reduced the carrying value of its LIFO inventories to an estimated realizable value, with reductions of $53,118 to offset the $59,955 cumulative inventory increases generated by its computation of LIFO inventory as of January 31, 2015 and with reductions of $42,578 to offset the $49,415 cumulative inventory increases generated by its computation of LIFO inventory as of February 1, 2014.
	Costs for merchandise purchases, product development, distribution and customer delivery are included in costs of merchandise sold.
	Property, Fixtures and Equipment: Depreciation and Amortization
	Depreciation and amortization of property, fixtures and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based upon the shorter of the remaining accounting lease term, if applicable, or the economic life reflected in the following ranges:
	Buildings	20 to 40 years
	Leasehold improvements	2 to 15 years
	Fixtures and equipment	3 to 10 years
	No depreciation is recorded until property, fixtures and equipment are placed into service. The Company capitalizes interest incurred during the construction of new facilities or major improvements to existing facilities and development projects that exceed one month. See Note 11 for quantification of capitalized interest in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense as incurred. Property retired or sold is removed from asset and accumulated depreciation accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in SG&A expense.
	Costs of major remodeling and improvements on leased stores are capitalized as leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the accounting lease term or the useful life of the asset. Capital leases are recorded at the lower of fair market value or the present value of future minimum lease payments. Capital leases are amortized in accordance with the provisions codified within Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 840-30, Leases—Capital Leases.
	ASC Section 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment—Overall—Subsequent Measurement ("ASC 360-10-35"), requires the Company to test a long-lived asset for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are insufficient to support the recorded asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount (if any) by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Cash flow estimates are based on historical results, adjusted to reflect the Company's best estimate of future market and operating conditions. Estimates of fair value are determined through various techniques, including discounted cash flow models utilizing a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants and market approaches using data that includes recent sales of comparable properties with similar characteristics, as considered necessary. (See Note 3 for quantification of asset impairment charges.)
	Intangible Assets
	ASC Section 350-30-35, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—General Intangibles Other than Goodwill—Subsequent Measurement ("ASC 350-30-35") requires the Company to test intangible assets subject to amortization and intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment.
	We are required to test an intangible asset subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are insufficient to support the recorded asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount (if any) by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires certain assumptions and estimates regarding industry economic factors, and utilizes a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants.
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. An optional qualitative assessment allows the Company to consider events and circumstances that could affect the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. If the Company concludes, based on an evaluation of all relevant qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, it will not be required to perform the quantitative impairment test for that asset. In determining fair value for intangible assets for which a quantitative impairment test must be performed, the Company utilizes a relief from royalty method to determine the assets' fair value. The relief from royalty method estimates the theoretical royalty savings from ownership of these intangible assets. Key assumptions include royalty rates, sales projections and discount rates. The Company utilizes royalty and discount rates it believes are appropriate and would be used by market participants.
	The Company's policy is to conduct impairment testing based on its most current business plans, which reflect anticipated changes in the economy and the industry. (See Note 4 for quantification of intangible asset impairment charges.)
	Deferred Financing Fees
	Amounts paid by the Company to secure financing agreements are reflected in other long-term assets and are amortized over the term of the related facility. Amortization of credit facility costs are classified as interest expense. Unamortized amounts at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 were $14,502 and $17,397, respectively.
	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company, through its actuary, utilizes assumptions when estimating the liabilities for pension and other employee benefit plans. These assumptions, where applicable, include the discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations, the long-term rate of return on assets and the growth in health care costs. The cost of these benefits is recognized in SG&A expense and the accrued benefits are reported in accrued payroll and benefits, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, pursuant to ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. ASC 740 requires an assessment of whether valuation allowances are needed against deferred tax assets based upon consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard. (See Note 16 for further discussion of the Company's valuation allowances.)
	In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
	Net Sales and Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue, which excludes sales tax, at either the point-of-sale or at the time merchandise is delivered to the customer and all significant obligations have been satisfied. The Company has a customer return policy allowing customers to return merchandise, for which a reserve is provided for estimated returns. The reserve is based on historical returns experience, and is reflected as an adjustment to sales and costs of merchandise sold.
	The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category for each year presented:
	Merchandise Category	2014			2013			2012
	Women's Apparel	$	678,526		$	686,276		$	708,411
	Home		471,259			459,152			505,452
	Cosmetics		377,442			391,306			418,609
	Men's Apparel		325,333			330,411			339,283
	Accessories		273,057			274,902			285,144
	Footwear		263,516			266,523			273,671
	Children's Apparel		186,907			185,248			196,673
	Intimate Apparel		106,792			108,292			114,863
	Young Contemporary Apparel		69,402			58,410			67,090
	Other		4,003			9,548			10,215
	Total	$	2,756,237		$	2,770,068		$	2,919,411
	Other Income
	The Company currently receives revenues under a credit card program agreement ("CCPA") with Comenity Bank, a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADS"). Pursuant to the CCPA, the Company receives periodic royalties based on a percentage of credit card sales and outstanding credit balances. In 2012, the Company received a signing bonus of $50,000 upon transition of its CCPA to ADS; the signing bonus was recorded as deferred income and is being amortized over the initial seven-year term of the CCPA. The aforementioned revenues are recorded within other income. The Company also licenses space to third parties in its stores and receives compensation based on a percentage of sales made in these departments and receives revenues from customers for delivery of certain items and services. Revenues from gift and merchandise card breakage are included in other income (see "Gift and Merchandise Cards," below). In addition, the Company recovers a portion of its cost from the disposal of damaged or otherwise distressed merchandise; this recovery is recorded within other income.
	Advertising
	Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertisement is run. Media placement costs are expensed in the period the advertising appears. Total advertising expenses, net of vendor allowances, included in SG&A expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $135,626, $128,266 and $129,349, respectively. Prepaid expenses and other current assets include prepaid advertising costs of $8,016 and $8,264 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
	Vendor Allowances
	As is standard industry practice, allowances from merchandise vendors are received as reimbursement for charges incurred on marked-down merchandise. Vendor allowances are recorded when determined to be collectable. Allowances are credited to costs of goods sold, provided the allowance is: (1) for merchandise permanently marked down or sold, (2) not predicated on a future purchase, and (3) not predicated on a future increase in the purchase price from the vendor. If the aforementioned criteria are not met, the allowances are recorded as an adjustment to the cost of merchandise capitalized in inventory and reflected as a reduction of costs of merchandise sold when the related merchandise is sold.
	Additionally, allowances are received from vendors in connection with cooperative advertising programs and for reimbursement of certain payroll expenses. To the extent the reimbursements are for specific, incremental and identifiable advertising or payroll costs incurred to sell the vendor's products and do not exceed the costs incurred, they are recognized as a reduction of SG&A expense. If the aforementioned criteria are not met, the allowances are recorded as an adjustment to the cost of merchandise capitalized in inventory and reflected as a reduction of costs of merchandise sold when the related merchandise is sold.
	Purchase Order Violations
	The Company, consistent with industry practice, mandates that vendor merchandise shipments conform to certain standards. These standards are usually defined in the purchase order and include items such as proper ticketing, security tagging, quantity, packaging, on-time delivery, etc. Failure by vendors to conform to these standards increases the Company's merchandise handling costs. Accordingly, various purchase order violation charges are billed to vendors; these charges are reflected by the Company as a reduction of costs of merchandise sold in the period in which the respective violations occur. The Company establishes reserves for purchase order violations that may become uncollectible.
	Gift and Merchandise Cards
	The Company sells gift cards to customers at its stores and through its website, and issues merchandise cards as credit for merchandise returned to its stores. These cards do not have expiration dates. Revenues from these cards are recognized when (1) the card is redeemed by the customer, or (2) the likelihood of the card being redeemed by the customer is remote and it is determined that the Company does not have a legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed card to relevant jurisdictions ("card breakage"). It is the Company's historical experience that the likelihood of redemption after 60 months from issuance is remote. Should cards become aged 60 months and the Company determines that it is probable that it has no legal obligation to remit the value to relevant jurisdictions, the corresponding liability is relieved. Given the satisfaction of the aforementioned criteria, the Company recognized income from card breakage of $2,103, $2,400 and $2,551 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Gift and merchandise card liabilities are included within accrued expenses.
	Self-Insurance Liabilities
The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to workers' compensation and health insurance, although it maintains stop-loss coverage with third party insurers to limit exposure. The estimate of its self-insurance liability contains uncertainty since the Company must use judgment to estimate the ultimate cost that will be incurred to settle reported claims and claims for incidents incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. When estimating its self-insurance liability, the Company considers a number of factors which include, but are not limited to, historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and information provided by independent third-party advisors.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and financial instruments reported within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets approximate fair value. The Company discloses the fair value of its long-term debt in Note 5. Fair value estimates of the Company's long-term debt are determined by quoted prices in active markets or a market approach using prices generated by market transactions or derived from discounted cash flow analyses utilizing a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. The Company manages the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents by maintaining cash accounts and investing with high-quality institutions. The Company maintains cash accounts, primarily on an overnight basis, which may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from maintaining cash accounts in excess of such limits. The Company believes that it is not exposed to any significant risks related to its cash accounts.
Operating Leases
The Company leases a majority of its retail stores under operating leases. Many of the lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions—or some combination of these items. The Company recognizes rent expense in SG&A expense on a straight-line basis over the accounting lease term, which includes lease renewals determined to be reasonably assured. In calculating straight-line rent expense, the Company utilizes an accounting lease term that equals or exceeds the time period used for depreciation. Additionally, the commencement date of the accounting lease term reflects the earlier of the date the Company becomes legally obligated for the rent payments or the date the Company takes possession of the building for initial construction and setup. The excess of rent expense over the actual cash paid is recorded as deferred rent. Leasehold improvement allowances received from landlords and other lease incentives are recorded as deferred rent liabilities and are recognized in SG&A expense on a straight-line basis over the accounting lease term.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes share-based compensation pursuant to ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). The Company measures the cost of grantee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award, and recognizes that cost over the period that the grantee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For performance and service grants with vesting additionally contingent on achievement of a positive total shareholder return measure, the grant date fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. For stock option awards, the Company estimates grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.
Earnings per Share
The Company follows the provisions codified within ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, pursuant to which unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings or loss per share ("EPS") according to the two-class method if the impact is dilutive. The Company's unvested service restricted shares and restricted stock units are considered participating securities. However, in the event of a net loss, participating securities are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted EPS.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss and weighted average shares outstanding used in basic and diluted EPS calculations for each of 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	2014			2013			2012
Basic Loss Per Common Share
Net loss	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—
Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
Basic loss per common share	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(1.16	)
Diluted Loss Per Common Share
Net loss	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—
Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
Common shares issuable—stock options		—			—			—
Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
Diluted loss per common share	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(1.16	)
Due to the Company's net loss position in 2014, 2013 and 2012, weighted average unvested restricted shares and restricted stock units (participating securities) of 702,188, 914,941 and 1,314,491 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not considered in the calculation of net loss available to common shareholders used for both basic and diluted EPS.
In addition, weighted average stock option shares (non-participating securities) totaling 212,750, 363,298 and 841,224 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, as their effect would have been antidilutive. Certain of these stock option shares were excluded solely due to the Company's net loss position. Had the Company reported net income in 2014, 2013 and 2012, these shares would have increased diluted weighted average common shares outstanding by 86,872, 142,068 and 128,452, respectively.
Risks and Uncertainties
The diversity of the Company's products, customers and geographic operations reduces the risk that a severe impact will occur in the near term as a result of changes in its customer base, competition or markets.
In response to economic conditions, the Company has considered the impact of relevant factors on its liquidity and has performed an analysis of the key assumptions in its forecast such as sales, gross margin and SG&A expenses; an evaluation of its relationships with vendors and their factors, including availability of vendor credit; and an analysis of cash requirements, including the Company's inventory and other working capital requirements, capital expenditures and borrowing availability under its credit facility. Based upon these analyses and evaluations, the Company expects its anticipated sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet its obligations without significant revisions to its planned operations through 2015.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The new standard provides a single revenue recognition model which is intended to enhance disclosures and improve comparability over a range of industries, companies and geographical boundaries. ASU 2014-09 creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering all relevant facts and circumstances in the determination of when and how revenue is recognized. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently reviewing the revised guidance and assessing the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"), was issued, amending FASB Accounting Standards Subtopic 205-40 to provide guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term "substantial doubt," (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management's plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management's plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The Company is currently reviewing the guidance and assessing the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements.

PROPERTY_FIXTURES_AND_EQUIPMEN

PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
	3. PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, fixtures and equipment and related accumulated depreciation and amortization consisted of:
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Land and improvements	$	120,740		$	118,423
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		720,275			714,395
	Furniture and equipment		650,928			610,155
	Buildings and equipment under capital leases		60,547			62,142
			1,552,490			1,505,115
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(910,494	)		(865,111	)
	Net property, fixtures and equipment	$	641,996		$	640,004
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization includes $29,572 and $27,358 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, related to buildings and equipment under capital leases. Amortization of buildings and equipment under capital leases is included within depreciation and amortization expense.
	Depreciation and amortization expense of $88,489, $84,113 and $86,386 related to property, fixtures and equipment was included in depreciation and amortization expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Asset impairment charges of $2,392, $5,962 and $5,050, which resulted in a reduction in the carrying amount of certain store properties due to marginal performance, were recorded in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The expenses are included in impairment charges.

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	Gross amount
	Lease-related interests	$	81,179		$	91,345
	Customer lists and relationships		22,926			22,926
	Total gross amount		104,105			114,271
	Accumulated amortization
	Lease-related interests		(46,309	)		(45,555	)
	Customer lists and relationships		(18,142	)		(16,513	)
	Total accumulated amortization		(64,451	)		(62,068	)
	Net intangible assets subject to amortization		39,654			52,203
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization
	Trade names		40,200			40,300
	Private label brand names		10,297			10,297
	Total intangible assets not subject to amortization		50,497			50,597
	Net intangible assets	$	90,151		$	102,800
	Lease-related interests reflect below-market-rate leases purchased in store acquisitions completed in 1992 through 2006 that were adjusted to reflect fair market value. The lease-related interests, including the unfavorable lease-related interests included in other long-term liabilities, are being amortized on a straight-line method and reported as "amortization of lease-related interests" in the consolidated statements of operations. At January 31, 2015, these lease-related interests have weighted-average remaining lives of nine years for amortization purposes.
	At January 31, 2015, customer lists and relationships are being amortized on a declining-balance method over the remaining lives of four years. The amortization from the customer lists and relationships is included within depreciation and amortization expense.
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, amortization of $1,629, $1,759 and $1,890, respectively, was recorded on customer lists and relationships. Amortization of $4,542, $4,543 and $4,696 was recorded for favorable and unfavorable lease-related interests during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company anticipates amortization associated with customer lists and relationships of approximately $1,500 in 2015, $1,370 in 2016, $1,262 in 2017, and $652 in 2018. The Company anticipates amortization associated with favorable and unfavorable lease-related interests of approximately $4,245 in 2015, $4,030 in 2016, $3,941 in 2017, $3,630 in 2018 and $3,240 in 2019.
	As a result of its review in 2014 of the carrying value of intangible assets, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $100 related to the reduction in the value of one indefinite-lived trade name. In 2013, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $214 related to a reduction in the value of one lease-related interest and $54 related to the reduction in the value of one indefinite-lived private label brand name. In 2012, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $750 related to the reduction in the value of three indefinite-lived private label brand names. The expense is included in impairment charges.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820") defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. ASC 820 establishes fair value hierarchy levels that prioritize the inputs used in valuations determining fair value. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are primarily quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company's own assumptions.
	The carrying values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and financial instruments reported within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets approximate fair value.
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities but excluding capital leases, as of January 31, 2015 are as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Carrying		Total		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		Value		Estimated		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Fair Value		Markets		Observable		Inputs
						(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
								(Level 2)
	Second lien senior secured notes	$	407,292	$	345,700	$	345,700	$	—	$	—
	Mortgage facilities		211,541		214,132		—		—		214,132
	Senior secured credit facility		238,918		238,918		—		—		238,918
	Total	$	857,751	$	798,750	$	345,700	$	—	$	453,050
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities but excluding capital leases, as of February 1, 2014 are as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Carrying		Total		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		Value		Estimated		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Fair Value		Markets		Observable		Inputs
						(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
								(Level 2)
	Second lien senior secured notes	$	407,292	$	398,972	$	398,972	$	—	$	—
	Mortgage facilities		219,564		222,168		—		—		222,168
	Senior secured credit facility		184,879		184,879		—		—		184,879
	Total	$	811,735	$	806,019	$	398,972	$	—	$	407,047
	The Level 3 fair value estimates are determined by a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants. There was no change in the valuation technique used to determine the Level 3 fair value estimates.
	The following table presents the fair value measurement for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of January 31, 2015:
		January 31,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Total
		2015		in Active		Other		Unobservable		Losses
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Property, fixtures and equipment	$	3,910	$	—	$	—	$	3,910	$	(2,392	)
	Intangible assets	$	10,300	$	—	$	—	$	10,300	$	(100	)
	In 2014, in accordance with ASC 360-10-35, property, fixtures and equipment with a carrying amount of $6,302 were written down to their fair value of $3,910, resulting in an impairment charge of $2,392, which is reflected in impairment charges.
	Additionally in 2014, in accordance with ASC 350-30-35, an intangible asset not subject to amortization with a carrying amount of $10,400 was written down to its fair value of $10,300 resulting in an impairment charge of $100, which is reflected in impairment charges.
	The following table presents the fair value measurement for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of February 1, 2014:
		February 1,		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Total
		2014		in Active		Other		Unobservable		Losses
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Property, fixtures and equipment	$	8,218	$	—	$	—	$	8,218	$	(5,962	)
	Intangible assets	$	766	$	—	$	—	$	766	$	(268	)
	In 2013, in accordance with ASC 360-10-35, property, fixtures and equipment with a carrying amount of $14,180 were written down to their fair value of $8,218, resulting in an impairment charge of $5,962, which is reflected in impairment charges.
	Additionally in 2013, in accordance with ASC 350-30-35, an intangible asset not subject to amortization and an intangible asset subject to amortization with carrying amounts of $820 and $214, respectively, were written down to their fair value of $766 and $0, respectively, resulting in impairment charges of $54 and $214, respectively, which are reflected in impairment charges.

SUPPLEMENTAL_BALANCE_SHEET_INF

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	6. SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets were comprised of the following:
		January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Other receivables	$	59,734	$	39,569
	Prepaid expenses		33,660		36,716
	Total	$	93,394	$	76,285
	Accrued expenses were comprised of the following:
		January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Customer liabilities	$	45,962	$	45,431
	Taxes		35,058		30,942
	Other		77,002		74,222
	Total	$	158,022	$	150,595
	Other long-term liabilities were comprised of the following:
		January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Deferred landlord allowances	$	73,417	$	71,235
	Deferred proprietary credit card program signing bonus		24,853		31,977
	Other		95,638		79,405
	Total	$	193,908	$	182,617

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	7. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	The following supplemental cash flow information is provided for the periods reported:
		2014			2013		2012
	Cash paid for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	58,807		$	76,734	$	76,303
	Income taxes, net of refunds received		(3	)		611		(767	)
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Property, fixtures and equipment included in accrued expenses	$	8,232		$	6,446	$	5,836
	Declared dividends to shareholders included in accrued expenses		991			983		—

EXIT_OR_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITIES

EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES
EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES
	8. EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES
	The Company closed three stores in 2014, five stores in 2013 and four stores in 2012. In connection with the closing of these stores, the Company incurred involuntary associate termination costs and other closing costs, which are included in SG&A expense.
	In 2014, the Company also incurred involuntary associate termination costs related to the consolidation of eCommerce fulfillment activities in advance of the Company's new eCommerce fulfillment center and the Company's expense efficiency initiative of $273 and $1,634, respectively. These costs are included in SG&A expense in 2014.
	In 2012, the Company also enacted reductions in administrative and support functions. The involuntary associate termination costs of $7,556 associated with these reductions are included in SG&A expense in 2012.
	Following is a reconciliation of accruals related to the Company's closing activities:
		2014			2013			2012
	Accrued beginning balance	$	420		$	741		$	612
	Provisions:
	Associate termination benefits		2,370			241			7,395
	Other closing costs		182			1,147			423
	Total		2,552			1,388			7,818
	Payments:
	Associate termination benefits		(1,324	)		(750	)		(7,266	)
	Other closing costs		(369	)		(959	)		(423	)
	Total		(1,693	)		(1,709	)		(7,689	)
	Accrued balance at year-end	$	1,279		$	420		$	741

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The Company provides eligible employees with retirement benefits under a 401(k) salary reduction and employer contribution plan (the "Plan"). Employees become eligible to receive company contributions after they reach the age of 18, complete one year of service and have worked 1,000 hours in their first year of service or, if not, in any calendar year thereafter. Participants are eligible to receive a company matching contribution if they have contributed match eligible pre-tax dollars to the Plan and are employed on the last day of the Plan year with exceptions for retirement, death and disability. The company matching contributions consist of two parts: a match based on an employee's years of service and a profit sharing match. Under the Plan provisions, the majority of eligible employees are permitted to contribute up to 50% of their compensation to the Plan. Employees are permitted to begin non-matching contributions to the Plan after three months of service in a benefit status position. Employees are permitted to begin match-eligible contributions to the Plan after they complete one year of service and have worked 1,000 hours in their first year of service or, if not, in any calendar year thereafter. Employees are automatically enrolled to contribute 3% of pay unless the employee actively modifies or declines the election. Company matching contributions, not to exceed 6% of eligible employees' compensation, are at the discretion of the Company. Company matching contributions under the Plan become fully vested for eligible employees after three years of service in which the employee works 1,000 hours annually.
	The Plan also allows for a company retirement contribution. Participants are eligible to receive a company retirement contribution in the Plan if they have worked 1,000 hours in the calendar year and are employed on the last day of the Plan year. Company retirement contributions made during 2008 and beyond become fully vested after three years of service.
	The Company's 2014, 2013 and 2012 expense under the Plan was $1,571, $1,546 and $3,925, respectively. Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, the Company determined that only a company matching contribution would be made for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	The Company provides a non-qualified defined benefit supplementary pension plan to certain former key executives. Former employees became 100% vested in the plan benefits after achieving a specific age as defined in each employee's agreement. The benefits from this unfunded plan are paid upon retirement, providing the employee is age 60.
	In addition, as a result of an acquisition, the Company assumed a liability for a non-qualified defined benefit supplementary pension plan. The benefits from this unfunded plan are paid upon retirement, provided that the participant is age 65 or older. All participants in this plan are fully vested.
	As part of an acquisition, the Company acquired a qualified defined benefit pension plan and an unfunded non-qualified defined benefit supplemental pension plan. In connection with the acquisition, all future benefit accruals in the qualified defined benefit plan were frozen. The qualified defined benefit pension plan is also closed to new participants.
	The Company also acquired an unfunded postretirement benefit plan as part of an acquisition. The unfunded postretirement plan provides medical and life insurance benefits. The medical portion of the plan is contributory, and contains cost-sharing features such as deductibles and co-insurance. The life insurance benefits of this plan are noncontributory.
	Benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status of the plans are as follows:
			Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	198,360		$	219,135		$	2,322		$	3,493
	Interest cost			7,990			7,993			89			122
	Participant contributions			—			—			82			100
	Benefits paid			(17,997	)		(15,520	)		(272	)		(329	)
	Actuarial loss (gain)			32,184			(13,248	)		(49	)		(1,064	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year			220,537			198,360			2,172			2,322
	Change in the fair value of plan assets:
	Plan assets at beginning of year			147,994			137,577			—			—
	Actual return on plan assets			8,882			12,707			—			—
	Company contributions			12,945			13,230			190			229
	Participant contributions			—			—			82			100
	Benefits paid			(17,997	)		(15,520	)		(272	)		(329	)
	Plan assets at end of year			151,824			147,994			—			—
	Funded status		$	(68,713	)	$	(50,366	)	$	(2,172	)	$	(2,322	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
			Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accrued expenses		$	(701	)	$	(808	)	$	(355	)	$	(411	)
	Other long-term liabilities			(68,012	)		(49,558	)		(1,817	)		(1,911	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(68,713	)	$	(50,366	)	$	(2,172	)	$	(2,322	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("AOCI") consist of:
			Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss (gain):
	Gross amount recognized		$	77,073		$	47,586		$	(2,289	)	$	(2,759	)
	Deferred tax expense			5,346			5,346			275			275
	Net amount recognized		$	82,419		$	52,932		$	(2,014	)	$	(2,484	)
	The accumulated benefit obligation for all of the defined benefit and supplemental pension plans was $220,537 and $198,360 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation for each of the pension benefit plans exceeded its assets at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014.
	Components of net periodic benefit expense (income) and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss ("OCI") before income taxes are as follows:
			Pension Benefits									Medical and Life
												Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit expense (income):
	Interest cost		$	7,990		$	7,993		$	8,468		$	89		$	122		$	142
	Expected return on plan assets			(9,959	)		(8,942	)		(8,628	)		—			—			—
	Recognition of net actuarial loss (gain)			3,774			6,566			6,758			(519	)		(363	)		(374	)
	Net periodic benefit expense (income)			1,805			5,617			6,598			(430	)		(241	)		(232	)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI, before taxes:
	Actuarial net loss (gain)			33,261			(17,013	)		5,374			(49	)		(1,064	)		(104	)
	Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain			(3,774	)		(6,566	)		(6,758	)		519			363			374
	Total recognized in OCI, before taxes			29,487			(23,579	)		(1,384	)		470			(701	)		270
	Total recognized in net periodic cost and OCI, before taxes		$	31,292		$	(17,962	)	$	5,214		$	40		$	(942	)	$	38
	The Company estimates the following amounts will be amortized from AOCI to net periodic cost during 2015:
			Pension			Medical and
			Benefits			Life Insurance
						Benefits
	Net actuarial loss (gain)		$	6,792		$	(426	)
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
		Pension						Medical and
		Benefits						Life Insurance
								Benefits
		2014			2013			2014			2013
Discount rate			3.20	%		4.20	%		3.20	%		4.20	%
Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit expense (income) are as follows:
		Pension Benefits									Medical and Life
											Insurance Benefits
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Discount rate			4.20	%		3.80	%		4.10	%		4.20	%		3.80	%		4.10	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets			6.80	%		6.60	%		7.20	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
For measurement of the medical and life insurance benefits plan, the Company assumed a 6.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for 2015, grading down to 5.0% by 2018.
Assumed health care cost trend rate can have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care plan. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care costs would have the following effects:
		One-			One-
		Percentage			Percentage
		Point			Point
		Increase			Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components		$	4		$	(3	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation			96			(85	)
The Company's discount rate assumption is evaluated annually. The Company utilizes the Citibank Pension Discount Curve to develop its discount rate assumption. A single constant discount rate is developed based on the expected timing of the benefit payments.
The Company bases its asset return assumption on current and expected allocations of assets, as well as a long-term view of expected returns on the plan asset categories. The Company assesses the appropriateness of the expected rate of return on an annual basis and, when necessary, revises the assumption.
At January 31, 2015, the Company's target pension plan asset allocation was 49% equity securities, 41% debt securities and 10% hedge funds. Investment objectives for the pension plan assets include:
•	Providing a long-term return on plan assets that provides sufficient assets to fund pension plan liabilities at an acceptable level of risk.
•	Attempting to achieve a consistent, above-average rate of return through appreciation, income and reinvestment of funds consistent with a reasonable level of growth.
•	Diversifying investments within asset classes to reduce the impact of losses in a single investment.
The weighted average pension plan asset allocation is as follows:
		2014			2013
Cash and cash equivalents			2	%		1	%
Equity securities			47	%		57	%
Debt securities			41	%		32	%
Hedge funds			10	%		10	%
The fair value of each class of the pension plan assets as of January 31, 2015 is as follows:
		Quoted			Significant			Significant			Total
		Prices			Other			Unobservable
		in Active			Observable			Inputs
		Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	11		$	3,358		$	—		$	3,369
Equity securities:
U.S. large-cap companies—diversified sectors			9,472			—			—			9,472
U.S. small-cap companies—diversified sectors			3,365			—			—			3,365
Real estate investment trust companies			446			—			—			446
Mutual funds:
Fixed income(1)			5,059			—			—			5,059
International emerging economies fixed income			5,394			—			—			5,394
Floating rate debt securities			3,888			—			—			3,888
Real estate investment trust companies			4,841			—			—			4,841
Pooled funds(2):
U.S. large-cap equity			—			19,933			—			19,933
U.S. small-cap equity			—			1,323			—			1,323
International small-cap equity			—			4,321			—			4,321
International developed economies equity			—			19,002			—			19,002
International emerging economies equity			—			8,785			—			8,785
Fixed income(1)			—			47,576			—			47,576
Multi-strategy hedge funds(3)			—			15,050			—			15,050
Total		$	32,476		$	119,348		$	—		$	151,824
-1	Primarily invested in U.S. government securities, municipals, mortgage-backed securities and investment grade and high yield bonds.
-2	Certain investments in this category are subject to monthly redemption frequency restrictions, subject to 10 day advance notification requirements. Pooled funds consist primarily of common collective trust and 102-12 investment entities.
-3	These investments are subject to a redemption frequency restriction of quarterly, subject to advance notification requirements ranging from 60 to 91 days.
The fair value of each class of the pension plan assets as of February 1, 2014 is as follows:
		Quoted			Significant			Significant			Total
		Prices			Other			Unobservable
		in Active			Observable			Inputs
		Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	66		$	2,193		$	—		$	2,259
Equity securities:
U.S. large-cap companies—diversified sectors			8,097			—			—			8,097
U.S. small-cap companies—diversified sectors			4,082			—			—			4,082
Real estate investment trust companies			537			—			—			537
Mutual funds:
Fixed income(1)			23,841			—			—			23,841
Pooled funds(2):
U.S. large-cap equity			—			39,444			—			39,444
U.S. small-cap equity			—			2,593			—			2,593
International developed economies equity			—			24,933			—			24,933
International emerging economies equity						3,907						3,907
Fixed income(1)			—			24,219			—			24,219
Multi-strategy hedge funds(3)			—			14,082			—			14,082
Total		$	36,623		$	111,371		$	—		$	147,994
-1	Primarily invested in U.S. government securities, municipals, mortgage-backed securities and investment grade and high yield bonds.
-2	Certain investments in this category are subject to monthly redemption frequency restrictions, subject to 10 day advance notification requirements. Pooled funds consist primarily of common collective trust and 102-12 investment entities.
-3	These investments are subject to a redemption frequency restriction of quarterly, subject to advance notification requirements ranging from 60 to 91 days.
Changes in the fair value of the pension plans level 3 assets are as follows:
		2014			2013
Fair value at beginning of year		$	—		$	738
Gain on plan assets relating to assets still held at the reporting date			—			23
Transfers out of level 3, net			—			(761	)
Fair value at end of year		$	—		$	—
The pooled funds and hedge funds are valued using the net asset value ("NAV") provided by the administrator of the funds. The NAV is a quoted transactional price for participants in the fund, based on the underlying investments of the fund. The pension plan assets are invested in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended, and any subsequent regulations and laws. The Company does not permit direct purchases of its securities by the Plan.
Information about the expected cash flows related to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans is as follows:
		Pension			Medical and
		Benefits			Life Insurance
					Benefits
Expected company contributions in 2015		$	6,677		$	355
Expected plan benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for year:
2015		$	15,859		$	355
2016			15,233			315
2017			14,634			278
2018			14,188			242
2019			13,580			209
2020-2024			62,598			670

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
LONG-TERM DEBT
LONG-TERM DEBT
	10. LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Senior secured credit facility—expires on December 12, 2018; interest payable periodically at varying rates (2.56% weighted average for 2014)	$	238,918		$	184,879
	Second lien senior secured notes—mature on July 15, 2017; interest payable each March 15 and September 15 at 10.625%		57,292			57,292
	Second lien senior secured notes—mature on June 15, 2021; interest payable each June 15 and December 15 at 8.00%		350,000			350,000
	Mortgage loan facility—principal payable in varying monthly installments, with balance due April 1, 2016; interest payable monthly at 6.21%; secured by land and buildings		211,541			218,492
	Mortgage notes payable—principal paid February 3, 2014; interest payable monthly at 9.62%; secured by land and buildings		—			1,072
	Total debt		857,751			811,735
	Less: current maturities		(6,788	)		(7,363	)
	Long-term debt	$	850,963		$	804,372
	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	On March 21, 2011, The Bon-Ton Department Stores, Inc.; The Elder-Beerman Stores Corp.; Carson Pirie Scott II, Inc.; Bon-Ton Distribution, Inc.; and McRIL, LLC, as borrowers (the "Borrowers"), and the Company and certain other subsidiaries as obligors (together with the Borrowers and the Company, the "Obligors") entered into the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the "Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A., as Agent, and certain financial institutions as lenders that amended and restated the Company's prior revolving credit facility.
	On October 25, 2012, the Obligors entered into a First Amendment to the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility, which (1) increased the borrowing limit and (2) increased the margins applicable to borrowings under the Tranche A-1 revolving commitments. Unamortized deferred financing fees of $202 were accelerated and recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt.
	On December 12, 2013, the Obligors entered into a Second Amendment to the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility, which, among other changes, (1) decreased the margins applicable to borrowings, (2) decreased the unused line fee, (3) extended the maturity date of the commitments under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility to the earlier of December 12, 2018 and a springing maturity date based on the maturity of the Company's second lien senior secured notes and any junior debt, if incurred, and (4) excluded from the calculation of such springing maturity date the Company's existing mortgage loan debt and up to $60,000 of second lien senior secured notes. Unamortized deferred financing fees of $136 were accelerated and recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt.
	All borrowings under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility are limited by amounts available pursuant to a borrowing base calculation, which is based on percentages of eligible inventory, real estate and credit card receivables, in each case subject to reductions for applicable reserves. Under the terms of the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility, the Borrowers are jointly and severally liable for all of the obligations incurred under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility and the other loan documents, which obligations are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company, the other Obligors and all future domestic subsidiaries of the Obligors (subject to certain exceptions).
	The borrowing limit under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility totals $675,000 (including a $150,000 sub-line for letters of credit and $75,000 for swing line loans). The Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility provides that the Borrowers may make requests to increase the commitments up to $900,000 in the aggregate upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, provided that the lenders are under no obligation to provide any such increases.
	Borrowings under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at either (1) Adjusted LIBOR (based on the British Bankers Association per annum LIBOR Rate for an interest period selected by the Borrowers) plus an applicable margin or (2) a base rate (based on the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, (b) the Bank of America prime rate, and (c) Adjusted LIBOR based on an interest period of one month plus 1.0%) plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin is based upon the excess availability under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility.
	The Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security position on substantially all of the current and future assets of the Borrowers and the other Obligors, including, but not limited to, inventory, general intangibles, trademarks, equipment, certain real estate and proceeds from any of the foregoing, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens.
	The financial covenant contained in the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility requires that the minimum excess availability be an amount greater than or equal to the greater of (1) 10% of the lesser of: (a) the aggregate commitments at such time and (b) the aggregate borrowing base at such time and (2) $50,000. The affirmative covenants include requirements that the Obligors and their subsidiaries provide the lenders with certain financial statements, forecasts and other reports, borrowing base certificates and notices; comply with various federal, state and local rules and regulations, their organizational documents and their material contracts; maintain their properties; and take certain actions with respect to any future subsidiaries. In addition, there are certain limitations on the Obligors and their subsidiaries, including limitations on any debt the Obligors may have in addition to the existing debt, and the terms of that debt; acquisitions, joint ventures and investments; mergers and consolidations; dispositions of property; dividends by the Obligors or their subsidiaries (dividends paid may not exceed $10,000 in any year or $30,000 during the term of the agreement; however, additional dividends may be paid subject to meeting other requirements); transactions with affiliates; changes in the business or corporate structure of the Obligors or their subsidiaries; prepaying, redeeming or repurchasing certain debt; changes in accounting policies or reporting practices, unless required by generally accepted accounting principles; and speculative transactions. The Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility also provides that it is a condition precedent to borrowing that no event has occurred that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect, as defined in the agreement, on the Company. If the Company fails to comply with the financial covenant or the other restrictions contained in the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility, mortgage loan facility or the indentures that govern the second lien senior secured notes, an event of default would occur. An event of default could result in the acceleration of the Company's debt due to the cross-default provisions within the debt agreements. The borrowing base calculation under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility contains an inventory advance rate subject to periodic review at the lenders' discretion.
	As of January 31, 2015, the Company had borrowings of $238,918 under the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility, with $382,855 of borrowing availability (before taking into account the minimum borrowing availability covenant under this facility) and letter-of-credit commitments of $4,564.
	Senior Notes
	On March 6, 2006, The Bon-Ton Department Stores, Inc. (the "Issuer") entered into an indenture (the "Indenture") with The Bank of New York, as trustee, under which the Issuer issued its 101/4% Senior Notes due 2014 (the "2014 Notes").
	On June 4, 2012, the Issuer commenced an offer to certain eligible note holders to exchange its outstanding 2014 Notes for newly issued 105/8% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the "2017 Notes" and, together with the 2014 Notes, the "Notes") upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement. The Issuer received tenders with consents from holders of $330,017 principal amount of 2014 Notes, and, upon settlement, $329,998 principal amount of 2017 Notes was issued. The 2017 Notes are guaranteed by the Parent and by each of its subsidiaries, other than the Issuer, that is an Obligor under the Company's Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility. The 2017 Notes are secured by a second-priority lien on collateral owned by the Issuer and each of the guarantors consisting of substantially all of the Issuer's and guarantors' tangible and intangible assets securing the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility, except for capital stock of the Issuer and certain of the Issuer's subsidiaries and certain other exceptions. In addition, the Issuer entered into a supplemental indenture adopting amendments to the Indenture to permit the liens securing the 2017 Notes. Fees associated with the exchange of debt totaled $7,114 and were recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt.
	On January 23, 2013, the Company issued a notice of partial redemption for $65,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption was completed on February 22, 2013 through additional borrowings on the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility. Fees and accelerated amortization of deferred fees totaling $360 related to the redemption were recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt.
	On May 13, 2013, the Issuer commenced tender offers (the "Tender Offers") to purchase all of its outstanding 2014 Notes and up to $223,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2017 Notes.
	On May 28, 2013, the Issuer issued $350,000 principal amount of its 8.00% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes"). The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by, and are secured by a second-priority lien on substantially all of the current and future assets of, the Parent and certain of its subsidiaries.
	A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the 2021 Notes was used to purchase the Issuer's outstanding Notes pursuant to the Tender Offers, which expired on June 10, 2013. The Issuer received tenders from holders of $30,059 principal amount of the 2014 Notes and $187,706 principal amount of the 2017 Notes. The purchase included associated interest and tender premium.
	In addition, a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the 2021 Notes was used to pay related fees and expenses associated with said sale. Such fees and expenses were deferred and are being amortized as interest expense over the term of the 2021 Notes.
	Also on May 28, 2013, the Issuer gave irrevocable notices of redemption for (1) all 2014 Notes not tendered in the Tender Offers and (2) $85,000 principal amount of the 2017 Notes. The Notes called for redemption were redeemed on June 27, 2013 at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The purchase was effected using net proceeds from the sale of the 2021 Notes. Fees, tender premium and accelerated amortization of deferred fees totaling $3,937 related to the tender and redemption of the Notes were recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt.
	Mortgage Facilities
	On March 6, 2006, certain bankruptcy remote special purpose entities (each an "SPE" and, collectively, the "SPEs") that are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Parent entered into loan agreements with Bank of America, pursuant to which Bank of America provided a mortgage loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $260,000 (the "Mortgage Loan Facility"). The Mortgage Loan Facility has a term of ten years and is secured by mortgages on 23 retail stores and one distribution center owned by the SPEs. Each SPE entered into a lease with each of the Parent's subsidiaries operating on such SPE's properties. A portion of the rental income received under these leases is being used to pay the debt service under the Mortgage Loan Facility. The Mortgage Loan Facility requires level monthly payments of principal and interest based on an amortization period of 25 years and the balance outstanding at the end of ten years will then become due and payable. Financial covenants contained in the Mortgage Loan Facility require that the SPEs maintain certain financial thresholds, as defined in the agreements.
	On May 17, 1996, the Company entered into 20-year mortgage agreements for its three stores located in Rochester, New York. On April 2, 2012, in connection with the sale of two of its Rochester stores, the Company prepaid its outstanding indebtedness of $5,374 under related mortgage loan agreements. The Company was required to pay an additional $1,026 due to the early termination. In addition, $143 of unamortized deferred financing fees related to the mortgage agreements was accelerated on the date of termination. The required additional payment and accelerated deferred financing fees were recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt.
	On February 3, 2014, in connection with the sale of its remaining Rochester store, the Company prepaid its outstanding indebtedness of $1,072 under related mortgage loan agreement. The Company was required to pay an additional $127 due to the early termination. In addition, $26 of unamortized deferred financing fees related to the mortgage agreement was accelerated on the date of termination. The required additional payment and accelerated deferred financing fees were recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt.
	The Company was in compliance with all loan agreement restrictions and covenants during 2014.
	Debt maturities by year at January 31, 2015 are as follows:
	2015	$	6,788
	2016		204,753
	2017		57,292
	2018		238,918
	2019		—
	2020 and thereafter		350,000
		$	857,751
	See Note 5 for disclosure of the fair value measurement of the Company's long-term debt.

