Benefit plans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Feb. 03, 2012	Jan. 28, 2011	Jan. 29, 2010
Benefit plans
Matching contribution expense related to the Company's 401(k) plan	$ 10.9	$ 9.5	$ 8.4
Compensation expense for the Dollar General Corporation CDP/SERP Plan	$ 1.7	$ 1.7	$ 1.9

The amount of the cost recognized during the period for defined contribution plans.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 11

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 70

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414718&loc=d3e28014-114942

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration