The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

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- Definition

Estimated period over which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the equity-based payment award, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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- Definition

The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

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- Definition

The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Exercise price as a percentage of closing price on the day prior to the grant date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum term of grants of option awards.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	wsm_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The highest quantity of shares that a recipient can be granted under the plan on an annual basis.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	wsm_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
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Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 04, 2014	May 05, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 12,368	$ 8,991
Minimum \| Non-Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards granted to employees, years	1 year
Equity Award Programs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares under the Plan	25,760,000
Shares available for future grant	3,659,000
Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards annual grant limit	1,000,000
Maximum term of grants of option awards, years	7 years
Option Awards \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price as a percentage of closing price on the day prior to the grant date	100.00%
Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards annual grant limit	400,000
Service Based Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards granted to employees, years	4 years
Performance Based Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards granted to employees, years	3 years
Service Based Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards granted to employees, years	4 years
Performance Based Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards granted to employees, years	3 years