INTEREST_COSTS

INTEREST COSTS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
INTEREST COSTS
INTEREST COSTS
	11. INTEREST COSTS
	Interest costs for the Company are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest costs incurred, including amortization of deferred financing fees	$	62,029		$	68,823		$	83,122
	Interest income		(4	)		(8	)		(53	)
	Capitalized interest, net		(289	)		(228	)		(230	)
	Interest expense, net	$	61,736		$	68,587		$	82,839

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Leases
	The Company is obligated under operating leases for a significant portion of its store properties. Certain leases provide for additional rental payments based on a percentage of sales in excess of a specified base (contingent rentals) and for payment by the Company of operating costs (taxes, maintenance and insurance), both of which vary by lease.
	At January 31, 2015, future minimum lease payments for the noncancelable terms of operating leases, including lease renewals determined to be reasonably assured, and the present value of net minimum lease payments under capital leases are as follows:
	Year	Capital			Operating
		Leases			Leases
	2015	$	7,500		$	91,157
	2016		7,500			86,803
	2017		8,125			81,308
	2018		7,500			76,101
	2019		7,500			69,571
	2020 and thereafter		29,375			280,878
	Less: Sublease income		—			(425	)
	Total net minimum rentals		67,500		$	685,393
	Less: Amount representing interest		(18,523	)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments, of which $3,961 is due within one year	$	48,977
	Certain leases contain renewal options ranging from one to 50 years. Included in the minimum lease payments under operating leases are leased vehicles, postage meters, computer equipment and a related-party commitment with an entity associated with the Company's majority shareholder of $224 for each of years 2015 through 2019 and $335 for 2020 and thereafter.
	Rental expense, net of sublease income, consisted of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Operating leases:
	Buildings:
	Rental expense	$	82,148		$	82,429		$	82,954
	Contingent rentals		4,912			4,960			5,771
	Fixtures and equipment		1,315			1,361			1,448
	Totals	$	88,375		$	88,750		$	90,173
	Rental expense includes amounts paid to an entity related to the Company's majority shareholder of $224 for each of 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Selling space has been licensed to certain other retailers ("leased departments") in many of the Company's facilities. Future minimum lease payments and rental expense disclosed above are reflected without a reduction for leased departments' license income.
	Gain on Insurance Recovery
	In November 2014, there was a fire at the Company's store located in North Riverside, Illinois. The merchandise in the store, which had a cost of $5,980, was damaged from the smoke and the Company filed an insurance claim to cover the inventory loss and property damage. The Company recognized a gain on insurance recovery related to the inventory loss of $10,779, which is shown separately in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
	Contingencies
	The Company is party to legal proceedings and claims that arise during the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of any such litigation and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	13. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	The Company's capital structure consists of common stock with one vote per share and Class A common stock with ten votes per share. Transfers of the Company's Class A common stock are restricted. Upon sale or transfer of ownership or voting rights of Class A common stock to other than permitted transferees, such shares will convert to an equal number of common stock shares. Dividends, which are declared and paid on shares of common stock and Class A common stock, totaled $0.20 per share in 2014, 2013 and 2012 for each class of shares. Dividends in the aggregate totaled $3,374, $3,345 and $3,304 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for common stock; dividends in the aggregate totaled $590 in each of 2014, 2013 and 2012 for Class A common stock. Additionally, the Company has authorized 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock; however, no preferred shares have been issued. Treasury stock, which consists of the Company's common stock, is accounted for using the cost method.

COMPREHENSIVE_LOSS_INCOME

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
	14. COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
	AOCI is comprised entirely of the net actuarial loss associated with the pension and postretirement benefit plans.
	The related tax effects allocated to OCI are as follows:
		Before-Tax			Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount						Amount
	2014:00:00
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	$	3,255		$	—		$	3,255
	Actuarial net loss		(33,212	)		—			(33,212	)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(29,957	)	$	—		$	(29,957	)
	2013:00:00
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	$	6,203		$	(393	)	$	5,810
	Actuarial net gain		18,077			(1,093	)		16,984
	Other comprehensive income	$	24,280		$	(1,486	)	$	22,794
	2012:00:00
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	$	6,384		$	—		$	6,384
	Actuarial net loss		(5,270	)		—			(5,270	)
	Other comprehensive income	$	1,114		$	—		$	1,114
	The before-tax amounts of reclassification adjustments related to pension and postretirement benefit plans (see Note 9) were recorded within SG&A expense.
	As a result of the full deferred tax asset valuation allowance maintained throughout 2014, 2013 and 2012, the changes recognized within OCI were recorded on a gross basis for 2014 and 2012. The changes recognized within OCI for 2013 are net of $1,486 tax expense (see Note 16).

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company's Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2009 Omnibus Plan"), as approved by shareholders on June 12, 2012, provides for the granting of common stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance shares, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock and dividend equivalent rights to certain employees, executive officers, directors, consultants and advisors. A maximum of 4,500,000 shares may be granted under the 2009 Omnibus Plan, in addition to 209,812 available shares transferred from the Company's Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive and Performance-Based Award Plan (the "2000 Stock Plan"). At January 31, 2015, 2,003,824 shares were available within the 2009 Omnibus Plan. Vesting periods for the awards are at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors.
	The 2000 Stock Plan, as amended through June 17, 2008, provided for the granting of common stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based awards to certain employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors. A maximum of 3,600,000 shares were available under the 2000 Stock Plan; no shares remain available as of January 31, 2015.
	Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the grant date, and vest over one to four years with a contractual term of seven years. No stock options were granted during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Restricted shares granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 vest over one to three years. Employees who are granted restricted shares are not required to pay for the shares; however, the shares will be forfeited if the employee does not remain employed with the Company until the restrictions on the shares lapse. In addition, vesting of certain restricted shares awarded during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was subject to the achievement of specified criteria based on Company performance.
	Restricted stock units granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 vest over one year. Employees and directors who are granted restricted stock units are not required to pay for the shares; however, the shares will be forfeited if the employee or director does not remain employed with the Company, or continue to serve as a member of its Board of Directors, until the restricted stock units vest.
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation pursuant to ASC 718. The Company measures the cost of grantee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award, and recognizes that cost over the period that the grantee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For stock option awards, the Company estimates grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. For restricted share and restricted stock unit grants, grant date fair value is determined based upon the closing trading value of the Company's stock on the day of the grant. Certain restricted share grants for which vesting is based on service and performance requirements are additionally contingent on achievement of a positive total shareholder return measure; for these grants, the grant date fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company generally issues new stock to satisfy share-based awards.
	The compensation cost that has been recorded within SG&A expense for the Company's share-based award plans was $2,502, $3,586 and $4,454 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There was no income tax benefit or expense recognized in the 2014, 2013 and 2012 consolidated statements of operations for share-based award compensation due to continuation of a full valuation allowance on all net deferred tax assets related to share-based award compensation.
	Cash received from exercised stock options was $22, $595 and $538 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Actual tax deduction benefits from exercised stock options and vested restricted shares totaled $1,965, $2,456 and $2,115 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Awards with graded vesting are recognized using graded amortization.
	Based upon an examination of forfeiture rates for the various classes of stock options, restricted stock units and restricted shares, Company management does not believe the total number of options or shares that are vested and expected to vest as of January 31, 2015 are materially different from the respective number of options or shares outstanding as of January 31, 2015.
	Stock Options
	The Company's stock options include stock options granted from the 2000 Stock Plan.
	A summary of the stock options as of January 31, 2015 and changes during 2014 is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
		Under			Average			Average		Intrinsic
		Option			Per-Share			Remaining		Value
					Exercise			Contractual
					Price			Term
								(Years)
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014		280,900		$	18.36
	Exercised		(4,500	)		4.96
	Expired		(79,950	)		51.51
	Outstanding as of January 31, 2015		196,450		$	5.17			0.16	$	86
	Exercisable as of January 31, 2015		196,450		$	5.17			0.16	$	86
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $26, $1,095 and $695, respectively. As of January 31, 2015, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Restricted stock units consist of units granted from the 2009 Omnibus Plan. The fair value of each restricted stock unit award is determined based upon the closing trading value of the Company's stock on the day of the grant. A summary of the restricted stock units as of January 31, 2015 and changes during 2014 is presented below:
		Restricted Stock Units						Weighted-Average
								Grant Date Fair Value
		Performance			Service			Performance		Service
		and Service			Required			and Service		Required
		Required						Required
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014		—			347,888		$	—	$	8.49
	Granted		—			55,199			—		10.01
	Settled		—			(57,643	)		—		9.02
	Outstanding as of January 31, 2015		—			345,444		$	—	$	8.64
	As of January 31, 2015, there was $220 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.38 years. Vested awards will be settled in shares after certain events and time periods occur, as defined within the terms of the restricted stock unit grant agreements.
	The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $242, $1,980 and $219, respectively.
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of service restricted stock units granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $10.01 per unit, $18.89 per unit and $5.29 per unit, respectively. There were no performance and service restricted stock units granted during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Outstanding restricted stock units totaling 55,199 and 23,769 were unvested as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $10.01 per unit and $18.89 per unit, respectively. All restricted stock units granted during 2014 were unvested as of January 31, 2015. No unvested restricted stock units were forfeited or settled during 2014.
	The Company pays cash dividend equivalents on all outstanding restricted stock units.
	Restricted Shares
	The Company's restricted shares consist of shares granted from the 2009 Omnibus Plan. The fair value of each restricted share award is determined based upon the closing trading value of the Company's stock on the day of the grant, except for performance and service grants with vesting additionally contingent on achievement of a positive total shareholder return measure for which the grant date fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. A summary of the restricted share awards as of January 31, 2015 and changes during 2014 is presented below:
		Restricted Shares						Weighted-Average
								Grant Date Fair Value
		Performance			Service			Performance		Service
		and Service			Required			and Service		Required
		Required						Required
	Nonvested as of February 1, 2014		480,000			807,500		$	12.01	$	10.09
	Granted		327,500			419,000			10.02		10.06
	Vested		—			(444,500	)		—		9.97
	Forfeited		(605,000	)		(158,750	)		11.44		12.22
	Nonvested as of January 31, 2015		202,500			623,250		$	10.51	$	9.61
	As of January 31, 2015, there was $2,821 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted shares that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.74 years.
	The total fair value of shares vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4,627, $6,211 and $4,291, respectively.
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of service restricted shares granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $10.06 per share, $12.93 per share and $6.00 per share, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of service and performance restricted shares granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $10.31 per share, $13.31 per share and $7.75 per share, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of service and performance restricted shares for which vesting was contingent on achievement of a positive total shareholder return measure granted during 2014 and 2013 was $7.39 per share and $9.34 per share, respectively; no such shares were granted in 2012.
	The Company pays cash dividends on all outstanding restricted shares, other than those that are performance-based.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES
	Components of the income tax provision (benefit) were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	(39	)
	State		(99	)		(332	)		(1,133	)
	Total current		(99	)		(332	)		(1,172	)
	Deferred:
	Federal		1,360			191			1,164
	State		358			57			236
	Total deferred		1,718			248			1,400
	Income tax provision (benefit)	$	1,619		$	(84	)	$	228
	Components of gross deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	56,571		$	49,598
	General business tax credits		5,969			4,742
	Alternative minimum tax credits		5,529			5,529
	Defined benefit pension obligations		25,445			18,097
	Accrued expenses		7,572			6,629
	Inventories		812			3,284
	Equity compensation		2,255			4,055
	Rent amortization		38,618			38,114
	Capital leases		18,995			20,438
	Deferred revenue		18,102			21,081
	Other		9,518			9,680
	Gross deferred tax assets		189,386			181,247
	Less: Valuation allowance		(161,856	)		(144,908	)
	Net deferred tax assets		27,530			36,339
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, fixtures and equipment		(23,127	)		(31,391	)
	Tradenames		(8,697	)		(6,980	)
	Other		(4,403	)		(4,947	)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities		(36,227	)		(43,318	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(8,697	)	$	(6,979	)
	ASC 740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard. In assessing the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considered whether it was more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized based upon all available evidence, including the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, historical operating results, projected future operating results, tax carry-back availability and limitations pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 382"), among others. Pursuant to ASC 740, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. As a result, a company's current or previous losses are given more weight than any projected future taxable income. In addition, a recent three-year historical cumulative loss is considered a significant element of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome.
	The Company has evaluated its deferred tax assets each reporting period, including assessment of its cumulative income or loss over the prior three-year period, to determine if valuation allowances were required. With respect to reviews during 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company's three-year historical cumulative loss and the continuation of uncertain near-term economic conditions impeded the Company's ability to rely on its projections of future taxable income in assessing valuation allowance requirements. As such, the Company concluded that it was necessary to maintain a full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets. If actual results differ from the Company's underlying estimates, or these estimates are adjusted in future periods, the Company may need to adjust its valuation allowance—which could materially impact its financial position and results of operations.
	If sufficient positive evidence arises in the future indicating that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets meet the more likely than not standard for realization under ASC 740, the valuation allowance would be reduced accordingly in the period that such a conclusion is reached.
	As a result of the full deferred tax asset valuation allowance maintained throughout 2014, 2013 and 2012, the changes recognized within OCI were recorded on a gross basis, with the exception of the tax benefit recorded for the loss in continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2013 (discussed below).
	At January 31, 2015, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of $104,176 and $348,177, respectively, which are available to offset future federal and state taxable income, subject to certain limitations imposed by Section 382. These net operating losses will expire in various years from 2015 through 2034.
	The Company had carry-forwards for general business tax credits of $5,969 and $4,742 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. These credits will expire in various years from 2028 through 2034.
	The Company had carry-forwards for alternative minimum tax credits of $5,529 at each of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014. The Company acquired $2,064 of these credits in connection with an acquisition; their use is subject to the limitations imposed by Section 382. These credits can be carried-forward indefinitely.
	In 2013, the Company recorded a net income tax benefit of $84 which includes a $1,486 non-cash income tax benefit from continuing operations. Pursuant to ASC 740, the Company is required to consider all items (including items recorded in OCI) in determining the amount of tax benefit that results from a loss from continuing operations and that should be allocated to continuing operations. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit on the loss from continuing operations for the year, which is exactly offset by income tax expense on OCI. However, while the income tax benefit from continuing operations is reported in the consolidated statement of operations, the income tax expense on OCI is recorded directly to AOCI, which is a component of shareholders' equity. Because the income tax expense on OCI is equal to the income tax benefit from continuing operations for this item, the Company's year-end net deferred tax position is not impacted by this tax allocation. The resulting residual income tax expense will remain in AOCI until all amounts in AOCI that relate to the plan or program that gave rise to the residual income taxes are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company will reclassify to earnings all residual tax amounts relating to its pension and retiree medical liability in the period in which these plans or programs are terminated.
	A reconciliation of the tax expense (benefit) to the tax at the statutory federal income rate is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax benefit at statutory rate	$	(1,874	)	$	(1,274	)	$	(7,464	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		(1,865	)		(59	)		(1,667	)
	Valuation allowance changes, net		4,684			1,728			7,443
	Tax benefit resulting from OCI allocation		—			(1,486	)		—
	Tax credits		(534	)		(553	)		(408	)
	Nondeductible expenses		1,031			1,550			2,000
	Changes in state deferred tax rate		178			11			324
	Other, net		(1	)		(1	)		—
	Tax expense (benefit) at effective rate	$	1,619		$	(84	)	$	228
	In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	9,162		$	9,339		$	9,961
	Increases related to prior year tax positions		—			—			59
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(19	)		—			—
	Settlements with taxing authorities		—			—			(467	)
	Lapse of statute		(79	)		(177	)		(214	)
	Balance at end of year	$	9,064		$	9,162		$	9,339
	The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $0 and $78 as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The gross unrecognized tax benefits are not expected to significantly increase or decrease during 2015.
It is the Company's policy to record interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as an income tax provision. For 2014, the Company recorded $6 as an income tax provision, offset by a $26 reduction of accrued interest due to a statute expiration. For 2013, the Company recorded $17 as an income tax provision, offset by a $63 reduction of accrued interest due to a statute expiration. For 2012, the Company recorded $117 as an income tax provision, offset by a $1,374 reduction of accrued interest. The 2012 offset was a result of $144 of accrued interest related to a statute expiration and $1,230 related to a settlement. At January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, the Company had accruals of $0 and $20, respectively, for interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company's federal tax returns for the years ended January 28, 2012 through the present are open to examination, as are the Company's various state tax returns for the years ended January 29, 2011 through the present.

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_UNAUDITED

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
	17. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
		Quarter Ended
		May 3,			August 2,			November 1,			January 31,
		2014			2014			2014			2015
	2014:00:00
	Net sales	$	607,460		$	563,452		$	642,735		$	942,590
	Costs of merchandise sold		393,110			357,252			409,484			613,107
	Selling, general and administrative expense		222,319			215,807			220,901			248,009
	(Loss) income from operations		(15,640	)		(20,298	)		4,925			87,547
	Net (loss) income		(31,512	)		(36,192	)		(11,008	)		71,738
	Basic (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.63	)	$	(1.86	)	$	(0.57	)	$	3.56
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.63	)	$	(1.86	)	$	(0.57	)	$	3.55
	The quarter ended January 31, 2015 includes impairment charges of $1,945 resulting in a reduction in the carrying amount of certain store properties (see Note 3) and $100 related to the reduction in the value of certain intangible assets (see Note 4). Fourth quarter results also include a gain on insurance recovery of $10,779 as a result of a fire at one of the Company's stores (see Note 12).
	Per share amounts are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters does not equal the total year amount due to a mixture of net loss and net income quarters, with differing application of basic and diluted common shares outstanding pursuant to the two-class method.
		Quarter Ended
		May 4,			August 3,			November 2,			February 1,
		2013			2013			2013			2014
	2013:00:00
	Net sales	$	646,904		$	557,140		$	651,161		$	914,863
	Costs of merchandise sold		421,588			351,008			412,932			583,144
	Selling, general and administrative expense		225,096			211,253			215,204			247,810
	(Loss) income from operations		(7,117	)		(15,461	)		15,850			76,108
	Net (loss) income		(26,635	)		(37,329	)		(931	)		61,339
	Basic (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.41	)	$	(1.95	)	$	(0.05	)	$	3.06
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.41	)	$	(1.95	)	$	(0.05	)	$	3.04
	The quarter ended August 3, 2013 includes a loss on extinguishment of debt totaling $3,917 for fees, tender premium and accelerated amortization of deferred fees in conjunction with the tender and redemption of the Company's Notes (see Note 10).
	The quarter ended February 1, 2014 includes impairment charges of $5,510 resulting in a reduction in the carrying amount of certain store properties (see Note 3) and $268 related to the reduction in the value of certain intangible assets (see Note 4).
	Per share amounts are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters does not equal the total year amount due to a mixture of net loss and net income quarters, with differing application of basic and diluted common shares outstanding pursuant to the two-class method.

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
	18. GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
	Certain debt obligations of the Company, which constitute debt obligations of the Issuer, are guaranteed by the Parent and by each of its subsidiaries, other than the Issuer, that is an Obligor under the Company's Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility. Separate financial statements of the Parent, the Issuer and such subsidiary guarantors are not presented because the guarantees by the Parent and each 100% owned subsidiary guarantor are joint and several, full and unconditional, except for certain customary limitations which are applicable only to a subsidiary guarantor. These customary limitations include releases of a guarantee (1) if the subsidiary guarantor no longer guarantees other indebtedness of the Issuer; (2) if there is a sale or other disposition of the capital stock of a subsidiary guarantor and if such sale complies with the covenant regarding asset sales; and (3) if the subsidiary guarantor is properly designated as an "unrestricted subsidiary."
	The condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent, the Issuer and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 and for 2014, 2013 and 2012 as presented below has been prepared from the books and records maintained by the Parent, the Issuer and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries. The condensed financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations or financial position had the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities. Certain intercompany revenues and expenses included in the subsidiary records are eliminated in consolidation. As a result of this activity, an amount due to/due from affiliates will exist at any time.
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	January 31, 2015
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	4,209		$	4,543		$	—		$	—		$	8,753
	Merchandise inventories		—			483,270			251,686			—			—			734,956
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			74,956			14,906			3,966			(434	)		93,394
	Total current assets		1			562,435			271,135			3,966			(434	)		837,103
	Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net		—			268,224			146,793			226,979			—			641,996
	Deferred income taxes		—			4,889			10,892			—			—			15,781
	Intangible assets, net		—			24,618			65,533			—			—			90,151
	Investment in and advances to affiliates		87,647			324,668			435,870			—			(848,185	)		—
	Other long-term assets		—			22,685			391			407			—			23,483
	Total assets	$	87,648		$	1,207,519		$	930,614		$	231,352		$	(848,619	)	$	1,608,514
	Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	208,882		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	208,882
	Accrued payroll and benefits		—			23,637			5,211			—			—			28,848
	Accrued expenses		—			76,599			81,857			—			(434	)		158,022
	Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases		—			460			3,501			6,788			—			10,749
	Deferred income taxes		—			10,081			14,397			—			—			24,478
	Total current liabilities		—			319,659			104,966			6,788			(434	)		430,979
	Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities		—			651,436			39,790			204,753			—			895,979
	Other long-term liabilities		—			150,152			41,921			1,835			—			193,908
	Total liabilities		—			1,121,247			186,677			213,376			(434	)		1,520,866
	Shareholders' equity		87,648			86,272			743,937			17,976			(848,185	)		87,648
	Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	87,648		$	1,207,519		$	930,614		$	231,352		$	(848,619	)	$	1,608,514
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	February 1, 2014
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	2,889		$	4,168		$	—		$	—		$	7,058
	Merchandise inventories		—			454,718			255,015			—			—			709,733
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			67,670			4,437			4,726			(548	)		76,285
	Total current assets		1			525,277			263,620			4,726			(548	)		793,076
	Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net		—			232,869			166,720			240,415			—			640,004
	Deferred income taxes		—			4,076			11,689			—			—			15,765
	Intangible assets, net		—			33,260			69,540			—			—			102,800
	Investment in and advances to (from) affiliates		127,955			344,188			387,556			(90	)		(859,609	)		—
	Other long-term assets		—			24,169			533			882			—			25,584
	Total assets	$	127,956		$	1,163,839		$	899,658		$	245,933		$	(860,157	)	$	1,577,229
	Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	200,465		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	200,465
	Accrued payroll and benefits		—			22,567			5,776			—			—			28,343
	Accrued expenses		—			74,115			76,981			47			(548	)		150,595
	Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases		—			548			3,249			7,363			—			11,160
	Deferred income taxes		—			8,451			14,293			—			—			22,744
	Total current liabilities		—			306,146			100,299			7,410			(548	)		413,307
	Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities		—			597,857			43,291			212,201			—			853,349
	Other long-term liabilities		—			132,690			48,220			1,707			—			182,617
	Total liabilities		—			1,036,693			191,810			221,318			(548	)		1,449,273
	Shareholders' equity		127,956			127,146			707,848			24,615			(859,609	)		127,956
	Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	127,956		$	1,163,839		$	899,658		$	245,933		$	(860,157	)	$	1,577,229
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
2014
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,643,073		$	1,113,164		$	—		$	—		$	2,756,237
Other income		—			39,507			27,152			—			—			66,659
		—			1,682,580			1,140,316			—			—			2,822,896
Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		—			1,064,682			708,271			—			—			1,772,953
Selling, general and administrative		—			560,886			378,674			(2,274	)		(30,250	)		907,036
Gain on insurance recovery		—			—			(10,779	)		—			—			(10,779	)
Depreciation and amortization		—			45,476			33,696			10,946			—			90,118
Amortization of lease-related interests		—			2,117			2,425			—			—			4,542
Impairment charges		—			1,655			837			—			—			2,492
Income (loss) from operations		—			7,764			27,192			(8,672	)		30,250			56,534
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income		—			2,700			17,570			26,317			(46,587	)		—
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(5,355	)		45,059			—			—			(39,704	)		—
Interest expense, net		—			(60,878	)		(3,360	)		(13,835	)		16,337			(61,736	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—			—			—			(153	)		—			(153	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		(5,355	)		(5,355	)		41,402			3,657			(39,704	)		(5,355	)
Income tax provision		1,619			1,619			901			—			(2,520	)		1,619
Net (loss) income	$	(6,974	)	$	(6,974	)	$	40,501		$	3,657		$	(37,184	)	$	(6,974	)
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
2014
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net (loss) income	$	(6,974	)	$	(6,974	)	$	40,501		$	3,657		$	(37,184	)	$	(6,974	)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans		(29,957	)		(29,957	)		—			—			29,957			(29,957	)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(36,931	)	$	(36,931	)	$	40,501		$	3,657		$	(7,227	)	$	(36,931	)
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
2013
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,629,103		$	1,140,965		$	—		$	—		$	2,770,068
Other income		—			36,999			26,993			—			—			63,992
		—			1,666,102			1,167,958			—			—			2,834,060
Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		—			1,048,047			720,625			—			—			1,768,672
Selling, general and administrative		—			549,064			380,885			120			(30,706	)		899,363
Depreciation and amortization		—			41,849			33,018			11,005			—			85,872
Amortization of lease-related interests		—			1,775			2,768			—			—			4,543
Impairment charges		—			2,268			3,962			—			—			6,230
Income (loss) from operations		—			23,099			26,700			(11,125	)		30,706			69,380
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income		—			2,656			19,660			26,821			(49,137	)		—
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(3,640	)		44,074			—			—			(40,434	)		—
Interest expense, net		—			(69,036	)		(3,596	)		(14,386	)		18,431			(68,587	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—			(4,433	)		—			—			—			(4,433	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		(3,640	)		(3,640	)		42,764			1,310			(40,434	)		(3,640	)
Income tax (benefit) provision		(84	)		(84	)		919			—			(835	)		(84	)
Net (loss) income	$	(3,556	)	$	(3,556	)	$	41,845		$	1,310		$	(39,599	)	$	(3,556	)
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
2013
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net (loss) income	$	(3,556	)	$	(3,556	)	$	41,845		$	1,310		$	(39,599	)	$	(3,556	)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans		22,794			22,794			—			—			(22,794	)		22,794
Comprehensive income	$	19,238		$	19,238		$	41,845		$	1,310		$	(62,393	)	$	19,238
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
2012
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,697,211		$	1,222,200		$	—		$	—		$	2,919,411
Other income		—			33,379			26,046			—			—			59,425
		—			1,730,590			1,248,246			—			—			2,978,836
Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold		—			1,095,635			778,255			—			—			1,873,890
Selling, general and administrative		—			567,907			399,362			(3,458	)		(27,636	)		936,175
Depreciation and amortization		—			42,168			35,024			11,084			—			88,276
Amortization of lease-related interests		—			1,952			2,744			—			—			4,696
Impairment charges		—			423			5,377			—			—			5,800
Income (loss) from operations		—			22,505			27,484			(7,626	)		27,636			69,999
Other income (expense):
Intercompany rental and royalty income		—			—			120			27,516			(27,636	)		—
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(21,325	)		21,761			—			—			(436	)		—
Interest expense, net		—			(58,275	)		(9,377	)		(15,187	)		—			(82,839	)
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt		—			(7,316	)		—			(1,169	)		—			(8,485	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		(21,325	)		(21,325	)		18,227			3,534			(436	)		(21,325	)
Income tax provision		228			228			1,215			—			(1,443	)		228
Net (loss) income	$	(21,553	)	$	(21,553	)	$	17,012		$	3,534		$	1,007		$	(21,553	)
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
2012
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net (loss) income	$	(21,553	)	$	(21,553	)	$	17,012		$	3,534		$	1,007		$	(21,553	)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans		1,114			1,114			—			—			(1,114	)		1,114
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(20,439	)	$	(20,439	)	$	17,012		$	3,534		$	(107	)	$	(20,439	)
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
2014
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	5,893		$	25,364		$	16,986		$	9,665		$	(11,279	)	$	46,629
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		—			(77,042	)		(13,665	)		—			—			(90,707	)
Intercompany investing activity		(22	)		(785	)		—			—			807			—
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			46			303			5,000			—			5,349
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(22	)		(77,781	)		(13,362	)		5,000			807			(85,358	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(716,768	)		(3,249	)		(8,149	)		—			(728,166	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			770,259			—			—			—			770,259
Intercompany financing activity		—			(3,956	)		—			(6,516	)		10,472			—
Deferred financing costs paid		—			(69	)		—			—			—			(69	)
Cash dividends paid		(3,956	)		—			—			—			—			(3,956	)
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes		(1,937	)		—			—			—			—			(1,937	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		22			—			—			—			—			22
Increase in book overdraft balances		—			4,271			—			—			—			4,271
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(5,871	)		53,737			(3,249	)		(14,665	)		10,472			40,424
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		—			1,320			375			—			—			1,695
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			2,889			4,168									7,058
											—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	4,209		$	4,543		$	—		$	—		$	8,753
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
2013
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	5,086		$	92,921		$	19,304		$	11,898		$	(9,142	)	$	120,067
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		—			(60,458	)		(16,878	)		—			—			(77,336	)
Intercompany investing activity		(595	)		(567	)		—			—			1,162			—
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			1,332			3			—			—			1,335
Net cash used in investing activities		(595	)		(59,693	)		(16,875	)		—			1,162			(76,001	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(1,257,776	)		(2,772	)		(6,870	)		—			(1,267,418	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			1,229,418			—			—			—			1,229,418
Intercompany financing activity		—			(2,952	)		—			(5,028	)		7,980			—
Deferred financing costs paid		—			(11,133	)		—			—			—			(11,133	)
Cash dividends paid		(2,952	)		—			—			—			—			(2,952	)
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes		(2,134	)		—			—			—			—			(2,134	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		595			—			—			—			—			595
Increase in book overdraft balances		—			8,690			—			—			—			8,690
Net cash used in financing activities		(4,491	)		(33,753	)		(2,772	)		(11,898	)		7,980			(44,934	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		—			(525	)		(343	)		—			—			(868	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			3,414			4,511									7,926
											—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	2,889		$	4,168		$	—		$	—		$	7,058
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
2012
	Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	6,515		$	52,848		$	15,907		$	7,959		$	(9,959	)	$	73,270
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		—			(55,835	)		(17,935	)		—			—			(73,770	)
Intercompany investing activity		(538	)		(1,867	)		—			—			2,405			—
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			31			3			8,234			—			8,268
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(538	)		(57,671	)		(17,932	)		8,234			2,405			(65,502	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(717,119	)		(3,040	)		(13,494	)		—			(733,653	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			750,401			—			—			—			750,401
Intercompany financing activity		—			(4,855	)		—			(2,699	)		7,554			—
Debt exchange costs paid		—			(6,992	)		—			—			—			(6,992	)
Deferred financing costs paid		—			(1,135	)		—			—			—			(1,135	)
Cash dividends paid		(4,855	)		—			—			—			—			(4,855	)
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes		(1,660	)		—			—			—			—			(1,660	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		538			—			—			—			—			538
Decrease in book overdraft balances		—			(16,758	)		—			—			—			(16,758	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(5,977	)		3,542			(3,040	)		(16,193	)		7,554			(14,114	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		—			(1,281	)		(5,065	)		—			—			(6,346	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			4,695			9,576									14,272
											—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	3,414		$	4,511		$	—		$	—		$	7,926

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUBSEQUENT EVENT.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	19. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On March 13, 2015, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on shares of Class A common stock and common stock, payable May 4, 2015 to shareholders of record as of April 17, 2015.

Schedule_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

Schedule II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Schedule II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Schedule II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	Schedule II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	THE BON-TON STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	(Dollars in thousands)	Balance at		Charged to		Deductions			Balance at
	Classification	Beginning of		Costs &					End of Period
		Period		Expenses
	Year ended February 2, 2013:
	Accrual for sales returns		18,493				(245			18,248
		$			—			)	$
	Accrual for purchase order violations reserve	$	777		2,155		(2,003	)	$	929
	Year ended February 1, 2014:
	Accrual for sales returns		18,248				(1,364			16,884
		$			—			)	$
	Accrual for purchase order violations reserve	$	929		1,914		(2,097	)	$	746
	Year ended January 31, 2015:
	Accrual for sales returns		16,884		1,314					18,198
		$					—		$
	Accrual for purchase order violations reserve	$	746		1,221		(1,351	)	$	616

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation - Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Presentation - Segment Reporting
	The Company has identified two operating segments: stores and eCommerce (its internet websites). The two operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, merchandising and distribution processes involved, target customers, and economic characteristics of the two operating segments.
Estimates
	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include those related to merchandise returns, the valuation of inventories, long-lived assets, intangible assets, insurance reserves, contingencies, litigation and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes and retirement and other post-employment benefits, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgments. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
Reclassifications
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year balances presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not impact the Company's net loss for 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are generally overnight money market investments.
Merchandise Inventories
	Merchandise Inventories
	Merchandise inventories are determined by the retail method. Inherent in the retail inventory method calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, merchandise markups, markdowns and shrinkage, which significantly impact both the ending inventory valuation and the resulting gross margin.
	Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns include inventory obsolescence, excess inventories, current and anticipated demand, age of the merchandise, customer preferences and fashion trends. Pursuant to the retail inventory method, permanent markdowns result in the devaluation of inventory and the resulting gross margin reduction is recognized in the period in which the markdown is recorded.
	The Company seeks return privileges from its vendors for damaged inventory or marks the goods out-of-stock. Historically, damaged inventory has been an immaterial factor in the Company's calculation of gross margin.
	The Company regularly records a provision for estimated shrinkage, thereby reducing the carrying value of inventory. A physical inventory of each merchandise department is conducted annually in January, with the recorded amount of inventory adjusted to reflect this physical count. The differences between the estimated amount of shrinkage and the actual amount realized have been insignificant.
	As of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, approximately 32% and 33%, respectively, of the Company's merchandise inventories were valued using a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") cost basis and approximately 68% and 67%, respectively, of merchandise inventories were valued using a last-in, first-out ("LIFO") cost basis. There was no effect on costs of merchandise sold for LIFO valuations in 2014, 2013 and 2012. If the FIFO method of inventory valuation had been used for all inventories, the Company's merchandise inventories would have been lower by $6,837 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 due to the Company having recognized prior years' cost increases associated with its LIFO calculations. The Company's LIFO calculations yielded inventory increases due to deflation reflected in price indices used. The LIFO method values merchandise sold at the cost of more recent inventory purchases (which the deflationary indices indicated to be lower), resulting in the general inventory on-hand being carried at the older, higher costs. Given these higher values and the promotional retail environment, the Company has reduced the carrying value of its LIFO inventories to an estimated realizable value, with reductions of $53,118 to offset the $59,955 cumulative inventory increases generated by its computation of LIFO inventory as of January 31, 2015 and with reductions of $42,578 to offset the $49,415 cumulative inventory increases generated by its computation of LIFO inventory as of February 1, 2014.
	Costs for merchandise purchases, product development, distribution and customer delivery are included in costs of merchandise sold.
Property, Fixtures and Equipment: Depreciation and Amortization
	Property, Fixtures and Equipment: Depreciation and Amortization
	Depreciation and amortization of property, fixtures and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based upon the shorter of the remaining accounting lease term, if applicable, or the economic life reflected in the following ranges:
	Buildings	20 to 40 years
	Leasehold improvements	2 to 15 years
	Fixtures and equipment	3 to 10 years
	No depreciation is recorded until property, fixtures and equipment are placed into service. The Company capitalizes interest incurred during the construction of new facilities or major improvements to existing facilities and development projects that exceed one month. See Note 11 for quantification of capitalized interest in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense as incurred. Property retired or sold is removed from asset and accumulated depreciation accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in SG&A expense.
	Costs of major remodeling and improvements on leased stores are capitalized as leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the accounting lease term or the useful life of the asset. Capital leases are recorded at the lower of fair market value or the present value of future minimum lease payments. Capital leases are amortized in accordance with the provisions codified within Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 840-30, Leases—Capital Leases.
	ASC Section 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment—Overall—Subsequent Measurement ("ASC 360-10-35"), requires the Company to test a long-lived asset for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are insufficient to support the recorded asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount (if any) by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Cash flow estimates are based on historical results, adjusted to reflect the Company's best estimate of future market and operating conditions. Estimates of fair value are determined through various techniques, including discounted cash flow models utilizing a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants and market approaches using data that includes recent sales of comparable properties with similar characteristics, as considered necessary. (See Note 3 for quantification of asset impairment charges.)
Intangible Assets
	Intangible Assets
	ASC Section 350-30-35, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—General Intangibles Other than Goodwill—Subsequent Measurement ("ASC 350-30-35") requires the Company to test intangible assets subject to amortization and intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment.
	We are required to test an intangible asset subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are insufficient to support the recorded asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount (if any) by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires certain assumptions and estimates regarding industry economic factors, and utilizes a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants.
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. An optional qualitative assessment allows the Company to consider events and circumstances that could affect the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. If the Company concludes, based on an evaluation of all relevant qualitative factors, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, it will not be required to perform the quantitative impairment test for that asset. In determining fair value for intangible assets for which a quantitative impairment test must be performed, the Company utilizes a relief from royalty method to determine the assets' fair value. The relief from royalty method estimates the theoretical royalty savings from ownership of these intangible assets. Key assumptions include royalty rates, sales projections and discount rates. The Company utilizes royalty and discount rates it believes are appropriate and would be used by market participants.
	The Company's policy is to conduct impairment testing based on its most current business plans, which reflect anticipated changes in the economy and the industry. (See Note 4 for quantification of intangible asset impairment charges.)
Deferred Financing Fees
	Deferred Financing Fees
	Amounts paid by the Company to secure financing agreements are reflected in other long-term assets and are amortized over the term of the related facility. Amortization of credit facility costs are classified as interest expense. Unamortized amounts at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 were $14,502 and $17,397, respectively.
Employee Benefit Plans
	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company, through its actuary, utilizes assumptions when estimating the liabilities for pension and other employee benefit plans. These assumptions, where applicable, include the discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of projected benefit obligations, the long-term rate of return on assets and the growth in health care costs. The cost of these benefits is recognized in SG&A expense and the accrued benefits are reported in accrued payroll and benefits, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities.
Income Taxes
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, pursuant to ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. ASC 740 requires an assessment of whether valuation allowances are needed against deferred tax assets based upon consideration of all available evidence using a "more likely than not" standard. (See Note 16 for further discussion of the Company's valuation allowances.)
	In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Net Sales and Revenue Recognition
	Net Sales and Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue, which excludes sales tax, at either the point-of-sale or at the time merchandise is delivered to the customer and all significant obligations have been satisfied. The Company has a customer return policy allowing customers to return merchandise, for which a reserve is provided for estimated returns. The reserve is based on historical returns experience, and is reflected as an adjustment to sales and costs of merchandise sold.
	The following table summarizes net sales by merchandise category for each year presented:
	Merchandise Category	2014			2013			2012
	Women's Apparel	$	678,526		$	686,276		$	708,411
	Home		471,259			459,152			505,452
	Cosmetics		377,442			391,306			418,609
	Men's Apparel		325,333			330,411			339,283
	Accessories		273,057			274,902			285,144
	Footwear		263,516			266,523			273,671
	Children's Apparel		186,907			185,248			196,673
	Intimate Apparel		106,792			108,292			114,863
	Young Contemporary Apparel		69,402			58,410			67,090
	Other		4,003			9,548			10,215
	Total	$	2,756,237		$	2,770,068		$	2,919,411
Other Income
	Other Income
	The Company currently receives revenues under a credit card program agreement ("CCPA") with Comenity Bank, a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADS"). Pursuant to the CCPA, the Company receives periodic royalties based on a percentage of credit card sales and outstanding credit balances. In 2012, the Company received a signing bonus of $50,000 upon transition of its CCPA to ADS; the signing bonus was recorded as deferred income and is being amortized over the initial seven-year term of the CCPA. The aforementioned revenues are recorded within other income. The Company also licenses space to third parties in its stores and receives compensation based on a percentage of sales made in these departments and receives revenues from customers for delivery of certain items and services. Revenues from gift and merchandise card breakage are included in other income (see "Gift and Merchandise Cards," below). In addition, the Company recovers a portion of its cost from the disposal of damaged or otherwise distressed merchandise; this recovery is recorded within other income.
Advertising
	Advertising
	Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertisement is run. Media placement costs are expensed in the period the advertising appears. Total advertising expenses, net of vendor allowances, included in SG&A expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $135,626, $128,266 and $129,349, respectively. Prepaid expenses and other current assets include prepaid advertising costs of $8,016 and $8,264 at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
Vendor Allowances
	Vendor Allowances
	As is standard industry practice, allowances from merchandise vendors are received as reimbursement for charges incurred on marked-down merchandise. Vendor allowances are recorded when determined to be collectable. Allowances are credited to costs of goods sold, provided the allowance is: (1) for merchandise permanently marked down or sold, (2) not predicated on a future purchase, and (3) not predicated on a future increase in the purchase price from the vendor. If the aforementioned criteria are not met, the allowances are recorded as an adjustment to the cost of merchandise capitalized in inventory and reflected as a reduction of costs of merchandise sold when the related merchandise is sold.
	Additionally, allowances are received from vendors in connection with cooperative advertising programs and for reimbursement of certain payroll expenses. To the extent the reimbursements are for specific, incremental and identifiable advertising or payroll costs incurred to sell the vendor's products and do not exceed the costs incurred, they are recognized as a reduction of SG&A expense. If the aforementioned criteria are not met, the allowances are recorded as an adjustment to the cost of merchandise capitalized in inventory and reflected as a reduction of costs of merchandise sold when the related merchandise is sold.
Purchase Order Violations
	Purchase Order Violations
	The Company, consistent with industry practice, mandates that vendor merchandise shipments conform to certain standards. These standards are usually defined in the purchase order and include items such as proper ticketing, security tagging, quantity, packaging, on-time delivery, etc. Failure by vendors to conform to these standards increases the Company's merchandise handling costs. Accordingly, various purchase order violation charges are billed to vendors; these charges are reflected by the Company as a reduction of costs of merchandise sold in the period in which the respective violations occur. The Company establishes reserves for purchase order violations that may become uncollectible.
Gift and Merchandise Cards
	Gift and Merchandise Cards
	The Company sells gift cards to customers at its stores and through its website, and issues merchandise cards as credit for merchandise returned to its stores. These cards do not have expiration dates. Revenues from these cards are recognized when (1) the card is redeemed by the customer, or (2) the likelihood of the card being redeemed by the customer is remote and it is determined that the Company does not have a legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed card to relevant jurisdictions ("card breakage"). It is the Company's historical experience that the likelihood of redemption after 60 months from issuance is remote. Should cards become aged 60 months and the Company determines that it is probable that it has no legal obligation to remit the value to relevant jurisdictions, the corresponding liability is relieved. Given the satisfaction of the aforementioned criteria, the Company recognized income from card breakage of $2,103, $2,400 and $2,551 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Gift and merchandise card liabilities are included within accrued expenses.
Self-Insurance Liabilities
	Self-Insurance Liabilities
	The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to workers' compensation and health insurance, although it maintains stop-loss coverage with third party insurers to limit exposure. The estimate of its self-insurance liability contains uncertainty since the Company must use judgment to estimate the ultimate cost that will be incurred to settle reported claims and claims for incidents incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. When estimating its self-insurance liability, the Company considers a number of factors which include, but are not limited to, historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and information provided by independent third-party advisors.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and financial instruments reported within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets approximate fair value. The Company discloses the fair value of its long-term debt in Note 5. Fair value estimates of the Company's long-term debt are determined by quoted prices in active markets or a market approach using prices generated by market transactions or derived from discounted cash flow analyses utilizing a discount rate the Company believes is appropriate and would be used by market participants.
Concentration of Credit Risk
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. The Company manages the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents by maintaining cash accounts and investing with high-quality institutions. The Company maintains cash accounts, primarily on an overnight basis, which may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from maintaining cash accounts in excess of such limits. The Company believes that it is not exposed to any significant risks related to its cash accounts.
Operating Leases
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases a majority of its retail stores under operating leases. Many of the lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions—or some combination of these items. The Company recognizes rent expense in SG&A expense on a straight-line basis over the accounting lease term, which includes lease renewals determined to be reasonably assured. In calculating straight-line rent expense, the Company utilizes an accounting lease term that equals or exceeds the time period used for depreciation. Additionally, the commencement date of the accounting lease term reflects the earlier of the date the Company becomes legally obligated for the rent payments or the date the Company takes possession of the building for initial construction and setup. The excess of rent expense over the actual cash paid is recorded as deferred rent. Leasehold improvement allowances received from landlords and other lease incentives are recorded as deferred rent liabilities and are recognized in SG&A expense on a straight-line basis over the accounting lease term.
Share-Based Compensation
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes share-based compensation pursuant to ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). The Company measures the cost of grantee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award, and recognizes that cost over the period that the grantee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For performance and service grants with vesting additionally contingent on achievement of a positive total shareholder return measure, the grant date fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. For stock option awards, the Company estimates grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.
Earnings per Share
	Earnings per Share
	The Company follows the provisions codified within ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, pursuant to which unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings or loss per share ("EPS") according to the two-class method if the impact is dilutive. The Company's unvested service restricted shares and restricted stock units are considered participating securities. However, in the event of a net loss, participating securities are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted EPS.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss and weighted average shares outstanding used in basic and diluted EPS calculations for each of 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014			2013			2012
	Basic Loss Per Common Share
	Net loss	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—
	Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
	Basic loss per common share	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(1.16	)
	Diluted Loss Per Common Share
	Net loss	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—
	Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
	Common shares issuable—stock options		—			—			—
	Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
	Diluted loss per common share	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(1.16	)
	Due to the Company's net loss position in 2014, 2013 and 2012, weighted average unvested restricted shares and restricted stock units (participating securities) of 702,188, 914,941 and 1,314,491 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not considered in the calculation of net loss available to common shareholders used for both basic and diluted EPS.
	In addition, weighted average stock option shares (non-participating securities) totaling 212,750, 363,298 and 841,224 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, as their effect would have been antidilutive. Certain of these stock option shares were excluded solely due to the Company's net loss position. Had the Company reported net income in 2014, 2013 and 2012, these shares would have increased diluted weighted average common shares outstanding by 86,872, 142,068 and 128,452, respectively.
Risks and Uncertainties	Risks and Uncertainties
	The diversity of the Company's products, customers and geographic operations reduces the risk that a severe impact will occur in the near term as a result of changes in its customer base, competition or markets.
	In response to economic conditions, the Company has considered the impact of relevant factors on its liquidity and has performed an analysis of the key assumptions in its forecast such as sales, gross margin and SG&A expenses; an evaluation of its relationships with vendors and their factors, including availability of vendor credit; and an analysis of cash requirements, including the Company's inventory and other working capital requirements, capital expenditures and borrowing availability under its credit facility. Based upon these analyses and evaluations, the Company expects its anticipated sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet its obligations without significant revisions to its planned operations through 2015.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The new standard provides a single revenue recognition model which is intended to enhance disclosures and improve comparability over a range of industries, companies and geographical boundaries. ASU 2014-09 creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering all relevant facts and circumstances in the determination of when and how revenue is recognized. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently reviewing the revised guidance and assessing the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"), was issued, amending FASB Accounting Standards Subtopic 205-40 to provide guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term "substantial doubt," (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management's plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management's plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The Company is currently reviewing the guidance and assessing the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Schedule of the economic life of property, fixtures and equipment
	Buildings	20 to 40 years
	Leasehold improvements	2 to 15 years
	Fixtures and equipment	3 to 10 years
Summary of net sales by merchandise category
	Merchandise Category	2014			2013			2012
	Women's Apparel	$	678,526		$	686,276		$	708,411
	Home		471,259			459,152			505,452
	Cosmetics		377,442			391,306			418,609
	Men's Apparel		325,333			330,411			339,283
	Accessories		273,057			274,902			285,144
	Footwear		263,516			266,523			273,671
	Children's Apparel		186,907			185,248			196,673
	Intimate Apparel		106,792			108,292			114,863
	Young Contemporary Apparel		69,402			58,410			67,090
	Other		4,003			9,548			10,215
	Total	$	2,756,237		$	2,770,068		$	2,919,411
Schedule of reconciliation of net loss and weighted average shares outstanding used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS) calculations
		2014			2013			2012
	Basic Loss Per Common Share
	Net loss	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—
	Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
	Basic loss per common share	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(1.16	)
	Diluted Loss Per Common Share
	Net loss	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Less: Income allocated to participating securities		—			—			—
	Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(6,974	)	$	(3,556	)	$	(21,553	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
	Common shares issuable—stock options		—			—			—
	Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution		19,417,681			19,101,742			18,528,169
	Diluted loss per common share	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(1.16	)

