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Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Apr. 29, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Staples, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Staples” or “the Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These financial statements are for the period covering the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2017 (also referred to as the “first quarter of 2017") and the period covering the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2016 (also referred to as the “first quarter of 2016”). These financial statements have been prepared based upon Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 ("Annual Report"). Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, the Company has presented its operations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and South America as discontinued operations in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company presented its European operations as discontinued operations. See Note D - Discontinued Operations for further information. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Our business is somewhat seasonal, with sales and profitability historically higher during the second half of our fiscal year due to the back-to-school, holiday and January back-to-business seasons.