EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Aug. 17, 2019	Aug. 18, 2018	Aug. 17, 2019	Aug. 18, 2018
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Net earnings numerator (basic)	$ 294	$ 502	$ 1,057	$ 2,507
Net earnings numerator (diluted)	$ 294	$ 502	$ 1,057	$ 2,507
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation	800	797	799	821
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$ 0.37	$ 0.63	$ 1.32	$ 3.05
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	5	8	6	8
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation	805	805	805	829
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$ 0.37	$ 0.62	$ 1.31	$ 3.03
Undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities	$ 3	$ 6	$ 12	$ 27
Shares excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share	27	10	24	17

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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