Pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans - Defined Contribution Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2017	Jan. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan loss on investments	$ 14
Defined Contribution Plan gain on investments		$ (9)
Expense associated with 401(k) Savings Plan	$ 36	$ 37	$ 40

The amount of the cost recognized during the period associated with the Company's match for defined contribution plans.

No definition available.

Name:	spls_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognizedAssociatedwithCompanyMatch
Namespace Prefix:	spls_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration