v2.4.0.6
Guarantor Subsidiaries (Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 6 Months Ended
Jul. 28, 2012
Jul. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 256,780 $ 302,164
Investing Activities:    
Acquisition of property and equipment (126,220) (164,149)
Cash used in investing activities (126,220) (164,149)
Proceeds from issuance of Commercial Paper, net of repayments 49,998 254,926
Financing Activities:    
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 24,259 31,559
Proceeds from borrowings 47,243 118,174
Payments on borrowings (75,083) (698,631)
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest (4,649) 0
Cash dividends paid (148,545) (140,643)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements 179 942
Purchase of treasury stock, net (271,993) (365,203)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (378,591) (798,876)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (31,452) 22,728
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (279,483) (638,133)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,264,149 1,461,257
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 984,666 823,124
Staples, Inc. (Parent Co.)
    
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash provided by operating activities 56,770 460,425
Investing Activities:    
Acquisition of property and equipment (17,208) (16,962)
Cash used in investing activities (17,208) (16,962)
Proceeds from issuance of Commercial Paper, net of repayments 49,998 254,926
Financing Activities:    
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 24,259 31,559
Proceeds from borrowings 13,267 21,544
Payments on borrowings (13,245) (517,641)
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest 0  
Cash dividends paid (148,545) (140,643)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements 44 571
Purchase of treasury stock, net (271,993) (365,203)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (346,215) (714,887)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0 0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (306,653) (271,424)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 385,279 406,821
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 78,626 135,397
Guarantor Subsidiaries
    
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash provided by operating activities 103,197 87,077
Investing Activities:    
Acquisition of property and equipment (69,648) (78,979)
Cash used in investing activities (69,648) (78,979)
Proceeds from issuance of Commercial Paper, net of repayments 0 0
Financing Activities:    
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 0 0
Proceeds from borrowings 0 0
Payments on borrowings 0 0
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest 0  
Cash dividends paid 0 0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements 82 324
Purchase of treasury stock, net 0 0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities 82 324
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0 0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 33,631 8,422
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 43,323 38,298
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 76,954 46,720
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
    
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash provided by operating activities 96,813 (245,338)
Investing Activities:    
Acquisition of property and equipment (39,364) (68,208)
Cash used in investing activities (39,364) (68,208)
Proceeds from issuance of Commercial Paper, net of repayments 0 0
Financing Activities:    
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 0 0
Proceeds from borrowings 33,976 96,630
Payments on borrowings (61,838) (180,990)
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest (4,649)  
Cash dividends paid 0 0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements 53 47
Purchase of treasury stock, net 0 0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (32,458) (84,313)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (31,452) 22,728
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (6,461) (375,131)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 835,547 1,016,138
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 829,086 $ 641,007