EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Nov. 03, 2012	Aug. 11, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Nov. 05, 2011	Aug. 13, 2011	May 19, 2012	May 21, 2011	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share									$ 1,485	$ 598	$ 1,109
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation	514	518	538	565	583	596	556	608	533	590	635
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.89	$ 0.61	$ 0.52	$ (0.54)	$ 0.33	$ 0.47	$ 0.78	$ 0.71	$ 2.78	$ 1.01	$ 1.75
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)									4	3	3
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share									1,485	598	1,109
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation	518	522	541	565	586	600	559	612	537	593	638
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.88	$ 0.60	$ 0.51	$ (0.54)	$ 0.33	$ 0.46	$ 0.78	$ 0.70	$ 2.77	$ 1.01	$ 1.74
Undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities									$ 12	$ 4	$ 7
Shares excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share									12.2	12.2	21.2