Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,281	$ 5,626	$ 16,171	$ 17,263
Cost of sales	(3,175)	(3,386)	(9,794)	(10,370)
Gross margin	2,106	2,240	6,377	6,893
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(1,995)	(2,112)	(5,853)	(6,139)
Gains on sale of real estate	65	41	176	76
Impairments, restructuring and other costs	(33)	0	(33)	(249)
Settlement charges	(22)	(62)	(73)	(81)
Operating income (loss)	121	107	594	500
Interest expense	(76)	(82)	(244)	(279)
Net premiums on early retirement of debt	0	0	(1)	0
Interest income	2	1	7	3
Income (loss) before income taxes	47	26	356	224
Federal, state and local income tax expense	(13)	(11)	(140)	(85)
Net income (loss)	34	15	216	139
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	2	6	5
Net income (loss) attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders	$ 36	$ 17	$ 222	$ 144
Basic earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders	$ 0.12	$ 0.05	$ 0.73	$ 0.46
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders	$ 0.12	$ 0.05	$ 0.73	$ 0.46