Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 04, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STAPLES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000791519
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		640,487,106
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 7,300,000