The Kroger Co. (KR) 10-Q 23 Sep 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014	Sep. 19, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'KROGER CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000056873	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	16-Aug-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	491,090,776
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS	'	'	'	'
Sales	$25,310	$22,686	$58,271	$52,683
Merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation, excluding items shown separately below	20,136	18,059	46,201	41,876
Operating, general and administrative	3,920	3,506	9,088	8,099
Rent	166	139	383	328
Depreciation	444	387	1,025	906
Operating profit	644	595	1,574	1,474
Interest expense	112	99	259	228
Earnings before income tax expense	532	496	1,315	1,246
Income tax expense	182	176	456	442
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	350	320	859	804
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	3	11	6
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$347	$317	$848	$798
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share (in dollars per share)	$0.71	$0.61	$1.70	$1.54
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation (in shares)	485	515	494	515
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share (in dollars per share)	$0.70	$0.60	$1.68	$1.52
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation (in shares)	491	521	500	520
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.15	$0.33	$0.30

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014		Aug. 17, 2013		Aug. 16, 2014		Aug. 17, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'		'		'		'
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$350		$320		$859		$804
Other comprehensive income	'		'		'		'
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of income tax	3	[1]	1	[1]	2	[1]	4	[1]
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension expense, net of income tax	5	[2]	14	[2]	13	[2]	33	[2]
Unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax	'		10	[3]	'		-9	[3]
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax	'		'		'		1
Total other comprehensive income	8		25		15		29
Comprehensive income	358		345		874		833
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3		3		11		6
Comprehensive income attributable to The Kroger Co.	$355		$342		$863		$827
[1]	Amount is net of tax of $1 for the second quarter of 2014. Amount is net of tax of $2 for the first two quarters of 2013.
[2]	Amount is net of tax of $4 for the second quarter of 2014 and $9 for the second quarter of 2013. Amount is net of tax of $8 for the first two quarters of 2014 and $20 for the first two quarters of 2013.
[3]	Amount is net of tax of $7 for the second quarter of 2013. Amount is net of tax of $(5) for the first two quarters of 2013.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, income tax	$1	'	'	$2
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension expense, income tax	4	9	8	20
Unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, income tax	'	$7	'	($5)

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Aug. 16, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and temporary cash investments	$248	$401
Store deposits in-transit	956	958
Receivables	1,174	1,116
FIFO inventory	6,646	6,801
LIFO reserve	-1,151	-1,150
Prepaid and other current assets	422	704
Total current assets	8,295	8,830
Property, plant and equipment, net	17,263	16,893
Intangibles, net	695	702
Goodwill	2,135	2,135
Other assets	691	721
Total Assets	29,079	29,281
Current liabilities	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations	1,494	1,657
Trade accounts payable	5,076	4,881
Accrued salaries and wages	1,128	1,150
Deferred income taxes	248	248
Other current liabilities	2,894	2,769
Total current liabilities	10,840	10,705
Long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations	'	'
Face-value of long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations	9,707	9,654
Adjustment to reflect fair-value interest rate hedges	-1	-1
Long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations	9,706	9,653
Deferred income taxes	1,280	1,381
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	899	901
Other long-term liabilities	1,332	1,246
Total Liabilities	24,057	23,886
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 9)	'	'
SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred shares, $100 per share, 5 shares authorized and unissued	'	'
Common shares, $1 par per share, 1,000 shares authorized; 959 shares issued in 2014 and 2013	959	959
Additional paid-in capital	3,605	3,549
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-449	-464
Accumulated earnings	11,667	10,981
Common shares in treasury, at cost, 473 shares in 2014 and 451 shares in 2013	-10,785	-9,641
Total Shareowners' Equity - The Kroger Co.	4,997	5,384
Noncontrolling interests	25	11
Total Equity	5,022	5,395
Total Liabilities and Equity	$29,079	$29,281

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 16, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Preferred shares, per share (in dollars per share)	$100	$100
Preferred shares, shares authorized	5	5
Preferred shares, shares unissued	5	5
Common shares, par per share (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common shares, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Common shares, shares issued	959	959
Common shares in treasury, shares	473	451

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$859	$804
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	1,025	906
LIFO charge	54	30
Stock-based employee compensation	76	47
Expense for Company-sponsored pension plans	21	40
Deferred income taxes	-103	-16
Other	53	40
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from acquisitions of businesses:	'	'
Store deposits in-transit	2	105
Receivables	-47	107
Inventories	102	162
Prepaid expenses	274	246
Trade accounts payable	354	180
Accrued expenses	60	1
Income taxes receivable and payable	-47	82
Other	67	-121
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,750	2,613
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts	-1,347	-1,110
Proceeds from sale of assets	18	7
Other	16	-34
Net cash used by investing activities	-1,313	-1,137
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	48	1,011
Dividends paid	-166	-155
Payments on long-term debt	-26	-419
Net payments on commercial paper	-160	-1,595
Excess tax benefits on stock-based awards	32	20
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock	66	155
Treasury stock purchases	-1,221	-236
Net decrease in book overdrafts	-158	-40
Other	-5	-15
Net cash used by financing activities	-1,590	-1,274
Net increase (decrease) in cash and temporary cash investments	-153	202
Cash and temporary cash investments:	'	'
Beginning of year	401	238
End of quarter	248	440
Reconciliation of capital investments:	'	'
Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts	-1,347	-1,110
Payments for lease buyouts	28	19
Changes in construction-in-progress payables	-63	-56
Total capital investments, excluding lease buyouts	-1,382	-1,147
Disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid during the year for interest	282	225
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	$582	$349

