<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.20.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>138</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>487</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>36</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>6</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003501 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004501 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Business Segments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BusinessSegments</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Revolving Credit Agreement</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/RevolvingCreditAgreement</Role>
      <ShortName>Revolving Credit Agreement</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/LongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Trade Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/TradeAccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses</Role>
      <ShortName>Trade Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Subordinated Debentures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/SubordinatedDebentures</Role>
      <ShortName>Subordinated Debentures</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/StockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL")</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAocl</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL")</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Disclosures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/FairValueDisclosures</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Disclosures</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event (Notes)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/SubsequentEventNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Event (Notes)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Leases (Notes)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/LeasesNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Notes)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302301 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/BusinessSegments</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/LongTermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/LongTermDebt</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Trade Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/TradeAccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Trade Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/TradeAccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/StockholdersEquity</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAoclTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAocl</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2311301 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/EarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/LeasesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/LeasesNotes</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401406 - Disclosure - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(ASU2016-16) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDescriptionOfBusinessAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesasu201616Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies(ASU2016-16) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BusinessSegmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403401 - Disclosure - Revolving Credit Agreement (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/RevolvingCreditAgreementDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revolving Credit Agreement (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/RevolvingCreditAgreement</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/LongTermDebtTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Trade Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/TradeAccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Trade Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/TradeAccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406406 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 5)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406407 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details 6) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesDetails6Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details 6) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407401 - Disclosure - Subordinated Debentures (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/SubordinatedDebenturesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subordinated Debentures (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/SubordinatedDebentures</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlansDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlansDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/BenefitPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAoclDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAoclTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Disclosures (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/FairValueDisclosuresDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Disclosures (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/FairValueDisclosures</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415403 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="dds-02012020x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - Leases (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dillards.com/role/LeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.dillards.com/role/LeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-K" original="dds-02012020x10k.htm">dds-02012020x10k.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020ex32a.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex21.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex23.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex31a.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex31b.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex31c.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex32b.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex32c.htm</File>
    <File>dds-03312020xex4b.htm</File>
    <File>dds-20200201.xsd</File>
    <File>dds-20200201_cal.xml</File>
    <File>dds-20200201_def.xml</File>
    <File>dds-20200201_lab.xml</File>
    <File>dds-20200201_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>chart-846659940c3d5f21801.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
