Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (Cash Flow) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014
Operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	$ (87,145)	$ (124,736)
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(63,241)	(64,770)
Financing activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(157,541)	40,145
Net change in cash and equivalents	(307,927)	(149,361)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	378,295	238,864
Cash and equivalents at end of period	70,368	89,503
Michaels Stores
Operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	(84,245)	(58,722)
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(63,241)	(64,770)
Financing activities:
Net repayments of debt	(12,450)	(1,065,408)
Net borrowings of debt	24,000	1,123,750
Payment of dividend to Holdings	(188,046)	(60,333)
Other financing activities	16,054	(23,959)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(160,442)	(25,950)
Net change in cash and equivalents	(307,928)	(149,442)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	373,559	234,160
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 65,631	$ 84,718