v2.4.0.6
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Oct. 27, 2012
Oct. 29, 2011
Oct. 27, 2012
Oct. 29, 2011
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share Disclosure [Abstract]        
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities 59,293,000.000 42,015,000.000 59,137,000.000 32,864,000.000
Numerator:        
(Loss) income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent $ (568,693) $ 323,770 $ (250,678) $ 704,558
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit (27,559) 2,610 (38,084) (3,495)
Net (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. $ (596,252) $ 326,380 $ (288,762) $ 701,063
Denominator:        
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) 666,989,000 691,205,000 673,366,000 698,813,000
Effect of dilutive securities:        
Employee stock options, Restricted Shares and performance shares (in shares) 0 6,804,000 0 9,215,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (in shares) 666,989,000 698,009,000 673,366,000 708,028,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic        
Continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. Basic Earnings per Share $ (0.85) $ 0.47 $ (0.37) $ 1.01
Discontinued operations attributed to Staples, Inc. Basic Earnings per Share $ (0.04) $ 0.00 $ (0.06) $ (0.01)
Net (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ (0.89) $ 0.47 $ (0.43) $ 1.00
Earnings Per Share, Diluted        
Continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. Diluted Earnings per Share $ (0.85) $ 0.46 $ (0.37) $ 1.00
Discontinued operations attributed to Staples, Inc. Diluted Earnings per Share $ (0.04) $ 0.01 $ (0.06) $ (0.01)
Net (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share) $ (0.89) $ 0.47 $ (0.43) $ 0.99