|
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Apr. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 01, 2011
|
Jul. 31, 2010
|
|
| Entity Registrant Name | BIG LOTS INC | Â | Â |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000768835 | Â | Â |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --01-28 | Â | Â |
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | Â | Â |
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | Â | Â |
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | Â | Â |
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | Â | Â |
| Entity Public Float | Â | Â | $ 2,707,259,542 |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | Â | 75,171,381 | Â |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2011 | Â | Â |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 | Â | Â |
| Document Type | 10-Q | Â | Â |
| Amendment Flag | false | Â | Â |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 30, 2011 |