EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Nov. 10, 2018	Nov. 04, 2017	Nov. 10, 2018	Nov. 04, 2017
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Net earnings numerator (basic)	$ 313	$ 393	$ 2,820	$ 1,044
Net earnings numerator (diluted)	$ 313	$ 393	$ 2,820	$ 1,044
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation	797	887	814	901
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$ 0.39	$ 0.44	$ 3.46	$ 1.16
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	10	6	8	9
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation	807	893	822	910
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$ 0.39	$ 0.44	$ 3.43	$ 1.15
Undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities	$ 4	$ 4	$ 31	$ 9
Shares excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share	11	26	11	15

The amount of undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities for the period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Amount, after deduction of tax, noncontrolling interests, dividends on preferred stock and participating securities; of income (loss) available to common shareholders.

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