v2.3.0.11

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share (Tables) | 6 Months Ended
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Jul. 30, 2011
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share Disclosure [Abstract] |
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share |
| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended
| July 30, 2011 |  | July 31, 2010 |  | July 30, 2011 |  | July 31, 2010
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income attributed to Staples, Inc. | $ | 176,438 |  |  | $ | 129,756 |  |  | $ | 374,683 |  |  | $ | 318,526 |
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding | 698,917 |  |  | 719,486 |  |  | 702,618 |  |  | 719,140 |
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee stock options, Restricted Shares and Performance Shares | 9,754 |  |  | 10,249 |  |  | 10,419 |  |  | 11,802 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution | 708,671 |  |  | 729,735 |  |  | 713,037 |  |  | 730,942 |
Basic earnings per common share | $ | 0.25 |  |  | $ | 0.18 |  |  | $ | 0.53 |  |  | $ | 0.44 |
Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.25 |  |  | $ | 0.18 |  |  | $ | 0.53 |  |  | $ | 0.44 |

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- Definition This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. + Details
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