Benefit plans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2014	Feb. 01, 2013	Feb. 03, 2012
Benefit plans
Matching contribution expense related to the Company's 401(k) plan	$ 13.0	$ 11.9	$ 10.9
Compensation expense for the Dollar General Corporation CDP/SERP Plan	$ 1.2	$ 1.4	$ 1.7

The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangements and to the defined contribution plan that is available to a limited group of key employees (referred to as a supplemental employee retirement plan).

No definition available.

Name:	dg_DeferredCompensationArrangementsAndSupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	dg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration