Acquisition Proposal (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 02, 2014 Family Dollar	Sep. 02, 2014 Common Stock Family Dollar	Aug. 18, 2014 Common Stock Family Dollar	Sep. 10, 2014 Common Stock Family Dollar Stores Stockholders
Share price offered (in dollars per share)		$ 80.00	$ 78.50	$ 80.00
Reverse break-up fee	$ 500

Amount of reverse break up fee to be paid if the proposed transaction is not completed due to certain issues.

No definition available.

Name:	dg_BusinessAcquisitionContingentReverseBreakUpFee
Namespace Prefix:	dg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant