Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017	Nov. 03, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,404	$ 5,281	$ 16,516	$ 16,267
Net Earnings from Credit Operations	185	145	528	473
Cost of sales	(3,226)	(3,152)	(9,927)	(9,858)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(2,255)	(2,188)	(6,501)	(6,406)
Gains on sale of real estate	42	65	111	176
Impairment, restructuring and other costs	(3)	(33)	(39)	(33)
Operating income (loss)	147	118	688	619
Benefit plan income, net	9	15	31	42
Settlement charges	(23)	(22)	(73)	(73)
Interest expense	(64)	(76)	(204)	(244)
Loss on early retirement of debt	0	0	(5)	(1)
Interest income	5	2	17	7
Income (loss) before income taxes	74	37	454	350
Federal, state and local income tax expense	(12)	(10)	(96)	(138)
Net income (loss)	62	27	358	212
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	3	10	7
Net income (loss) attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders	$ 62	$ 30	$ 368	$ 219
Basic earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 1.20	$ 0.72
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Macy's, Inc. shareholders	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 1.18	$ 0.71