PROPERTY_FIXTURES_AND_EQUIPMEN1

PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
Schedule of property, fixtures and equipment and related accumulated depreciation and amortization
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Land and improvements	$	120,740		$	118,423
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		720,275			714,395
	Furniture and equipment		650,928			610,155
	Buildings and equipment under capital leases		60,547			62,142
			1,552,490			1,505,115
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(910,494	)		(865,111	)
	Net property, fixtures and equipment	$	641,996		$	640,004

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Schedule of intangible assets
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	Gross amount
	Lease-related interests	$	81,179		$	91,345
	Customer lists and relationships		22,926			22,926
	Total gross amount		104,105			114,271
	Accumulated amortization
	Lease-related interests		(46,309	)		(45,555	)
	Customer lists and relationships		(18,142	)		(16,513	)
	Total accumulated amortization		(64,451	)		(62,068	)
	Net intangible assets subject to amortization		39,654			52,203
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization
	Trade names		40,200			40,300
	Private label brand names		10,297			10,297
	Total intangible assets not subject to amortization		50,497			50,597
	Net intangible assets	$	90,151		$	102,800

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Schedule of the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities but excluding capital leases
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities but excluding capital leases, as of January 31, 2015 are as follows:
								Fair Value Measurements Using
		Carrying			Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		Value			Estimated			in Active			Other			Unobservable
					Fair Value			Markets			Observable			Inputs
								(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
											(Level 2)
	Second lien senior secured notes	$	407,292		$	345,700		$	345,700		$	—		$	—
	Mortgage facilities		211,541			214,132			—			—			214,132
	Senior secured credit facility		238,918			238,918			—			—			238,918
	Total	$	857,751		$	798,750		$	345,700		$	—		$	453,050
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities but excluding capital leases, as of February 1, 2014 are as follows:
							Fair Value Measurements Using
		Carrying		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		Value		Estimated			in Active			Other			Unobservable
				Fair Value			Markets			Observable			Inputs
							(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
										(Level 2)
	Second lien senior secured notes	$	407,292	$	398,972		$	398,972		$	—		$	—
	Mortgage facilities		219,564		222,168			—			—			222,168
	Senior secured credit facility		184,879		184,879			—			—			184,879
	Total	$	811,735	$	806,019		$	398,972		$	—		$	407,047
Schedule of fair value measurement for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
		January 31,		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total
		2015		in Active			Other			Unobservable			Losses
				Markets			Observable			Inputs
				(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
							(Level 2)
	Property, fixtures and equipment	$	3,910	$	—		$	—		$	3,910		$	(2,392	)
	Intangible assets	$	10,300	$	—		$	—		$	10,300		$	(100	)
		February 1,		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total
		2014		in Active			Other			Unobservable			Losses
				Markets			Observable			Inputs
				(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
							(Level 2)
	Property, fixtures and equipment	$	8,218	$	—		$	—		$	8,218		$	(5,962	)
	Intangible assets	$	766	$	—		$	—		$	766		$	(268	)

SUPPLEMENTAL_BALANCE_SHEET_INF1

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets
		January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Other receivables	$	59,734	$	39,569
	Prepaid expenses		33,660		36,716
	Total	$	93,394	$	76,285
Schedule of accrued expenses
		January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Customer liabilities	$	45,962	$	45,431
	Taxes		35,058		30,942
	Other		77,002		74,222
	Total	$	158,022	$	150,595
Schedule of other long-term liabilities
		January 31,		February 1,
		2015		2014
	Deferred landlord allowances	$	73,417	$	71,235
	Deferred proprietary credit card program signing bonus		24,853		31,977
	Other		95,638		79,405
	Total	$	193,908	$	182,617

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA1

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Schedule of supplemental cash flow information
		2014			2013		2012
	Cash paid for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	58,807		$	76,734	$	76,303
	Income taxes, net of refunds received		(3	)		611		(767	)
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Property, fixtures and equipment included in accrued expenses	$	8,232		$	6,446	$	5,836
	Declared dividends to shareholders included in accrued expenses		991			983		—

EXIT_OR_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITIES_Ta

EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES
Schedule of reconciliation of accruals related to the Company's closing activities
		2014			2013			2012
	Accrued beginning balance	$	420		$	741		$	612
	Provisions:
	Associate termination benefits		2,370			241			7,395
	Other closing costs		182			1,147			423
	Total		2,552			1,388			7,818
	Payments:
	Associate termination benefits		(1,324	)		(750	)		(7,266	)
	Other closing costs		(369	)		(959	)		(423	)
	Total		(1,693	)		(1,709	)		(7,689	)
	Accrued balance at year-end	$	1,279		$	420		$	741

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Schedule of benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status of the plans
			Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	198,360		$	219,135		$	2,322		$	3,493
	Interest cost			7,990			7,993			89			122
	Participant contributions			—			—			82			100
	Benefits paid			(17,997	)		(15,520	)		(272	)		(329	)
	Actuarial loss (gain)			32,184			(13,248	)		(49	)		(1,064	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year			220,537			198,360			2,172			2,322
	Change in the fair value of plan assets:
	Plan assets at beginning of year			147,994			137,577			—			—
	Actual return on plan assets			8,882			12,707			—			—
	Company contributions			12,945			13,230			190			229
	Participant contributions			—			—			82			100
	Benefits paid			(17,997	)		(15,520	)		(272	)		(329	)
	Plan assets at end of year			151,824			147,994			—			—
	Funded status		$	(68,713	)	$	(50,366	)	$	(2,172	)	$	(2,322	)
Schedule of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
			Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accrued expenses		$	(701	)	$	(808	)	$	(355	)	$	(411	)
	Other long-term liabilities			(68,012	)		(49,558	)		(1,817	)		(1,911	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(68,713	)	$	(50,366	)	$	(2,172	)	$	(2,322	)
Schedule of amounts recognized in AOCI
			Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss (gain):
	Gross amount recognized		$	77,073		$	47,586		$	(2,289	)	$	(2,759	)
	Deferred tax expense			5,346			5,346			275			275
	Net amount recognized		$	82,419		$	52,932		$	(2,014	)	$	(2,484	)
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit expense (income) and other amounts recognized in OCI before income taxes
			Pension Benefits									Medical and Life
												Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit expense (income):
	Interest cost		$	7,990		$	7,993		$	8,468		$	89		$	122		$	142
	Expected return on plan assets			(9,959	)		(8,942	)		(8,628	)		—			—			—
	Recognition of net actuarial loss (gain)			3,774			6,566			6,758			(519	)		(363	)		(374	)
	Net periodic benefit expense (income)			1,805			5,617			6,598			(430	)		(241	)		(232	)
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI, before taxes:
	Actuarial net loss (gain)			33,261			(17,013	)		5,374			(49	)		(1,064	)		(104	)
	Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain			(3,774	)		(6,566	)		(6,758	)		519			363			374
	Total recognized in OCI, before taxes			29,487			(23,579	)		(1,384	)		470			(701	)		270
	Total recognized in net periodic cost and OCI, before taxes		$	31,292		$	(17,962	)	$	5,214		$	40		$	(942	)	$	38
Schedule of estimated amount that will be amortized from AOCI to net periodic cost over the next fiscal year	The Company estimates the following amounts will be amortized from AOCI to net periodic cost during 2015:
			Pension			Medical and
			Benefits			Life Insurance
						Benefits
	Net actuarial loss (gain)		$	6,792		$	(426	)
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit obligations and net periodic benefit expense (income)
			Pension						Medical and
			Benefits						Life Insurance
									Benefits
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Discount rate			3.20	%		4.20	%		3.20	%		4.20	%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
			Pension Benefits									Medical and Life
												Insurance Benefits
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate			4.20	%		3.80	%		4.10	%		4.20	%		3.80	%		4.10	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets			6.80	%		6.60	%		7.20	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Schedule of effects of one-percentage point change in assumed health care costs
			One-			One-
			Percentage			Percentage
			Point			Point
			Increase			Decrease
	Effect on total service and interest cost components		$	4		$	(3	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation			96			(85	)
Schedule of weighted average pension plan asset allocation
			2014			2013
	Cash and cash equivalents			2	%		1	%
	Equity securities			47	%		57	%
	Debt securities			41	%		32	%
	Hedge funds			10	%		10	%
Schedule of fair value of each class of the pension plan assets
	The fair value of each class of the pension plan assets as of January 31, 2015 is as follows:
			Quoted			Significant			Significant			Total
			Prices			Other			Unobservable
			in Active			Observable			Inputs
			Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
			(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	11		$	3,358		$	—		$	3,369
	Equity securities:
	U.S. large-cap companies—diversified sectors			9,472			—			—			9,472
	U.S. small-cap companies—diversified sectors			3,365			—			—			3,365
	Real estate investment trust companies			446			—			—			446
	Mutual funds:
	Fixed income(1)			5,059			—			—			5,059
	International emerging economies fixed income			5,394			—			—			5,394
	Floating rate debt securities			3,888			—			—			3,888
	Real estate investment trust companies			4,841			—			—			4,841
	Pooled funds(2):
	U.S. large-cap equity			—			19,933			—			19,933
	U.S. small-cap equity			—			1,323			—			1,323
	International small-cap equity			—			4,321			—			4,321
	International developed economies equity			—			19,002			—			19,002
	International emerging economies equity			—			8,785			—			8,785
	Fixed income(1)			—			47,576			—			47,576
	Multi-strategy hedge funds(3)			—			15,050			—			15,050
	Total		$	32,476		$	119,348		$	—		$	151,824
	-1	Primarily invested in U.S. government securities, municipals, mortgage-backed securities and investment grade and high yield bonds.
	-2	Certain investments in this category are subject to monthly redemption frequency restrictions, subject to 10 day advance notification requirements. Pooled funds consist primarily of common collective trust and 102-12 investment entities.
	-3	These investments are subject to a redemption frequency restriction of quarterly, subject to advance notification requirements ranging from 60 to 91 days.
	The fair value of each class of the pension plan assets as of February 1, 2014 is as follows:
			Quoted			Significant			Significant			Total
			Prices			Other			Unobservable
			in Active			Observable			Inputs
			Markets			Inputs			(Level 3)
			(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	66		$	2,193		$	—		$	2,259
	Equity securities:
	U.S. large-cap companies—diversified sectors			8,097			—			—			8,097
	U.S. small-cap companies—diversified sectors			4,082			—			—			4,082
	Real estate investment trust companies			537			—			—			537
	Mutual funds:
	Fixed income(1)			23,841			—			—			23,841
	Pooled funds(2):
	U.S. large-cap equity			—			39,444			—			39,444
	U.S. small-cap equity			—			2,593			—			2,593
	International developed economies equity			—			24,933			—			24,933
	International emerging economies equity						3,907						3,907
	Fixed income(1)			—			24,219			—			24,219
	Multi-strategy hedge funds(3)			—			14,082			—			14,082
	Total		$	36,623		$	111,371		$	—		$	147,994
	-1	Primarily invested in U.S. government securities, municipals, mortgage-backed securities and investment grade and high yield bonds.
	-2	Certain investments in this category are subject to monthly redemption frequency restrictions, subject to 10 day advance notification requirements. Pooled funds consist primarily of common collective trust and 102-12 investment entities.
	-3	These investments are subject to a redemption frequency restriction of quarterly, subject to advance notification requirements ranging from 60 to 91 days.
Schedule of changes in the fair value of the pension plans level 3 assets
			2014			2013
	Fair value at beginning of year		$	—		$	738
	Gain on plan assets relating to assets still held at the reporting date			—			23
	Transfers out of level 3, net			—			(761	)
	Fair value at end of year		$	—		$	—
Schedule of information about the expected cash flows related to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans
			Pension			Medical and
			Benefits			Life Insurance
						Benefits
	Expected company contributions in 2015		$	6,677		$	355
	Expected plan benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for year:
	2015		$	15,859		$	355
	2016			15,233			315
	2017			14,634			278
	2018			14,188			242
	2019			13,580			209
	2020-2024			62,598			670

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
LONG-TERM DEBT
Schedule of long-term debt
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Senior secured credit facility—expires on December 12, 2018; interest payable periodically at varying rates (2.56% weighted average for 2014)	$	238,918		$	184,879
	Second lien senior secured notes—mature on July 15, 2017; interest payable each March 15 and September 15 at 10.625%		57,292			57,292
	Second lien senior secured notes—mature on June 15, 2021; interest payable each June 15 and December 15 at 8.00%		350,000			350,000
	Mortgage loan facility—principal payable in varying monthly installments, with balance due April 1, 2016; interest payable monthly at 6.21%; secured by land and buildings		211,541			218,492
	Mortgage notes payable—principal paid February 3, 2014; interest payable monthly at 9.62%; secured by land and buildings		—			1,072
	Total debt		857,751			811,735
	Less: current maturities		(6,788	)		(7,363	)
	Long-term debt	$	850,963		$	804,372
Schedule of debt maturities
	Debt maturities by year at January 31, 2015 are as follows:
	2015	$	6,788
	2016		204,753
	2017		57,292
	2018		238,918
	2019		—
	2020 and thereafter		350,000
		$	857,751

INTEREST_COSTS_Tables

INTEREST COSTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
INTEREST COSTS
Schedule of interest costs
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest costs incurred, including amortization of deferred financing fees	$	62,029		$	68,823		$	83,122
	Interest income		(4	)		(8	)		(53	)
	Capitalized interest, net		(289	)		(228	)		(230	)
	Interest expense, net	$	61,736		$	68,587		$	82,839

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Schedule of future minimum lease payments
	At January 31, 2015, future minimum lease payments for the noncancelable terms of operating leases, including lease renewals determined to be reasonably assured, and the present value of net minimum lease payments under capital leases are as follows:
	Year	Capital			Operating
		Leases			Leases
	2015	$	7,500		$	91,157
	2016		7,500			86,803
	2017		8,125			81,308
	2018		7,500			76,101
	2019		7,500			69,571
	2020 and thereafter		29,375			280,878
	Less: Sublease income		—			(425	)
	Total net minimum rentals		67,500		$	685,393
	Less: Amount representing interest		(18,523	)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments, of which $3,961 is due within one year	$	48,977
Schedule of rental expense, net of sublease income
		2014			2013			2012
	Operating leases:
	Buildings:
	Rental expense	$	82,148		$	82,429		$	82,954
	Contingent rentals		4,912			4,960			5,771
	Fixtures and equipment		1,315			1,361			1,448
	Totals	$	88,375		$	88,750		$	90,173

COMPREHENSIVE_LOSS_INCOME_Tabl

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Schedule of tax effects allocated to each component of OCI
		Before-Tax			Tax Expense			Net-of-Tax
		Amount						Amount
	2014:00:00
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	$	3,255		$	—		$	3,255
	Actuarial net loss		(33,212	)		—			(33,212	)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(29,957	)	$	—		$	(29,957	)
	2013:00:00
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	$	6,203		$	(393	)	$	5,810
	Actuarial net gain		18,077			(1,093	)		16,984
	Other comprehensive income	$	24,280		$	(1,486	)	$	22,794
	2012:00:00
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	$	6,384		$	—		$	6,384
	Actuarial net loss		(5,270	)		—			(5,270	)
	Other comprehensive income	$	1,114		$	—		$	1,114

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Summary of the stock options
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
		Under			Average			Average		Intrinsic
		Option			Per-Share			Remaining		Value
					Exercise			Contractual
					Price			Term
								(Years)
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014		280,900		$	18.36
	Exercised		(4,500	)		4.96
	Expired		(79,950	)		51.51
	Outstanding as of January 31, 2015		196,450		$	5.17			0.16	$	86
	Exercisable as of January 31, 2015		196,450		$	5.17			0.16	$	86
Summary of the restricted stock units
		Restricted Stock Units						Weighted-Average
								Grant Date Fair Value
		Performance			Service			Performance		Service
		and Service			Required			and Service		Required
		Required						Required
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014		—			347,888		$	—	$	8.49
	Granted		—			55,199			—		10.01
	Settled		—			(57,643	)		—		9.02
	Outstanding as of January 31, 2015		—			345,444		$	—	$	8.64
Summary of the restricted share awards
		Restricted Shares						Weighted-Average
								Grant Date Fair Value
		Performance			Service			Performance		Service
		and Service			Required			and Service		Required
		Required						Required
	Nonvested as of February 1, 2014		480,000			807,500		$	12.01	$	10.09
	Granted		327,500			419,000			10.02		10.06
	Vested		—			(444,500	)		—		9.97
	Forfeited		(605,000	)		(158,750	)		11.44		12.22
	Nonvested as of January 31, 2015		202,500			623,250		$	10.51	$	9.61

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES
Schedule of components of the income tax provision (benefit)
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	(39	)
	State		(99	)		(332	)		(1,133	)
	Total current		(99	)		(332	)		(1,172	)
	Deferred:
	Federal		1,360			191			1,164
	State		358			57			236
	Total deferred		1,718			248			1,400
	Income tax provision (benefit)	$	1,619		$	(84	)	$	228
Schedule of components of gross deferred tax assets and liabilities
		January 31,			February 1,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	56,571		$	49,598
	General business tax credits		5,969			4,742
	Alternative minimum tax credits		5,529			5,529
	Defined benefit pension obligations		25,445			18,097
	Accrued expenses		7,572			6,629
	Inventories		812			3,284
	Equity compensation		2,255			4,055
	Rent amortization		38,618			38,114
	Capital leases		18,995			20,438
	Deferred revenue		18,102			21,081
	Other		9,518			9,680
	Gross deferred tax assets		189,386			181,247
	Less: Valuation allowance		(161,856	)		(144,908	)
	Net deferred tax assets		27,530			36,339
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, fixtures and equipment		(23,127	)		(31,391	)
	Tradenames		(8,697	)		(6,980	)
	Other		(4,403	)		(4,947	)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities		(36,227	)		(43,318	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(8,697	)	$	(6,979	)
Schedule of reconciliation of the tax expense (benefit) to the tax at the statutory federal income rate
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax benefit at statutory rate	$	(1,874	)	$	(1,274	)	$	(7,464	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		(1,865	)		(59	)		(1,667	)
	Valuation allowance changes, net		4,684			1,728			7,443
	Tax benefit resulting from OCI allocation		—			(1,486	)		—
	Tax credits		(534	)		(553	)		(408	)
	Nondeductible expenses		1,031			1,550			2,000
	Changes in state deferred tax rate		178			11			324
	Other, net		(1	)		(1	)		—
	Tax expense (benefit) at effective rate	$	1,619		$	(84	)	$	228
Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross unrecognized tax benefits
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	9,162		$	9,339		$	9,961
	Increases related to prior year tax positions		—			—			59
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(19	)		—			—
	Settlements with taxing authorities		—			—			(467	)
	Lapse of statute		(79	)		(177	)		(214	)
	Balance at end of year	$	9,064		$	9,162		$	9,339

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_UNAUDITED_Ta

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Schedule of quarterly results (unaudited)
		Quarter Ended
		May 3,			August 2,			November 1,			January 31,
		2014			2014			2014			2015
	2014:00:00
	Net sales	$	607,460		$	563,452		$	642,735		$	942,590
	Costs of merchandise sold		393,110			357,252			409,484			613,107
	Selling, general and administrative expense		222,319			215,807			220,901			248,009
	(Loss) income from operations		(15,640	)		(20,298	)		4,925			87,547
	Net (loss) income		(31,512	)		(36,192	)		(11,008	)		71,738
	Basic (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.63	)	$	(1.86	)	$	(0.57	)	$	3.56
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.63	)	$	(1.86	)	$	(0.57	)	$	3.55
		Quarter Ended
		May 4,			August 3,			November 2,			February 1,
		2013			2013			2013			2014
	2013:00:00
	Net sales	$	646,904		$	557,140		$	651,161		$	914,863
	Costs of merchandise sold		421,588			351,008			412,932			583,144
	Selling, general and administrative expense		225,096			211,253			215,204			247,810
	(Loss) income from operations		(7,117	)		(15,461	)		15,850			76,108
	Net (loss) income		(26,635	)		(37,329	)		(931	)		61,339
	Basic (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.41	)	$	(1.95	)	$	(0.05	)	$	3.06
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.41	)	$	(1.95	)	$	(0.05	)	$	3.04

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB1

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	January 31, 2015
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	4,209		$	4,543		$	—		$	—		$	8,753
	Merchandise inventories		—			483,270			251,686			—			—			734,956
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			74,956			14,906			3,966			(434	)		93,394
	Total current assets		1			562,435			271,135			3,966			(434	)		837,103
	Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net		—			268,224			146,793			226,979			—			641,996
	Deferred income taxes		—			4,889			10,892			—			—			15,781
	Intangible assets, net		—			24,618			65,533			—			—			90,151
	Investment in and advances to affiliates		87,647			324,668			435,870			—			(848,185	)		—
	Other long-term assets		—			22,685			391			407			—			23,483
	Total assets	$	87,648		$	1,207,519		$	930,614		$	231,352		$	(848,619	)	$	1,608,514
	Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	208,882		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	208,882
	Accrued payroll and benefits		—			23,637			5,211			—			—			28,848
	Accrued expenses		—			76,599			81,857			—			(434	)		158,022
	Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases		—			460			3,501			6,788			—			10,749
	Deferred income taxes		—			10,081			14,397			—			—			24,478
	Total current liabilities		—			319,659			104,966			6,788			(434	)		430,979
	Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities		—			651,436			39,790			204,753			—			895,979
	Other long-term liabilities		—			150,152			41,921			1,835			—			193,908
	Total liabilities		—			1,121,247			186,677			213,376			(434	)		1,520,866
	Shareholders' equity		87,648			86,272			743,937			17,976			(848,185	)		87,648
	Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	87,648		$	1,207,519		$	930,614		$	231,352		$	(848,619	)	$	1,608,514
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	February 1, 2014
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1		$	2,889		$	4,168		$	—		$	—		$	7,058
	Merchandise inventories		—			454,718			255,015			—			—			709,733
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—			67,670			4,437			4,726			(548	)		76,285
	Total current assets		1			525,277			263,620			4,726			(548	)		793,076
	Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net		—			232,869			166,720			240,415			—			640,004
	Deferred income taxes		—			4,076			11,689			—			—			15,765
	Intangible assets, net		—			33,260			69,540			—			—			102,800
	Investment in and advances to (from) affiliates		127,955			344,188			387,556			(90	)		(859,609	)		—
	Other long-term assets		—			24,169			533			882			—			25,584
	Total assets	$	127,956		$	1,163,839		$	899,658		$	245,933		$	(860,157	)	$	1,577,229
	Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	200,465		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	200,465
	Accrued payroll and benefits		—			22,567			5,776			—			—			28,343
	Accrued expenses		—			74,115			76,981			47			(548	)		150,595
	Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases		—			548			3,249			7,363			—			11,160
	Deferred income taxes		—			8,451			14,293			—			—			22,744
	Total current liabilities		—			306,146			100,299			7,410			(548	)		413,307
	Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities		—			597,857			43,291			212,201			—			853,349
	Other long-term liabilities		—			132,690			48,220			1,707			—			182,617
	Total liabilities		—			1,036,693			191,810			221,318			(548	)		1,449,273
	Shareholders' equity		127,956			127,146			707,848			24,615			(859,609	)		127,956
	Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	127,956		$	1,163,839		$	899,658		$	245,933		$	(860,157	)	$	1,577,229
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	2014
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,643,073		$	1,113,164		$	—		$	—		$	2,756,237
	Other income		—			39,507			27,152			—			—			66,659
			—			1,682,580			1,140,316			—			—			2,822,896
	Costs and expenses:
	Costs of merchandise sold		—			1,064,682			708,271			—			—			1,772,953
	Selling, general and administrative		—			560,886			378,674			(2,274	)		(30,250	)		907,036
	Gain on insurance recovery		—			—			(10,779	)		—			—			(10,779	)
	Depreciation and amortization		—			45,476			33,696			10,946			—			90,118
	Amortization of lease-related interests		—			2,117			2,425			—			—			4,542
	Impairment charges		—			1,655			837			—			—			2,492
	Income (loss) from operations		—			7,764			27,192			(8,672	)		30,250			56,534
	Other income (expense):
	Intercompany income		—			2,700			17,570			26,317			(46,587	)		—
	Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(5,355	)		45,059			—			—			(39,704	)		—
	Interest expense, net		—			(60,878	)		(3,360	)		(13,835	)		16,337			(61,736	)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		—			—			—			(153	)		—			(153	)
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(5,355	)		(5,355	)		41,402			3,657			(39,704	)		(5,355	)
	Income tax provision		1,619			1,619			901			—			(2,520	)		1,619
	Net (loss) income	$	(6,974	)	$	(6,974	)	$	40,501		$	3,657		$	(37,184	)	$	(6,974	)
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	2013
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,629,103		$	1,140,965		$	—		$	—		$	2,770,068
	Other income		—			36,999			26,993			—			—			63,992
			—			1,666,102			1,167,958			—			—			2,834,060
	Costs and expenses:
	Costs of merchandise sold		—			1,048,047			720,625			—			—			1,768,672
	Selling, general and administrative		—			549,064			380,885			120			(30,706	)		899,363
	Depreciation and amortization		—			41,849			33,018			11,005			—			85,872
	Amortization of lease-related interests		—			1,775			2,768			—			—			4,543
	Impairment charges		—			2,268			3,962			—			—			6,230
	Income (loss) from operations		—			23,099			26,700			(11,125	)		30,706			69,380
	Other income (expense):
	Intercompany income		—			2,656			19,660			26,821			(49,137	)		—
	Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(3,640	)		44,074			—			—			(40,434	)		—
	Interest expense, net		—			(69,036	)		(3,596	)		(14,386	)		18,431			(68,587	)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		—			(4,433	)		—			—			—			(4,433	)
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(3,640	)		(3,640	)		42,764			1,310			(40,434	)		(3,640	)
	Income tax (benefit) provision		(84	)		(84	)		919			—			(835	)		(84	)
	Net (loss) income	$	(3,556	)	$	(3,556	)	$	41,845		$	1,310		$	(39,599	)	$	(3,556	)
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	2012
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	1,697,211		$	1,222,200		$	—		$	—		$	2,919,411
	Other income		—			33,379			26,046			—			—			59,425
			—			1,730,590			1,248,246			—			—			2,978,836
	Costs and expenses:
	Costs of merchandise sold		—			1,095,635			778,255			—			—			1,873,890
	Selling, general and administrative		—			567,907			399,362			(3,458	)		(27,636	)		936,175
	Depreciation and amortization		—			42,168			35,024			11,084			—			88,276
	Amortization of lease-related interests		—			1,952			2,744			—			—			4,696
	Impairment charges		—			423			5,377			—			—			5,800
	Income (loss) from operations		—			22,505			27,484			(7,626	)		27,636			69,999
	Other income (expense):
	Intercompany rental and royalty income		—			—			120			27,516			(27,636	)		—
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries		(21,325	)		21,761			—			—			(436	)		—
Interest expense, net		—			(58,275	)		(9,377	)		(15,187	)		—			(82,839	)
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt		—			(7,316	)		—			(1,169	)		—			(8,485	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		(21,325	)		(21,325	)		18,227			3,534			(436	)		(21,325	)
Income tax provision		228			228			1,215			—			(1,443	)		228
Net (loss) income	$	(21,553	)	$	(21,553	)	$	17,012		$	3,534		$	1,007		$	(21,553	)
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	2014
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net (loss) income	$	(6,974	)	$	(6,974	)	$	40,501		$	3,657		$	(37,184	)	$	(6,974	)
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		(29,957	)		(29,957	)		—			—			29,957			(29,957	)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(36,931	)	$	(36,931	)	$	40,501		$	3,657		$	(7,227	)	$	(36,931	)
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	2013
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net (loss) income	$	(3,556	)	$	(3,556	)	$	41,845		$	1,310		$	(39,599	)	$	(3,556	)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		22,794			22,794			—			—			(22,794	)		22,794
	Comprehensive income	$	19,238		$	19,238		$	41,845		$	1,310		$	(62,393	)	$	19,238
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	2012
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net (loss) income	$	(21,553	)	$	(21,553	)	$	17,012		$	3,534		$	1,007		$	(21,553	)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
	Pension and postretirement benefit plans		1,114			1,114			—			—			(1,114	)		1,114
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(20,439	)	$	(20,439	)	$	17,012		$	3,534		$	(107	)	$	(20,439	)
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	2014
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	5,893		$	25,364		$	16,986		$	9,665		$	(11,279	)	$	46,629
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures		—			(77,042	)		(13,665	)		—			—			(90,707	)
	Intercompany investing activity		(22	)		(785	)		—			—			807			—
	Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			46			303			5,000			—			5,349
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(22	)		(77,781	)		(13,362	)		5,000			807			(85,358	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(716,768	)		(3,249	)		(8,149	)		—			(728,166	)
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			770,259			—			—			—			770,259
	Intercompany financing activity		—			(3,956	)		—			(6,516	)		10,472			—
	Deferred financing costs paid		—			(69	)		—			—			—			(69	)
	Cash dividends paid		(3,956	)		—			—			—			—			(3,956	)
	Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes		(1,937	)		—			—			—			—			(1,937	)
	Proceeds from stock options exercised		22			—			—			—			—			22
	Increase in book overdraft balances		—			4,271			—			—			—			4,271
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(5,871	)		53,737			(3,249	)		(14,665	)		10,472			40,424
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		—			1,320			375			—			—			1,695
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			2,889			4,168									7,058
												—			—
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	4,209		$	4,543		$	—		$	—		$	8,753
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	2013
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	5,086		$	92,921		$	19,304		$	11,898		$	(9,142	)	$	120,067
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures		—			(60,458	)		(16,878	)		—			—			(77,336	)
	Intercompany investing activity		(595	)		(567	)		—			—			1,162			—
	Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			1,332			3			—			—			1,335
	Net cash used in investing activities		(595	)		(59,693	)		(16,875	)		—			1,162			(76,001	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(1,257,776	)		(2,772	)		(6,870	)		—			(1,267,418	)
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			1,229,418			—			—			—			1,229,418
	Intercompany financing activity		—			(2,952	)		—			(5,028	)		7,980			—
	Deferred financing costs paid		—			(11,133	)		—			—			—			(11,133	)
	Cash dividends paid		(2,952	)		—			—			—			—			(2,952	)
	Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes		(2,134	)		—			—			—			—			(2,134	)
	Proceeds from stock options exercised		595			—			—			—			—			595
	Increase in book overdraft balances		—			8,690			—			—			—			8,690
	Net cash used in financing activities		(4,491	)		(33,753	)		(2,772	)		(11,898	)		7,980			(44,934	)
	Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		—			(525	)		(343	)		—			—			(868	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			3,414			4,511									7,926
												—			—
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	2,889		$	4,168		$	—		$	—		$	7,058
	The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	2012
		Parent			Issuer			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	6,515		$	52,848		$	15,907		$	7,959		$	(9,959	)	$	73,270
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures		—			(55,835	)		(17,935	)		—			—			(73,770	)
	Intercompany investing activity		(538	)		(1,867	)		—			—			2,405			—
	Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment		—			31			3			8,234			—			8,268
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(538	)		(57,671	)		(17,932	)		8,234			2,405			(65,502	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(717,119	)		(3,040	)		(13,494	)		—			(733,653	)
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			750,401			—			—			—			750,401
Intercompany financing activity		—			(4,855	)		—			(2,699	)		7,554			—
Debt exchange costs paid		—			(6,992	)		—			—			—			(6,992	)
Deferred financing costs paid		—			(1,135	)		—			—			—			(1,135	)
Cash dividends paid		(4,855	)		—			—			—			—			(4,855	)
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes		(1,660	)		—			—			—			—			(1,660	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		538			—			—			—			—			538
Decrease in book overdraft balances		—			(16,758	)		—			—			—			(16,758	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(5,977	)		3,542			(3,040	)		(16,193	)		7,554			(14,114	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		—			(1,281	)		(5,065	)		—			—			(6,346	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1			4,695			9,576									14,272
											—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1		$	3,414		$	4,511		$	—		$	—		$	7,926

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_Details

NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
	store
	item
	state
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Number of stores	270
Number of furniture galleries	9
Number of clearance centers	4
Number of states in which the entity operates	26
Length of reporting period	364 days	364 days	371 days

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
	segment
Basis of Presentation
Number of operating segments	2
Number of reportable segments	1
Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories that were valued using FIFO cost basis (as a percent)	32.00%	33.00%
Merchandise inventories that were valued using LIFO cost basis (as a percent)	68.00%	67.00%
Inventory value in excess of FIFO Inventory	$6,837	$6,837
Lifo reserve	53,118	42,578
Cumulative inventory increases generated by computation of LIFO inventory	$59,955	$49,415
Property, fixtures and equipment : depreciation and amortization
Period after which interest will be capitalized	1 month
Buildings | Minimum
Property, fixtures and equipment : depreciation and amortization
Estimated useful life	20 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, fixtures and equipment : depreciation and amortization
Estimated useful life	40 years
Leasehold Improvements | Minimum
Property, fixtures and equipment : depreciation and amortization
Estimated useful life	2 years
Leasehold Improvements | Maximum
Property, fixtures and equipment : depreciation and amortization
Estimated useful life	15 years
Fixtures and equipment | Minimum
Property, fixtures and equipment : depreciation and amortization
Estimated useful life	3 years
Fixtures and equipment | Maximum
Property, fixtures and equipment : depreciation and amortization
Estimated useful life	10 years