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)	Accumulated Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Feb. 02, 2013	$959	$3,451	($9,237)	($753)	$9,787	$7	$4,214
Balances (in shares) at Feb. 02, 2013	959	'	445	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	'	155	'	'	'	155
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	-7	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock issued	'	-57	25	'	'	'	-32
Restricted stock issued (in shares)	'	'	-2	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock activity:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases, at cost	'	'	-21	'	'	'	-21
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)	'	'	1	'	'	'	'
Stock options exchanged	'	'	-215	'	'	'	-215
Stock options exchanged (in shares)	'	'	6	'	'	'	'
Share-based employee compensation	'	47	'	'	'	'	47
Other comprehensive gain net of income tax of $8 in 2014 and $17 in 2013	'	'	'	29	'	'	29
Other	'	41	-16	'	'	-3	22
Cash dividends declared ($0.33 in 2014 and $0.30 in 2013 per common share)	'	'	'	'	-155	'	-155
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	798	6	804
Balances at Aug. 17, 2013	959	3,482	-9,309	-724	10,430	10	4,848
Balances (in shares) at Aug. 17, 2013	959	'	443	'	'	'	'
Balances at Feb. 01, 2014	959	3,549	-9,641	-464	10,981	11	5,395
Balances (in shares) at Feb. 01, 2014	959	'	451	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	'	66	'	'	'	66
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	-3	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock issued	'	-83	37	'	'	'	-46
Restricted stock issued (in shares)	'	'	-2	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock activity:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases, at cost	'	'	-1,129	'	'	'	-1,129
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)	'	'	25	'	'	'	'
Stock options exchanged	'	'	-92	'	'	'	-92
Stock options exchanged (in shares)	'	'	2	'	'	'	'
Share-based employee compensation	'	76	'	'	'	'	76
Other comprehensive gain net of income tax of $8 in 2014 and $17 in 2013	'	'	'	15	'	'	15
Other	'	63	-26	'	'	3	40
Cash dividends declared ($0.33 in 2014 and $0.30 in 2013 per common share)	'	'	'	'	-162	'	-162
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	848	11	859
Balances at Aug. 16, 2014	$959	$3,605	($10,785)	($449)	$11,667	$25	$5,022
Balances (in shares) at Aug. 16, 2014	959	'	473	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY	'	'
Other comprehensive gain, income tax	$8	$17
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.30

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Kroger Co., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary.  The February 1, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements and, due to its summary nature, does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.  References to the “Company” in these Consolidated Financial Statements mean the consolidated company.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal, recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for such periods but should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year.  The financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted, pursuant to SEC regulations.  Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Kroger Co. for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.
	The unaudited information in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter and the two quarters ended August 16, 2014 and August 17, 2013, includes the results of operations of the Company for the 12 and 28-week periods then ended.
	Certain revenue transactions previously reported in sales and merchandise costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are now reported net within sales.  Also, certain expense transactions previously reported in operating, general and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are now reported within merchandise costs.  Prior quarter amounts have been revised or reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  These amounts were not material to the prior periods.

MERGER

MERGER	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
MERGER	'
MERGER	'
	2.MERGER
	On January 28, 2014, the Company closed its merger with Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (“Harris Teeter”) and there have not been any changes in the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocation in the first two quarters of 2014.
	As of August 16, 2014, the fair value step up adjustment to Harris Teeter inventory as of the merger date is recorded in the LIFO reserve.  This resulted in a $53 decrease in LIFO reserve.
	Pro forma results of operations, assuming the transaction had taken place at the beginning of 2012, are included in the following table.  The pro forma information includes historical results of operations of Harris Teeter and adjustments for interest expense that would have been incurred due to financing the acquisition, depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired and excludes the pre-acquisition transaction related expenses incurred by Harris Teeter and the Company.  The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions, synergies and investments in lower prices for our customers expected to result from the merger.  The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the merger been completed at the beginning of 2012.
		Second Quarter Ended		Two Quarters Ended
		August 17, 2013		August 17, 2013
	Sales	$	23,787	$	55,129
	Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	347		865
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	3		6
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$	344	$	859

STOCK_OPTION_PLANS

STOCK OPTION PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
STOCK OPTION PLANS	'
STOCK OPTION PLANS	'
	3.  STOCK OPTION PLANS
	The Company recognized total share-based compensation of $36 and $23 in the second quarters ended August 16, 2014 and August 17, 2013, respectively.  The Company recognized total share-based compensation of $76 and $47 in the first two quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively.  These costs were recognized as operating, general and administrative costs in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company grants options for common shares (“stock options”) to employees, as well as to its non-employee directors, under various plans at an option price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant.  In addition to stock options, the Company awards restricted stock to employees and its non-employee directors under various plans.  Equity awards may be made once each quarter on a predetermined date.  It has been the Company’s practice to make a general annual grant to employees, which occurred in the second quarter of 2014.  Special grants may be made in the other three quarters.  Grants to non-employee directors occur on the same date that the general annual grant to employees occurs.
	Stock options granted in the first two quarters of 2014 expire 10 years from the date of grant and vest between one year and five years from the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted in the first two quarters of 2014 have restrictions that lapse between one year and five years from the date of the awards.  All grants and awards become immediately exercisable, in the case of options, and restrictions lapse, in the case of restricted stock, upon certain changes in control of the Company.
	Changes in equity awards outstanding under the plans are summarized below.
	Stock Options
		Shares subject		Weighted-average
		to option		exercise price
	Outstanding, February 1, 2014	21.7		$	25.66
	Granted	4.1		$	49.21
	Exercised	(3.2	)	$	22.75
	Canceled or Expired	(0.2	)	$	28.7
	Outstanding, August 16, 2014	22.4		$	30.4
	Restricted Stock
		Restricted shares		Weighted-average
		outstanding		grant-date fair value
	Outstanding, February 1, 2014	4.8		$	32.31
	Granted	2.8		$	48.99
	Vested	(2.3	)	$	32.84
	Forfeited	(0.1	)	$	35.35
	Outstanding, August 16, 2014	5.2		$	41.14
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the first two quarters of 2014 and 2013, was $11.96 and $8.97, respectively.  The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, based on the assumptions shown in the table below.  The Black-Scholes model utilizes accounting judgment and financial estimates, including the term option holders are expected to retain their stock options before exercising them, the volatility of the Company’s share price over that expected term, the dividend yield over the term, and the number of awards expected to be forfeited before they vest.  Using alternative assumptions in the calculation of fair value would produce fair values for stock option grants that could be different than those used to record stock-based compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The increase in the fair value of the stock options granted during the first two quarters of 2014, compared to the first two quarters of 2013, resulted primarily from an increase in the Company’s share price, which decreased the expected dividend yield, and an increase in the weighted average risk-free interest rate.
	The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions used for grants awarded to option holders:
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	2.06%		1.87%
	Expected dividend yield	1.51%		1.82%
	Expected volatility	25.29%		26.34%
	Expected term	6.6 Years		6.8 Years

DEBT_OBLIGATIONS

DEBT OBLIGATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
DEBT OBLIGATIONS	'
DEBT OBLIGATIONS	'
	4.DEBT OBLIGATIONS
	Long-term debt consists of:
		August 16,			February 1,
		2014			2014
	0.76% to 8.00% Senior Notes due through 2043	$	9,083		$	9,083
	5.00% to 12.75% Mortgages due in varying amounts through 2034	61			64
	0.27% Commercial paper borrowings due through September 2014	1,090			1,250
	Other	427			383
	Total debt, excluding capital leases and financing obligations	10,661			10,780
	Less current portion	(1,451		)	(1,616		)
	Total long-term debt, excluding capital leases and financing obligations	$	9,210		$	9,164
	On June 30, 2014, the Company amended, extended and restated its $2,000 unsecured revolving credit facility.  The Company entered into the amended credit facility to amend, extend and restate the Company’s existing credit facility that would have terminated on January 25, 2017.  The amended credit facility provides for a $2,750 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”), with a termination date of June 30, 2019, unless extended as permitted under the Credit Agreement.  The Company has the ability to increase the size of the Credit Agreement by up to an additional $750, subject to certain conditions.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at the Company’s option, at either (i) LIBOR plus a market rate spread, based on the Company’s Leverage Ratio or (ii) the base rate, defined as the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, (b) the Bank of America prime rate, and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus a market rate spread based on the Company’s Leverage Ratio.  The Company will also pay a Commitment Fee based on the Leverage Ratio and Letter of Credit fees equal to a market rate spread based on the Company’s Leverage Ratio.  The Credit Agreement contains covenants, which, among other things, require the maintenance of a Leverage Ratio of not greater than 3.50:1.00 and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.70:1.00.  The Company may repay the Credit Agreement in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty.  The Credit Agreement is not guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries.

BENEFIT_PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
BENEFIT PLANS	'
BENEFIT PLANS	'
	5.BENEFIT PLANS
	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for the second quarters of 2014 and 2013.
		Second Quarter Ended
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		August 16,			August 17,			August 16,			August 17,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	10		$	8		$	2		$	4
	Interest cost	42			35			3			4
	Expected return on plan assets	(56		)	(52		)	—			—
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	—			—			(2		)	(1		)
	Actuarial loss	12			24			(1		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	8		$	15		$	2		$	7
	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for the first two quarters of 2014 and 2013.
		Two Quarters Ended
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		August 16,			August 17,			August 16,			August 17,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	24		$	23		$	6		$	9
	Interest cost	98			83			7			9
	Expected return on plan assets	(130		)	(121		)	—			—
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	—			—			(4		)	(2		)
	Actuarial loss	28			55			(3		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	20		$	40		$	6		$	16
	The Company is not required and does not expect to make any contributions to the Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans in 2014.
	The Company contributed $98 and $80 to employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts in the first two quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company also contributes to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising from most of its collective bargaining agreements. These plans provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The Company recognizes expense in connection with these plans as contributions are funded.
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company incurred a charge of $56 (after-tax) due to commitments and withdrawal liabilities arising from the restructuring of certain multi-employer pension plan obligations.

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	'
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	'
	6.EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share equal net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. less income allocated to participating securities divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share equal net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. less income allocated to participating securities divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to dilutive stock options.  The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. and shares used in calculating net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share to those used in calculating net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share:
		Second Quarter Ended					Second Quarter Ended
		August 16, 2014					August 17, 2013
		Earnings		Shares	Per Share		Earnings		Shares	Per Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$	343	485	$	0.71	$	315	515	$	0.61
	Dilutive effect of stock options			6					6
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	343	491	$	0.70	$	315	521	$	0.60
		Two Quarters Ended					Two Quarters Ended
		August 16, 2014					August 17, 2013
		Earnings		Shares	Per Share		Earnings		Shares	Per Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$	840	494	$	1.70	$	791	515	$	1.54
	Dilutive effect of stock options			6					5
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	840	500	$	1.68	$	791	520	$	1.52
	The Company had combined undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities totaling $4 in the second quarter of 2014 and $2 in the second quarter of 2013.  For the first two quarters of 2014 and 2013, the Company had combined undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities of $8 and $7, respectively.
	The Company had options outstanding for approximately 2 shares during the second quarters of 2014 and 2013 that were excluded from the computations of earnings per diluted common share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.  The Company had options outstanding for approximately 2 shares in the first two quarters of 2014 and 1 shares in the first two quarters of 2013 that were excluded from the computations of earnings per diluted common share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.

RECENTLY_ADOPTED_ACCOUNTING_ST

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
	7.RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Income Taxes.” The amendment provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This amendment became effective for the Company beginning February 2, 2014, and was adopted prospectively in accordance with the standard. The adoption of this amendment did not have an effect on net income and did not have a significant effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

