Income Taxes (Reconcilation of the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2012
Jan. 29, 2011
Jan. 30, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Federal income tax at statutory rate (35.00%) 35.00% 35.00%
State and local income tax, less federal income tax benefit (1.80%) 2.10% 4.70%
Tax effect of dividends on ESOP shares (1.90%) (0.80%) (1.20%)
Non-deductible management transition costs 11.30%    
Wage credits (5.20%) (1.10%) (1.00%)
Other permanent differences and credits (1.00%) (0.30%) 0.70%
Effective tax rate for continuing operations (33.60%) 34.90% 38.20%