Investments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Apr. 28, 2012
Jan. 28, 2012
Apr. 28, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Apr. 28, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Apr. 28, 2012
Auction-rate securities [Member]
Jan. 28, 2012
Auction Rate Securities and Preferred Stock [Member]
Apr. 28, 2012
AAA/Aaa-rated [Member]
Auction-rate securities [Member]
Apr. 28, 2012
AA/Aa-rated [Member]
Auction-rate securities [Member]
Apr. 28, 2012
A-rated [Member]
Auction-rate securities [Member]
Apr. 28, 2012
Below A-rated [Member]
Auction-rate securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]                    
Securities by credit rating             16.00% 57.00% 16.00% 11.00%
Available-for-sale securities classified as current           $ 25        
Available-for-sale securities classified as noncurrent 14,138 14,141       14,141        
Long-term investment, held-to-maturity securities 15,814 17,263                
Accumulated comprehensive income (loss), cumulative unrealized losses on available for sale securities, net of tax (701) (699)                
Dutch auction, reset interval     7 days 49 days            
Proceeds from sales at par value         $ 25