| Cover | Mar. 23, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 23, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36501 |
| Entity Registrant Name | THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001593936 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 37-1737959 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 8000 Bent Branch Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Irving |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75063 |
| City Area Code | 972 |
| Local Phone Number | 409-1300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.06775 par value |
| Trading Symbol | MIK |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