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except 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
Deferred Financing Fees
Unamortized deferred financing fees	$14,502				$17,397				$14,502	$17,397
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales	942,590	642,735	563,452	607,460	914,863	651,161	557,140	646,904	2,756,237	2,770,068	2,919,411
Other Income
Signing bonus recorded as deferred income											50,000
Deferred income amortization period											7 years
Advertising
Advertising expenses, net of vender allowances									135,626	128,266	129,349
Prepaid advertising costs	8,016				8,264				8,016	8,264
Gift and Merchandise Cards
Period after which likelihood of redemption is remote									60 months
Income from card breakage									2,103	2,400	2,551
Basic Loss Per Common Share
Net loss	71,738	-11,008	-36,192	-31,512	61,339	-931	-37,329	-26,635	-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Net loss available to common shareholders									-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Weighted average common shares outstanding									19,417,681	19,101,742	18,528,169
Basic loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$3.56	($0.57)	($1.86)	($1.63)	$3.06	($0.05)	($1.95)	($1.41)	($0.36)	($0.19)	($1.16)
Diluted Loss Per Common Share
Net loss	71,738	-11,008	-36,192	-31,512	61,339	-931	-37,329	-26,635	-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Net loss available to common shareholders									-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Weighted average common shares outstanding									19,417,681	19,101,742	18,528,169
Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution									19,417,681	19,101,742	18,528,169
Diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$3.55	($0.57)	($1.86)	($1.63)	$3.04	($0.05)	($1.95)	($1.41)	($0.36)	($0.19)	($1.16)
Womens Apparel
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									678,526	686,276	708,411
Home
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									471,259	459,152	505,452
Cosmetics
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									377,442	391,306	418,609
Men's Apparel
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									325,333	330,411	339,283
Accessories
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									273,057	274,902	285,144
Footwear
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									263,516	266,523	273,671
Children's Apparel
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									186,907	185,248	196,673
Intimate Apparel
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									106,792	108,292	114,863
Young Contemporary Apparel
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									69,402	58,410	67,090
Other
Net sales and revenue recognition
Net sales									$4,003	$9,548	$10,215

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive securities
Antidilutive securities excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	702,188	914,941	1,314,491
Stock Options
Antidilutive securities
Antidilutive securities excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	212,750	363,298	841,224
Securities that would have a dilutive effect if the entity reported income (in shares)	86,872	142,068	128,452

PROPERTY_FIXTURES_AND_EQUIPMEN2

PROPERTY, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Property, fixtures and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment, gross	$1,552,490	$1,505,115	$1,552,490	$1,505,115
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-910,494	-865,111	-910,494	-865,111
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	641,996	640,004	641,996	640,004
Asset impairment charges	1,945	5,510	2,392	5,962	5,050
Land and improvements
Property, fixtures and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment, gross	120,740	118,423	120,740	118,423
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property, fixtures and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment, gross	720,275	714,395	720,275	714,395
Furniture and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment, gross	650,928	610,155	650,928	610,155
Buildings and equipment under capital leases
Property, fixtures and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment, gross	60,547	62,142	60,547	62,142
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-29,572	-27,358	-29,572	-27,358
Property, fixtures and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment
Depreciation			$88,489	$84,113	$86,386

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Details

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
		Asset
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Total gross amount	$104,105	$114,271
Total accumulated amortization	-64,451	-62,068
Net intangible assets subject to amortization	39,654	52,203
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization	50,497	50,597
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total	90,151	102,800
Trade names
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization	40,200	40,300
Impairment disclosures
Impairment charges related to intangible asset not subject to amortization	100
Number of indefinite-lived intangible assets impaired	1
Private label brand names
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization	10,297	10,297
Impairment disclosures
Impairment charges related to intangible asset not subject to amortization		54	750
Number of indefinite-lived intangible assets impaired		1	3
Lease related interests
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Total gross amount	81,179	91,345
Total accumulated amortization	-46,309	-45,555
Amortization
Amortization expenses	4,542	4,543	4,696
Anticipated amortization expenses
2015	4,245
2016	4,030
2017	3,941
2018	3,630
2019	3,240
Impairment disclosures
Impairment charges related to definite-lived intangible assets		214
Number of definite-lived intangible assets impaired		1
Lease related interests | Weighted-average
Amortization
Remaining lives for amortization purposes	9 years
Customer lists and relationships
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Total gross amount	22,926	22,926
Total accumulated amortization	-18,142	-16,513
Amortization
Remaining lives for amortization purposes	4 years
Amortization expenses	1,629	1,759	1,890
Anticipated amortization expenses
2015	1,500
2016	1,370
2017	1,262
2018	$652

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total Estimated Fair Value
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	$798,750	$806,019
Total Estimated Fair Value | Second lien senior secured notes
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	345,700	398,972
Total Estimated Fair Value | Mortgage facilities
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	214,132	222,168
Total Estimated Fair Value | Senior secured credit facility
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	238,918	184,879
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	345,700	398,972
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Second lien senior secured notes
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	345,700	398,972
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	453,050	407,047
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Mortgage facilities
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	214,132	222,168
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Senior secured credit facility
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	238,918	184,879
Carrying Value
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	857,751	811,735
Carrying Value | Second lien senior secured notes
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	407,292	407,292
Carrying Value | Mortgage facilities
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	211,541	219,564
Carrying Value | Senior secured credit facility
Fair value measurements
Long-term debt	$238,918	$184,879

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Fair value measurements
Impairment charges related to property, fixtures and equipment	($1,945)	($5,510)	($2,392)	($5,962)	($5,050)
Impairment charges related to intangible assets	-100	-268
Nonrecurring basis
Fair value measurements
Impairment charges related to property, fixtures and equipment			-2,392	-5,962
Impairment charges related to intangible assets			-100	-268
Impairment charges related to intangible asset not subject to amortization			100	54
Impairment charges related to intangible asset subject to amortization				214
Nonrecurring basis | Total Estimated Fair Value | Assets impaired in current year
Fair value measurements
Property, fixtures and equipment	3,910	8,218	3,910	8,218
Intangible assets	10,300	766	10,300	766
Intangible assets not subject to amortization		766		766
Intangible assets subject to amortization	10,300	0	10,300	0
Nonrecurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Assets impaired in current year
Fair value measurements
Property, fixtures and equipment	3,910	8,218	3,910	8,218
Intangible assets	10,300	766	10,300	766
Nonrecurring basis | Carrying Value | Assets impaired in current year
Fair value measurements
Property, fixtures and equipment	6,302	14,180	6,302	14,180
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	10,400	820	10,400	820
Intangible assets subject to amortization		$214		$214

SUPPLEMENTAL_BALANCE_SHEET_INF2

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other receivables	$59,734	$39,569
Prepaid expenses	33,660	36,716
Total	93,394	76,285
Accrued expenses
Customer liabilities	45,962	45,431
Taxes	35,058	30,942
Other	77,002	74,222
Total	158,022	150,595
Other long-term liabilities
Deferred landlord allowances	73,417	71,235
Deferred proprietary credit card program signing bonus	24,853	31,977
Other	95,638	79,405
Total	$193,908	$182,617

SUPPLEMENTAL_CASH_FLOW_INFORMA2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Cash paid for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$58,807	$76,734	$76,303
Income taxes, net of refunds received	-3	611	-767
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Property, fixtures and equipment included in accrued expenses	8,232	6,446	5,836
Declared dividends to shareholders included in accrued expenses	$991	$983

EXIT_OR_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITIES_De

EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Changes in exit or disposal activities
Accrued balance at the beginning of the period	$420	$741	$612
Provisions	2,552	1,388	7,818
Payments	-1,693	-1,709	-7,689
Accrued balance at the end of the period	1,279	420	741
Restructuring plan related to stores closed in 2014
Exit or disposal activities
Number of stores closed	3
Restructuring plan related to stores closed in 2013
Exit or disposal activities
Number of stores closed		5
Restructuring plan related to stores closed in 2012
Exit or disposal activities
Number of stores closed			4
Associate termination costs
Changes in exit or disposal activities
Provisions	2,370	241	7,395
Payments	-1,324	-750	-7,266
Associate termination costs | Restructuring plan related to consolidation of eCommerce fulfillment activities
Changes in exit or disposal activities
Provisions	273
Associate termination costs | Restructuring plan related to expense efficiency initiative
Changes in exit or disposal activities
Provisions	1,634
Associate termination costs | Restructuring plan that enacted reductions in administrative and support functions in 2012
Changes in exit or disposal activities
Provisions			7,556
Other closing costs
Changes in exit or disposal activities
Provisions	182	1,147	423
Payments	($369)	($959)	($423)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
	Part
401(k) salary reduction and employer contribution plan
Eligibility age to receive company contributions under defined contribution plan	18 years
Eligibility service period to receive company contributions under defined contribution plan	1 year
Eligibility working hours to receive company contributions under defined contribution plan	1000 hours
Number of parts in company matching contributions	2
Maximum percentage of annual compensation for employee contributions	50.00%
Eligibility service period for employees to begin non-matching contributions to defined contribution plan	3 months
Employee contribution as a percentage of pay on their automatic enrollment	3.00%
Maximum company matching contributions as a percentage of eligible employees' compensation	6.00%
Vesting period of company matching contributions under defined contribution plan	3 years
Eligibility working hours to receive a company retirement contributions under defined contribution plan	1000 hours
Vesting period for retirement contribution under defined contribution plan	3 years
Expense under the defined contribution plan	$1,571	$1,546	$3,925
Non-qualified defined benefit supplementary pension plan
Pension and postretirement benefit plans
Vesting percentage in the plan benefits of former employees after achieving a specific age	100.00%
Age of employee to receive benefits under unfunded plan upon retirement	60 years
Minimum age of participant to receive benefits upon retirement under unfunded plan as a result of an acquisition	65 years
Pension Benefits
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	198,360	219,135
Interest cost	7,990	7,993	8,468
Benefits paid	-17,997	-15,520
Actuarial loss (gain)	32,184	-13,248
Benefit obligation at end of year	220,537	198,360	219,135
Change in the fair value of plan assets:
Plan assets at beginning of year	147,994	137,577
Actual return on plan assets	8,882	12,707
Company contributions	12,945	13,230
Benefits paid	-17,997	-15,520
Plan assets at end of year	151,824	147,994	137,577
Funded status
Funded status	-68,713	-50,366
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Accrued expenses	-701	-808
Other long-term liabilities	-68,012	-49,558
Net amount recognized	-68,713	-50,366
Net actuarial loss (gain):
Gross amount recognized	77,073	47,586
Deferred tax expense	5,346	5,346
Net amount recognized	82,419	52,932
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	2,322	3,493
Interest cost	89	122	142
Participant contributions	82	100
Benefits paid	-272	-329
Actuarial loss (gain)	-49	-1,064
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,172	2,322	3,493
Change in the fair value of plan assets:
Company contributions	190	229
Participant contributions	82	100
Benefits paid	-272	-329
Funded status
Funded status	-2,172	-2,322
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Accrued expenses	-355	-411
Other long-term liabilities	-1,817	-1,911
Net amount recognized	-2,172	-2,322
Net actuarial loss (gain):
Gross amount recognized	-2,289	-2,759
Deferred tax expense	275	275
Net amount recognized	($2,014)	($2,484)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details1

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Employee benefit plans
Accumulated benefit obligation	$220,537	$198,360
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI before taxes:
Actuarial net loss (gain)	33,212	-18,077	5,270
Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain	-3,255	-6,203	-6,384
Pension Benefits
Net periodic benefit expense (income):
Interest cost	7,990	7,993	8,468
Expected return on plan assets	-9,959	-8,942	-8,628
Recognition of net actuarial loss (gain)	3,774	6,566	6,758
Net periodic benefit expense (income)	1,805	5,617	6,598
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI before taxes:
Actuarial net loss (gain)	33,261	-17,013	5,374
Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain	-3,774	-6,566	-6,758
Total recognized in OCI before taxes	29,487	-23,579	-1,384
Total recognized in net periodic cost and OCI before taxes	31,292	-17,962	5,214
Estimated amount that will be amortized from AOCI to net periodic cost
Net actuarial loss (gain)	6,792
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
Net periodic benefit expense (income):
Interest cost	89	122	142
Recognition of net actuarial loss (gain)	-519	-363	-374
Net periodic benefit expense (income)	-430	-241	-232
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI before taxes:
Actuarial net loss (gain)	-49	-1,064	-104
Recognition of net actuarial (loss) gain	519	363	374
Total recognized in OCI before taxes	470	-701	270
Total recognized in net periodic cost and OCI before taxes	40	-942	38
Estimated amount that will be amortized from AOCI to net periodic cost
Net actuarial loss (gain)	($426)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Pension Benefits
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.20%	4.20%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit expense (income)
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.20%	3.80%	4.10%
Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent)	6.80%	6.60%	7.20%
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.20%	4.20%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit expense (income)
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.20%	3.80%	4.10%
Assumed health care cost trend rates
Assumed annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits for 2015 (as a percent)	6.50%
Ultimate trend rate as of 2018 (as a percent)	5.00%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
Employee benefit plans
Effect of one-percentage point increase on total service and interest cost components	4
Effect of one-percentage point decrease on total service and interest cost components	-3
Effect of one-percentage point increase on postretirement benefit obligation	96
Effect of one-percentage point decrease on postretirement benefit obligation	-85
Pension Benefits | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee benefit plans
Weighted average allocation (as a percent)	2.00%	1.00%
Pension Benefits | Equity securities
Employee benefit plans
Target allocation (as a percent)	49.00%
Weighted average allocation (as a percent)	47.00%	57.00%
Pension Benefits | Debt Securities
Employee benefit plans
Target allocation (as a percent)	41.00%
Weighted average allocation (as a percent)	41.00%	32.00%
Pension Benefits | Hedge funds
Employee benefit plans
Target allocation (as a percent)	10.00%
Weighted average allocation (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details4

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 5) (Pension Benefits, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	151,824	147,994	$137,577
Pooled funds
Employee benefit plans
Advance notification period for redemption of investments	10 days	10 days
Multi-strategy hedge funds | Minimum
Employee benefit plans
Advance notification period for redemption of investments	60 days	60 days
Multi-strategy hedge funds | Maximum
Employee benefit plans
Advance notification period for redemption of investments	91 days	91 days
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	32,476	36,623
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	11	66
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Equity securities | U.S. large-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	9,472	8,097
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Equity securities | U.S. small-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	3,365	4,082
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Equity securities | Real estate investment trust companies
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	446	537
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Mutual funds | Fixed income
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	5,059	23,841
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Mutual funds | International emerging economies fixed income
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	5,394
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Mutual funds | Floating rate debt securities
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	3,888
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Mutual funds | Real estate investment trust companies
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	4,841
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	119,348	111,371
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	3,358	2,193
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Pooled funds | U.S. large-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	19,933	39,444
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Pooled funds | U.S. small-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	1,323	2,593
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Pooled funds | International small-cap equity
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	4,321
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Pooled funds | International developed economies equity
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	19,002	24,933
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Pooled funds | International emerging economies equity
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	8,785	3,907
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Pooled funds | Fixed income
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	47,576	24,219
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Multi-strategy hedge funds
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	15,050	14,082
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets			738
Total Estimated Fair Value
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	151,824	147,994
Total Estimated Fair Value | Cash and cash equivalents
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	3,369	2,259
Total Estimated Fair Value | Equity securities | U.S. large-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	9,472	8,097
Total Estimated Fair Value | Equity securities | U.S. small-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	3,365	4,082
Total Estimated Fair Value | Equity securities | Real estate investment trust companies
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	446	537
Total Estimated Fair Value | Mutual funds | Fixed income
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	5,059	23,841
Total Estimated Fair Value | Mutual funds | International emerging economies fixed income
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	5,394
Total Estimated Fair Value | Mutual funds | Floating rate debt securities
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	3,888
Total Estimated Fair Value | Mutual funds | Real estate investment trust companies
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	4,841
Total Estimated Fair Value | Pooled funds | U.S. large-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	19,933	39,444
Total Estimated Fair Value | Pooled funds | U.S. small-cap
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	1,323	2,593
Total Estimated Fair Value | Pooled funds | International small-cap equity
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	4,321
Total Estimated Fair Value | Pooled funds | International developed economies equity
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	19,002	24,933
Total Estimated Fair Value | Pooled funds | International emerging economies equity
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	8,785	3,907
Total Estimated Fair Value | Pooled funds | Fixed income
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	47,576	24,219
Total Estimated Fair Value | Multi-strategy hedge funds
Employee benefit plans
Fair value of plan assets	15,050	14,082

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details5

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 6) (Pension Benefits, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 02, 2013
Changes in fair value of plan assets
Plan assets at beginning of year		$151,824	$137,577
Plan assets at end of year	147,994	151,824	137,577
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value of plan assets
Plan assets at beginning of year	738
Gain on plan assets relating to assets still held at the reporting date	23
Transfers into (out of) level 3, net	($761)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details6

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits
Expected contributions
Expected company contributions in 2015	$6,677
Expected plan benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for year:
2015	15,859
2016	15,233
2017	14,634
2018	14,188
2019	13,580
2020-2024	62,598
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
Expected contributions
Expected company contributions in 2015	355
Expected plan benefit payments (net of expected participant contributions) for year:
2015	355
2016	315
2017	278
2018	242
2019	209
2020-2024	$670

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Long-term debt
Total debt	$857,751	$811,735
Less: current maturities	-6,788	-7,363
Long-term debt	850,963	804,372
Senior secured credit facility
Long-term debt
Total debt	238,918	184,879
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	2.56%
10.625% Second lien senior secured notes - mature on July 15, 2017
Long-term debt
Total debt	57,292	57,292
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	10.63%
8.00% Second lien senior secured notes - mature on June 15, 2021
Long-term debt
Total debt	350,000	350,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	8.00%
6.21 % Mortgage loan facility secured by land and buildings
Long-term debt
Total debt	211,541	218,492
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.21%
9.62% Mortgage notes payable secured by land and buildings
Long-term debt
Total debt		$1,072
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	9.62%

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_2

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 12, 2013	Oct. 25, 2012	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt			$857,751	$811,735
Senior secured credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			675,000
Unamortized deferred financing fees recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt	136	202
Maximum amount of second lien senior secured notes excluded from calculation of springing maturity date	60,000
Maximum borrowing capacity upon requests			900,000
Calculation of minimum excess availability, percentage			10.00%
Calculation of minimum excess availability, threshold amount			50,000
Long-term debt			238,918	184,879
Remaining borrowing capacity			382,855
Senior secured credit facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual dividend restriction amount			10,000
Total dividend restriction amount during the term of the agreement			30,000
Senior secured credit facility | Federal Funds Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)			0.50%
Senior secured credit facility | One month LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)			1.00%
Senior secured credit facility | Letters of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			150,000
Letter-of-credit commitments, amount			4,564
Senior secured credit facility | Swing line loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$75,000

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_3

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 3) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 22, 2013	Jun. 04, 2012	Jun. 27, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014	28-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	13-May-13
10.25% Senior notes due 2014
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)				10.25%
Consent received from holders of principal amount for exchange		$330,017
Amount of debt repurchase	65,000				30,059
Unamortized deferred financing fees recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt	360
10.625% Second lien senior secured notes - mature on July 15, 2017
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)						10.63%
Principal amount of debt issued		329,998
Exchange fees		7,114
Amount of debt repurchase			85,000		187,706
Unamortized deferred financing fees recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt			3,937
10.625% Second lien senior secured notes - mature on July 15, 2017 | Maximum
Long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt for which the entity commenced tender offers							223,000
8.00% Second lien senior secured notes - mature on June 15, 2021
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)						8.00%
Principal amount of debt issued					$350,000

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_4

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 03, 2014	Apr. 02, 2012	17-May-96	Mar. 06, 2006
	Center		store	store
	store
6.21 % Mortgage loan facility secured by land and buildings
Long-term debt
Principal amount of debt issued					$260,000
Term of debt instrument	10 years
Number of retail stores which were mortgaged	23
Number of distribution centers which are mortgaged	1
Amortization period	25 years
9.62% Mortgage notes payable secured by land and buildings
Long-term debt
Term of debt instrument				20 years
Number of retail stores which were mortgaged				3
Number of Rochester stores sold			2
Amount of outstanding indebtedness paid		1,072	5,374
Early termination fee		127	1,026
Unamortized deferred financing fees recognized in loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt		$26	$143

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_5

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 5) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt maturities
2015	$6,788
2016	204,753
2017	57,292
2018	238,918
2020 and thereafter	350,000
Total Debt	$857,751	$811,735

INTEREST_COSTS_Details

INTEREST COSTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Interest Costs
Interest costs incurred, including amortization of deferred financing fees	$62,029	$68,823	$83,122
Interest income	-4	-8	-53
Capitalized interest, net	-289	-228	-230
Interest expense, net	$61,736	$68,587	$82,839