RECENTLY_ISSUED_ACCOUNTING_STA

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
	8.RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending January 27, 2018. Early adoption is not permitted.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption of this ASU on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	9.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company continuously evaluates contingencies based upon the best available evidence.
	The Company believes that allowances for loss have been provided to the extent necessary and that its assessment of contingencies is reasonable.  To the extent that resolution of contingencies results in amounts that vary from the Company’s estimates, future earnings will be charged or credited.
	Litigation — Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, including suits charging violations of certain antitrust, wage and hour, or civil rights laws, are pending against the Company.  Some of these suits purport or have been determined to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages.  Any damages that may be awarded in antitrust cases will be automatically trebled.  Although it is not possible at this time to evaluate the merits of all of these claims and lawsuits, nor their likelihood of success, the Company believes that any resulting liability will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	The Company continually evaluates its exposure to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation and believes it has made provisions where it is reasonably possible to estimate and where an adverse outcome is probable.  Nonetheless, assessing and predicting the outcomes of these matters involve substantial uncertainties.  Management currently believes that the aggregate range of loss for the Company’s exposure is not material to the Company.  It remains possible that despite management’s current belief, material differences in actual outcomes or changes in management’s evaluation or predictions could arise that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	10.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined in the standards are as follows:
	Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable;
	Level 3 — Unobservable pricing inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
	For items carried at (or adjusted to) fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements, the following tables summarize the fair value of these instruments at August 16, 2014 and February 1, 2014:
	August 16, 2014 Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant		Total
		Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Unobservable
		for Identical		(Level 2)			Inputs
		Assets					(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Trading Securities	$	46	$	—		$	—	$	46
	Available-for-Sale Securities	31		—			—		31
	Warrants	—		19			—		19
	Long-Lived Assets	—		—			10		10
	Interest Rate Hedges	—		(2		)	—		(2		)
	Total	$	77	$	17		$	10	$	104
	The table above includes Harris Teeter assets at fair value as of August 16, 2014.
	February 1, 2014 Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant		Total
		Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Unobservable
		for Identical		(Level 2)			Inputs
		Assets					(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Available-for-Sale Securities	$	36	$	—		$	—	$	36
	Warrants	—		16			—		16
	Long-Lived Assets	—		—			29		29
	Interest Rate Hedges	—		(2		)	—		(2		)
	Total	$	36	$	14		$	29	$	79
	In the first two quarters of 2014, unrealized gains on the Level 1 available-for-sale securities totaled $2.
	The Company values warrants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is classified as a Level 2 input.
	The Company values interest rate hedges using observable forward yield curves.  These forward yield curves are classified as Level 2 inputs.
	Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of goodwill, other intangible assets, and long-lived assets, and in the valuation of store lease exit costs.  The Company reviews goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, and as circumstances indicate the possibility of impairment.  See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 for further discussion related to the Company’s carrying value of goodwill.  Long-lived assets and store lease exit costs were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy.  See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 for further discussion of the Company’s policies regarding the valuation of long-lived assets and store lease exit costs.  For the first two quarters of 2014, long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $27 were written down to their fair value of $10 resulting in an impairment charge of $17.  For the first two quarters of 2013, long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $35 were written down to their fair value of $10 resulting in an impairment charge of $25.  In fiscal year 2013, long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $68 were written down to their fair value of $29, resulting in an impairment charge of $39.
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	Current and Long-term Debt
	The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, was estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues adjusted for illiquidity based on available market evidence.  If quoted market prices were not available, the fair value was based on the net present value of the future cash flow using the forward interest rate yield curve in effect at August 16, 2014 and February 1, 2014, which is a Level 2 measurement technique.  At August 16, 2014, the fair value of total debt was $11,667 compared to a carrying value of $10,661.  At February 1, 2014, the fair value of total debt was $11,547 compared to a carrying value of $10,780.
	Cash and Temporary Cash Investments, Store Deposits In-Transit, Receivables, Prepaid and Other Current Assets, Trade Accounts Payable, Accrued Salaries and Wages and Other Current Liabilities
	The carrying amounts of these items approximated fair value.
	Other Assets
	The fair values of these investments were estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments, or estimated cash flows, if appropriate.  At August 16, 2014 and February 1, 2014, the carrying and fair value of long-term investments for which fair value is determinable was $112 and $51, respectively.  The increase in fair value of long-term investments for which fair value is determinable is mainly due to the Company’s merger with Harris Teeter.  At August 16, 2014 and February 1, 2014, the carrying value of notes receivable for which fair value is determinable was $99 and $87, respectively.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
	11.  OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The following table represents the changes in AOCI by component for the first two quarters of 2013 and 2014:
			Cash Flow			Available for sale			Pension and			Total(1)
			Hedging			Securities(1)			Postretirement
			Activities(1)						Defined Benefit
									Plans(1)
	Balance at February 2, 2013		$	(14	)	$	7		$	(746	)	$	(753	)
	OCI before reclassifications(2)		(9		)	4			—			(5		)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		1			—			33			34
	Net current-period OCI		(8		)	4			33			29
	Balance at August 17, 2013		$	(22	)	$	11		$	(713	)	$	(724	)
	Balance at February 1, 2014		$	(25	)	$	12		$	(451	)	$	(464	)
	OCI before reclassifications		—			2			—			2
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		—			—			13			13
	Net current-period OCI		—			2			13			15
	Balance at August 16, 2014		$	(25	)	$	14		$	(438	)	$	(449	)
		-1		All amounts are net of tax.
		-2		Net of tax of $(5) and $2 for cash flow hedging activities and available for sale securities, respectively, for the first two quarters of 2013.
	The following table represents the items reclassified out of AOCI and the related tax effects for the second quarter and first two quarters of 2014 and 2013:
			Second Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
			August 16,			August 17,			August 16,			August 17,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gains on cash flow hedging activities
	Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities(1)		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1
	Tax (expense) / benefit		—			—			—			—
	Net of tax		—			—			—			1
	Pension and postretirement defined benefit plan items
	Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension expense(2)		9			23			21			53
	Tax expense		(4		)	(9		)	(8		)	(20		)
	Net of tax		5			14			13			33
	Total reclassifications, net of tax		$	5		$	14		$	13		$	34
		-1		Reclassified from AOCI into interest expense.
		-2		Reclassified from AOCI into merchandise costs and operating, general and administrative expense.  These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension expense (see Note 5 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details).

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
INCOME TAXES	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	12.  INCOME TAXES
	The effective income tax rate was 34.2% in the second quarter of 2014, compared to 35.5% for the second quarter of 2013.  The effective income tax rate was 34.7% for the first two quarters of 2014, compared to 35.5% for the first two quarters of 2013.  The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2014 and the first two quarters of 2014 differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the utilization of tax credits and deductions, partially offset by the effect of state income taxes. The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2013 differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the utilization of tax credits and deductions.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	'
	13.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On August 18, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Vitacost.com, Inc. (“Vitacost.com”) for $8.00 per share in cash or approximately $280 in total.  Vitacost.com is a leading online retailer of health and wellness products, which are sold directly to consumers through the website vitacost.com.  This merger affords the Company access to Vitacost.com’s extensive e-commerce platform, which can be combined with the Company’s customer insights and loyal customer base, to create new levels of personalization and convenience for customers.  Vitacost.com’s annual revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2013, was approximately $383 with a net loss of approximately $(14).  The merger will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and was financed through the issuance of commercial paper.

