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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Lease Acquisition Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jan. 28, 2012 year | Jan. 29, 2011
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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Abstract] |  |
Lease Acquisition Cost Amortization Period Using Straight Line Method Low End of the Range | 5 |
Lease Acquisition Cost Amortization Period Using Straight Line Method High End of the Range | 40 |
Deferred Costs, Leasing, Net, Noncurrent | $ 20.0 | $ 22.6

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- Definition Represents the high end of the range of the amortization period of the lease acquisition costs, using the straight line method. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | spls_LeaseAcquisitionCostAmortizationPeriodUsingStraightLineMethodHighEndOfRange
Namespace Prefix: | spls_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the low end of the range of the amortization period of the lease acquisition costs, using the straight line method. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | spls_LeaseAcquisitionCostAmortizationPeriodUsingStraightLineMethodLowEndOfRange
Namespace Prefix: | spls_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | spls_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | spls_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition This element represents costs incurred by the lessor that are (a) costs to originate a lease incurred in transactions with independent third parties that (i) result directly from and are essential to acquire that lease and (ii) would not have been incurred had that leasing transaction not occurred and (b) certain costs directly related to specified activities performed by the lessor for that lease. Those activities are: evaluating the prospective lessee's financial condition; evaluating and recording guarantees, collateral, and other security arrangements; negotiating lease terms; preparing and processing lease documents; and closing the transaction. The costs represented by this element are those costs not expected to be recognized in (amortized to) earnings within one year from the date of the statement of financial position or operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 17 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6748888&loc=d3e40246-112709 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 13 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph m -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 13 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph c -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 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCostsLeasingNetNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant