v2.4.0.6
Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Jul. 28, 2012
Jul. 30, 2011
Jul. 31, 2010
Retirement Savings Plan (401 (k))
     
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer matching contribution of the first 5% employee contribution 50.00%    
Employer vesting period requirement 3 years    
Expenses related to contributions and administration of plans $ 3.1 $ 2.7 $ 2.3
Retirement Savings Plan (401 (k)) | Charming Shoppes Acquisition
     
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Liability relating to Charming Shoppes defined contribution plan 0.3    
Defined contribution plan, termination month and year 2013-07    
Executive Retirement Plan
     
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer matching contribution of the first 5% employee contribution 100.00%    
Vesting period requirement for employer contribution 5    
Employer matching contribution 2.2 2.1 1.0
Obligations under the ERP Plan, market appreciation and depreciation expense 1.4 5.4 2.3
Obligations under the ERP Plan 49.6 42.3  
Executive Retirement Plan | Charming Shoppes Acquisition
     
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined contribution plan, termination month and year 2013-07    
Liability relating to Charming Shoppes defined contribution plan $ 9.2    
Executive Retirement Plan | Maximum
     
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employee contribution of base salary and bonus 95.00%    
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
     
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employee share purchase during each quarterly offering period, discount 10.00%