CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Cash Flow) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	May. 02, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	$ (23,863)	$ (71,877)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(14,664)	(34,964)
Acquisition of Lamrite West, net of cash acquired	(144,600)
Net cash used in investing activities	(159,264)	(34,964)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(54,394)	1,114
Net change in cash and equivalents	(237,521)	(105,727)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	409,391	378,295
Cash and equivalents at end of period	171,870	272,568
Michaels Stores
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities	(17,149)	(75,507)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(14,664)	(34,964)
Acquisition of Lamrite West, net of cash acquired	(144,600)
Net cash used in investing activities	(159,264)	(34,964)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net repayments of debt	(6,225)	(6,225)
Payment of dividend to Michaels Funding, Inc.	(59,348)
Other financing costs	4,462	10,968
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(61,111)	4,743
Net change in cash and equivalents	(237,524)	(105,728)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	404,650	373,559
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 167,126	$ 267,831