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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TJX COMPANIES INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000109198
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 16,542,276,373
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	386,107,203

Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,220,295	$ 5,016,540
Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs	3,827,258	3,648,674
Selling, general and administrative expenses	954,474	821,363
Interest expense, net	8,917	10,202
Income before provision for income taxes	429,646	536,301
Provision for income taxes	163,695	204,867
Net income	$ 265,951	$ 331,434
Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$ 0.69	$ 0.81
Weighted average common shares - basic	387,978	408,053
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$ 0.67	$ 0.8
Weighted average common shares - diluted	394,004	414,400
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.19	$ 0.15

Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010	Jan. 29, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,377,146	$ 1,833,270	$ 1,741,751
Short-term investments	85,349	126,071	76,261
Accounts receivable, net	231,119	168,043	200,147
Merchandise inventories	3,014,809	2,615,079	2,765,464
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	227,066	240,415	249,832
Current deferred income taxes, net	72,932	122,539	66,072
Total current assets	5,008,421	5,105,417	5,099,527
Property at cost:
Land and buildings	337,049	282,296	320,633
Leasehold costs and improvements	2,214,031	1,953,608	2,112,151
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3,398,233	3,141,442	3,256,446
Total property at cost	5,949,313	5,377,346	5,689,230
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,384,840	3,122,971	3,239,429
Net property at cost	2,564,473	2,254,375	2,449,801
Property under capital lease, net of accumulated amortization of $22,149; $21,591 and $19,916, respectively	10,423	12,656	10,981
Other assets	221,085	202,161	231,518
Goodwill and tradename, net of amortization	180,068	179,901	179,936
TOTAL ASSETS	7,984,470	7,754,510	7,971,763
Current liabilities:
Obligation under capital lease due within one year	2,798	2,434	2,727
Accounts payable	1,786,417	1,684,956	1,683,929
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,216,546	1,079,451	1,347,951
Federal, foreign and state income taxes payable	96,094	247,794	98,514
Total current liabilities	3,101,855	3,014,635	3,133,121
Other long-term liabilities	716,329	688,123	709,321
Non-current deferred income taxes, net	256,076	222,836	241,905
Obligation under capital lease, less portion due within one year	12,397	15,194	13,117
Long-term debt, exclusive of current installments	$ 774,419	$ 774,344	$ 774,400
Commitments and contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares, par value $1, issued and outstanding386,107,203; 389,657,340 and 407,979,188, respectively	$ 386,107	$ 407,979	$ 389,657
Additional paid-in capital	0	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	(30,800)	(137,298)	(91,755)
Retained earnings	2,768,087	2,768,697	2,801,997
Total shareholders' equity	3,123,394	3,039,378	3,099,899
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 7,984,470	$ 7,754,510	$ 7,971,763

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011	May 01, 2010
ASSETS
Property under capital lease, accumulated amortization	$ 22,149	$ 21,591	$ 19,916
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, shares authorized	1,200,000,000	1,200,000,000	1,200,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares issued	386,107,203	389,657,340	407,979,188
Common stock, shares outstanding	386,107,203	389,657,340	407,979,188

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 265,951	$ 331,434
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,228	113,613
Loss on property disposals	985	1,788
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	(8,452)	18,159
Share-based Compensation	15,448	13,313
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation expense	(17,460)	(15,475)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable	(28,522)	(19,894)
(Increase) in merchandise inventories	(209,293)	(79,328)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,141	7,456
Increase in accounts payable	80,623	175,234
(Decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	(134,987)	(13,502)
Other	30,432	(5,382)
Net cash provided by operating activities	143,094	527,416
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property additions	(226,053)	(149,094)
Purchase of short-term investments	(27,498)	(29,192)
Sales and maturities of short-term investments	22,923	39,904
Proceeds from repayments on note receivable	244	227
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(230,384)	(138,155)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash payments for debt issuance expenses	(72)
Payments on capital lease obligation	(650)	(571)
Cash payments for repurchase of common stock	(338,324)	(230,222)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	79,987	88,090
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation expense	17,460	15,475
Cash dividends paid	(58,614)	(49,092)
Net cash (used in) financing activities	(300,213)	(176,320)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	22,898	5,722
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(364,605)	218,663
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,741,751	1,614,607
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,377,146	$ 1,833,270

Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($) shares
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,099,899
Comprehensive income:
Net income	265,951
Foreign currency translation adjustments	59,963
Recognition of prior service cost and deferred gains	992
Total comprehensive income	326,906
Cash dividends declared on common stock	(73,360)
Share-based compensation	15,488
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plan and related tax effect	92,825
Common stock repurchased	(338,324)
Ending Balance	3,123,394
Common Stock [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 389,657
Shares, Beginning Balance \| shares	389,657
Comprehensive income:
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plan and related tax effect	$ 3,192
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plan and related tax effect, shares \| shares	3,192
Common stock repurchased	$ (6,742)
Common stock repurchased, shares \| shares	(6,742)
Ending Balance	$ 386,107
Shares, Ending Balance \| shares	386,107
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 0
Comprehensive income:
Share-based compensation	15,448
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plan and related tax effect	89,633
Common stock repurchased	(105,081)
Ending Balance	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(91,755)
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	59,963
Recognition of prior service cost and deferred gains	992
Ending Balance	(30,800)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	2,801,997
Comprehensive income:
Net income	265,951
Cash dividends declared on common stock	(73,360)
Common stock repurchased	(226,501)
Ending Balance	$ 2,768,087

