| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 12, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 12, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TN |
| Entity File Number | 001-11421 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 61-0502302 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 100 MISSION RIDGE |
| Entity Address, City or Town | GOODLETTSVILLE |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 37072 |
| City Area Code | 615 |
| Local Phone Number | 855-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000029534 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.875 per share |
| Trading Symbol | DG |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
