It represents value of agreement termination fees.

No definition available.

Name:	fred_AgreementTerminationFees
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cash control event minimum required excess availability amount of commitments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_CashControlEventMinimumRequiredExcessAvailabilityAmountOfCommitments
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cash control event minimum required excess availability percentage of commitments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_CashControlEventMinimumRequiredExcessAvailabilityPercentageOfCommitments
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Financial covenant minimum required excess availability amount of commitments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_FinancialCovenantMinimumRequiredExcessAvailabilityAmountOfCommitments
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Financial covenant, minimum required excess availability percentage of commitments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_FinancialCovenantMinimumRequiredExcessAvailabilityPercentageOfCommitments
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Company has offset the investment in the bonds against the related liability and neither is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_InvestmentOnOffsetBonds
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount paid for purchase of lease property as mortgage debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_PurchaseOfLeasePropertyForMortgageBond
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Revolving credit agreement, additional reserve required in connection with Closures and related matters.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_RevolvingCreditAgreementAdditionalReserve
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Revolving credit agreement, cash control even, balance of excess availability.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fred_RevolvingCreditAgreementCashControlEventBalanceOfExcessAvailability
Namespace Prefix:	fred_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of liabilities incurred by the acquirer as part of consideration transferred in a business combination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 30
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109124213&loc=d3e6578-128477

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 25
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6405-128476

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 30
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109124213&loc=d3e6613-128477

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Discussion of whether the debt instrument is secured or unsecured, and, if secured, a description of the collateral and guarantees required or provided.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The reference rate for the variable rate of the debt instrument, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Description of the maturity date of the debt instrument including whether the debt matures serially and, if so, a brief description of the serial maturities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the charge against earnings during the period for commitment fees and debt issuance expenses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

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

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Date the credit facility terminates, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of the interest rate for the amounts borrowed under the credit facility, including the terms and the method for determining the interest rate (for example, fixed or variable, LIBOR plus a percentage, increasing rate, timing of interest rate resets, remarketing provisions).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The effective interest rate during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the number of stores.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfStores
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Rental expense for the reporting period incurred under operating leases, including minimum and any contingent rent expense, net of related sublease income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902758&loc=d3e41499-112717

+ Details

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

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=fred_ReevesSainDrugStoreIncMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=fred_WalgreensBootsAllianceIncMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=fred_AssetPurchaseAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=fred_RelatedPartyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=fred_CommitmentLettersMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis=fred_LendersMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=fred_RiteAidCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_BaseRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=fred_RevolvingCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=fred_SeventhAmendmentCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Indebtedness - Additional Information (Details)				9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Indebtedness - Additional Information (Details)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 10, 2015 USD ($)	Apr. 09, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Feb. 03, 2019	Feb. 02, 2019 USD ($) Number	Feb. 03, 2018 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Apr. 15, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 23, 2018 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 09, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 19, 2016 USD ($) Number	Oct. 31, 2007
Aggregate line of credit						$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Interest rate basis spread (percentage)						2.00%
Number of stores \| Number						557
Purchase of mortgage debt						$ 1,500,000
Weighted average interest rate						7.40%
Description of collateral						Land and buildings.
Investment on offset bonds						$ 34,600,000
Total rent expense under operating leases						$ 49,200,000	54,900,000
Reeves-Sain Drug Store, Inc [Member]
Description of notes payable		The notes payable are due in three equal installments to be paid on January 31st of 2021, 2022 and 2023 and are subordinate to the Company’s revolving line of credit.				The notes payable are due in three equal installments to be paid on January 31st of 2021, 2022 and 2023 and are subordinate to the Company’s revolving line of credit.
Notes payable		$ 13,000,000
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. [Member] \| Asset Purchase Agreement [Member]
Agreement termination fees	$ 25,000,000
Related Party [Member]
Total rent expense under operating leases						$ 349,500	$ 378,400
Commitment Letters [Member] \| Lenders [Member] \| Rite Aid Corporation [Member]
Number of stores \| Number													865
Face amount												$ 2,200,000,000	$ 1,650,000,000
Debt issuance costs				$ 30,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Revolving credit agreement, additional reserve									$ 20,000,000
Cash control event, balance of excess availability									$ 37,900,000
Minimum [Member]
Fixed interest rates														6.31%
Maximum
Fixed interest rates														7.40%
LIBOR [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Interest rate basis spread (percentage)						1.75%
LIBOR [Member] \| Maximum
Interest rate basis spread (percentage)						2.25%
Base Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Interest rate basis spread (percentage)						0.75%
Base Rate [Member] \| Maximum
Interest rate basis spread (percentage)						1.25%
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Description of interest terms						Commitment fees on the unused portion of the credit line are 37.5 basis points.
Commitment fees on the unused portion of the credit line						0.375%
Maximum line of credit			$ 210,000,000
Aggregate line of credit						$ 58,600,000
Current borrowing line of credit						80,300,000
Maturity date of agreement			Apr. 09, 2020		Apr. 09, 2020
Cash control event, minimum required excess availability amount of commitments						$ 26,250,000
Cash control event, minimum required excess availability percentage of commitments						12.50%
Financial covenant, minimum required excess availability amount of commitments						$ 21,000,000
Financial covenant, minimum required excess availability percentage of commitments						10.00%
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Current borrowing line of credit								$ 78,400,000
Financial covenant, minimum required excess availability amount of commitments								$ 21,000,000
Financial covenant, minimum required excess availability percentage of commitments								10.00%
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] \| LIBOR [Member]
Description of variable rate basis						The Company may choose to borrow at a spread to either LIBOR or a Base Rate. For LIBOR loans the spread ranges from 1.75% to 2.25% and for Base Rate loans the spread ranges from 0.75% to 1.25%.
Revolving Line of Credit [Member]
Maximum line of credit											$ 270,000,000
Seventh Amendment Line of Credit [Member]
Maximum line of credit										$ 210,000,000