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Apr. 30, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation: The consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all normal recurring adjustments, the use of retail statistics, and accruals and deferrals among periods required to match costs properly with the related revenue or activity, considered necessary by The TJX Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “TJX”) for a fair presentation of its financial statements for the periods reported, all in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) consistently applied. The consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, contained in TJX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”). These interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year, because TJX’s business, in common with the businesses of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal influences, with higher levels of sales and income generally realized in the second half of the year. The January 29, 2011 condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Fiscal Year: During fiscal 2010, TJX amended its bylaws to change its fiscal year end to the Saturday nearest to the last day of January of each year. Previously, TJX’s fiscal year ended on the last Saturday of January. The fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 and the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) are each 52 week fiscal years. This change shifted the timing of TJX’s next 53-week fiscal year to the year ending February 2, 2013. Share-Based Compensation: Total share-based compensation expense was $15.5 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2011 and $13.3 million for the quarter ended May 1, 2010. These amounts include stock option expense as well as restricted and deferred stock amortization. There were options to purchase 3.1 million shares of common stock exercised during the quarter ended April 30, 2011, leaving options to purchase 21.7 million shares of common stock outstanding as of April 30, 2011. Cash and Cash Equivalents: TJX generally considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than three months but less than one year at the date of purchase are included in short-term investments. TJX’s investments are primarily high-grade commercial paper, institutional money market funds and time deposits with major banks. Merchandise Inventories: TJX accrues for inventory purchase obligations at the time of shipment by the vendor. As a result, merchandise inventories on TJX’s balance sheet include an accrual for in-transit inventory of $423.9 million at April 30, 2011, $445.7 million at January 29, 2011 and $354.5 million at May 1, 2010. Comparable amounts were reflected in accounts payable at those dates. New Accounting Standards: There were no new accounting standards issued during the first quarter ended April 30, 2011 that are expected to have a material impact on TJX’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Provision (credit) for Computer Intrusion related costs	3 Months Ended
Provision (credit) for Computer Intrusion related costs	Apr. 30, 2011
Provision (credit) for Computer Intrusion related costs [Abstract]
Provision (credit) for Computer Intrusion related costs	Note B. Provision (credit) for Computer Intrusion related costs TJX has a reserve for its estimate of the remaining probable losses arising from an unauthorized intrusion or intrusions (the intrusion or intrusions, collectively, the “Computer Intrusion”) into portions of its computer system, which was discovered late in fiscal 2007 and in which TJX believes customer data were stolen. The reserve balance was $17.2 million at April 30, 2011. As an estimate, the reserve is subject to uncertainty, actual costs may vary from the current estimate however such variations are not expected to be material.

Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations [Abstract]

Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations

Note C. Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations

Consolidation of A.J. Wright: On December 8, 2010, the Board of Directors approved the consolidation of the A.J. Wright division whereby TJX would convert 90 A.J. Wright stores into T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods stores and close the remaining 72 stores, A.J. Wright’s two distribution centers and its home office. The liquidation process commenced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and 20 stores had been closed as of January 29, 2011. The first quarter of fiscal 2012 includes a $49 million A.J. Wright segment loss which reflects the cost to close the remaining stores. The first quarter of fiscal 2012 also includes $20 million of costs to convert the 90 stores to other banners, with $17 million incurred by the Marmaxx segment and $3 million by the HomeGoods segment. The A.J. Wright consolidation was not classified as a discontinued operation due to TJX’s expectation that a significant portion of the sales of the A.J. Wright stores will migrate to other TJX stores.

Reserves Related to Former Operations: TJX has a reserve for its estimate of future obligations of business operations it has closed, sold or otherwise disposed of. The reserve activity is presented below:


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,			May 1,
In thousands	2011			2010
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,695		$	35,897
Additions (reductions) to the reserve charged to net income:

A.J. Wright closing costs		32,686			—
Interest accretion		215			369
Charges against the reserve:
Lease-related obligations		(4,882	)		(2,996	)
Termination benefits and all other		(8,928	)		(51	)

Balance at end of period	$	73,786		$	33,219

In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, TJX increased the reserve by $33 million for the estimated cost of closing the remaining A.J. Wright stores that were not converted to other banners. The reserve balance as of April 30, 2011 includes approximately $11 million for severance and termination benefits relating to the A.J. Wright consolidation. The lease-related obligations reflect our estimation of lease costs, net of estimated subtenant income, and the cost of probable claims against TJX for liability as an original lessee or guarantor of the leases of former businesses, after mitigation of the number and cost of these lease obligations. The actual net cost of the various lease obligations included in the reserve may differ from TJX’s estimate. TJX estimates that the majority of the former operations reserve will be paid in the next three to five years. The actual timing of cash outflows will vary depending on how the remaining lease obligations are actually settled.

TJX may also be contingently liable on up to 13 leases of BJ’s Wholesale Club, a former TJX business, and up to seven leases of Bob’s Stores, also a former TJX business, in addition to those included in the reserve. The reserve for discontinued operations does not reflect these leases because TJX believes that the likelihood of future liability to TJX is remote.

Other Comprehensive Income

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Other Comprehensive Income

Note D. Other Comprehensive Income

TJX’s comprehensive income information, net of related tax effects, is presented below:


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,		May 1,
In thousands	2011		2010
Net income	$	265,951	$	331,434
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments		59,963		(4,712	)
Recognition of prior service cost and deferred gains		992		1,538

Total comprehensive income	$	326,906	$	328,260

Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share

Note E. Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share

Capital Stock: During the quarter ended April 30, 2011, TJX repurchased and retired 7.1 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $361.1 million. TJX reflects stock repurchases in its financial statements on a “settlement” basis. TJX had cash expenditures under its repurchase programs of $338.3 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2011 and $230.2 million for the quarter ended May 1, 2010. These expenditures were funded primarily by cash generated from operations. In October 2010, TJX completed the $1 billion stock repurchase program authorized in September 2009 under which TJX repurchased 24.1 million shares of common stock. In February 2010, TJX’s Board of Directors approved another stock repurchase program that authorizes the repurchase of up to $1 billion of TJX common stock from time to time. Under this plan, on a “trade date” basis, TJX repurchased 16.1 million shares of common stock at a cost of $766.8 million and $233.2 million remained available under this plan at April 30, 2011. All shares repurchased under the stock repurchase programs have been retired.

In February 2011, TJX’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program that authorizes the repurchase of up to an additional $1 billion of TJX common stock from time to time.

TJX has five million shares of authorized but unissued preferred stock, $1 par value.

Earnings per share: The following schedule presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for net income:


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,		May 1,
In thousands, except per share data	2011		2010
Basic earnings per share
Net income	$	265,951	$	331,434
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS		387,978		408,053

Basic earnings per share — continuing operations	$	0.69	$	0.81

Diluted earnings per share
Net income	$	265,951	$	331,434

Shares for basic and diluted earnings per share calculations:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS		387,978		408,053
Assumed conversion/exercise/vesting of:
Stock options and awards		6,026		6,347

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS		394,004		414,400


Diluted earnings per share	$	0.67	$	0.80

The weighted average common shares for the diluted earnings per share calculation excludes the impact of any outstanding stock options for which the assumed proceeds per share are in excess of the related fiscal period’s average price of TJX’s common stock. Such options are excluded because they would have an antidilutive effect. No such options were excluded for the quarter ended April 30, 2011 or May 1, 2010.

Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

Note F. Financial Instruments

As a result of its operating and financing activities, TJX is exposed to market risks from changes in diesel fuel costs, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These market risks may adversely affect TJX’s operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, TJX seeks to minimize such risks through the use of derivative financial instruments. TJX does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, and does not use leveraged derivative financial instruments. TJX recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the statements of financial position and measures those instruments at fair value. The fair values of the derivatives are classified as assets or liabilities, current or non-current, based upon valuation results and settlement dates of the individual contracts. Changes to the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in earnings in the period of the change. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are either recorded in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income or are recognized currently in earnings, along with an offsetting adjustment against the basis of the item being hedged.

Diesel Fuel Contracts: During fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012, TJX entered into agreements to hedge a portion of the notional diesel fuel requirements for fiscal 2012 expected to be consumed by independent freight carriers transporting the Company’s inventory. TJX has hedged approximately 18% of these expected notional diesel fuel requirements for fiscal 2012 with agreements that settle throughout fiscal 2012. Independent freight carriers transporting the Company’s inventory charge TJX a mileage surcharge for diesel fuel price increases as incurred by the carrier. The hedge agreements are designed to mitigate the surcharges payable by TJX arising from volatility of diesel fuel pricing by setting a fixed price per gallon for the year for a portion of the requirements. TJX elected not to apply hedge accounting rules to these contracts.

Foreign Currency Contracts: TJX enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to obtain economic hedges on portions of merchandise purchases made and anticipated to be made by TJX Europe (operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and Poland), TJX Canada (Canada) and Marmaxx (U.S.) in currencies other than their functional currencies. The contracts outstanding at April 30, 2011 cover certain commitments and anticipated needs throughout fiscal 2012. TJX elected not to apply hedge accounting rules to these contracts.

TJX has also entered into derivative contracts, generally designated as fair value hedges, to hedge intercompany debt and intercompany interest payable. The changes in fair value of these contracts are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and are offset by marking the underlying item to fair value in the same period. Upon settlement, the realized gains and losses on these contracts are offset by the realized gains and losses of the underlying item in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Following is a summary of TJX’s derivative financial instruments, related fair value and balance sheet classification at April 30, 2011:


					Blended			Current		Current			Net Fair Value
					Contract		Balance Sheet	Asset		(Liability)			in US$ at
In thousands	Pay		Receive		Rate		Location	US$		US$			April 30, 2011

Hedge accounting not elected

Intercompany balances, primarily short-term debt							Prepaid Exp /
	£	70,000	C$	110,907		1.5844	(Accrued Exp)	$	471	$	(122	)	$	349
	€	25,000	£	21,265		0.8506	(Accrued Exp)		—		(1,367	)		(1,367	)
							Prepaid Exp /
	€	65,292	US$	86,985		1.3322	(Accrued Exp)		13		(9,042	)		(9,029	)
	US$	85,894	£	55,000		0.6403	Prepaid Exp		5,640		—			5,640

Diesel fuel contracts	Fixed on 5.7M gal		Float on 5.7M gal
	per month		per month			N/A	Prepaid Exp		2,008		—			2,008

Merchandise purchase commitments
	C$	407,470	US$	410,100		1.0065	(Accrued Exp)		—		(19,962	)		(19,962	)
	C$	7,821	€	5,800		0.7416	Prepaid Exp		308					308
	£	51,736	US$	83,500		1.6140	(Accrued Exp)		—		(2,876	)		(2,876	)
	£	5,827	€	7,000		1.2013	Prepaid Exp		620		—			620
	€	4,323	US$	5,950		1.3764	(Accrued Exp)		—		(446	)		(446	)
	€	2,359	£	2,000		0.8478	(Accrued Exp)		—		(152	)		(152	)
	US$	1,257	€	911		0.7247	Prepaid Exp		90		—			90

Total fair value of all financial instruments								$	9,150	$	(33,967	)	$	(24,817	)

Following is a summary of TJX’s derivative financial instruments, related fair value and balance sheet classification at May 1, 2010:


					Blended								Net Fair Value
					Contract		Balance Sheet	Current		Current			in US$ at
In thousands	Pay		Receive		Rate		Location	Asset US$		(Liability) US$			May 1, 2010

Hedge accounting not elected

Diesel fuel contracts	Fixed on 260K-		Float on 260K-
	520K gal per month		520K gal per month			N/A	Prepaid Exp	$	940	$	—		$	940

Merchandise purchase commitments							Prepaid Exp /
	C$	313,797	US$	307,012		0.9784	(Accrued Exp)		2,073		(3,149	)		(1,076	)
	C$	6,379	€	4,650		0.7290	(Accrued Exp)		—		(85	)		(85	)
							Prepaid Exp /
	£	86,258	US$	132,236		1.5330	(Accrued Exp)		641		(109	)		532
	£	81,848	€	92,868		1.1346	(Accrued Exp)		—		(1,496	)		(1,496	)
	US$	1,639	€	1,167		0.7133	(Accrued Exp)		—		(88	)		(88	)

Total fair value of all financial instruments								$	3,654	$	(4,927)		$	(1,273)

The impact of derivative financial instruments on the statements of income during the first three months of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 are as follows:


	Location of Gain (Loss)
	Recognized in Income by	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
	Derivative	in Income by Derivative
In thousands		April 30, 2011			May 1, 2010

Fair value hedges:

Intercompany balances, primarily short-term debt and related interest	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	(3,169	)	$	—

Hedge accounting not elected:

Diesel fuel contracts	Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs		1,262			1,382

Merchandise purchase commitments	Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs		(20,243	)		(6,826	)


Gain (loss) recognized in income		$	(22,150	)	$	(5,444	)

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Note G. Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table sets forth TJX’s financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:


	April 30,		January 29,		May 1,
In thousands	2011		2011		2010

Level 1
Assets:
Executive savings plan	$	82,826	$	73,925	$	63,886

Level 2
Assets:
Short-term investments	$	85,349	$	76,261	$	126,071
Foreign currency exchange contracts		7,142		2,768		2,714
Diesel fuel contracts		2,008		746		940

Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	33,967	$	6,233	$	4 ,927

The fair value of TJX’s general corporate debt, including current installments, was estimated by obtaining market quotes given the trading levels of other bonds of the same general issuer type and market perceived credit quality. The fair value of long-term debt as of April 30, 2011 was $885.2 million versus a carrying value of $774.4 million. The fair value of long-term debt as of May 1, 2010 was $868.1 million versus a carrying value of $774.3 million. These estimates do not necessarily reflect provisions or restrictions in the various debt agreements that might affect TJX’s ability to settle these obligations.

TJX’s cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, due to the short maturities of these instruments.

Investments designed to meet obligations under the executive savings plan are invested in securities traded in active markets and are recorded at unadjusted quoted prices.

The foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using broker quotations which include observable market information. TJX does not make adjustments to quotes or prices obtained from brokers or pricing services but does assess the credit risk of counterparties and will adjust final valuations when appropriate. Where independent pricing services provide fair values, TJX obtains an understanding of the methods used in pricing. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within level 2.

Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

Note H. Segment Information

At April 30, 2011, TJX operated five business segments, three in the United States and one each in Canada and Europe. Each of TJX’s segments has its own administrative, buying and merchandising organization and distribution network. Of the U.S.-based store chains, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, referred to as Marmaxx, are managed together and reported as a single segment and A.J. Wright and HomeGoods each is reported as a separate segment. As a result of the consolidation of A.J. Wright, it will cease to be a business segment after fiscal 2012. Outside the U.S., store chains in Canada (Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls) are managed together and reported as the TJX Canada segment, and store chains in Europe (T.K. Maxx and HomeSense) are also managed together and reported as the TJX Europe segment.

TJX evaluates the performance of its segments based on their respective “segment profit or loss,” which TJX defines as pre-tax income or loss before general corporate expense and interest expense. “Segment profit or loss,” as defined by TJX, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities. In addition, these measures of performance should not be considered an alternative to TJX’s net income or cash flows from operating activities as an indicator of its performance or as a measure of its liquidity.

Presented below is financial information on TJX’s business segments:


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,			May 1,
In thousands	2011			2010

Net sales:
U.S. segments:
Marmaxx	$	3,525,209		$	3,277,864
HomeGoods		503,283			457,059
A.J. Wright		9,229			211,379
International segments:
TJX Canada		592,069			554,998
TJX Europe		590,505			515,240

	$	5,220,295		$	5,016,540


Segment profit (loss):
U.S. segments:
Marmaxx	$	490,981		$	468,480
HomeGoods		45,459			40,593
A.J. Wright		(49,291	)		9,786
International segments:
TJX Canada		36,083			54,359
TJX Europe		(31,315	)		5,842

		491,917			579,060

General corporate expenses		53,354			32,557
Interest expense, net		8,917			10,202

Income before provision for income taxes	$	429,646		$	536,301

Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits

Note I. Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits

Presented below is financial information related to TJX’s funded defined benefit retirement plan (funded plan) and its unfunded supplemental pension plan (unfunded plan) for the periods shown.


	Pension						Pension
	(Funded Plan)						(Unfunded Plan)
	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,			May 1,			April 30,		May 1,
In thousands	2011			2010			2011		2010

Service cost	$	8,250		$	7,750		$	266	$	206
Interest cost		9,453			9,019			624		728
Expected return on plan assets		(12,259	)		(9,991	)		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			1		20
Recognized actuarial losses		2,313			2,722			207		694

Total expense	$	7,757		$	9,500		$	1,098	$	1,648

TJX’s policy is to fund, at a minimum, the amount required to maintain a funded status of 80% of the applicable pension liability (the Funding Target) or such other amount sufficient to avoid restrictions with respect to the funding of nonqualified plans under the Internal Revenue Code. As a result of funding in fiscal 2011, TJX does not anticipate any required funding in fiscal 2012 for the funded plan. TJX anticipates making contributions of $3.9 million to fund current benefit and expense payments under the unfunded plan in fiscal 2012.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Lines	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt and Credit Lines	Apr. 30, 2011
Long-Term Debt and Credit Lines [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Credit Lines	Note J. Long-Term Debt and Credit Lines On April 7, 2009, TJX issued $375 million aggregate principal amount of 6.95% ten-year notes and used the proceeds from the 6.95% notes offering to repurchase additional common stock under its stock repurchase program in fiscal 2010. Also in April 2009, prior to the issuance of the 6.95% notes, TJX entered into a rate-lock agreement to hedge the underlying treasury rate of those notes. The cost of this agreement is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 6.95% notes and results in an effective fixed rate of 7.00% on those notes. On July 23, 2009, TJX issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 4.20% six-year notes. TJX used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to refinance its C$235 million term credit facility on August 10, 2009, prior to its scheduled maturity, and used the remainder, together with funds from operations, to repay its $200 million 7.45% notes due December 15, 2009, at maturity. Also in July 2009, prior to the issuance of the 4.20% notes, TJX entered into a rate-lock agreement to hedge the underlying treasury rate on $250 million of those notes. The cost of this agreement is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 4.20% notes and results in an effective fixed rate of 4.19% on the notes. We traditionally have funded our seasonal merchandise requirements through cash generated from operations, short-term bank borrowings and the issuance of short-term commercial paper. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we had a $500 million revolving credit facility maturing in May 2013 and a $500 million revolving credit facility maturing in May 2011. We had two $500 million revolving credit facilities at May 1, 2010. These agreements have no compensating balance requirements and have various covenants including a requirement of a specified ratio of debt to earnings. These agreements serve as backup to our commercial paper program. The availability under our revolving credit facilities was $1 billion at April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, and we had no borrowings outstanding at those dates under these agreements. The $500 million facility maturing in May 2011 was replaced at that time with a new $500 million, five-year revolving credit facility with similar terms and provisions but updated for market pricing. As of April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, TJX’s foreign subsidiaries had uncommitted credit facilities. TJX Canada had two credit lines, a C$10 million facility for operating expenses and a C$10 million letter of credit facility. As of April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, there were no amounts outstanding on the Canadian credit line for operating expenses. As of April 30, 2011, TJX Europe had a credit line of £20 million. There were no outstanding borrowings on this U.K. credit line as of April 30, 2011 or May 1, 2010.

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Apr. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note K. Income Taxes TJX had net unrecognized tax benefits of $124.1 million as of April 30, 2011 and $125.0 million as of May 1, 2010. The effective income tax rate was 38.1% for the fiscal 2012 first quarter and 38.2% for last year’s first quarter. TJX is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple state, local and foreign jurisdictions. In nearly all jurisdictions, the tax years through fiscal 2003 are no longer subject to examination. TJX’s accounting policy classifies interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. The total accrued amount on the balance sheets for interest and penalties was $36.1 million as of April 30, 2011 and $53.1 million as of May 1, 2010. Based on the outcome of tax examinations or judicial or administrative proceedings, or as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations in specific jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits for certain tax positions taken on previously filed tax returns may change materially from those presented in the financial statements. During the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that tax examinations of prior years’ tax returns or judicial or administrative proceedings that reflect such positions taken by TJX may be finalized. As a result, the total net amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease, which would reduce the provision for taxes on earnings, by a range of zero to $42.0 million.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Apr. 30, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation: The consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all normal recurring adjustments, the use of retail statistics, and accruals and deferrals among periods required to match costs properly with the related revenue or activity, considered necessary by The TJX Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “TJX”) for a fair presentation of its financial statements for the periods reported, all in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) consistently applied. The consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, contained in TJX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”). These interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year, because TJX’s business, in common with the businesses of retailers generally, is subject to seasonal influences, with higher levels of sales and income generally realized in the second half of the year. The January 29, 2011 condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year: During fiscal 2010, TJX amended its bylaws to change its fiscal year end to the Saturday nearest to the last day of January of each year. Previously, TJX’s fiscal year ended on the last Saturday of January. The fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 and the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) are each 52 week fiscal years. This change shifted the timing of TJX’s next 53-week fiscal year to the year ending February 2, 2013.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation: Total share-based compensation expense was $15.5 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2011 and $13.3 million for the quarter ended May 1, 2010. These amounts include stock option expense as well as restricted and deferred stock amortization. There were options to purchase 3.1 million shares of common stock exercised during the quarter ended April 30, 2011, leaving options to purchase 21.7 million shares of common stock outstanding as of April 30, 2011.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents: TJX generally considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than three months but less than one year at the date of purchase are included in short-term investments. TJX’s investments are primarily high-grade commercial paper, institutional money market funds and time deposits with major banks.
Merchandise Inventories	Merchandise Inventories: TJX accrues for inventory purchase obligations at the time of shipment by the vendor. As a result, merchandise inventories on TJX’s balance sheet include an accrual for in-transit inventory of $423.9 million at April 30, 2011, $445.7 million at January 29, 2011 and $354.5 million at May 1, 2010. Comparable amounts were reflected in accounts payable at those dates.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards: There were no new accounting standards issued during the first quarter ended April 30, 2011 that are expected to have a material impact on TJX’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations (Tables) [Abstract]

Reserves Related to Former Operations


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,			May 1,
In thousands	2011			2010
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,695		$	35,897
Additions (reductions) to the reserve charged to net income:

A.J. Wright closing costs		32,686			—
Interest accretion		215			369
Charges against the reserve:
Lease-related obligations		(4,882	)		(2,996	)
Termination benefits and all other		(8,928	)		(51	)

Balance at end of period	$	73,786		$	33,219

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Other Comprehensive Income


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,		May 1,
In thousands	2011		2010
Net income	$	265,951	$	331,434
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments		59,963		(4,712	)
Recognition of prior service cost and deferred gains		992		1,538

Total comprehensive income	$	326,906	$	328,260

Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,		May 1,
In thousands, except per share data	2011		2010
Basic earnings per share
Net income	$	265,951	$	331,434
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS		387,978		408,053

Basic earnings per share — continuing operations	$	0.69	$	0.81

Diluted earnings per share
Net income	$	265,951	$	331,434

Shares for basic and diluted earnings per share calculations:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS		387,978		408,053
Assumed conversion/exercise/vesting of:
Stock options and awards		6,026		6,347

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS		394,004		414,400


Diluted earnings per share	$	0.67	$	0.80

Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative financial instruments and related fair values


					Blended			Current		Current			Net Fair Value
					Contract		Balance Sheet	Asset		(Liability)			in US$ at
In thousands	Pay		Receive		Rate		Location	US$		US$			April 30, 2011

Hedge accounting not elected

Intercompany balances, primarily short-term debt							Prepaid Exp /
	£	70,000	C$	110,907		1.5844	(Accrued Exp)	$	471	$	(122	)	$	349
	€	25,000	£	21,265		0.8506	(Accrued Exp)		—		(1,367	)		(1,367	)
							Prepaid Exp /
	€	65,292	US$	86,985		1.3322	(Accrued Exp)		13		(9,042	)		(9,029	)
	US$	85,894	£	55,000		0.6403	Prepaid Exp		5,640		—			5,640

Diesel fuel contracts	Fixed on 5.7M gal		Float on 5.7M gal
	per month		per month			N/A	Prepaid Exp		2,008		—			2,008

Merchandise purchase commitments
	C$	407,470	US$	410,100		1.0065	(Accrued Exp)		—		(19,962	)		(19,962	)
	C$	7,821	€	5,800		0.7416	Prepaid Exp		308					308
	£	51,736	US$	83,500		1.6140	(Accrued Exp)		—		(2,876	)		(2,876	)
	£	5,827	€	7,000		1.2013	Prepaid Exp		620		—			620
	€	4,323	US$	5,950		1.3764	(Accrued Exp)		—		(446	)		(446	)
	€	2,359	£	2,000		0.8478	(Accrued Exp)		—		(152	)		(152	)
	US$	1,257	€	911		0.7247	Prepaid Exp		90		—			90

Total fair value of all financial instruments								$	9,150	$	(33,967	)	$	(24,817	)

Following is a summary of TJX’s derivative financial instruments, related fair value and balance sheet classification at May 1, 2010:


					Blended								Net Fair Value
					Contract		Balance Sheet	Current		Current			in US$ at
In thousands	Pay		Receive		Rate		Location	Asset US$		(Liability) US$			May 1, 2010

Hedge accounting not elected

Diesel fuel contracts	Fixed on 260K-		Float on 260K-
	520K gal per month		520K gal per month			N/A	Prepaid Exp	$	940	$	—		$	940

Merchandise purchase commitments							Prepaid Exp /
	C$	313,797	US$	307,012		0.9784	(Accrued Exp)		2,073		(3,149	)		(1,076	)
	C$	6,379	€	4,650		0.7290	(Accrued Exp)		—		(85	)		(85	)
							Prepaid Exp /
	£	86,258	US$	132,236		1.5330	(Accrued Exp)		641		(109	)		532
	£	81,848	€	92,868		1.1346	(Accrued Exp)		—		(1,496	)		(1,496	)
	US$	1,639	€	1,167		0.7133	(Accrued Exp)		—		(88	)		(88	)

Total fair value of all financial instruments								$	3,654	$	(4,927)		$	(1,273)

Impact of derivative financial instruments on statements of income


	Location of Gain (Loss)
	Recognized in Income by	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
	Derivative	in Income by Derivative
In thousands		April 30, 2011			May 1, 2010

Fair value hedges:

Intercompany balances, primarily short-term debt and related interest	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	(3,169	)	$	—

Hedge accounting not elected:

Diesel fuel contracts	Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs		1,262			1,382

Merchandise purchase commitments	Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs		(20,243	)		(6,826	)


Gain (loss) recognized in income		$	(22,150	)	$	(5,444	)

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair value of financial instruments


	April 30,		January 29,		May 1,
In thousands	2011		2011		2010

Level 1
Assets:
Executive savings plan	$	82,826	$	73,925	$	63,886

Level 2
Assets:
Short-term investments	$	85,349	$	76,261	$	126,071
Foreign currency exchange contracts		7,142		2,768		2,714
Diesel fuel contracts		2,008		746		940

Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	33,967	$	6,233	$	4 ,927

Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Segment Information (Tables) [Abstract]

Financial information on business segments


	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,			May 1,
In thousands	2011			2010

Net sales:
U.S. segments:
Marmaxx	$	3,525,209		$	3,277,864
HomeGoods		503,283			457,059
A.J. Wright		9,229			211,379
International segments:
TJX Canada		592,069			554,998
TJX Europe		590,505			515,240

	$	5,220,295		$	5,016,540


Segment profit (loss):
U.S. segments:
Marmaxx	$	490,981		$	468,480
HomeGoods		45,459			40,593
A.J. Wright		(49,291	)		9,786
International segments:
TJX Canada		36,083			54,359
TJX Europe		(31,315	)		5,842

		491,917			579,060

General corporate expenses		53,354			32,557
Interest expense, net		8,917			10,202

Income before provision for income taxes	$	429,646		$	536,301

Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2011

Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits (Tables) [Abstract]

Changes in Funded and Unfunded pension and retirement plan


	Pension						Pension
	(Funded Plan)						(Unfunded Plan)
	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30,			May 1,			April 30,		May 1,
In thousands	2011			2010			2011		2010

Service cost	$	8,250		$	7,750		$	266	$	206
Interest cost		9,453			9,019			624		728
Expected return on plan assets		(12,259	)		(9,991	)		—		—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			1		20
Recognized actuarial losses		2,313			2,722			207		694

Total expense	$	7,757		$	9,500		$	1,098	$	1,648

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010	Jan. 29, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
In-transit inventory	$ 423.9	$ 354.5	$ 445.7
Total share-based compensation expense	$ 15.5	$ 13.3
Common stock exercised	3.1
Common stock outstanding	21.7

Provision (credit) for Computer Intrusion related costs (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Provision (credit) for Computer Intrusion related costs (Textuals) [Abstract]
Reserve balance	$ 17.2

Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Reserves Related to Former Operations
Beginning Balance	$ 54,695	$ 35,897
Additions (reductions) to the reserve charged to net income:
A.J. Wright closing costs	32,686
Interest accretion	215	369
Charges against the reserve:
Lease-related obligations	(4,882)	(2,996)
Termination benefits and all other	(8,928)	(51)
Ending Balance	$ 73,786	$ 33,219

Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	May 01, 2010 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2011	Dec. 08, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Segment Profit or Loss	$ 491,917		$ 579,060
Disposition Additional (Textual)
Number of A.J. Wright stores converted into T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or Home Goods stores						90
Number of A.J. Wright stores closed						72
Number of A.J. Wright distribution centers closed						2
Increase in reserve for lease related obligations of former operations classified as discontinued operations		$ 33,000
Former operations reserve to be paid					three to five years
Marmaxx Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Conversion costs and grand re-opening cost		17,000
A.J. Wright [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Segment Profit or Loss	(49,291)	$ 49	$ 9,786
Conversion costs and grand re-opening cost	20,000
Severance and termination benefits related to AJ Wright Consolidation	$ 11,000
BJ's Wholesale Club [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of leases on which company is liable				13
Bob's Store [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of leases on which company is liable				7
Home Goods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Conversion costs and grand re-opening cost				$ 3,000

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Other Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 265,951	$ 331,434
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	59,963	(4,712)
Recognition of prior service cost and deferred gains	992	1,538
Total comprehensive income	$ 326,906	$ 328,260

Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Sep. 30, 2009	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010	Jan. 29, 2011
Basic earnings per share:
Net income			$ 265,951	$ 331,434
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS			387,978	408,053
Basic earnings per share - continuing operations			$ 0.69	$ 0.81
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income			$ 265,951	$ 331,434
Shares for basic and diluted earnings per share calculations:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS			387,978	408,053
Assumed conversion/exercise/vesting of:
Stock options and awards			6,026	6,347
Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS			394,004	414,400
Diluted earnings per share			$ 0.67	$ 0.8
Capital Stock and Earnings Per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]
Shares repurchased and retired, shares			7,100
Shares repurchased and retired			$ 361,100
Common stock repurchased			$ 338,324	$ 230,200
Repurchase of common shares	$ 1,000,000
Number of shares authorized under stock repurchase program		1,000,000
Common stock repurchased under stock repurchase program		24,100
Shares repurchased and retired, shares			16,100
Shares repurchased and retired value			$ 766,800
Remaining available stock under Stock Repurchase Plan			$ 233,200
Preferred stock, shares authorized					5,000
Preferred stock, par value					$ 1

Financial Instruments (Details) € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	May 01, 2010 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2011 CAD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 GBP (£)	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)	May 01, 2010 EUR (€)	May 01, 2010 CAD ($)	May 01, 2010 GBP (£)	May 01, 2010 USD ($)
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						$ 9,150				$ 3,654
Current (Liability)						(33,967)				(4,927)
Total fair value of financial instruments						(24,817)				(1,273)
Impact of derivative financial instruments on statements of income
Gain (loss) recognized in income	$ (22,150)	$ (5,444)
Diesel fuel contracts [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						2,008				940
Current (Liability)						0				0
Total fair value of financial instruments						2,008				$ 940
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro To US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value \| €			€ 4,323
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (US$)						$ 5,950
Blended Contract Rate			137.64%	137.64%	137.64%	137.64%
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro to Pound [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value \| €			€ 2,359
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (Pound) \| £					£ 2,000
Blended Contract Rate			84.78%	84.78%	84.78%	84.78%
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Canadian Dollar to Euro [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value				$ 7,821				$ 6,379
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (Euro) \| €			€ 5,800				€ 4,650
Blended Contract Rate			74.16%	74.16%	74.16%	74.16%	72.90%	72.90%	72.90%	72.90%
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of US Dollar to Euro [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value						$ 1,257				$ 1,639
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (Euro) \| €			€ 911				€ 1,167
Blended Contract Rate			72.47%	72.47%	72.47%	72.47%	71.33%	71.33%	71.33%	71.33%
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Pound to Euro [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value \| £					£ 5,827				£ 81,848
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (Euro) \| €			€ 7,000				€ 92,868
Blended Contract Rate			120.13%	120.13%	120.13%	120.13%	113.46%	113.46%	113.46%	113.46%
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Pound to US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value \| £					£ 51,736				£ 86,258
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (US$)						$ 83,500				$ 132,236
Blended Contract Rate			161.40%	161.40%	161.40%	161.40%	153.30%	153.30%	153.30%	153.30%
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Canadian Dollar to US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value				$ 407,470				$ 313,797
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (US$)						$ 410,100				$ 307,012
Blended Contract Rate			100.65%	100.65%	100.65%	100.65%	97.84%	97.84%	97.84%	97.84%
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro To US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						$ 0
Current (Liability)						(446)
Total fair value of financial instruments						(446)
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro to Pound [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						0
Current (Liability)						(152)
Total fair value of financial instruments						(152)
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Canadian Dollar to Euro [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						308				$ 0
Current (Liability)						0				(85)
Total fair value of financial instruments						308				(85)
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of US Dollar to Euro [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						90				0
Current (Liability)						0				(88)
Total fair value of financial instruments						90				(88)
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Pound to Euro [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						620				0
Current (Liability)						0				(1,496)
Total fair value of financial instruments						620				(1,496)
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Pound to US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						0				641
Current (Liability)						(2,876)				(109)
Total fair value of financial instruments						(2,876)				532
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion of Canadian Dollar to US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						0				2,073
Current (Liability)						(19,962)				(3,149)
Total fair value of financial instruments						(19,962)				$ (1,076)
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of US Dollar To Pound [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value						$ 85,894
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (Pound) \| £					£ 55,000
Blended Contract Rate			64.03%	64.03%	64.03%	64.03%
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro To US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value \| €			€ 65,292
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (US$)						$ 86,985
Blended Contract Rate			133.22%	133.22%	133.22%	133.22%
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro to Pound [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value \| €			€ 25,000
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (Pound) \| £					£ 21,265
Blended Contract Rate			85.06%	85.06%	85.06%	85.06%
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Pound to Canadian Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Derivatives Interest Pay Value \| £					£ 70,000
Derivatives Interest Receive Value (Canadian Dollar)				$ 110,907
Blended Contract Rate			158.44%	158.44%	158.44%	158.44%
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of US Dollar To Pound [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						$ 5,640
Current (Liability)						0
Total fair value of financial instruments						5,640
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro To US Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						13
Current (Liability)						(9,042)
Total fair value of financial instruments						(9,029)
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Euro to Pound [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						0
Current (Liability)						(1,367)
Total fair value of financial instruments						(1,367)
Intercompany balances hedges primarily short-term debt and related interest [Member] \| Prepaid Expense [Member] \| Hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Conversion Of Pound to Canadian Dollar [Member]
Fair value hedges
Current Assets						471
Current (Liability)						(122)
Total fair value of financial instruments						$ 349

