Stock Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Stock options	$ 47us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense	$ 36us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense	$ 28us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense
Stock credits	0m_StockCreditsExpense	0m_StockCreditsExpense	6m_StockCreditsExpense
Share-based compensation, total	73us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	62us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	61us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted stock	0	1	1
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Restricted stock	$ 26	$ 25	$ 26

Stock Credits Expense

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	m_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The noncash expense that represents the cost of restricted stock or unit distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Details

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- Details

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