v2.4.0.6

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share (Tables) | 9 Months Ended
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Oct. 27, 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 third quarter and year-to-date 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
| 13 Weeks Ended |  | 39 Weeks Ended
| October 27, 2012 |  | October 29, 2011 |  | October 27, 2012 |  | October 29, 2011
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Loss) income from continuing operations, attributed to Staples, Inc. | $ | (568,693 | ) |  | $ | 323,770 |  |  | $ | (250,678 | ) |  | $ | 704,558 |
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | (27,559 | ) |  | 2,610 |  |  | (38,084 | ) |  | (3,495 | )
(Loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. | (596,252 | ) |  | 326,380 |  |  | (288,762 | ) |  | 701,063 |
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding | 666,989 |  |  | 691,205 |  |  | 673,366 |  |  | 698,813 |
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee stock options, restricted shares and performance shares | — |  |  | 6,804 |  |  | — |  |  | 9,215 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution | 666,989 |  |  | 698,009 |  |  | 673,366 |  |  | 708,028 |
Basic Earnings Per Common Share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. | $ | (0.85 | ) |  | $ | 0.47 |  |  | $ | (0.37 | ) |  | $ | 1.01 |
Discontinued operations attributed to Staples, Inc. | (0.04 | ) |  | — |  |  | (0.06 | ) |  | (0.01 | )
Net (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. | $ | (0.89 | ) |  | $ | 0.47 |  |  | $ | (0.43 | ) |  | $ | 1.00 |
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. | $ | (0.85 | ) |  | $ | 0.46 |  |  | $ | (0.37 | ) |  | $ | 1.00 |
Discontinued operations attributed to Staples, Inc. | (0.04 | ) |  | 0.01 |  |  | (0.06 | ) |  | (0.01 | )
Net (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. | $ | (0.89 | ) |  | $ | 0.47 |  |  | $ | (0.43 | ) |  | $ | 0.99 |

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