Financial Instruments (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Financial Instruments (Details Textual)	Jan. 28, 2012
Financial Instruments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Notional diesel fuel requirements	18.00%

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011	May 01, 2010
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 885,200		$ 868,100
Carrying value of long-term debt	774,400		774,300
Level 2 [Member] \| Foreign currency exchange contracts [Member]
Liabilities: [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities	33,967	$ 6,233	4,927
Level 1 [Member] \| Executive savings plan [Member]
Assets: [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Investments	82,826	73,925	63,886
Level 2 [Member] \| Short-term Investments [Member]
Assets: [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Investments	85,349	76,261	126,071
Level 2 [Member] \| Foreign currency exchange contracts [Member]
Assets: [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets	7,142	2,768	2,714
Level 2 [Member] \| Diesel fuel contracts [Member]
Assets: [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets	$ 2,008	$ 746	$ 940

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,220,295		$ 5,016,540
Total Segment Profit or Loss	491,917		579,060
General corporate expense	53,354		32,557
Interest expense, net	8,917		10,202
Income before provision for income taxes	429,646		536,301
Marmaxx [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,525,209		3,277,864
Total Segment Profit or Loss	490,981		468,480
Home Goods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	503,283		457,059
Total Segment Profit or Loss	45,459		40,593
A.J. Wright [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	9,229		211,379
Total Segment Profit or Loss	(49,291)	$ 49	9,786
TJX Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	592,069		554,998
Total Segment Profit or Loss	36,083		54,359
TJX Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	590,505		515,240
Total Segment Profit or Loss	$ (31,315)		$ 5,842

Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Pension Funded Plan [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation
Service cost	$ 8,250	$ 7,750
Interest cost	9,453	9,019
Expected return on plan assets	(12,259)	(9,991)
Recognized actuarial losses	2,313	2,722
Total expense	7,757	9,500
Pension Unfunded Plan [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation
Service cost	266	206
Interest cost	624	728
Amortization of prior service costs	1	20
Recognized actuarial losses	207	694
Total expense	$ 1,098	$ 1,648

Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Pension Plans and Other Retirement Benefits (Textuals) [Abstract]
Minimum percentage of pension liability	80.00%
Anticipated contribution to pay benefits under unfunded plan	$ 3.9

Long-Term Debt and Credit Lines (Details)	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt and Credit Lines (Details)	Apr. 30, 2011
6.95% Ten year notes [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textuals) [Abstract]
Description, Long-term debt	On April 7, 2009, TJX issued $375 million aggregate principal amount of 6.95% ten-year notes and used the proceeds from the 6.95% notes offering to repurchase additional common stock under its stock repurchase program in fiscal 2010. Also in April 2009, prior to the issuance of the 6.95% notes, TJX entered into a rate-lock agreement to hedge the underlying treasury rate of those notes. The cost of this agreement is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 6.95% notes and results in an effective fixed rate of 7.00% on those notes.
4.20% Six year notes [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textuals) [Abstract]
Description, Long-term debt	On July 23, 2009, TJX issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 4.20% six-year notes. TJX used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to refinance its C$235 million term credit facility on August 10, 2009, prior to its scheduled maturity, and used the remainder, together with funds from operations, to repay its $200 million 7.45% notes due December 15, 2009, at maturity. Also in July 2009, prior to the issuance of the 4.20% notes, TJX entered into a rate-lock agreement to hedge the underlying treasury rate on $250 million of those notes. The cost of this agreement is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 4.20% notes and results in an effective fixed rate of 4.19% on the notes.
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textuals) [Abstract]
Description, Long-term debt	We traditionally have funded our seasonal merchandise requirements through cash generated from operations, short-term bank borrowings and the issuance of short-term commercial paper. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we had a $500 million revolving credit facility maturing May 2013 and a $500 million revolving credit facility maturing May 2011. We had two $500 million revolving credit facilities at May 1, 2010. These agreements have no compensating balance requirements and have various covenants including a requirement of a specified ratio of debt to earnings. These agreements serve as backup to our commercial paper program.
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility (Textuals) [Abstract]
Description, Line of credit facility	As of April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, TJX’s foreign subsidiaries had uncommitted credit facilities. TJX Canada had two credit lines, a C$10 million facility for operating expenses and a C$10 million letter of credit facility. As of April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, there were no amounts outstanding on the Canadian credit line for operating expenses. As of April 30, 2011, TJX Europe had a credit line of £20 million. There were no outstanding borrowings on this U.K. credit line as of April 30, 2011 or May 1, 2010.
Three Year Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility (Textuals) [Abstract]
Description, Line of credit facility	The availability under our revolving credit facilities was $1 billion at April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, and we had no borrowings outstanding at those dates under these agreements. The $500 million facility maturing in May 2011 was replaced at that time with a new $500 million, five-year revolving credit facility with similar terms and provisions but updated for market pricing. We believe existing cash balances, internally generated funds and our revolving credit facilities are more than adequate to meet our operating needs.

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	May 01, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract]
Net unrecognized tax benefits				$ 124,100,000	$ 125,000,000
Effective income tax rates		38.10%	38.20%
Accrued amounts for interest and penalties				$ 36,100,000	$ 53,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits which would reduce the provision for taxes on earnings, minimum	$ 0
Unrecognized tax benefits which would reduce the provision for taxes on earnings, maximum	$ 42,000,000

Label	Element	Value
Intercompany Balances Primarily Short Term Debt And Related Interest Member \| Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Selling General And Administrative Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInIncome	$ 0
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInIncome	(3,169,000)
Merchandise purchase commitments [Member] \| Economic hedges for which hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInIncome	(6,826,000)
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInIncome	(20,243,000)
Diesel fuel contracts [Member] \| Economic hedges for which hedge accounting not elected [Member] \| Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy costs [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInIncome	1,382,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossRecognizedInIncome	$ 1,262,000