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Capital Leases
2015	$7,500
2016	7,500
2017	8,125
2018	7,500
2019	7,500
2020 and thereafter	29,375
Total net minimum rentals	67,500
Less: Amount representing interest	-18,523
Present value of net minimum lease payments, of which $3,961 is due within one year	48,977
Present value of net minimum lease payments due within one year	3,961	3,797
Operating Leases
2015	91,157
2016	86,803
2017	81,308
2018	76,101
2019	69,571
2020 and thereafter	280,878
Less: Sublease income	-425
Total net minimum rentals	685,393
Operating leases:
Totals	88,375	88,750	90,173
Buildings
Operating leases:
Rental expense	82,148	82,429	82,954
Contingent rentals	4,912	4,960	5,771
Fixtures and equipment
Operating leases:
Totals	1,315	1,361	1,448
Related party commitment
Operating Leases
2015	224
2016	224
2017	224
2018	224
2019	224
2020 and thereafter	335
Operating leases:
Totals	$224	$224	$224
Minimum
Operating leases
Renewal options period for leased properties	1 year
Maximum
Operating leases
Renewal options period for leased properties	50 years

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 29, 2014
Gain on Insurance Recovery
Merchandise inventories	$734,956	$734,956	$709,733
Gain on insurance recovery	10,779	10,779
Store fire, North Riverside, Illinois
Gain on Insurance Recovery
Merchandise inventories				5,980
Gain on insurance recovery	$10,779	$10,779

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Shareholders' equity
Dividends to shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Stock
Shareholders' equity
Number of votes per share	1
Dividends to shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Total dividends (in dollars)	$3,374	$3,345	$3,304
Class A Common Stock
Shareholders' equity
Number of votes per share	10
Dividends to shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Total dividends (in dollars)	$590	$590	$590

COMPREHENSIVE_LOSS_INCOME_Deta

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Before-tax amount of pension and postretirement benefit plans
Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	$3,255	$6,203	$6,384
Actuarial net gain (loss)	-33,212	18,077	-5,270
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-29,957	24,280	1,114
Tax expense of pension and postretirement benefit plans
Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss		-393
Actuarial net gain (loss)		-1,093
Other comprehensive (loss) income		-1,486
Net-of-tax amount of pension and postretirement benefit plans
Reclassification adjustments for prior net actuarial loss	3,255	5,810	6,384
Actuarial net gain (loss)	-33,212	16,984	-5,270
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-29,957	22,794	1,114
Tax expense of other comprehensive income (loss)
Tax expense		$1,486

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jun. 17, 2008
Share-based compensation
Compensation cost (in dollars)	$2,502	$3,586	$4,454
Income tax benefit or expense for share-based award compensation (in dollars)	0	0	0
Cash received from exercised awards (in dollars)	22	595	538
Tax deduction benefit for share-based compensation
Actual tax deduction benefits from exercised stock options and vested restricted shares (in dollars)	$1,965	$2,456	$2,115
Stock Options
Share-based compensation
Contractual term	7 years
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Stock Options | Minimum
Share-based compensation
Vesting period	1 year
Stock Options | Maximum
Share-based compensation
Vesting period	4 years
Restricted Shares | Minimum
Share-based compensation
Vesting period	1 year
Restricted Shares | Maximum
Share-based compensation
Vesting period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based compensation
Vesting period	1 year
Omnibus Incentive Plan 2009
Share-based compensation
Shares authorized	4,500,000
Additional shares authorized	209,812
Shares available for grant	2,003,824
Stock Incentive and Performance Based Award Plan 2000
Share-based compensation
Shares authorized				3,600,000
Shares available for grant	0

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail1

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2) (Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Stock Options
Shares Under Option
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	280,900
Exercised (in shares)	-4,500
Expired (in shares)	-79,950
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	196,450	280,900
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	196,450
Weighted Average Per-Share Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$18.36
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$4.96
Expired (in dollars per share)	$51.51
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$5.17	$18.36
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$5.17
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the end of the period	1 month 28 days
Exercisable at the end of the period	1 month 28 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	$86
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars)	86
Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in dollars)	26	1,095	695
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options (in dollars)	$0

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail2

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 3) (Restricted Stock Units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Additional disclosure
Unrecognized compensation cost (in dollars)	$220
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	4 months 17 days
Fair value of awards vested (in dollars)	$242	$1,980	$219
Unvested (in shares)	55,199	23,769
Unvested units, Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$10.01	$18.89
Unvested awards forfeited (in shares)	0
Performance and Service Required
Number of shares
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Service Required
Number of shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	347,888
Granted (in shares)	55,199
Settled (in shares)	-57,643
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	345,444	347,888
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$8.49
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.01	$18.89	$5.29
Settled (in dollars per share)	$9.02
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$8.64	$8.49

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail3

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 4) (Restricted Shares, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Additional disclosure
Unrecognized compensation cost (in dollars)	$2,821
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	1 year 8 months 27 days
Fair value of awards vested (in dollars)	$4,627	$6,211	$4,291
Performance and Service Required
Number of shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	480,000
Granted (in shares)	327,500
Forfeited (in shares)	-605,000
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	202,500
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$12.01
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.02
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$11.44
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$10.51
Service Required
Number of shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	807,500
Granted (in shares)	419,000
Vested (in shares)	-444,500
Forfeited (in shares)	-158,750
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	623,250	807,500
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$10.09
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.06	$12.93	$6
Vested (in dollars per share)	$9.97
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$12.22
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$9.61	$10.09
Performance and Service, excluding vesting contingent on achievement of positive shareholder return
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.31	$13.31	$7.75
Performance and Service, vesting contingent on achievement of positive shareholder return
Number of shares
Granted (in shares)			0
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$7.39	$9.34

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Current:
Federal			($39)
State	-99	-332	-1,133
Total current	-99	-332	-1,172
Deferred:
Federal	1,360	191	1,164
State	358	57	236
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	1,718	248	1,400
Income tax provision (benefit)	1,619	-84	228
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses	56,571	49,598
General business tax credits	5,969	4,742
Alternative minimum tax credits	5,529	5,529
Defined benefit pension obligations	25,445	18,097
Accrued expenses	7,572	6,629
Inventories	812	3,284
Equity compensation	2,255	4,055
Rent amortization	38,618	38,114
Capital leases	18,995	20,438
Deferred revenue	18,102	21,081
Other	9,518	9,680
Gross deferred tax assets	189,386	181,247
Less: Valuation allowance	-161,856	-144,908
Net deferred tax assets	27,530	36,339
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, fixtures and equipment	-23,127	-31,391
Tradenames	-8,697	-6,980
Other	-4,403	-4,947
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	-36,227	-43,318
Net deferred tax liabilities	($8,697)	($6,979)
Prior period over which the entity makes an assessment of cumulative income or loss	3 years

INCOME_TAXES_Details_2

INCOME TAXES (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Tax carry-forwards
Carry-forwards for general business tax credits	$5,969	$4,742
Carry-forwards for alternative minimum tax credits	5,529	5,529
Alternative minimum tax credit carry-forwards that were acquired by the Company in connection with an acquisition	2,064	2,064
Income tax benefit	-1,619	84	-228
Non-cash income tax benefit from continuing operations		1,486
Domestic Tax Authority
Tax carry-forwards
Operating loss carry-forwards	104,176
State and Local Jurisdiction
Tax carry-forwards
Operating loss carry-forwards	$348,177

INCOME_TAXES_Details_3

INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Reconciliation of tax (benefit) expense to tax at statutory federal income rate
Tax benefit at statutory rate	($1,874)	($1,274)	($7,464)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	-1,865	-59	-1,667
Valuation allowance changes, net	4,684	1,728	7,443
Tax benefit resulting from OCI allocation		-1,486
Tax credits	-534	-553	-408
Nondeductible expenses	1,031	1,550	2,000
Changes in state deferred tax rate	178	11	324
Other, net	-1	-1
Income tax provision (benefit)	1,619	-84	228
Reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits
Balance at beginning of year	9,162	9,339	9,961
Increases related to prior year tax positions			59
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	-19
Settlements with taxing authorities			-467
Lapse of statute	-79	-177	-214
Balance at end of year	9,064	9,162	9,339
Gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	0	78
Income tax provision to reflect additional interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	6	17	117
Reduction of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits			1,374
Reduction of accrued interest resulting from lapses of statutes	26	63	144
Reduction of accrued interest resulting from settlement			1,230
Accruals for interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	$0	$20

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_UNAUDITED_De

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (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
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Net sales	$942,590	$642,735	$563,452	$607,460	$914,863	$651,161	$557,140	$646,904	$2,756,237	$2,770,068	$2,919,411
Costs of merchandise sold	613,107	409,484	357,252	393,110	583,144	412,932	351,008	421,588	1,772,953	1,768,672	1,873,890
Selling, general and administrative	248,009	220,901	215,807	222,319	247,810	215,204	211,253	225,096	907,036	899,363	936,175
(Loss) income from operations	87,547	4,925	-20,298	-15,640	76,108	15,850	-15,461	-7,117	56,534	69,380	69,999
Net (loss) income	71,738	-11,008	-36,192	-31,512	61,339	-931	-37,329	-26,635	-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Basic loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$3.56	($0.57)	($1.86)	($1.63)	$3.06	($0.05)	($1.95)	($1.41)	($0.36)	($0.19)	($1.16)
Diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$3.55	($0.57)	($1.86)	($1.63)	$3.04	($0.05)	($1.95)	($1.41)	($0.36)	($0.19)	($1.16)
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt							3,917		153	4,433	8,485
Impairment charges related to certain store properties	1,945				5,510				2,392	5,962	5,050
Impairment charges related to certain intangible assets	100				268
Gain on insurance recovery	$10,779								$10,779

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB2

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,753	$7,058	$7,926	$14,272
Merchandise inventories	734,956	709,733
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,394	76,285
Total current assets	837,103	793,076
Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net	641,996	640,004
Deferred income taxes	15,781	15,765
Intangible assets, net	90,151	102,800
Other long-term assets	23,483	25,584
Total assets	1,608,514	1,577,229
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	208,882	200,465
Accrued payroll and benefits	28,848	28,343
Accrued expenses	158,022	150,595
Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases	10,749	11,160
Deferred income taxes	24,478	22,744
Total current liabilities	430,979	413,307
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities	895,979	853,349
Other long-term liabilities	193,908	182,617
Total liabilities	1,520,866	1,449,273
Total shareholders' equity	87,648	127,956	110,606	131,607
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,608,514	1,577,229
Consolidation, Eliminations
Current assets:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-434	-548
Total current assets	-434	-548
Investment in and advances to affiliates	-848,185	-859,609
Total assets	-848,619	-860,157
Current liabilities:
Accrued expenses	-434	-548
Total current liabilities	-434	-548
Total liabilities	-434	-548
Total shareholders' equity	-848,185	-859,609
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	-848,619	-860,157
Parent Company | Reportable Legal Entities
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1	1	1	1
Total current assets	1	1
Investment in and advances to affiliates	87,647	127,955
Total assets	87,648	127,956
Current liabilities:
Total shareholders' equity	87,648	127,956
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	87,648	127,956
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable Legal Entities
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	4,209	2,889	3,414	4,695
Merchandise inventories	483,270	454,718
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	74,956	67,670
Total current assets	562,435	525,277
Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net	268,224	232,869
Deferred income taxes	4,889	4,076
Intangible assets, net	24,618	33,260
Investment in and advances to affiliates	324,668	344,188
Other long-term assets	22,685	24,169
Total assets	1,207,519	1,163,839
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	208,882	200,465
Accrued payroll and benefits	23,637	22,567
Accrued expenses	76,599	74,115
Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases	460	548
Deferred income taxes	10,081	8,451
Total current liabilities	319,659	306,146
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities	651,436	597,857
Other long-term liabilities	150,152	132,690
Total liabilities	1,121,247	1,036,693
Total shareholders' equity	86,272	127,146
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,207,519	1,163,839
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	4,543	4,168	4,511	9,576
Merchandise inventories	251,686	255,015
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,906	4,437
Total current assets	271,135	263,620
Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net	146,793	166,720
Deferred income taxes	10,892	11,689
Intangible assets, net	65,533	69,540
Investment in and advances to affiliates	435,870	387,556
Other long-term assets	391	533
Total assets	930,614	899,658
Current liabilities:
Accrued payroll and benefits	5,211	5,776
Accrued expenses	81,857	76,981
Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases	3,501	3,249
Deferred income taxes	14,397	14,293
Total current liabilities	104,966	100,299
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities	39,790	43,291
Other long-term liabilities	41,921	48,220
Total liabilities	186,677	191,810
Total shareholders' equity	743,937	707,848
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	930,614	899,658
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Current assets:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,966	4,726
Total current assets	3,966	4,726
Property, fixtures and equipment at cost, net	226,979	240,415
Investment in and advances to affiliates		-90
Other long-term assets	407	882
Total assets	231,352	245,933
Current liabilities:
Accrued expenses		47
Current maturities of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases	6,788	7,363
Total current liabilities	6,788	7,410
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, less current maturities	204,753	212,201
Other long-term liabilities	1,835	1,707
Total liabilities	213,376	221,318
Total shareholders' equity	17,976	24,615
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$231,352	$245,933

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB3

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Details 2) (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
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Net sales	$942,590	$642,735	$563,452	$607,460	$914,863	$651,161	$557,140	$646,904	$2,756,237	$2,770,068	$2,919,411
Other income									66,659	63,992	59,425
Total									2,822,896	2,834,060	2,978,836
Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold	613,107	409,484	357,252	393,110	583,144	412,932	351,008	421,588	1,772,953	1,768,672	1,873,890
Selling, general and administrative	248,009	220,901	215,807	222,319	247,810	215,204	211,253	225,096	907,036	899,363	936,175
Gain on insurance recovery	-10,779								-10,779
Depreciation and amortization									90,118	85,872	88,276
Amortization of lease-related interests									4,542	4,543	4,696
Impairment charges									2,492	6,230	5,800
Income from operations	87,547	4,925	-20,298	-15,640	76,108	15,850	-15,461	-7,117	56,534	69,380	69,999
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									-61,736	-68,587	-82,839
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt							-3,917		-153	-4,433	-8,485
Loss before income taxes									-5,355	-3,640	-21,325
Income tax (benefit) provision									1,619	-84	228
Net loss	71,738	-11,008	-36,192	-31,512	61,339	-931	-37,329	-26,635	-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Consolidation, Eliminations
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									-30,250	-30,706	-27,636
Income from operations									30,250	30,706	27,636
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income									-46,587	-49,137
Intercompany rental and royalty income											-27,636
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries									-39,704	-40,434	-436
Interest expense, net									16,337	18,431
Loss before income taxes									-39,704	-40,434	-436
Income tax (benefit) provision									-2,520	-835	-1,443
Net loss									-37,184	-39,599	1,007
Parent Company | Reportable Legal Entities
Other income (expense):
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries									-5,355	-3,640	-21,325
Loss before income taxes									-5,355	-3,640	-21,325
Income tax (benefit) provision									1,619	-84	228
Net loss									-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Net sales									1,643,073	1,629,103	1,697,211
Other income									39,507	36,999	33,379
Total									1,682,580	1,666,102	1,730,590
Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold									1,064,682	1,048,047	1,095,635
Selling, general and administrative									560,886	549,064	567,907
Depreciation and amortization									45,476	41,849	42,168
Amortization of lease-related interests									2,117	1,775	1,952
Impairment charges									1,655	2,268	423
Income from operations									7,764	23,099	22,505
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income									2,700	2,656
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries									45,059	44,074	21,761
Interest expense, net									-60,878	-69,036	-58,275
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt										-4,433	-7,316
Loss before income taxes									-5,355	-3,640	-21,325
Income tax (benefit) provision									1,619	-84	228
Net loss									-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Net sales									1,113,164	1,140,965	1,222,200
Other income									27,152	26,993	26,046
Total									1,140,316	1,167,958	1,248,246
Costs and expenses:
Costs of merchandise sold									708,271	720,625	778,255
Selling, general and administrative									378,674	380,885	399,362
Gain on insurance recovery									-10,779
Depreciation and amortization									33,696	33,018	35,024
Amortization of lease-related interests									2,425	2,768	2,744
Impairment charges									837	3,962	5,377
Income from operations									27,192	26,700	27,484
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income									17,570	19,660
Intercompany rental and royalty income											120
Interest expense, net									-3,360	-3,596	-9,377
Loss before income taxes									41,402	42,764	18,227
Income tax (benefit) provision									901	919	1,215
Net loss									40,501	41,845	17,012
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									-2,274	120	-3,458
Depreciation and amortization									10,946	11,005	11,084
Income from operations									-8,672	-11,125	-7,626
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income									26,317	26,821
Intercompany rental and royalty income											27,516
Interest expense, net									-13,835	-14,386	-15,187
Loss on exchange/extinguishment of debt									-153		-1,169
Loss before income taxes									3,657	1,310	3,534
Net loss									$3,657	$1,310	$3,534

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB4

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Details 3) (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
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income	$71,738	($11,008)	($36,192)	($31,512)	$61,339	($931)	($37,329)	($26,635)	($6,974)	($3,556)	($21,553)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans									-29,957	22,794	1,114
Comprehensive (loss) income									-36,931	19,238	-20,439
Consolidation, Eliminations
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income									-37,184	-39,599	1,007
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans									29,957	-22,794	-1,114
Comprehensive (loss) income									-7,227	-62,393	-107
Parent Company | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income									-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans									-29,957	22,794	1,114
Comprehensive (loss) income									-36,931	19,238	-20,439
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income									-6,974	-3,556	-21,553
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefit plans									-29,957	22,794	1,114
Comprehensive (loss) income									-36,931	19,238	-20,439
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income									40,501	41,845	17,012
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Comprehensive (loss) income									40,501	41,845	17,012
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income									3,657	1,310	3,534
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Comprehensive (loss) income									$3,657	$1,310	$3,534

GUARANTOR_AND_NONGUARANTOR_SUB5

GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	$46,629	$120,067	$73,270
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-90,707	-77,336	-73,770
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment	5,349	1,335	8,268
Net cash used in investing activities	-85,358	-76,001	-65,502
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-728,166	-1,267,418	-733,653
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	770,259	1,229,418	750,401
Debt exchange costs paid			-6,992
Deferred financing costs paid	-69	-11,133	-1,135
Cash dividends paid	-3,956	-2,952	-4,855
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes	-1,937	-2,134	-1,660
Proceeds from stock options exercised	22	595	538
Increase (decrease) in book overdraft balances	4,271	8,690	-16,758
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	40,424	-44,934	-14,114
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,695	-868	-6,346
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,058	7,926	14,272
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	8,753	7,058	7,926
Consolidation, Eliminations
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	-11,279	-9,142	-9,959
Cash flows from investing activities:
Intercompany investing activity	807	1,162	2,405
Net cash used in investing activities	807	1,162	2,405
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	10,472	7,980	7,554
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	10,472	7,980	7,554
Parent Company | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,893	5,086	6,515
Cash flows from investing activities:
Intercompany investing activity	-22	-595	-538
Net cash used in investing activities	-22	-595	-538
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	-3,956	-2,952	-4,855
Restricted shares forfeited in lieu of payroll taxes	-1,937	-2,134	-1,660
Proceeds from stock options exercised	22	595	538
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-5,871	-4,491	-5,977
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1	1	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1	1	1
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	25,364	92,921	52,848
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-77,042	-60,458	-55,835
Intercompany investing activity	-785	-567	-1,867
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment	46	1,332	31
Net cash used in investing activities	-77,781	-59,693	-57,671
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-716,768	-1,257,776	-717,119
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	770,259	1,229,418	750,401
Intercompany financing activity	-3,956	-2,952	-4,855
Debt exchange costs paid			-6,992
Deferred financing costs paid	-69	-11,133	-1,135
Increase (decrease) in book overdraft balances	4,271	8,690	-16,758
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	53,737	-33,753	3,542
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,320	-525	-1,281
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,889	3,414	4,695
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,209	2,889	3,414
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	16,986	19,304	15,907
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-13,665	-16,878	-17,935
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment	303	3	3
Net cash used in investing activities	-13,362	-16,875	-17,932
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-3,249	-2,772	-3,040
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-3,249	-2,772	-3,040
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	375	-343	-5,065
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,168	4,511	9,576
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,543	4,168	4,511
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,665	11,898	7,959
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, fixtures and equipment	5,000		8,234
Net cash used in investing activities	5,000		8,234
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-8,149	-6,870	-13,494
Intercompany financing activity	-6,516	-5,028	-2,699
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	($14,665)	($11,898)	($16,193)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Mar. 13, 2015
Subsequent Event
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Common Stock
Subsequent Event
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Class A Common Stock
Subsequent Event
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Subsequent Event | Common Stock
Subsequent Event
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)				$0.05
Subsequent Event | Class A Common Stock
Subsequent Event
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)				$0.05

Schedule_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

Schedule II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Allowance for Sales Returns
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	$16,884	$18,248	$18,493
Charged to Costs & Expenses	1,314
Deductions		-1,364	-245
Balance at End of Period	18,198	16,884	18,248
Accrual for Purchase Order Violations Reserve
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	746	929	777
Charged to Costs & Expenses	1,221	1,914	2,155
Deductions	-1,351	-2,097	-2,003
Balance at End of Period	$616	$746	$929