v2.4.0.6

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share (Tables) | 6 Months Ended
--- | ---
Jul. 28, 2012
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share Disclosure [Abstract] |
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share | The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter and first half of 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 26 Weeks Ended
| July 28, 2012 |  | July 30, 2011 |  | July 28, 2012 |  | July 30, 2011
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income attributed to Staples, Inc. | $ | 120,429 |  |  | $ | 176,438 |  |  | $ | 307,488 |  |  | $ | 374,683 |
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding | 672,862 |  |  | 698,917 |  |  | 676,554 |  |  | 702,618 |
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee stock options, restricted shares and performance shares | 6,262 |  |  | 9,754 |  |  | 7,727 |  |  | 10,419 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution | 679,124 |  |  | 708,671 |  |  | 684,281 |  |  | 713,037 |
Basic earnings per common share | $ | 0.18 |  |  | $ | 0.25 |  |  | $ | 0.45 |  |  | $ | 0.53 |
Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.18 |  |  | $ | 0.25 |  |  | $ | 0.45 |  |  | $ | 0.53 |

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

X
- Definition This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | spls_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | spls_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration