v2.4.0.6
Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 28, 2012
Apr. 30, 2011
Changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income attributable to Staples, Inc. and its noncontrolling interests    
Balance at the beginning of the period $ 7,022,213 $ 6,951,181
Net income 187,013 197,682
Other Comprehensive Income 21,942 304,371
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised 4,501 4,836
Stock-based compensation 31,088 35,396
Purchase of NonControlling Interest Including Accrued and Unpaid Transition Costs (688)  
Cash dividends paid (74,749) (70,936)
Tax benefit on exercise of options 179 387
Purchase of treasury stock, net (95,925) (148,477)
Other (303) (401)
Balance at the end of the Period 7,095,271 7,274,039
Attributable to Staples, Inc.
    
Changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income attributable to Staples, Inc. and its noncontrolling interests    
Balance at the beginning of the period 7,015,151 6,943,710
Net income 187,059 198,245
Other Comprehensive Income 21,795 304,255
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised 4,501 4,836
Stock-based compensation 31,088 35,396
Purchase of NonControlling Interest Including Accrued and Unpaid Transition Costs (688)  
Cash dividends paid (74,749) (70,936)
Tax benefit on exercise of options 179 387
Purchase of treasury stock, net (95,925) (148,477)
Other (302) (401)
Balance at the end of the Period 7,088,109 7,267,015
Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    
Changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income attributable to Staples, Inc. and its noncontrolling interests    
Balance at the beginning of the period 7,062 7,471
Net income (46) (563)
Other Comprehensive Income 147 116
Issuance of common stock for stock options exercised 0 0
Stock-based compensation 0 0
Purchase of NonControlling Interest Including Accrued and Unpaid Transition Costs 0  
Cash dividends paid 0 0
Tax benefit on exercise of options 0 0
Purchase of treasury stock, net 0 0
Other (1) 0
Balance at the end of the Period $ 7,162 $ 7,024