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES_Policies

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Kroger Co., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary.  The February 1, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements and, due to its summary nature, does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.  References to the “Company” in these Consolidated Financial Statements mean the consolidated company.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal, recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for such periods but should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year.  The financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted, pursuant to SEC regulations.  Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Kroger Co. for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.
	The unaudited information in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter and the two quarters ended August 16, 2014 and August 17, 2013, includes the results of operations of the Company for the 12 and 28-week periods then ended.
	Certain revenue transactions previously reported in sales and merchandise costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are now reported net within sales.  Also, certain expense transactions previously reported in operating, general and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are now reported within merchandise costs.  Prior quarter amounts have been revised or reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  These amounts were not material to the prior periods.

MERGER_Tables

MERGER (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
MERGER	'
Schedule of pro forma results of operations	'
		Second Quarter Ended		Two Quarters Ended
		August 17, 2013		August 17, 2013
	Sales	$	23,787	$	55,129
	Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	347		865
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	3		6
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$	344	$	859

STOCK_OPTION_PLANS_Tables

STOCK OPTION PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
STOCK OPTION PLANS	'
Summary of changes in stock options outstanding	'
		Shares subject		Weighted-average
		to option		exercise price
	Outstanding, February 1, 2014	21.7		$	25.66
	Granted	4.1		$	49.21
	Exercised	(3.2	)	$	22.75
	Canceled or Expired	(0.2	)	$	28.7
	Outstanding, August 16, 2014	22.4		$	30.4
Summary of changes in restricted stock outstanding	'
		Restricted shares		Weighted-average
		outstanding		grant-date fair value
	Outstanding, February 1, 2014	4.8		$	32.31
	Granted	2.8		$	48.99
	Vested	(2.3	)	$	32.84
	Forfeited	(0.1	)	$	35.35
	Outstanding, August 16, 2014	5.2		$	41.14
Summary of weighted-average assumptions used for grants awarded to option holders	'
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	2.06%		1.87%
	Expected dividend yield	1.51%		1.82%
	Expected volatility	25.29%		26.34%
	Expected term	6.6 Years		6.8 Years

DEBT_OBLIGATIONS_Tables

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
DEBT OBLIGATIONS	'
Schedule of long-term debt	'
		August 16,			February 1,
		2014			2014
	0.76% to 8.00% Senior Notes due through 2043	$	9,083		$	9,083
	5.00% to 12.75% Mortgages due in varying amounts through 2034	61			64
	0.27% Commercial paper borrowings due through September 2014	1,090			1,250
	Other	427			383
	Total debt, excluding capital leases and financing obligations	10,661			10,780
	Less current portion	(1,451		)	(1,616		)
	Total long-term debt, excluding capital leases and financing obligations	$	9,210		$	9,164

BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
BENEFIT PLANS	'
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost	'
		Second Quarter Ended
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		August 16,			August 17,			August 16,			August 17,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	10		$	8		$	2		$	4
	Interest cost	42			35			3			4
	Expected return on plan assets	(56		)	(52		)	—			—
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	—			—			(2		)	(1		)
	Actuarial loss	12			24			(1		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	8		$	15		$	2		$	7
		Two Quarters Ended
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		August 16,			August 17,			August 16,			August 17,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	24		$	23		$	6		$	9
	Interest cost	98			83			7			9
	Expected return on plan assets	(130		)	(121		)	—			—
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	—			—			(4		)	(2		)
	Actuarial loss	28			55			(3		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	20		$	40		$	6		$	16

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	'
Schedule of earnings per common and diluted shares	'
		Second Quarter Ended					Second Quarter Ended
		August 16, 2014					August 17, 2013
		Earnings		Shares	Per Share		Earnings		Shares	Per Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$	343	485	$	0.71	$	315	515	$	0.61
	Dilutive effect of stock options			6					6
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	343	491	$	0.70	$	315	521	$	0.60
		Two Quarters Ended					Two Quarters Ended
		August 16, 2014					August 17, 2013
		Earnings		Shares	Per Share		Earnings		Shares	Per Share
		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$	840	494	$	1.70	$	791	515	$	1.54
	Dilutive effect of stock options			6					5
	Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	840	500	$	1.68	$	791	520	$	1.52

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
Summary of fair value measurements	'
	August 16, 2014 Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant		Total
		Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Unobservable
		for Identical		(Level 2)			Inputs
		Assets					(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Trading Securities	$	46	$	—		$	—	$	46
	Available-for-Sale Securities	31		—			—		31
	Warrants	—		19			—		19
	Long-Lived Assets	—		—			10		10
	Interest Rate Hedges	—		(2		)	—		(2		)
	Total	$	77	$	17		$	10	$	104
	February 1, 2014 Fair Value Measurements Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant		Total
		Active Markets		Observable Inputs			Unobservable
		for Identical		(Level 2)			Inputs
		Assets					(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Available-for-Sale Securities	$	36	$	—		$	—	$	36
	Warrants	—		16			—		16
	Long-Lived Assets	—		—			29		29
	Interest Rate Hedges	—		(2		)	—		(2		)
	Total	$	36	$	14		$	29	$	79

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS1

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
Schedule of changes in AOCI by component	'
			Cash Flow			Available for sale			Pension and			Total(1)
			Hedging			Securities(1)			Postretirement
			Activities(1)						Defined Benefit
									Plans(1)
	Balance at February 2, 2013		$	(14	)	$	7		$	(746	)	$	(753	)
	OCI before reclassifications(2)		(9		)	4			—			(5		)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		1			—			33			34
	Net current-period OCI		(8		)	4			33			29
	Balance at August 17, 2013		$	(22	)	$	11		$	(713	)	$	(724	)
	Balance at February 1, 2014		$	(25	)	$	12		$	(451	)	$	(464	)
	OCI before reclassifications		—			2			—			2
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		—			—			13			13
	Net current-period OCI		—			2			13			15
	Balance at August 16, 2014		$	(25	)	$	14		$	(438	)	$	(449	)
		-1		All amounts are net of tax.
	(2)  Net of tax of $(5) and $2 for cash flow hedging activities and available for sale securities, respectively, for the first two quarters of 2013.
Schedule of items reclassified out of AOCI and the related tax effects	'
			Second Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
			August 16,			August 17,			August 16,			August 17,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gains on cash flow hedging activities
	Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities(1)		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1
	Tax (expense) / benefit		—			—			—			—
	Net of tax		—			—			—			1
	Pension and postretirement defined benefit plan items
	Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension expense(2)		9			23			21			53
	Tax expense		(4		)	(9		)	(8		)	(20		)
	Net of tax		5			14			13			33
	Total reclassifications, net of tax		$	5		$	14		$	13		$	34
	(1) Reclassified from AOCI into interest expense.
	(2) Reclassified from AOCI into merchandise costs and operating, general and administrative expense.  These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension expense (see Note 5 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details).

MERGER_Details

MERGER (Details) (Harris Teeter, USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
Harris Teeter	'	'	'
MERGER	'	'	'
Decrease in LIFO reserve	'	$53	'
Pro forma results of operations	'	'	'
Sales	23,787	'	55,129
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	347	'	865
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	'	6
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$344	'	$859

STOCK_OPTION_PLANS_Details

STOCK OPTION PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
STOCK OPTION PLANS	'	'	'	'
Share-based employee compensation	$36	$23	$76	$47
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Stock Options Plans	'	'	'	'
Stock options, expiration period from date of grant	'	'	'10 years	'
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Stock options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	'	'	21.7	'
Stock options granted (in shares)	'	'	4.1	'
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	-3.2	'
Stock options canceled or expired (in shares)	'	'	-0.2	'
Stock options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	22.4	'	22.4	'
Weighted-average exercise price	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price outstanding options at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$25.66	'
Weighted-average exercise price options granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$49.21	'
Weighted-average exercise price options exercised (in dollars per share)	'	'	$22.75	'
Weighted-average exercise price options canceled or expired (in dollars per share)	'	'	$28.70	'
Weighted-average exercise price outstanding options at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$30.40	'	$30.40	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted in period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$11.96	$8.97
Weighted average assumptions for grants awarded to option holders	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	'	'	2.06%	1.87%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	'	'	1.51%	1.82%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	'	'	25.29%	26.34%
Expected term	'	'	'6 years 7 months 6 days	'6 years 9 months 18 days
Stock options | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Stock Options Plans	'	'	'	'
Vesting period from date of grant	'	'	'1 year	'
Stock options | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Stock Options Plans	'	'	'	'
Vesting period from date of grant	'	'	'5 years	'
Restricted stock	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock	'	'	'	'
Restricted shares outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	'	'	4.8	'
Restricted shares granted (in shares)	'	'	2.8	'
Restricted shares vested (in shares)	'	'	-2.3	'
Restricted shares forfeited (in shares)	'	'	-0.1	'
Restricted shares outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	5.2	'	5.2	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, restricted shares outstanding at beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$32.31	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, restricted shares granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$48.99	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, restricted shares vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	$32.84	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, restricted shares forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$35.35	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, restricted shares outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$41.14	'	$41.14	'
Restricted stock | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Stock Options Plans	'	'	'	'
Vesting period from date of grant	'	'	'1 year	'
Restricted stock | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Stock Options Plans	'	'	'	'
Vesting period from date of grant	'	'	'5 years	'

DEBT_OBLIGATIONS_Details

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)

Aug. 16, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Aug. 16, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Aug. 16, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Aug. 16, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Aug. 16, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Unsecured revolving credit facility

Commercial paper borrowings due through September 2014

Commercial paper borrowings due through September 2014

Senior notes due through 2043

Senior notes due through 2043

Mortgages due in varying amounts through 2034

Mortgages due in varying amounts through 2034

Other

Other

Maximum

Minimum

LIBOR plus a market rate spread based on the company's leverage ratio

Federal Funds Rate

Bank of America prime rate

One-month LIBOR plus 1.0 percent plus a market rate spread based on the company's leverage ratio

Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt, excluding capital leases and financing obligations

$10,661

$10,780

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,090

$1,250

$9,083

$9,083

$61

$64

$427

$383

Less current portion

-1,451

-1,616

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt, excluding capital leases and financing obligations

9,210

9,164

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate, minimum range (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.76%

0.76%

5.00%

5.00%

'

'

Interest rate, maximum range (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.00%

8.00%

12.75%

12.75%

'

'

Interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.27%

0.27%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity prior to amended and restated credit agreement

'

'

2,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

2,750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowing capacity

'

'

$750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument variable basis rate

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus a market rate spread, based on the Company's Leverage Ratio

'Federal Funds Rate

'Bank of America prime rate

'one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus a market rate spread based on the Company's Leverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate margin (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio (as a percent)

'

'

'

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed charge coverage ratio (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

1.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	4 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	24-May-14	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
				Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits	Other Benefits	Other Benefits	Other Benefits	Other Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	'	'	'	$10	$8	$24	$23	$2	$4	$6	$9
Interest cost	'	'	'	42	35	98	83	3	4	7	9
Expected return on plan assets	'	'	'	-56	-52	-130	-121	'	'	'	'
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior service cost	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2	-1	-4	-2
Actuarial loss	'	'	'	12	24	28	55	-1	'	-3	'
Net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	8	15	20	40	2	7	6	16
Cost of other defined contribution plans	'	98	80	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Multiemployer pension plan charge (after-tax)	$56	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Deta

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$343	$315	$840	$791
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation	485	515	494	515
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share (in dollars per share)	$0.71	$0.61	$1.70	$1.54
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	6	6	6	5
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	343	315	840	791
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation	491	521	500	520
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share (in dollars per share)	$0.70	$0.60	$1.68	$1.52
Undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities	$4	$2	$8	$7
Shares excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share	2	2	2	1

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Asset impairment charge	$17	$25	$39
Carrying Value	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Total debt	10,661	'	10,780
Other assets	112	'	51
Notes receivable	99	'	87
Carrying Value | Before impairment	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	27	35	68
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Total	10	'	29
Fair value	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	10	10	29
Total	104	'	79
Total debt	11,667	'	11,547
Other assets	112	'	51
Notes receivable	99	'	87
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Trading Securities	46	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities	31	'	36
Total	77	'	36
Unrealized losses on Available-for-Sale Securities	2	'	'
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Warrants	19	'	16
Total	17	'	14
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Interest Rate Hedges	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Interest Rate Hedges	-2	'	-2
Recurring | Fair value	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Trading Securities	46	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities	31	'	36
Warrants	19	'	16
Recurring | Fair value | Interest Rate Hedges	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Interest Rate Hedges	-2	'	-2
Nonrecurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	$10	'	$29

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended					6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
					Cash Flow Hedging Activities	Cash Flow Hedging Activities	Cash Flow Hedging Activities	Available for sale Securities	Available for sale Securities	Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans	Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	($464)	($753)	($14)	($25)	($25)	$12	$7	($451)	($746)
OCI before reclassifications	'	'	2	-5	-9	'	'	2	4	'	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	'	'	13	34	1	'	'	'	'	13	33
Total other comprehensive income	8	25	15	29	-8	'	'	2	4	13	33
Balance at the end of the period	-449	-724	-449	-724	-22	-25	-25	14	11	-438	-713
OCI before reclassifications, tax	'	'	'	'	($5)	'	'	'	$2	'	'

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects	'	'	'	'
Tax expense	($182)	($176)	($456)	($442)
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	347	317	848	798
Reclassification out of AOCI	'	'	'	'
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects	'	'	'	'
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	5	14	13	34
Reclassification out of AOCI | Cash Flow Hedging Activities	'	'	'	'
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects	'	'	'	'
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities	'	'	'	1
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	'	'	'	1
Reclassification out of AOCI | Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects	'	'	'	'
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension expense	9	23	21	53
Tax expense	-4	-9	-8	-20
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$5	$14	$13	$33

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013
INCOME TAXES	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	34.20%	35.50%	34.70%	35.50%

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Aug. 16, 2014	Aug. 17, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 18, 2014	Aug. 18, 2014
					Vitacost.com, Inc.	Subsequent event	Subsequent event
						Vitacost.com, Inc.	Vitacost.com, Inc.
Subsequent event	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Price per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$8
Merger cost	'	'	'	'	'	$280	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	383	'	'
Net loss	$347	$317	$848	$798	($14)	'	'