v2.3.0.15

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended								3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2011 AUD	Aug. 31, 2011 AUD	Jul. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Short Term Debt October 2012 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2011 Short Term Debt October 2012 Notes [Member] USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2011 May 2011 Australian Intercompany Loan [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 May 2011 Australian Intercompany Loan [Member]	Oct. 29, 2011 August 2011 Australian Intercompany Loan [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 October 2011 Canadian Intercompany Loan - CAD to USD [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 October 2011 Canadian Intercompany Loan - CAD to USD [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 October 2011 Canadian Intercompany Loan - CAD to USD [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 October 2011 Canadian Intercompany Loan - CAD to EUR [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 October 2011 Canadian Intercompany Loan - CAD to EUR [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 October 2011 Canadian Intercompany Loan - CAD to EUR [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Interest Rate Swap, October 2012 Notes USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Interest Rate Swap, October 2012 Notes	Oct. 29, 2011 Interest Rate Swap, Corporate Express Credit Facilities	Oct. 29, 2011 Interest rate swap, January 2014 Notes USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Interest rate swap, January 2014 Notes USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Foreign Currency Swap, October 2012 [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Foreign Currency Swap, October 2012 [Member] CAD	Jan. 29, 2011 Foreign Currency Swap, October 2012 [Member] USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2007 Foreign Currency Swap, October 2012 [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Foreign Currency Swaps USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2010 Foreign Currency Swaps USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2011 Foreign Currency Swaps USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2010 Foreign Currency Swaps USD ($)
Derivatives:
Market Value of Restricted Stock Vesting		$ 70,100,000	$ 85,000,000
Derivative notional amount, fair value hedge	325,000,000	325,000,000				325,000,000																750,000,000	750,000,000
Derivative, type of interest paid on swap																				variable	weighed average fixed interest rate		variable
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income	300,000
Derivative notional amount, net investment hedge																											300,000,000
Derivative, amount to be received upon maturity																								300,000,000
Derivative, amount to be paid upon maturity																									316,200,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate percentage to be received (as a percent)																								5.28%	5.28%
Derivative, fixed interest rate percentage to be paid (as a percent)																								5.17%	5.17%
Net investment hedge derivative, at fair value																								16,300,000		11,000,000
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value	4,500,000
Loss on derivative used in net investment hedge, net of tax																												10,900,000	(1,600,000)	(2,700,000)	(6,000,000)
Debt and credit agreements
Debt instrument stated percentage (as a percent)									7.375%		6.65%	6.65%	1.80%	1.80%		1.32%	1.32%
Outstanding debt
Total long-term debt	1,987,247,000	1,987,247,000					2,557,390,000	335,474,000	325,000,000
Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge																			12,400,000			30,300,000
Investment Foreign Currency, Contract, Amount Purchased				76,400,000	76,400,000										112,100,000			77,300,000
Deferred Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge													(6,900,000)	(6,900,000)		(1,200,000)	(1,200,000)
Intercompany Loans										75,000,000		75,000,000	118,300,000			79,500,000
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net													0	0		0	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Income	$ 900,000

X

- Definition

When the derivative or group of derivatives presented is a swap, the type of interest rate (fixed, variable, stepped, etc.) paid on the swap.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 12

+ Details

Name:	invest_DerivativeTypeOfInterestRatePaidOnSwap
Namespace Prefix:	invest
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The amount of a currency that the reporting entity is obligated to purchase at settlement.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 12

+ Details

Name:	invest_InvestmentForeignCurrencyContractAmountPurchased
Namespace Prefix:	invest
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The amount to be paid upon maturity of the derivative agreement and the basis for the amount of interest payments the entity will be obligated to pay.

+ Details

Name:	spls_DerivativeAmountToBePaidUponMaturity
Namespace Prefix:	spls
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The amount entitled to be received upon maturity of the derivative agreement and the basis for the amount of interest payments the entity will receive.

+ Details

Name:	spls_DerivativeAmountToBeReceivedUponMaturity
Namespace Prefix:	spls
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Fixed interest rate related to the derivative contract, at which interest will be paid.

+ Details

Name:	spls_DerivativeFixedInterestRatePayment
Namespace Prefix:	spls
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Fixed interest rate related to the derivative contract, at which interest will be received.

+ Details

Name:	spls_DerivativeFixedInterestRateReceipt
Namespace Prefix:	spls
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Loan in which both the lender and the borrower are business units within Staples, Inc.

+ Details

Name:	spls_IntercompanyLoans
Namespace Prefix:	spls
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Represents the sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt and capital lease obligations, which includes both the current and the noncurrent portions.

+ Details

Name:	spls_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	spls
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Market Value of Restricted Stock Vesting During the Period

+ Details

Name:	spls_MarketValueOfRestrictedStockVesting
Namespace Prefix:	spls
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount as of the balance sheet date of the unamortized adjustment to the carrying value of an interest-bearing hedged item made under an effective fair value hedge that is amortized upon discontinuation of the fair value hedge.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 24

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 25

-Section 35

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6439857&loc=d3e75592-113984

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfFairValueHedge
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The amount of cash received during the period on settlement of a hedge.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeCashReceivedOnHedge
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentDetailAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The amount of gain recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 205G

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (a),(c),(d),(e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959



Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44C

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainRecognizedInIncome
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The amount of loss recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 205G

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (a),(c),(d),(e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959



Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44C

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInIncome
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings during the reporting period representing the amount of the fair value of the hedges' ineffectiveness.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph a(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 25

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnFairValueHedgeIneffectivenessNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) from the increase (decrease) in fair value of foreign currency derivatives and nonderivative instruments designated as fair value hedging instruments which were recognized in earnings, net of offsets by the gain (loss) on the hedged item to the extent that the fair value hedge was determined to be effective.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph a(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnForeignCurrencyFairValueHedgeDerivatives
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Net fair value of all derivatives designated as hedges of net investment in foreign operations.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FIN39-1

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945355&loc=d3e41228-113958



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44C

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgeDerivativesAtFairValueNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Aggregate notional amount of all derivatives designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The notional amount relates to a number of currency units, shares, bushels, pounds, or other units specified in a derivative instrument.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1B

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Notional Amount

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfDerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedAsNetInvestmentHedges
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Aggregate notional amount of all derivatives designated as a fair value hedging instrument. The notional amount relates to a number of currency units, shares, bushels, pounds, or other units specified in a derivative instrument.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Notional Amount

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfFairValueHedgeInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Current period adjustment in other comprehensive income reflecting gains or losses on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity, net of tax effect.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4C

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44C

-Subparagraph b(2)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 52

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeIncreaseDecreaseNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration