Freds (FRED) 10-K 16 Apr 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 10, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FREDS INC
Entity Central Index Key	724571
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	FRED
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float		$339
Common stock, Class A voting
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			37,162,661
Common stock, Class B nonvoting
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			0

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$6,440	$6,725
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,404 and $2,097, respectively	41,370	35,161
Inventories	315,678	361,993
Other non-trade receivables	43,487	39,108
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,983	13,245
Total current assets	419,958	456,232
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	143,985	153,363
Equipment under capital leases, less accumulated amortization of $5,140 and $5,111, respectively	0	29
Intangible assets, net	79,629	54,580
Other noncurrent assets, net	5,674	3,582
Total assets	649,246	667,786
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	143,250	125,925
Current portion of indebtedness	4,331	1,640
Accrued expenses and other	45,599	46,236
Deferred income taxes	13,386	24,446
Total current liabilities	206,566	198,247
Long-term portion of indebtedness	2,259	3,578
Other noncurrent liabilities	24,785	14,413
Total liabilities	233,610	216,238
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 3-Indebtedness, Note 6-Long-Term Leases and Note 10-Other Commitments and Contingencies)
Shareholders' equity:
Retained earnings	310,571	348,321
Accumulated other comprehensive income	570	703
Total shareholders' equity	415,636	451,548
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	649,246	667,786
Preferred stock, nonvoting
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating nonvoting
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, Class A voting
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	104,495	102,524
Common stock, Class B nonvoting
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$2,404	$2,097
Equipment under capital leases, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$5,140	$5,111
Preferred stock, nonvoting
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating nonvoting
Preferred stock, shares authorized	224,594	224,594
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, Class A voting
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	36,969,268	36,791,279
Common stock, shares outstanding	36,969,268	36,791,279
Common stock, Class B nonvoting
Common stock, shares authorized	11,500,000	11,500,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Net sales	$1,970,049	$1,939,246	$1,955,275
Cost of goods sold	1,466,256	1,378,405	1,388,943
Gross profit	503,793	560,841	566,332
Depreciation and amortization	41,063	41,047	39,541
Selling, general and administrative expenses	511,142	480,596	487,713
Operating income (loss)	-48,412	39,198	39,078
Interest income	0	0	0
Interest expense	504	487	549
Income (loss) before income taxes	-48,916	38,711	38,529
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-20,012	12,696	8,900
Net income (loss)	($28,904)	$26,015	$29,629
Net income (loss) per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.80)	$0.71	$0.81
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.80)	$0.71	$0.81
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	36,313	36,558	36,584
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)	0	162	127
Diluted (in shares)	36,313	36,720	36,711

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	($28,904)	$26,015	$29,629
Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax Postretirement plan adjustment	-133	-91	-70
Comprehensive income (loss)	($29,037)	$25,924	$29,559

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Jan. 28, 2012	$423,612	$105,384	$317,364	$864
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 28, 2012		37,203,794
Cash dividends paid	-15,857		-15,857
Restricted stock grants and cancellations	-481	-481
Restricted stock grants and cancellations (in shares)		3,743
Issuance of shares under employee stock purchase plan	657	657
Issuance of shares under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		54,830
Repurchased and cancelled shares	-9,176	-9,176
Repurchased and cancelled shares (in shares)		-649,219
Stock-based compensation	2,055	2,055
Exercises of stock options	933	933
Exercises of stock options (in shares)	66,912	66,912
Income tax benefit/expense on exercise of stock options	-30	-30
Adjustment for postretirement benefits (net of tax)	-70			-70
Net income (Loss)	29,629		29,629
Balance at Feb. 02, 2013	431,272	99,342	331,136	794
Balance (in shares) at Feb. 02, 2013		36,680,060
Cash dividends paid	-8,830		-8,830
Restricted stock grants and cancellations	-342	-342
Restricted stock grants and cancellations (in shares)		-31,062
Issuance of shares under employee stock purchase plan	712	712
Issuance of shares under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		60,912
Repurchased and cancelled shares
Repurchased and cancelled shares (in shares)
Stock-based compensation	1,791	1,791
Exercises of stock options	998	998
Exercises of stock options (in shares)	81,369	81,369
Income tax benefit/expense on exercise of stock options	23	23
Adjustment for postretirement benefits (net of tax)	-91			-91
Net income (Loss)	26,015		26,015
Balance at Feb. 01, 2014	451,548	102,524	348,321	703
Balance (in shares) at Feb. 01, 2014		36,791,279
Cash dividends paid	-8,846		-8,846
Restricted stock grants and cancellations	0	0
Restricted stock grants and cancellations (in shares)		112,566
Issuance of shares under employee stock purchase plan	751	751
Issuance of shares under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		54,992
Repurchased and cancelled shares
Repurchased and cancelled shares (in shares)
Repurchased equity awards	-1,713	-1,713
Repurchased equity awards (in shares)		-30,883
Stock-based compensation	2,433	2,433
Exercises of stock options	499	499
Exercises of stock options (in shares)	41,314	41,314
Income tax benefit/expense on exercise of stock options	1	1	0
Adjustment for postretirement benefits (net of tax)	-133			-133
Net income (Loss)	-28,904		-28,904
Balance at Jan. 31, 2015	$415,636	$104,495	$310,571	$570
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2015		36,969,268

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Cash dividends paid (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.24	$0.24	$0.43

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($28,904)	$26,015	$29,629
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	41,063	41,047	39,541
Net gain on asset disposition	-3,601	-3,972	-471
Provision (recovery) for store closures and asset impairment	16,125	1,700	-67
Stock-based compensation	2,433	1,791	2,055
Provision (recovery) for uncollectible receivables	1,383	1,198	627
LIFO reserve increase	4,734	4,526	3,937
Deferred income tax benefit	-13,289	-5,165	-583
Income tax (charge) benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	-23	30
Benefit for postretirement medical	-84	-82	-91
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Trade and non-trade receivables	3,216	-4,691	-8,223
Insurance receivables	-441	298	-273
Inventories	28,404	-14,953	-25,254
Other assets	420	-111	-615
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	15,625	11,218	8,068
Income taxes receivable	-13,683	-921	2,627
Other noncurrent liabilities	10,302	986	-6,187
Net cash provided by operating activities	63,703	58,861	44,750
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-23,308	-25,918	-27,391
Proceeds from asset dispositions	4,861	6,267	1,593
Insurance recoveries for replacement assets	0	176	0
Asset acquisitions, net (primarily intangibles)	-37,605	-25,066	-20,203
Net cash used in investing activities	-56,052	-44,541	-46,001
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of indebtedness and capital lease obligations	-2,472	-1,308	-693
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	455,080	235,270	78,444
Payments on revolving line of credit	-451,236	-242,247	-71,547
Excess tax benefit (charges) from stock-based compensation	0	23	-30
Proceeds (payments) from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan	-462	1,368	1,109
Repurchase of shares	0	0	-9,176
Cash dividends paid	-8,846	-8,830	-15,857
Net cash used in financing activities	-7,936	-15,724	-17,750
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-285	-1,404	-19,001
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	6,725	8,129	27,130
End of year	6,440	6,725	8,129
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	504	487	549
Income taxes paid	$8,045	$19,831	$15,447

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of business. The primary business of Fred's, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Fred's", “We”, “Our”, “Us” or “Company”) is the sale of general merchandise through its retail discount stores and full service pharmacies. In addition, the Company sells general merchandise to its 19 franchisees. As of January 31, 2015, the Company had 660 retail stores, 370 pharmacies, and 1 specialty pharmacy facility located in 15 states mainly in the Southeastern United States.
	Consolidated Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Fred's, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Amounts are in thousands unless otherwise noted.
	Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the financial statement issue date. Based on this evaluation, we are not aware of any events or transactions requiring recognition or disclosure in our consolidated financial statements.
	Fiscal year. The Company utilizes a 52 - 53 week accounting period which ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, as used herein, refer to the years ended January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively. Fiscal year 2012 had 53 weeks, and fiscal years 2014 and 2013 each had 52 weeks.
	Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the financial statements.
	Cash and cash equivalents. Cash on hand and in banks, together with other highly liquid investments which are subject to market fluctuations and having original maturities of three months or less, are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
	Allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company is reimbursed for drugs sold by its pharmacies by many different payors including insurance companies, Medicare and various state Medicaid programs. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on the aging of receivables and additionally uses payor-specific information to assess collection risk, given its interpretation of the contract terms or applicable regulations. However, the reimbursement rates are often subject to interpretations that could result in payments that differ from the Company’s estimates. Additionally, updated regulations and contract negotiations occur frequently, necessitating the Company’s continual review and assessment of the estimation process. Senior management reviews accounts receivable on a quarterly basis to determine if any receivables are potentially uncollectible. The Company includes any accounts receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in its overall allowance for doubtful accounts. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance account.
	Inventories. Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the retail first-in, first-out method for goods in our stores and the cost first-in, first-out method for goods in our distribution centers. The retail inventory method is a reverse mark-up, averaging method which has been widely used in the retail industry for many years. This method calculates a cost-to-retail ratio that is applied to the retail value of inventory to determine the cost value of inventory and the resulting cost of goods sold and gross margin. The assumption that the retail inventory method provides for valuation at lower of cost or market and the inherent uncertainties therein are discussed in the following paragraphs.
	In order to assure valuation at the lower of cost or market, the retail value of our inventory is adjusted on a consistent basis to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments include increases to the retail value of inventory for initial markups to set the selling price of goods or additional markups to adjust pricing for inflation and decreases to the retail value of inventory for markdowns associated with promotional, seasonal or other declines in the market value. Because these adjustments are made on a consistent basis and are based on current prevailing market conditions, they approximate the carrying value of the inventory at net realizable value (market value). Therefore, after applying the cost to retail ratio, the cost value of our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market as is prescribed by GAAP.
	Because the approximation of net realizable value (market value) under the retail inventory method is based on estimates such as markups, markdowns and inventory losses (shrink), there exists an inherent uncertainty in the final determination of inventory cost and gross margin. In order to mitigate that uncertainty, the Company has a formal review by product class which considers such variables as current market trends, seasonality, weather patterns and age of merchandise to ensure that markdowns are taken currently, or a markdown reserve is established to cover future anticipated markdowns. This review also considers current pricing trends and inflation to ensure that markups are taken if necessary. The estimation of inventory losses (shrink) is a significant element in approximating the carrying value of inventory at net realizable value, and as such the following paragraph describes our estimation method as well as the steps we take to mitigate the risk of this estimate in the determination of the cost value of inventory.
	The Company calculates inventory losses (shrink) based on actual inventory losses occurring as a result of physical inventory counts during each fiscal period and estimated inventory losses occurring between yearly physical inventory counts. The estimate for shrink occurring in the interim period between physical counts is calculated on a store-specific basis and is based on history, as well as performance on the most recent physical count. It is calculated by multiplying each store’s shrink rate, which is based on the previously mentioned factors, by the interim period’s sales for each store. Additionally, the overall estimate for shrink is adjusted at the corporate level to a three-year historical average to ensure that the overall shrink estimate is the most accurate approximation of shrink based on the Company’s overall history of shrink. The three-year historical estimate is calculated by dividing the “book to physical” inventory adjustments for the trailing 36 months by the related sales for the same period. In order to reduce the uncertainty inherent in the shrink calculation, the Company first performs the calculation at the lowest practical level (by store) using the most current performance indicators. This ensures a more reliable number, as opposed to using a higher level aggregation or percentage method. The second portion of the calculation ensures that the extreme negative or positive performance of any particular store or group of stores does not skew the overall estimation of shrink. This portion of the calculation removes additional uncertainty by eliminating short-term peaks and valleys that could otherwise cause the underlying carrying cost of inventory to fluctuate unnecessarily. The methodology that we have applied in estimating shrink has resulted in variability that is not material to our financial statements.
	Management believes that the Company’s retail inventory method provides an inventory valuation which reasonably approximates cost and results in valuing inventory at the lower of cost or market. For pharmacy department inventories, which were approximately $43.5 million, and $40.4 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, cost was determined using the retail LIFO ("last-in, first-out") method in which inventory cost is maintained using the retail inventory method, then adjusted by application of the highly inflationary Producer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor for the cumulative annual periods. The current cost of inventories exceeded the LIFO cost by approximately $39.9 million at January 31, 2015 and $35.2 million at February 1, 2014. The LIFO reserve increased by approximately $4.7 million and $4.5 million during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company has historically included an estimate of inbound freight and certain general and administrative costs in merchandise inventory as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. These costs include activities surrounding the procurement and storage of merchandise inventory such as merchandise planning and buying, warehousing, accounting, information technology and human resources, as well as inbound freight. The total amount of procurement and storage costs and inbound freight included in merchandise inventory at January 31, 2015 is $19.4 million compared to $21.6 million at February 1, 2014.
	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company established a reserve for inventory clearance of product that management identified as low-productive and does not fit our go-forward convenient and pharmacy healthcare services model. The Company recorded a below-cost inventory adjustment in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 330, "Inventory," of approximately $12.5 million (including $1.6 million, for the accelerated recognition of freight capitalization expense) in cost of goods sold to value inventory at the lower of cost or market on inventory identified as low-productive, which the Company will be liquidating in accordance with our new strategy. To date, the Company has utilized $5.0 million of the reserve associated with goods sold in 2014, leaving $7.5 million in the reserve at January 31, 2015.
	The following table illustrates the inventory markdown reserve activity related to the low-productive inventory discussed in the previous paragraph (in millions):
			Balance at		Additions		Utilization		Ending Balance
			February 1, 2014						January 31, 2015
	Inventory markdown on low-productive inventory		$	-	$	10.9	$	-3.9	$	7
	Inventory provision for freight capitalization expense		$	-	$	1.6	$	-1.1	$	0.5
	Total		$	-	$	12.5	$	-5	$	7.5
	The Company recorded $3.3 million of below-cost inventory adjustments during the year ended January 31, 2015, and no below cost inventory adjustments during the years ended February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 in connection with planned store closures (see Note 12 - Exit and Disposal Activity).
	Property and equipment. Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets and presented in selling, general and administrative expenses. Improvements to leased premises are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the initial term of the lease or the useful life of the improvement. Leasehold improvements added late in the lease term are amortized over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease (including the upcoming renewal option, if the renewal is reasonably assured) or the estimated useful life of the improvement. Gains or losses on the sale of assets are recorded at disposal. The following average estimated useful lives are generally applied:
		Estimated Useful Lives
	Building and building improvements	8 - 31.5 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 - 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	3 - 10  years or term of lease, if shorter
	Automobiles and vehicles	3 - 10 years
	Airplane	9 years
	Assets under capital lease are amortized in accordance with the Company’s normal depreciation policy for owned assets or over the lease term (regardless of renewal options), if shorter, and the charge to earnings is included in depreciation expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Amortization expense on assets under capital lease for 2014 was $29 thousand.
	Leases. Certain operating leases include rent increases during the initial lease term. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease (which includes the pre-opening period of construction, renovation, fixturing and merchandise placement) and records the difference between the amounts charged to operations and amounts paid as a rent liability. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, which includes any rent holiday period.
	The Company recognizes contingent rental expense when the achievement of specified sales targets are considered probable in accordance with FASB ASC 840 “Leases”. The amount expensed but not paid was $0.9 million and $0.8 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and is included in “Accrued expenses and other” in the consolidated balance sheet (See Note 2 - Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts).
	The Company occasionally receives reimbursements from landlords to be used towards construction of the store the Company intends to lease. The reimbursement is primarily for the purpose of performing work required to divide a much larger location into smaller segments, one of which the Company will use for its store. This work could include the addition or demolition of walls, separation of plumbing, utilities, electrical work, entrances (front and back) and other work as required. Leasehold improvements are recorded at their gross costs including items reimbursed by landlords. The reimbursements are initially recorded as a deferred credit and then amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the initial lease term.
	Based upon an overall analysis of store performance and expected trends, we periodically evaluate the need to close underperforming stores. When we determine that an underperforming store should be closed and a lease obligation still exists, we record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the date the store is closed in accordance with FASB ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” Liabilities are computed based at the point of closure for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by FASB ASC 420. The assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate the lease agreement, estimates related to the sublease of potential closed locations, and estimation of other related exit costs. If the actual timing and the potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. We periodically review the liability for closed stores and make adjustments when necessary.
	Impairment of long-lived assets. The Company’s policy is to review the carrying value of all property and equipment as well as purchased intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. In accordance with FASB ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we review for impairment all stores open at least 3 years or remodeled for more than two years. Impairment results when the carrying value of the assets exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the lease, or 10 years for owned stores. Our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the lease term is based upon historical operations of the stores and estimates of future store profitability which encompasses many factors that are subject to management’s judgment and are difficult to predict. If a long-lived asset is found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the asset’s fair value. The fair value is based on estimated market values for similar assets or other reasonable estimates of fair market value based upon using a discounted cash flow model.
	During fiscal 2014, in association with the planned closure of stores not meeting the Company's operational performance targets, we recorded a charge of $2.9 million in selling, general and administrative expense for the impairment of fixed assets and leasehold improvements. No impairments were recognized in 2013 or 2012.
	Revenue recognition. The Company markets goods and services through 641 company-owned stores and 19 franchised stores as of January 31, 2015. Net sales includes sales of merchandise from company-owned stores, net of returns and exclusive of sales taxes. Sales to franchised stores are recorded when the merchandise is shipped from the Company’s warehouse. Revenues resulting from layaway sales are recorded upon delivery of the merchandise to the customer.
	The Company also sells gift cards for which the revenue is recognized at time of redemption. The Company records a gift card liability on the date the gift card is issued to the customer. Revenue is recognized and the gift card liability is reduced as the customer redeems the gift card. The Company will recognize aged liabilities as revenue when the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company made a refinement to its revenue recognition policy concerning gift card breakage. Utilizing 10 years of gift card data provided by third party vendor Bank of America during the second quarter, a clear redemption and breakage trend emerged. Fred’s gift cards hit their redemption peak of approximately 87% by the end of third year of activation, resulting in a 13% breakage trend. In addition, Fred’s gift card liability is governed by Tennessee’s escheat laws which state that gift cards issued after 1998 are not considered abandoned property. Therefore, the Company revised the estimate of gift card breakage revenue during the second quarter of 2014. During 2014, we recognized $1.0 million of gift card revenue, or $0.02 per share, while not recognizing any gift card revenue in 2013 or 2012.
	In addition, the Company charges the franchised stores a fee based on a percentage of their purchases from the Company. These fees represent a reimbursement for use of the Fred's name and other administrative costs incurred on behalf of the franchised stores and are therefore netted against selling, general and administrative expenses. Total franchise income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
	Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold includes the purchase cost of inventory and the freight costs to the Company’s distribution centers. Warehouse and occupancy costs, including depreciation and amortization, are not included in cost of goods sold, but are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Vendor rebates and allowances. The Company receives rebates for a variety of merchandising activities, such as volume commitment rebates, relief for temporary and permanent price reductions, cooperative advertising programs, and for the introduction of new products in our stores. FASB ASC 605-50 “Customer Payments and Incentives” addresses the accounting and income statement classification for consideration given by a vendor to a retailer in connection with the sale of the vendor’s products or for the promotion of sales of the vendor’s products. Such consideration received from vendors is reflected as a decrease in prices paid for inventory and recognized in cost of sales as the related inventory is sold, unless specific criteria are met qualifying the consideration for treatment as reimbursement of specific, identifiable incremental costs.
	Selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company includes buying, warehousing, distribution, advertising, depreciation and amortization and occupancy costs in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Advertising. In accordance with FASB ASC 720-35 “Advertising Costs”, the Company charges advertising, including production costs, to selling, general and administrative expense on the first day of the advertising period. Gross advertising expenses for 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $23.4 million, $22.8 million and $24.0 million, respectively. Gross advertising expenses were reduced by vendor cooperative advertising allowances of $2.2 million, $2.8 million and $2.4 million, for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Preopening costs. The Company charges to expense the preopening costs of new stores as incurred. These costs are primarily labor to stock the store, rent, preopening advertising, store supplies and other expendable items.
	Intangible assets. Other identifiable intangible assets primarily represent customer lists associated with acquired pharmacies and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years. After testing the retention rate of customers obtained in acquisitions over the last eight years, the Company changed the estimated life of customer lists associated with acquired pharmacies from five to seven years in the fourth quarter of 2013. Based on the Company's historical experience, seven years is a closer approximation of the actual lives of these assets. The change in estimate was applied prospectively. Expenses for the fourth quarter of 2013 were favorably impacted by approximately $1.5 million ($.03 per diluted share) as a result of this change. Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $79.6 million at January 31, 2015, and $54.6 million at February 1, 2014. Accumulated amortization at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 totaled $66.4 million and $54.3 million, respectively. Amortization expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $12.1 million, $12.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the assets recognized as of January 31, 2015, in millions for each of the next 7 years is as follows: 2015 - $14.8 million, 2016 - $14.6 million, 2017 - $13.8 million, 2018 - $12.6 million, 2019 - $10.3 million and $13.5 million thereafter.
	Fair value of financial instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy, as defined below, gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.
		·	Level 1, defined as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.
		·	Level 2, defined as Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
		·	Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	At January 31, 2015, the Company did not have any outstanding derivative instruments. The recorded value of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and indebtedness, approximates fair value. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instrument: (1) the carrying amounts of current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments and (2) the fair value of the Company’s indebtedness is estimated based on the current borrowing rates available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. Most of our indebtedness is under variable interest rates.
	Insurance reserves. The Company is largely self-insured for workers compensation, general liability and employee medical insurance. The Company’s liability for self-insurance is determined based on claims known at the time of determination of the reserve and estimates for future payments against incurred losses and claims that have been incurred but not reported. Estimates for future claims costs include uncertainty because of the variability of the factors involved, such as the type of injury or claim, required services by the providers, healing time, age of claimant, case management costs, location of the claimant, and governmental regulations. These uncertainties or a deviation in future claims trends from recent historical patterns could result in the Company recording additional expenses or expense reductions that might be material to the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s worker's compensation and general liability insurance policy coverages run August 1 through July 31 of each fiscal year. Our employee medical insurance policy coverage runs from January 1 through December 31. The Company purchases excess insurance coverage for certain of its self-insured liabilities, or stop loss coverage. The stop loss limits for excessive or catastrophic claims for general liability remained at $350,000, worker’s compensation remained at $500,000 and employee medical remained at $175,000. The Company’s insurance reserve was $10.0 million and $10.5 million on January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. Changes in the reserve for the year ended January 31, 2015, were attributable to additional reserve requirements of $41.3 million netted with payments of $41.8 million.
	Stock-based compensation. The Company uses the fair value recognition provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, whereby the Company recognizes share-based payments to employees and directors in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a straight-line basis for shares that cliff vest and under the graded vesting attribution method for those that have graded vesting.
	Effective January 29, 2006, the Company elected to adopt the alternative transition method provided in FASB ASC 718 for calculating the income tax effects of stock-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in-capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the income tax effects of stock based compensation, and for determining the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and consolidated statements of cash flows of the income tax effects of stock-based compensation awards that are outstanding upon adoption of FASB ASC 718.
	FASB ASC 718 also requires the benefits of income tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow. The impact of adopting FASB ASC 718 on future results will depend on, among other things, levels of share-based payments granted in the future, actual forfeiture rates and the timing of option exercises.
	Stock-based compensation expense, post adoption of FASB ASC 718, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, and therefore has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on the Company’s historical forfeiture experience and will be revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
	Income taxes. The Company reports income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Under FASB ASC 740, the asset and liability method is used for computing future income tax consequences of events, which have been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements or income tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is the net change during the year in the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities (see Note 5 – Income Taxes).
	The Company also applies the guidance of FASB ASC 740-10-25, Income Taxes, Uncertain Tax Positions, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes recognized in the Company’s financial statements in accordance with FASB ASC 740 by defining the criterion that an individual tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FASB ASC 740 requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on the technical merits as of the reporting date (see Note 5 – Income Taxes).
	Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. The realization of these assets is dependent on generating future taxable income, as well as successful implementation of various tax planning strategies.
	While Fred’s believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.
	Business segments. The Company manages the business on the basis of one operating segment and therefore, has only one reportable segment. All operations are located in the United States.
	Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are recorded as an element of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. The Company applies the guidance of FASB ASC 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” to the accounting and disclosure requirements of accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
	Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This guidance was effective in the first quarter of 2014. The amendments in this ASU state that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The issuance of this guidance did not require a change in the current presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and as a result, did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in the ASU are designed to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a joint standard between U.S. GAAP and the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that strive to remove reporting inconsistencies, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability across entities, provide more useful information to the users of financial statements and simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements an entity must refer to. The guidance in the ASU supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance in Topic 605: Revenue Recognition. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including the interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the impact the guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated net earnings, cash flows and financial position.

DETAIL_OF_CERTAIN_BALANCE_SHEE

DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 2 – DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS
	Details of certain balance sheet accounts as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 are as follows:
		(in thousands)
	Property and equipment, at cost:	2014		2013
	Buildings and building improvements	$	115,863	$	114,688
	Leasehold improvements		76,822		78,101
	Automobiles and vehicles		5,764		5,459
	Airplane		4,697		4,697
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		267,397		268,771
			470,543		471,716
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-339,195		-328,686
			131,348		143,030
	Construction in progress		4,033		1,729
	Land		8,604		8,604
	Total Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	$	143,985	$	153,363
	Depreciation expense totaled $28.9 million, $28.9 million and $29.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
		(in thousands)
	Other non-trade receivables:	2014		2013
	Vendor receivables	$	19,683	$	30,431
	Income tax receivable		19,487		4,777
	Franchise stores receivable		1,732		1,537
	Coupon receivable		532		400
	Insurance claims receivable		441		-
	Other		1,612		1,963
	Total other non-trade receivable	$	43,487	$	39,108
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:	2014		2013
	Prepaid rent	$	4,423	$	4,505
	Supplies		4,200		4,473
	Prepaid insurance		2,025		1,644
	Prepaid advertising		281		806
	Other		2,054		1,817
	Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	12,983	$	13,245
	Accrued expenses and other:	2014		2013
	Insurance reserves	$	10,048	$	10,474
	Payroll and benefits		9,056		9,661
	Sales and use tax		4,484		4,586
	Deferred / contingent rent		2,871		2,904
	Real estate tax		2,039		1,858
	Pharmacy credit returns		1,458		1,117
	Project costs accrual		1,413		913
	Utilities		1,215		1,358
	Personal property tax		1,155		1,080
	Warehouse freight and fuel		889		1,315
	Repairs and maintenance		676		862
	Giftcard liability		552		1,473
	Lease liability		499		117
	Franchise stores payable		197		1,000
	Other		9,047		7,518
	Total accrued expenses and other	$	45,599	$	46,236
	Other noncurrent liabilities:	2014		2013
	Unearned vendor allowances (see Note 1 - Vendor Rebates and Allowances)	$	24,416	$	13,084
	Uncertain tax positions		369		1,329
		$	24,785	$	14,413

INDEBTEDNESS

INDEBTEDNESS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 3 — INDEBTEDNESS
	On January 25, 2013, the Company entered into a new Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") with Regions Bank and Bank of America to replace the April 3, 2000 Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement, which was last amended September 27, 2010. The Agreement provides for a $50 million revolving line of credit, and the term of the Agreement extends to January 25, 2016. Three borrowing options are available in the Agreement, which bear interest at our option, on a sliding scale from 1.00% - 1.625% plus LIBOR, or an alternative base rate. For borrowings under $20 million, advances occur automatically via a sweep account. If borrowings exceed $20 million, notice of the borrowing must be given on the same day as the requested advance or three days prior to the requested advance, depending on the borrowing option chosen. The Agreement also bears a credit facility fee which will be amortized over the Agreement term. The Agreement contains certain restrictive financial covenants, and at November 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015, the Company was not in compliance with the trailing 12 month covenants for the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, for Consolidated Tangible Net Worth and for positive Net Income. Subsequently, on April 9, 2015, the Company has entered into a new Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement (the “ New Agreement”) with Regions Bank and Bank of America to replace the January 25, 2013 Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement.
	Borrowings and the unused fees under the Agreement bear interest at a tiered rate based on the Company’s previous four quarter average of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Currently, the Company’s rates are 162.5 basis points over LIBOR for borrowings and 27.5 basis points over LIBOR for the unused portion of the credit line. There were $3.8 million of borrowings outstanding and $46.2 million remaining available under the Agreement at January 31, 2015 and no borrowings outstanding at February 1, 2014. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding at January 31, 2015 was 1.8%.
	On April 9, 2015, the Company entered into a New Agreement with Regions Bank and Bank of America to replace the January 25, 2013 Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement. The proceeds will the used to refinance our existing agreement and to support acquisitions and our working capital needs. The New Agreement provides for a $150.0 million secured revolving line of credit, which will include a sublimit for letters of credit and swingline loans. The New Agreement will expire on April 9, 2020 and will bear interest at 1.25% or 1.50% plus either LIBOR  or the LIBOR index rate depending on our FIFO inventory balance. The Company’s interest rates for the unused portion of the credit line are 20.0 basis points over LIBOR. The New Agreement also bears a credit facility fee which will be amortized over the agreement term.
	During the second and third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company acquired the land and buildings, occupied by 7 Fred's stores which we had previously leased. In consideration for the 7 properties, the Company assumed debt that has fixed interest rates from 6.31% to 7.40%. On March 30, 2011, Fred’s purchased ten properties leased from Atlantic Retail Investors, LLC, one of which has an additional parcel that is leased to an unrelated party, for $7.5 million in cash and assumed mortgage debt of $3.5 million on 6 of these locations (see Note 6 – Long-Term Leases) with fixed interest rates from 6.65% to 7.40%. The debt is collateralized by the land and buildings. The table below shows the long term debt related to these properties due for the next five years as of January 31, 2015:
	(in thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Mortgage loans on land & buildings	$	554	$	621	$	60	$	65	$	70	$	1,443	$	2,813
	The Company financed the construction of its Dublin, Georgia distribution center with taxable industrial development revenue bonds issued by the City of Dublin and County of Laurens Development Authority. The Company purchased 100% of the issued bonds and intends to hold them to maturity, effectively financing the construction with internal cash flow. Because a legal right of offset exists, the Company has offset the investment in the bonds ($34.6 million) against the related liability and neither is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 4 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Due to their short-term nature, the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and indebtedness, are a reasonable estimate of their fair value as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014. The fair value of the revolving line of credit is consistent with the carrying amount as repayments are short-term in nature. Although not due until fiscal 2016, all borrowings on the revolving line of credit that existed at the balance sheet date have been subsequently repaid prior to the April 16, 2015 filing date. The fair value of the revolving line of credit and our mortgage loans are estimated using Level 2 inputs based on the Company's current incremental borrowing rate for comparable borrowing arrangements.
	The table below details the fair value and carrying values for the revolving line of credit and mortgage loans as of the following years:
		January 31, 2015				February 1, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Revolving line of credit	$	3,777	$	3,777	$	-	$	-
	Mortgage loans on land & buildings		2,813		3,072		5,319		5,581

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 5 — INCOME TAXES
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	-6,746		$	17,079		$	11,298
	State		68			1,489			834
			-6,678			18,568			12,132
	Deferred
	Federal		-11,061			-5,060			-3,865
	State		-2,273			-812			633
			-13,334			-5,872			-3,232
		$	-20,012		$	12,696		$	8,900
	The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities as of year-end are presented below:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Accrual for incentive compensation	$	569		$	528
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		927			1,017
	Insurance accruals		1,921			2,545
	Other accruals		6			19
	Net operating loss carryforwards		5,788			4,498
	Deferred Revenue		859			755
	Federal benefit on state reserves		90			311
	WOTC Credit Carryforward		1,318			-
	Amortization of intangibles		14,383			13,076
	Total deferred income tax assets		25,861			22,749
	Less: Valuation allowance		2,249			2,051
	Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance		23,612			20,698
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Postretirement benefits		-149			-144
	Property, plant and equipment		-14,338			-15,767
	Inventory valuation		-19,182			-28,542
	Prepaid expenses		-560			-170
	Total deferred income tax liabilities		-34,229			-44,623
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	-10,617		$	-23,925
	The net operating loss carryforwards are available to reduce state income taxes in future years. These carryforwards total approximately $133.9 million for state income tax purposes and expire at various times during the fiscal years 2015 through 2035.
	We maintain a valuation allowance for state net operating losses that we do not expect to utilize prior to their expiration.   During 2014, the valuation allowance increased $0.2 million, and during 2013, the valuation allowance increased $0.1 million. Based upon expected future income, management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred income tax asset after giving consideration to the valuation allowance.
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Income tax provision at statutory rate		35	%			35	%			35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		4.5				2.2				4.7
	Tax credits, principally jobs		2.6				-2.9				-1
	Uncertain tax provisions		0.1				-1.3				-12.7
	Change in state valuation allowance		-0.4				0.2				-2.2
	Other		-0.4				-0.8				-1
	Permanent differences		-0.5				0.4				0.3
	Effective income tax rate		40.9	%			32.8	%			23.1	%
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	1.3		$	2.1		$	9.6
	Additions for tax position during the current year		-			0.2			0.1
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		0.1			0.1			0.1
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years from lapse of statue		-			-1.1			-0.9
	Reductions for settlements of prior year tax positions		-1.1			-			-6.8
	Ending balance	$	0.3		$	1.3		$	2.1
	As of February 1, 2014, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.3 million, of which $1.1 million was recognized as a settlement for certain state tax audits in the 4th quarter of 2014. We had additions of $0.1 million during fiscal 2014, which resulted from state tax positions during the current year. As of January 31, 2015, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits totaled $0.3 million and is recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet within “Other noncurrent liabilities,” all of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. Examinations by the state jurisdictions are expected to be completed within the next 12 months which could result in a change to our unrecognized tax benefits.
	FASB ASC 740 further requires that interest and penalties required to be paid by the tax law on the underpayment of taxes should be accrued on the difference between the amount claimed or expected to be claimed on the tax return and the tax benefit recognized in the financial statements. The Company includes potential interest and penalties recognized in accordance with FASB ASC 740 in the financial statements as a component of income tax expense. As of January 31, 2015, accrued interest and penalties related to our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of February 1, 2014, accrued interest and penalties related to our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Both accrued interest and penalties are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet within “Other noncurrent liabilities.”
	The Company files numerous consolidated and separate company income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in many U.S. state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2011-2013. However, tax authorities have the ability to review years prior to these to the extent we utilized tax attributes carried forward from those prior years.

LONGTERM_LEASES

LONG-TERM LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 6 — LONG-TERM LEASES
	The Company leases certain of its store locations under noncancelable operating leases that require monthly rental payments primarily at fixed rates (although a number of the leases provide for additional rent based upon sales) expiring at various dates through fiscal 2029. None of our operating leases contain residual value guarantees. Many of these leases contain renewal options and require the Company to pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses applicable to the leased properties. In addition, the Company leases various equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Total rent expense under operating leases was $61.4 million, $60.0 million and $57.2 million, for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total contingent rentals included in operating leases above was $0.9 million for 2014, $0.8 million for 2013 and $0.7 million for 2012.
	Future minimum rental payments under all operating leases as of January 31, 2015 are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Operating Leases
	2015	$	46,618
	2016		39,999
	2017		32,120
	2018		22,507
	2019		16,373
	Thereafter		54,376
	Total minimum lease payments	$	211,993
	The gross amount of property and equipment under capital leases was $5.1 million at both January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014. Accumulated amortization on property and equipment under capital leases was $5.1 million at both January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014. Amortization expense on assets under capital lease for 2014 and 2013 was $29 thousand and $34 thousand, respectively.
	Related Party Transactions
	Atlantic Retail Investors, LLC, which is partially owned by Michael J. Hayes, a director of the Company, owned the land and buildings occupied by thirteen Fred’s stores, until 2011, when ten of these properties were purchased by the Company. The terms and conditions regarding the leases on these locations were consistent in all material respects with other stores leases of the Company with unrelated landlords.
	Fred's Inc. is leasing three properties from Atlantic Retail Investors, LLC, and the total rental payments for related party leases were $310.0 thousand for the year ended January 31, 2015 and $301.0 thousand and $326.1 thousand for the years ended February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 7 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers. On August 27, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a plan that authorized stock repurchases of up to 4.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 90.0 thousand shares remained at January 28, 2012. On February 16, 2012, Fred's Board authorized the expansion of the Company's existing stock re-purchase program by increasing the authorization to repurchase an additional 3.6 million shares. Under the plan, the Company may repurchase its common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions at such times and at such prices as determined to be in the Company’s best interest. These purchases may be commenced or suspended without prior notice depending on then-existing business or market conditions and other factors. As of February 1, 2014, there were 3.0 million shares available for repurchase under the plan. No repurchases were made in fiscal year 2014, leaving 3.0 million shares available for repurchase at January 31, 2015.

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	NOTE 8 – EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS
	Incentive stock option plan. The Company has a long-term incentive plan (the "2012 Plan"), which was reapproved by Fred's stockholders at the 2012 annual shareholders meeting. The 2012 Plan is substantially identical to the prior plan. The 2012 Plan increased the number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for issuance by 600,000 shares, from the 2,400,000 which was available under the prior plan to 3,000,000 shares. The plan expires March 18, 2022, and Section 10 of the 2002 Plan, which provides for supplemental cash payments or loans to individuals in connection with all or any part of an award under the plan, has been removed and is not part of the 2012 Plan. Shares available to be granted under the long-term incentive plan were 1,212,243 as of January 31, 2015 (1,273,395 shares as of February 1, 2014). Options issued under the 2002 and 2012 plans expire five to eight years from the date of grant. Options outstanding at January 31, 2015 expire in fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2021.
	The Company grants stock options to key employees including executive officers, as well as other employees, as prescribed by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors. The number of options granted is directly linked to the employee’s job classification. Options, which include non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options, are rights to purchase a specified number of shares of Fred's common stock at a price fixed by the Committee. Stock options granted have an exercise price equal to the market price of Fred's common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price for stock options issued under the plan that qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code shall not be less than 100% of the fair value as of the date of grant. The option exercise price may be satisfied in cash or by exchanging shares of Fred's common stock owned by the optionee for at least six months, or a combination of cash and shares. Options have a maximum term of five to eight years from the date of grant. Options granted under the plan generally become exercisable ratably over five years or ten percent during each of the first four years on the anniversary date and sixty percent on the fifth anniversary date. The rest vest ratably over the requisite service period. Stock option expense is recognized using the graded vesting attribution method. The plan contains a non-compete provision and a provision that if the Company meets or exceeds a specified operating income margin during the most recently completed fiscal year that the annual vesting percentage will accelerate from ten to twenty percent during that vesting period. The plan also provides for annual stock grants at the market price of the common stock on the grant date to non-employee directors according to a non-discretionary formula. The number of shares granted is dependent upon current director compensation levels.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") (the “2004 Plan”), which was approved by Fred's stockholders, permits eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant or 85% of the market price at the time of exercise. There were 54,992, 60,912 and 54,830 shares issued during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There are 1,410,928 shares approved to be issued under the 2004 Plan and as of January 31, 2015 there were 803,573 shares available.
	The following represents total stock based compensation expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) recognized in the consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Stock option expense	$	862		$	610		$	600
	Restricted stock expense		1,331			984			1,258
	ESPP expense		240			197			197
	Total stock-based compensation	$	2,433		$	1,791		$	2,055
	Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$	606		$	473		$	565
	The Company uses the Modified Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model (“BSM”) to measure the fair value of stock options granted to employees. The BSM option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock volatility and option life. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
	The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the BSM with the following weighted average assumptions:
	Stock Options	2014				2013				2012
	Expected volatility		35.2	%			32.1	%			39.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%			1.2	%			0.5	%
	Expected option life (in years)		5.84				4.98				4.16
	Expected dividend yield		1.6	%			1.7	%			1.3	%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	4.79			$	3.81			$	3.95
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Expected volatility		32.4	%			22.7	%			33.2	%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.2	%			0.2	%			0.1	%
	Expected option life (in years)		0.63				0.63				0.63
	Expected dividend yield		1.1	%			1.1	%			1	%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	4.36			$	3.02			$	3.6
	The following is a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption:
	Expected Volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of our stock to calculate expected price volatility because management believes that this is the best indicator of future volatility. The Company calculates weekly market value changes from the date of grant over a past period representative of the expected life of the options to determine volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.
	Risk-free Interest Rate — This is the yield of a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bond issue effective at the grant date with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.
	Expected Lives — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Options granted have a maximum term of seven and one-half years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.
	Dividend Yield — This is based on the historical yield for a period equivalent to the expected life of the option. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.
	Forfeiture Rate — This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. This estimate is based on historical experience. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.
	Stock Options. The following table summarizes stock option activity from January 28, 2012 through January 31, 2015:
		Options			Weighted-		Weighted-				Aggregate
					Average		Averaged				Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price		Contractual Life				(000s)
							(years)
	Outstanding at January 28, 2012		795,376		$	11.52			3		$	2,831
	Granted		441,791			13.65
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-24,600			14.54
	Exercised		-66,912			13.14
	Outstanding at February 2, 2013		1,145,655		$	12.18			3.2		$	1,467
	Granted		213,859			15.26
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-135,716			13.18
	Exercised		-81,369			12.26
	Outstanding at February 1, 2014		1,142,429		$	12.63			3		$	5,539
	Granted		122,000			15.78
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-31,510			13.2
	Exercised		-41,314			12.06
	Repurchased and Cancelled 1		-245,052			10.61
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015		946,553		$	13.56			3.4		$	2,954
	Exercisable at January 31, 2015		260,245		$	11.4			2.1		$	1,365
	1 Shares represent options purchased and cancelled from Bruce Efird, former CEO, subsequent to the expiration of his employment agreement.
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the excess of Fred's closing stock price on the last trading day of the fiscal year end and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on that date. This amount changes based on changes in the market value of Fred's stock. As of January 31, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures related to non-vested stock options was approximately $1.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.7 years.
	Other information relative to option activity during 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Total fair value of stock options vested	$	395		$	353		$	543
	Total pretax intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	253		$	266		$	76
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 31, 2015:
		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-			Shares			Weighted-
					Averaged		Average						Average
					Contractual Life		Exercise Price						Exercise Price
					(years)
	$ 8.66 - $12.69		168,185		1.4		$	9.8			164,985		$	9.76
$13.00 - $13.64		466,907		2.8		$	13.57			50,505		$	13.11
$13.72 - $19.88		311,461		5.2		$	15.56			44,755		$	15.53
		946,553								260,245
Restricted Stock. The Company’s equity incentive plans also allow for granting of restricted stock having a fixed number of shares at a purchase price that is set by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, which purchase price may be set at zero, to certain executive officers, directors and key employees. The Company calculates compensation expense as the difference between the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant and the purchase price if any. Restricted shares granted under the plan have various vesting types, which include cliff vesting and graded vesting with a requisite service period of three to ten years. Restricted stock has a maximum term of five to ten years from grant date. Compensation expense is recorded on a straight-line basis for shares that cliff vest and under the graded vesting attribution method for those that have graded vesting.
The following table summarizes restricted stock from January 28, 2012 through January 31, 2015:
	Shares			Weighted-
				Average Grant
				Date Fair Value
Non-vested Restricted Stock at January 28, 2012		711,600		$	12.56
Granted		133,979			14.45
Forfeited / Cancelled		-94,796			12.16
Vested		-129,774			12.26
Non-vested Restricted Stock at February 2, 2013		621,009		$	13.09
Granted		113,943			14.72
Forfeited / Cancelled		-125,686			13.22
Vested		-58,253			11.83
Non-vested Restricted Stock at February 1, 2014		551,013		$	13.53
Granted		207,295			17.02
Forfeited / Cancelled		-94,729			13.76
Vested		-106,058			13.84
Non-vested Restricted Stock at January 31, 2015		557,521		$	14.72
The aggregate pre-tax intrinsic value of restricted stock outstanding as of January 31, 2015 is $9.3 million with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.9 years. The unrecognized compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures, related to the outstanding restricted stock is approximately $5.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 6.5 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested for the years ended January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 was $1.0 million, $0.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
There were no significant modifications to the Company’s share-based compensation plans during fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012.

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE

NET INCOME PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	NOTE 9 — NET INCOME PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options to issue common stock were exercised into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Restricted stock is a participating security and is therefore included in the computation of basic earnings per share. In fiscal year 2014, the Company experienced a net loss, requiring the diluted earnings per share calculation to exclude any assumptions of the exercise of securities, as these would have an antidilutive effect on EPS.
	Options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding at the end of the respective fiscal year were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. There were 2,500 and 482,588 such options outstanding at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively.

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 10 — OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments. The Company had commitments approximating $4.5 million at January 31, 2015 and $5.6 million at February 1, 2014 on issued letters of credit and open accounts, which support purchase orders for merchandise. Additionally, the Company had outstanding letters of credit aggregating approximately $10.6 million at January 31, 2015 and $9.8 million at February 1, 2014 utilized as collateral for its risk management programs.
	Salary reduction profit sharing plan. The Company has defined contribution profit sharing plans for the benefit of qualifying employees who have completed three months of service and attained the age of 21. Participants may elect to make contributions to the plans up to 60% of their compensation or a maximum of $17,000. Company contributions are made at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Participants are 100% vested in their contributions and earnings thereon. Contributions by the Company and earnings thereon are fully vested upon completion of six years of service. The Company’s contributions for 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
	Postretirement benefits. The Company provides certain health care benefits to its full-time employees that retire between the ages of 62 and 65 with certain specified levels of credited service. Health care coverage options for retirees under the plan are the same as those available to active employees.
	Effective February 3, 2007, the Company began recognizing the funded status of its postretirement benefits plan in accordance with FASB ASC 715, "Compensation Retirement Benefits." In accordance with FASB ASC 715 the Company is required to display the net over-or–underfunded position of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability, with any unrecognized prior service costs, transition obligations or actuarial gains/losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The measurement date for the plan is January 31.
	The Company’s change in benefit obligation based upon an actuarial valuation is as follows:
		For the Years Ended
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	559	$	440	$	472
	Service cost		25		29		22
	Interest cost		17		17		15
	Actuarial loss (gain)		30		122		-35
	Benefits paid		-47		-49		-33
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	584	$	559	$	441
	The Company’s components of net accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
		For the Years Ended
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	936	$	1,045	$	1,246
	Deferred tax		-366		-342		-452
	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	$	570	$	703	$	794
	The medical care cost trend used in determining this obligation is 7.1% at January 31, 2015, decreasing annually throughout the actuarial projection period. The below table illustrates a one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the healthcare cost trend rate assumed for postretirement benefits:
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Effect of health care trend rate
	1% increase effect on accumulated benefit obligations	$	47	$	43		36
	1% increase effect on periodic cost		5		5		4
	1% decrease effect on accumulated benefit obligations		-42		-39		-33
	1% decrease effect on periodic cost		-4		-5		-4
	The discount rate used in calculating the obligation was 2.7% in 2014 and 3.6% in 2013.
	The annual net postretirement cost is as follows:
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	25	$	29	$	22
	Interest cost		17		17		15
	Amortization of prior service cost		-13		-13		-13
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs		-66		-66		-82
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	-37	$	-33	$	-58
	The Company’s policy is to fund claims as incurred. Information about the expected cash flows for the postretirement medical plan follows:
	(in thousands)	Postretirement
		Medical Plan
	Expected Benefit Payments, net of retiree contributions
	2015	$	47
	2016		48
	2017		47
	2018		48
	2019		48
	Next 5 years		245
	Litigation. In July 2008, a lawsuit styled Jessica Chapman, on behalf of herself and others similarly situated, v. Fred's Stores of Tennessee, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division, in which the plaintiff alleges that she and other female assistant store managers were paid less than comparable males and seeks compensable damages, liquidated damages, attorney fees and court costs.  The plaintiff filed a motion seeking collective action.  On or about March 15, 2013, the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation that the case be conditionally certified as a collective action, which the District Court Judge affirmed. As a result, notice of a collective action was sent to the appropriate class as required by the Court.  One hundred ninety four plaintiffs opted into the suit, and approximately one hundred seventy plaintiffs currently remain in the suit. Although, the Company believed that all of its assistant managers were always properly paid and that the matter was not appropriate for collective action treatment, the Company and its insurance company participated in mediation with the plaintiffs.  On March 26, 2015, the plaintiffs, their counsel, the Company and the Company’s insurance carrier reached a tentative agreement whereby the case would be settled for a total of $315,000, and the plaintiffs would be bound by the terms of a settlement agreement, and the case dismissed with prejudice. The Company has tendered the matter to its Employment Practices Liability Insurance (“EPLI”) carrier for coverage under its EPLI policy.  At stated above, the EPLI carrier participated in the resolution of the suit. The parties expect the final settlement agreement to be signed in April 2015. The Court has been notified of the pending settlement and pending dismissal with prejudice.
	In addition to the matters disclosed above, the Company is party to several pending legal proceedings and claims arising in the normal course of business.  Although the outcome of the proceedings and claims cannot be determined with certainty, management of the Company is of the opinion that these proceedings and claims should not have a material adverse effect on the financial statements as a whole.  However, litigation involves an element of uncertainty.  Future developments could cause these actions or claims, individually or in aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the financial statements as a whole.

SALES_MIX

SALES MIX	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 11 – SALES MIX
	The Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable segment. See Note 1 – “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a brief description of the Company’s business. As of January 31, 2015, all of the Company’s operations were located within the United States. The following data is presented in accordance with FASB ASC 280, “Segment Reporting.”
	The Company’s sales mix by major category during the last 3 years was as follows:
		For the Years Ended
		January			February			February
		31, 2015			1, 2014			2, 2013
	Pharmaceuticals		41.9	%		37.7	%		36.3	%
	Household Goods		31.2	%		33	%		33.1	%
	Food and Tobacco Products		25.3	%		27.6	%		28.8	%
	Paper and Cleaning Supplies		1.6	%		1.7	%		1.8	%
	Total Sales Mix		100	%		100	%		100	%

EXIT_AND_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITY

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITY	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 12 – EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITY
	Fixed Assets
	The Company’s policy is to review the carrying value of all long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure impairment losses of fixed assets and leasehold improvements as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value as prescribed by FASB ASC 360, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." If a long-lived asset is found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the asset’s fair value. The fair value is based on estimated market values for similar assets or other reasonable estimates of fair market value based upon using a discounted cash flow model.
	During fiscal 2014, in association with the planned closure of stores not meeting the Company's operational performance targets, we recorded a charge of $2.9 million in selling, general and administrative expense for the impairment of fixed assets and leasehold improvements. Fifty-two stores closed in accordance with the Company's reconfiguration plan, and during 2014, the Company utilized $2.5 million of the reserve associated with fixed assets and leasehold improvements for the closed stores leaving $0.4 million remaining in the reserve as of January 31, 2015.
	Inventory
	As discussed in Note 2 - Inventories, we adjust inventory values on a consistent basis to reflect current market conditions. In accordance with FASB ASC 330, "Inventories," we write down inventory to net realizable value in the period in which conditions giving rise to the write-downs are first recognized.
	In the fourth quarter of 2013, a reserve in the amount of $1.7 million, was established for the discontinuance of product categories that the Company has decided to exit in line with the strategies that are part of the Company's reconfiguration plan. Product categories the Company has decided to exit are furniture, electronics, and footwear. During 2014, the Company reserved an additional $0.3 million for the discontinuance of product categories that the Company has decided to exit and utilized $1.6 million of the reserve associated with goods sold in 2014.
	In the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a below-cost inventory adjustment of approximately $3.3 million (including $1.3 million for the accelerated recognition of freight capitalization expense) to value inventory at the lower of cost or market on inventory in 47 stores that were planned for closure in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. To date, the Company has utilized the entire reserve related to the closed stores
	Lease Termination
	For lease obligations related to closed stores, we record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the stores were closed). The lease obligations are established at the cease use date for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by FASB ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimates of other related exit costs. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.
	A lease obligation still exists for some store closures that occurred in 2008. During 2014, we utilized and added less than $0.1 million of the remaining lease liability for the fiscal 2008 store closures, leaving $0.1 million in the reserve at January 31, 2015.
	The following table illustrates the exit and disposal reserves related to the store closures and strategic initiatives discussed in the previous paragraphs (in millions):
		Balance at		Additions		Utilization		Ending
		February 1,						Balance
		2014						January 31,
								2015
	Inventory markdowns for discontinuance of exit categories	$	1.7	$	0.3	$	-1.6	$	0.4
	Inventory provision for freight capitalization expense, exit categories	$	-	$	0.3	$	-0.2	$	0.1
	Inventory markdowns for 2014 planned closures	$	-	$	2	$	-2	$	-
	Inventory provision for freight capitalization expense, 2014 planned closures	$	-	$	1.3	$	-1.3	$	-
	Impairment charge for the disposal of fixed assets for 2014 planned closures	$	-	$	2.9	$	-2.5	$	0.4
	Lease contract termination liability, 2008 closures	$	0.1	$	-	$	-	$	0.1
	Total	$	1.8	$	6.8	$	-7.6	$	1

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	NOTE 13 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	The Company’s unaudited quarterly financial information for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 is reported below:
	(in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second		Third Quarter		Fourth
				Quarter				Quarter
	Year ended January 31, 2015
	Net sales	$	498,264	$	491,185	$	476,175	$	504,425
	Gross profit		142,474		113,669		123,489		124,161
	Net income		6,118		-16,434		-10,434		-8,154
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.17	$	-0.45	$	-0.29	$	-0.23
	Diluted	$	0.17	$	-0.45	$	-0.29	$	-0.23
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06
	Year ended February 1, 2014
	Net sales	$	501,495	$	482,176	$	460,542	$	495,033
	Gross profit		151,019		135,985		140,237		133,600
	Net income		11,411		3,330		7,308		3,966
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.31	$	0.09	$	0.2	$	0.11
	Diluted	$	0.31	$	0.09	$	0.2	$	0.11
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06

NEW_PRIME_VENDOR_AGREEMENT_WIT

NEW PRIME VENDOR AGREEMENT WITH PRIMARY PHARMACEUTICAL WHOLESALER	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 14: NEW PRIME VENDOR AGREEMENT WITH PRIMARY PHARMACEUTICAL WHOLESALER
	On August 6, 2014, the Company entered into a Prime Vendor Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Cardinal Health, Inc., one of the nation’s largest healthcare services companies. Cardinal Health will serve as Fred’s new primary wholesale supplier for branded and generic pharmaceuticals under a multi-year agreement that began on October 1, 2014. The agreement with Cardinal Health replaced the Prime Vendor Agreement the Company had with AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, which expired in accordance with the contract on September 30, 2014.
	Under the Agreement, Fred’s and Cardinal Health established a mutually beneficial strategic alliance designed to support Fred’s key initiative of rapid pharmacy growth, and build on a foundation of premier supply chain and asset management tools. The initial term of the Agreement commenced on October 1, 2014 and shall continue through the longer of 1) March 31, 2018 or 2) the date upon which the Company’s net aggregate generic purchases reach a certain purchase requirement, provided that date is not before September 30, 2017.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	NOTE 15: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On March 25, 2015, the Company announced the intent to acquire Reeves-Sain Drug Store, Inc., a private specialty and retail pharmacy company based in the greater Nashville, Tennessee area. The acquisition includes both EntrustRx, a specialty pharmacy operation that has a strong regional presence in the Southeast serviced from facilities in Spring Hill, Tennessee and Columbus, Mississippi, as well as the single Reeves-Sain retail pharmacy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This acquisition closed on April 10, 2015 and will further expand our presence in the specialty pharmacy arena – the largest growth area of the pharmacy industry.
	EntrustRx, which is licensed in all 50 states, dispenses specialty pharmaceuticals to treat complex conditions and diseases that typically require ongoing support for extensive periods of time. Its main therapy lines include hepatitis C, oncology, growth hormones, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatology.
	Fred's acquired EntrustRx and the Reeves-Sain retail pharmacy for approximately $66 million, comprising $53 million in cash and a $13 million note payable. Fred's utilized available cash and borrowings under its new revolving loan and credit agreement entered into on April 9, 2015 (See Note 3 - Indebtedness) to fund the transaction. Fred's anticipates that the deal will be accretive to earnings per share in the first full year following closing.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	(dollars in thousands)	Beginning Balance		Additions Charged		Deductions and		Ending Balance
				to Costs and		Reclass Adjustments
				Expenses
	Deducted from applicable assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Year ended January 31, 2015	$	2,097	$	1,383	$	1,076	$	2,404
	Year ended February 1, 2014	$	1,994	$	1,198	$	1,095	$	2,097
	Year ended February 2, 2013	$	2,100	$	627	$	733	$	1,994
	Insurance reserves
	Year ended January 31, 2015	$	10,474	$	41,364	$	41,790	$	10,048
	Year ended February 1, 2014	$	10,094	$	41,917	$	41,537	$	10,474
	Year ended February 2, 2013	$	10,291	$	43,761	$	43,958	$	10,094

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Description of business. The primary business of Fred's, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Fred's", “We”, “Our”, “Us” or “Company”) is the sale of general merchandise through its retail discount stores and full service pharmacies. In addition, the Company sells general merchandise to its 19 franchisees. As of January 31, 2015, the Company had 660 retail stores, 370 pharmacies, and 1 specialty pharmacy facility located in 15 states mainly in the Southeastern United States.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Consolidated Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Fred's, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Amounts are in thousands unless otherwise noted.
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Subsequent Events. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the financial statement issue date. Based on this evaluation, we are not aware of any events or transactions requiring recognition or disclosure in our consolidated financial statements.
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fiscal year. The Company utilizes a 52 - 53 week accounting period which ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, as used herein, refer to the years ended January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively. Fiscal year 2012 had 53 weeks, and fiscal years 2014 and 2013 each had 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents. Cash on hand and in banks, together with other highly liquid investments which are subject to market fluctuations and having original maturities of three months or less, are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Estimation Methodology, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company is reimbursed for drugs sold by its pharmacies by many different payors including insurance companies, Medicare and various state Medicaid programs. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on the aging of receivables and additionally uses payor-specific information to assess collection risk, given its interpretation of the contract terms or applicable regulations. However, the reimbursement rates are often subject to interpretations that could result in payments that differ from the Company’s estimates. Additionally, updated regulations and contract negotiations occur frequently, necessitating the Company’s continual review and assessment of the estimation process. Senior management reviews accounts receivable on a quarterly basis to determine if any receivables are potentially uncollectible. The Company includes any accounts receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in its overall allowance for doubtful accounts. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance account.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories. Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the retail first-in, first-out method for goods in our stores and the cost first-in, first-out method for goods in our distribution centers. The retail inventory method is a reverse mark-up, averaging method which has been widely used in the retail industry for many years. This method calculates a cost-to-retail ratio that is applied to the retail value of inventory to determine the cost value of inventory and the resulting cost of goods sold and gross margin. The assumption that the retail inventory method provides for valuation at lower of cost or market and the inherent uncertainties therein are discussed in the following paragraphs.
	In order to assure valuation at the lower of cost or market, the retail value of our inventory is adjusted on a consistent basis to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments include increases to the retail value of inventory for initial markups to set the selling price of goods or additional markups to adjust pricing for inflation and decreases to the retail value of inventory for markdowns associated with promotional, seasonal or other declines in the market value. Because these adjustments are made on a consistent basis and are based on current prevailing market conditions, they approximate the carrying value of the inventory at net realizable value (market value). Therefore, after applying the cost to retail ratio, the cost value of our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market as is prescribed by GAAP.
	Because the approximation of net realizable value (market value) under the retail inventory method is based on estimates such as markups, markdowns and inventory losses (shrink), there exists an inherent uncertainty in the final determination of inventory cost and gross margin. In order to mitigate that uncertainty, the Company has a formal review by product class which considers such variables as current market trends, seasonality, weather patterns and age of merchandise to ensure that markdowns are taken currently, or a markdown reserve is established to cover future anticipated markdowns. This review also considers current pricing trends and inflation to ensure that markups are taken if necessary. The estimation of inventory losses (shrink) is a significant element in approximating the carrying value of inventory at net realizable value, and as such the following paragraph describes our estimation method as well as the steps we take to mitigate the risk of this estimate in the determination of the cost value of inventory.
	The Company calculates inventory losses (shrink) based on actual inventory losses occurring as a result of physical inventory counts during each fiscal period and estimated inventory losses occurring between yearly physical inventory counts. The estimate for shrink occurring in the interim period between physical counts is calculated on a store-specific basis and is based on history, as well as performance on the most recent physical count. It is calculated by multiplying each store’s shrink rate, which is based on the previously mentioned factors, by the interim period’s sales for each store. Additionally, the overall estimate for shrink is adjusted at the corporate level to a three-year historical average to ensure that the overall shrink estimate is the most accurate approximation of shrink based on the Company’s overall history of shrink. The three-year historical estimate is calculated by dividing the “book to physical” inventory adjustments for the trailing 36 months by the related sales for the same period. In order to reduce the uncertainty inherent in the shrink calculation, the Company first performs the calculation at the lowest practical level (by store) using the most current performance indicators. This ensures a more reliable number, as opposed to using a higher level aggregation or percentage method. The second portion of the calculation ensures that the extreme negative or positive performance of any particular store or group of stores does not skew the overall estimation of shrink. This portion of the calculation removes additional uncertainty by eliminating short-term peaks and valleys that could otherwise cause the underlying carrying cost of inventory to fluctuate unnecessarily. The methodology that we have applied in estimating shrink has resulted in variability that is not material to our financial statements.
	Management believes that the Company’s retail inventory method provides an inventory valuation which reasonably approximates cost and results in valuing inventory at the lower of cost or market. For pharmacy department inventories, which were approximately $43.5 million, and $40.4 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, cost was determined using the retail LIFO ("last-in, first-out") method in which inventory cost is maintained using the retail inventory method, then adjusted by application of the highly inflationary Producer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor for the cumulative annual periods. The current cost of inventories exceeded the LIFO cost by approximately $39.9 million at January 31, 2015 and $35.2 million at February 1, 2014. The LIFO reserve increased by approximately $4.7 million and $4.5 million during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company has historically included an estimate of inbound freight and certain general and administrative costs in merchandise inventory as prescribed by U.S. GAAP. These costs include activities surrounding the procurement and storage of merchandise inventory such as merchandise planning and buying, warehousing, accounting, information technology and human resources, as well as inbound freight. The total amount of procurement and storage costs and inbound freight included in merchandise inventory at January 31, 2015 is $19.4 million compared to $21.6 million at February 1, 2014.
	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company established a reserve for inventory clearance of product that management identified as low-productive and does not fit our go-forward convenient and pharmacy healthcare services model. The Company recorded a below-cost inventory adjustment in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 330, "Inventory," of approximately $12.5 million (including $1.6 million, for the accelerated recognition of freight capitalization expense) in cost of goods sold to value inventory at the lower of cost or market on inventory identified as low-productive, which the Company will be liquidating in accordance with our new strategy. To date, the Company has utilized $5.0 million of the reserve associated with goods sold in 2014, leaving $7.5 million in the reserve at January 31, 2015.
	The following table illustrates the inventory markdown reserve activity related to the low-productive inventory discussed in the previous paragraph (in millions):
			Balance at		Additions		Utilization		Ending Balance
			February 1, 2014						January 31, 2015
	Inventory markdown on low-productive inventory		$	-	$	10.9	$	-3.9	$	7
	Inventory provision for freight capitalization expense		$	-	$	1.6	$	-1.1	$	0.5
	Total		$	-	$	12.5	$	-5	$	7.5
	The Company recorded $3.3 million of below-cost inventory adjustments during the year ended January 31, 2015, and no below cost inventory adjustments during the years ended February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 in connection with planned store closures (see Note 12 - Exit and Disposal Activity).
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and equipment. Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets and presented in selling, general and administrative expenses. Improvements to leased premises are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the initial term of the lease or the useful life of the improvement. Leasehold improvements added late in the lease term are amortized over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease (including the upcoming renewal option, if the renewal is reasonably assured) or the estimated useful life of the improvement. Gains or losses on the sale of assets are recorded at disposal. The following average estimated useful lives are generally applied:
		Estimated Useful Lives
	Building and building improvements	8 - 31.5 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 - 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	3 - 10  years or term of lease, if shorter
	Automobiles and vehicles	3 - 10 years
	Airplane	9 years
	Assets under capital lease are amortized in accordance with the Company’s normal depreciation policy for owned assets or over the lease term (regardless of renewal options), if shorter, and the charge to earnings is included in depreciation expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Amortization expense on assets under capital lease for 2014 was $29 thousand.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Leases. Certain operating leases include rent increases during the initial lease term. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease (which includes the pre-opening period of construction, renovation, fixturing and merchandise placement) and records the difference between the amounts charged to operations and amounts paid as a rent liability. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, which includes any rent holiday period.
	The Company recognizes contingent rental expense when the achievement of specified sales targets are considered probable in accordance with FASB ASC 840 “Leases”. The amount expensed but not paid was $0.9 million and $0.8 million at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and is included in “Accrued expenses and other” in the consolidated balance sheet (See Note 2 - Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts).
	The Company occasionally receives reimbursements from landlords to be used towards construction of the store the Company intends to lease. The reimbursement is primarily for the purpose of performing work required to divide a much larger location into smaller segments, one of which the Company will use for its store. This work could include the addition or demolition of walls, separation of plumbing, utilities, electrical work, entrances (front and back) and other work as required. Leasehold improvements are recorded at their gross costs including items reimbursed by landlords. The reimbursements are initially recorded as a deferred credit and then amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the initial lease term.
	Based upon an overall analysis of store performance and expected trends, we periodically evaluate the need to close underperforming stores. When we determine that an underperforming store should be closed and a lease obligation still exists, we record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the date the store is closed in accordance with FASB ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” Liabilities are computed based at the point of closure for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by FASB ASC 420. The assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate the lease agreement, estimates related to the sublease of potential closed locations, and estimation of other related exit costs. If the actual timing and the potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. We periodically review the liability for closed stores and make adjustments when necessary.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of long-lived assets. The Company’s policy is to review the carrying value of all property and equipment as well as purchased intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. In accordance with FASB ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we review for impairment all stores open at least 3 years or remodeled for more than two years. Impairment results when the carrying value of the assets exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the lease, or 10 years for owned stores. Our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the lease term is based upon historical operations of the stores and estimates of future store profitability which encompasses many factors that are subject to management’s judgment and are difficult to predict. If a long-lived asset is found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the asset’s fair value. The fair value is based on estimated market values for similar assets or other reasonable estimates of fair market value based upon using a discounted cash flow model.
	During fiscal 2014, in association with the planned closure of stores not meeting the Company's operational performance targets, we recorded a charge of $2.9 million in selling, general and administrative expense for the impairment of fixed assets and leasehold improvements. No impairments were recognized in 2013 or 2012.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue recognition. The Company markets goods and services through 641 company-owned stores and 19 franchised stores as of January 31, 2015. Net sales includes sales of merchandise from company-owned stores, net of returns and exclusive of sales taxes. Sales to franchised stores are recorded when the merchandise is shipped from the Company’s warehouse. Revenues resulting from layaway sales are recorded upon delivery of the merchandise to the customer.
	The Company also sells gift cards for which the revenue is recognized at time of redemption. The Company records a gift card liability on the date the gift card is issued to the customer. Revenue is recognized and the gift card liability is reduced as the customer redeems the gift card. The Company will recognize aged liabilities as revenue when the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company made a refinement to its revenue recognition policy concerning gift card breakage. Utilizing 10 years of gift card data provided by third party vendor Bank of America during the second quarter, a clear redemption and breakage trend emerged. Fred’s gift cards hit their redemption peak of approximately 87% by the end of third year of activation, resulting in a 13% breakage trend. In addition, Fred’s gift card liability is governed by Tennessee’s escheat laws which state that gift cards issued after 1998 are not considered abandoned property. Therefore, the Company revised the estimate of gift card breakage revenue during the second quarter of 2014. During 2014, we recognized $1.0 million of gift card revenue, or $0.02 per share, while not recognizing any gift card revenue in 2013 or 2012.
	In addition, the Company charges the franchised stores a fee based on a percentage of their purchases from the Company. These fees represent a reimbursement for use of the Fred's name and other administrative costs incurred on behalf of the franchised stores and are therefore netted against selling, general and administrative expenses. Total franchise income for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
Cost of Goods Sold [Policy Text Block]	Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold includes the purchase cost of inventory and the freight costs to the Company’s distribution centers. Warehouse and occupancy costs, including depreciation and amortization, are not included in cost of goods sold, but are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Cost of Sales, Vendor Allowances, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Vendor rebates and allowances. The Company receives rebates for a variety of merchandising activities, such as volume commitment rebates, relief for temporary and permanent price reductions, cooperative advertising programs, and for the introduction of new products in our stores. FASB ASC 605-50 “Customer Payments and Incentives” addresses the accounting and income statement classification for consideration given by a vendor to a retailer in connection with the sale of the vendor’s products or for the promotion of sales of the vendor’s products. Such consideration received from vendors is reflected as a decrease in prices paid for inventory and recognized in cost of sales as the related inventory is sold, unless specific criteria are met qualifying the consideration for treatment as reimbursement of specific, identifiable incremental costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company includes buying, warehousing, distribution, advertising, depreciation and amortization and occupancy costs in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising. In accordance with FASB ASC 720-35 “Advertising Costs”, the Company charges advertising, including production costs, to selling, general and administrative expense on the first day of the advertising period. Gross advertising expenses for 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $23.4 million, $22.8 million and $24.0 million, respectively. Gross advertising expenses were reduced by vendor cooperative advertising allowances of $2.2 million, $2.8 million and $2.4 million, for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Preopening Costs [Policy Text Block]	Preopening costs. The Company charges to expense the preopening costs of new stores as incurred. These costs are primarily labor to stock the store, rent, preopening advertising, store supplies and other expendable items.
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Intangible assets. Other identifiable intangible assets primarily represent customer lists associated with acquired pharmacies and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years. After testing the retention rate of customers obtained in acquisitions over the last eight years, the Company changed the estimated life of customer lists associated with acquired pharmacies from five to seven years in the fourth quarter of 2013. Based on the Company's historical experience, seven years is a closer approximation of the actual lives of these assets. The change in estimate was applied prospectively. Expenses for the fourth quarter of 2013 were favorably impacted by approximately $1.5 million ($.03 per diluted share) as a result of this change. Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $79.6 million at January 31, 2015, and $54.6 million at February 1, 2014. Accumulated amortization at January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 totaled $66.4 million and $54.3 million, respectively. Amortization expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $12.1 million, $12.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the assets recognized as of January 31, 2015, in millions for each of the next 7 years is as follows: 2015 - $14.8 million, 2016 - $14.6 million, 2017 - $13.8 million, 2018 - $12.6 million, 2019 - $10.3 million and $13.5 million thereafter.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair value of financial instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy, as defined below, gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.
		⋅	Level 1, defined as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.
		⋅	Level 2, defined as Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
		⋅	Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	At January 31, 2015, the Company did not have any outstanding derivative instruments. The recorded value of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and indebtedness, approximates fair value. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instrument: (1) the carrying amounts of current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments and (2) the fair value of the Company’s indebtedness is estimated based on the current borrowing rates available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. Most of our indebtedness is under variable interest rates.
Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block]	Insurance reserves. The Company is largely self-insured for workers compensation, general liability and employee medical insurance. The Company’s liability for self-insurance is determined based on claims known at the time of determination of the reserve and estimates for future payments against incurred losses and claims that have been incurred but not reported. Estimates for future claims costs include uncertainty because of the variability of the factors involved, such as the type of injury or claim, required services by the providers, healing time, age of claimant, case management costs, location of the claimant, and governmental regulations. These uncertainties or a deviation in future claims trends from recent historical patterns could result in the Company recording additional expenses or expense reductions that might be material to the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s worker's compensation and general liability insurance policy coverages run August 1 through July 31 of each fiscal year. Our employee medical insurance policy coverage runs from January 1 through December 31. The Company purchases excess insurance coverage for certain of its self-insured liabilities, or stop loss coverage. The stop loss limits for excessive or catastrophic claims for general liability remained at $350,000, worker’s compensation remained at $500,000 and employee medical remained at $175,000. The Company’s insurance reserve was $10.0 million and $10.5 million on January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. Changes in the reserve for the year ended January 31, 2015, were attributable to additional reserve requirements of $41.3 million netted with payments of $41.8 million.
Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-based compensation. The Company uses the fair value recognition provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, whereby the Company recognizes share-based payments to employees and directors in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a straight-line basis for shares that cliff vest and under the graded vesting attribution method for those that have graded vesting.
	Effective January 29, 2006, the Company elected to adopt the alternative transition method provided in FASB ASC 718 for calculating the income tax effects of stock-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in-capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the income tax effects of stock based compensation, and for determining the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and consolidated statements of cash flows of the income tax effects of stock-based compensation awards that are outstanding upon adoption of FASB ASC 718.
	FASB ASC 718 also requires the benefits of income tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow. The impact of adopting FASB ASC 718 on future results will depend on, among other things, levels of share-based payments granted in the future, actual forfeiture rates and the timing of option exercises.
	Stock-based compensation expense, post adoption of FASB ASC 718, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, and therefore has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on the Company’s historical forfeiture experience and will be revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income taxes. The Company reports income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Under FASB ASC 740, the asset and liability method is used for computing future income tax consequences of events, which have been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements or income tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is the net change during the year in the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities (see Note 5 – Income Taxes).
	The Company also applies the guidance of FASB ASC 740-10-25, Income Taxes, Uncertain Tax Positions, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes recognized in the Company’s financial statements in accordance with FASB ASC 740 by defining the criterion that an individual tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FASB ASC 740 requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on the technical merits as of the reporting date (see Note 5 – Income Taxes).
	Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. The realization of these assets is dependent on generating future taxable income, as well as successful implementation of various tax planning strategies.
	While Fred’s believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Business segments. The Company manages the business on the basis of one operating segment and therefore, has only one reportable segment. All operations are located in the United States.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are recorded as an element of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. The Company applies the guidance of FASB ASC 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” to the accounting and disclosure requirements of accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This guidance was effective in the first quarter of 2014. The amendments in this ASU state that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The issuance of this guidance did not require a change in the current presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and as a result, did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in the ASU are designed to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and develop a joint standard between U.S. GAAP and the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that strive to remove reporting inconsistencies, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability across entities, provide more useful information to the users of financial statements and simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements an entity must refer to. The guidance in the ASU supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance in Topic 605: Revenue Recognition. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including the interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the impact the guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated net earnings, cash flows and financial position.

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Inventories [Table Text Block]	The following table illustrates the inventory markdown reserve activity related to the low-productive inventory discussed in the previous paragraph (in millions):
			Balance at		Additions		Utilization		Ending Balance
			February 1, 2014						January 31, 2015
	Inventory markdown on low-productive inventory		$	-	$	10.9	$	-3.9	$	7
	Inventory provision for freight capitalization expense		$	-	$	1.6	$	-1.1	$	0.5
	Total		$	-	$	12.5	$	-5	$	7.5
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The following average estimated useful lives are generally applied:
		Estimated Useful Lives
	Building and building improvements	8 - 31.5 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 - 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	3 - 10  years or term of lease, if shorter
	Automobiles and vehicles	3 - 10 years
	Airplane	9 years

DETAIL_OF_CERTAIN_BALANCE_SHEE1

DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Details of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts [Table Text Block]	Details of certain balance sheet accounts as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 are as follows:
		(in thousands)
	Property and equipment, at cost:	2014		2013
	Buildings and building improvements	$	115,863	$	114,688
	Leasehold improvements		76,822		78,101
	Automobiles and vehicles		5,764		5,459
	Airplane		4,697		4,697
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		267,397		268,771
			470,543		471,716
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-339,195		-328,686
			131,348		143,030
	Construction in progress		4,033		1,729
	Land		8,604		8,604
	Total Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	$	143,985	$	153,363
		(in thousands)
	Other non-trade receivables:	2014		2013
	Vendor receivables	$	19,683	$	30,431
	Income tax receivable		19,487		4,777
	Franchise stores receivable		1,732		1,537
	Coupon receivable		532		400
	Insurance claims receivable		441		-
	Other		1,612		1,963
	Total other non-trade receivable	$	43,487	$	39,108
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:	2014		2013
	Prepaid rent	$	4,423	$	4,505
	Supplies		4,200		4,473
	Prepaid insurance		2,025		1,644
	Prepaid advertising		281		806
	Other		2,054		1,817
	Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	12,983	$	13,245
	Accrued expenses and other:	2014		2013
	Insurance reserves	$	10,048	$	10,474
	Payroll and benefits		9,056		9,661
	Sales and use tax		4,484		4,586
	Deferred / contingent rent		2,871		2,904
	Real estate tax		2,039		1,858
	Pharmacy credit returns		1,458		1,117
	Project costs accrual		1,413		913
	Utilities		1,215		1,358
	Personal property tax		1,155		1,080
	Warehouse freight and fuel		889		1,315
	Repairs and maintenance		676		862
	Giftcard liability		552		1,473
	Lease liability		499		117
	Franchise stores payable		197		1,000
	Other		9,047		7,518
	Total accrued expenses and other	$	45,599	$	46,236
	Other noncurrent liabilities:	2014		2013
	Unearned vendor allowances (see Note 1 - Vendor Rebates and Allowances)	$	24,416	$	13,084
	Uncertain tax positions		369		1,329
		$	24,785	$	14,413

INDEBTEDNESS_Tables

INDEBTEDNESS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	The table below shows the long term debt related to these properties due for the next five years as of January 31, 2015:
	(in thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Mortgage loans on land & buildings	$	554	$	621	$	60	$	65	$	70	$	1,443	$	2,813

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	The table below details the fair value and carrying values for the revolving line of credit and mortgage loans as of the following years:
		January 31, 2015				February 1, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Revolving line of credit	$	3,777	$	3,777	$	-	$	-
	Mortgage loans on land & buildings		2,813		3,072		5,319		5,581

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	-6,746		$	17,079		$	11,298
	State		68			1,489			834
			-6,678			18,568			12,132
	Deferred
	Federal		-11,061			-5,060			-3,865
	State		-2,273			-812			633
			-13,334			-5,872			-3,232
		$	-20,012		$	12,696		$	8,900
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities as of year-end are presented below:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Accrual for incentive compensation	$	569		$	528
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		927			1,017
	Insurance accruals		1,921			2,545
	Other accruals		6			19
	Net operating loss carryforwards		5,788			4,498
	Deferred Revenue		859			755
	Federal benefit on state reserves		90			311
	WOTC Credit Carryforward		1,318			-
	Amortization of intangibles		14,383			13,076
	Total deferred income tax assets		25,861			22,749
	Less: Valuation allowance		2,249			2,051
	Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance		23,612			20,698
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Postretirement benefits		-149			-144
	Property, plant and equipment		-14,338			-15,767
	Inventory valuation		-19,182			-28,542
	Prepaid expenses		-560			-170
	Total deferred income tax liabilities		-34,229			-44,623
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	-10,617		$	-23,925
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Income tax provision at statutory rate		35	%			35	%			35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		4.5				2.2				4.7
	Tax credits, principally jobs		2.6				-2.9				-1
	Uncertain tax provisions		0.1				-1.3				-12.7
	Change in state valuation allowance		-0.4				0.2				-2.2
	Other		-0.4				-0.8				-1
	Permanent differences		-0.5				0.4				0.3
	Effective income tax rate		40.9	%			32.8	%			23.1	%
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	1.3		$	2.1		$	9.6
	Additions for tax position during the current year		-			0.2			0.1
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		0.1			0.1			0.1
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years from lapse of statue		-			-1.1			-0.9
	Reductions for settlements of prior year tax positions		-1.1			-			-6.8
	Ending balance	$	0.3		$	1.3		$	2.1

LONGTERM_LEASES_Tables

LONG-TERM LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
	Future minimum rental payments under all operating leases as of January 31, 2015 are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Operating Leases
	2015	$	46,618
	2016		39,999
	2017		32,120
	2018		22,507
	2019		16,373
	Thereafter		54,376
	Total minimum lease payments	$	211,993

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Tables

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following represents total stock based compensation expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) recognized in the consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Stock option expense	$	862		$	610		$	600
	Restricted stock expense		1,331			984			1,258
	ESPP expense		240			197			197
	Total stock-based compensation	$	2,433		$	1,791		$	2,055
	Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$	606		$	473		$	565
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the BSM with the following weighted average assumptions:
	Stock Options	2014				2013				2012
	Expected volatility		35.2	%			32.1	%			39.7	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%			1.2	%			0.5	%
	Expected option life (in years)		5.84				4.98				4.16
	Expected dividend yield		1.6	%			1.7	%			1.3	%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	4.79			$	3.81			$	3.95
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Expected volatility		32.4	%			22.7	%			33.2	%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.2	%			0.2	%			0.1	%
	Expected option life (in years)		0.63				0.63				0.63
	Expected dividend yield		1.1	%			1.1	%			1	%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	4.36			$	3.02			$	3.6
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Stock Options. The following table summarizes stock option activity from January 28, 2012 through January 31, 2015:
		Options			Weighted-		Weighted-				Aggregate
					Average		Averaged				Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price		Contractual Life				(000s)
							(years)
	Outstanding at January 28, 2012		795,376		$	11.52			3		$	2,831
	Granted		441,791			13.65
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-24,600			14.54
	Exercised		-66,912			13.14
	Outstanding at February 2, 2013		1,145,655		$	12.18			3.2		$	1,467
	Granted		213,859			15.26
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-135,716			13.18
	Exercised		-81,369			12.26
	Outstanding at February 1, 2014		1,142,429		$	12.63			3		$	5,539
	Granted		122,000			15.78
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-31,510			13.2
	Exercised		-41,314			12.06
	Repurchased and Cancelled 1		-245,052			10.61
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015		946,553		$	13.56			3.4		$	2,954
	Exercisable at January 31, 2015		260,245		$	11.4			2.1		$	1,365
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Other information relative to option activity during 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Total fair value of stock options vested	$	395		$	353		$	543
	Total pretax intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	253		$	266		$	76
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 31, 2015:
		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-			Shares			Weighted-
					Averaged		Average						Average
					Contractual Life		Exercise Price						Exercise Price
					(years)
	$ 8.66 - $12.69		168,185		1.4		$	9.8			164,985		$	9.76
	$13.00 - $13.64		466,907		2.8		$	13.57			50,505		$	13.11
	$13.72 - $19.88		311,461		5.2		$	15.56			44,755		$	15.53
			946,553								260,245
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes restricted stock from January 28, 2012 through January 31, 2015:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Non-vested Restricted Stock at January 28, 2012		711,600		$	12.56
	Granted		133,979			14.45
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-94,796			12.16
	Vested		-129,774			12.26
	Non-vested Restricted Stock at February 2, 2013		621,009		$	13.09
	Granted		113,943			14.72
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-125,686			13.22
	Vested		-58,253			11.83
	Non-vested Restricted Stock at February 1, 2014		551,013		$	13.53
	Granted		207,295			17.02
	Forfeited / Cancelled		-94,729			13.76
	Vested		-106,058			13.84
	Non-vested Restricted Stock at January 31, 2015		557,521		$	14.72

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE1

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The Company’s change in benefit obligation based upon an actuarial valuation is as follows:
		For the Years Ended
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	559	$	440	$	472
	Service cost		25		29		22
	Interest cost		17		17		15
	Actuarial loss (gain)		30		122		-35
	Benefits paid		-47		-49		-33
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	584	$	559	$	441
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The Company’s components of net accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
		For the Years Ended
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	936	$	1,045	$	1,246
	Deferred tax		-366		-342		-452
	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	$	570	$	703	$	794
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	The below table illustrates a one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the healthcare cost trend rate assumed for postretirement benefits:
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Effect of health care trend rate
	1% increase effect on accumulated benefit obligations	$	47	$	43		36
	1% increase effect on periodic cost		5		5		4
	1% decrease effect on accumulated benefit obligations		-42		-39		-33
	1% decrease effect on periodic cost		-4		-5		-4
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]	The annual net postretirement cost is as follows:
	(in thousands)	January 31,		February 1,		February 2,
		2015		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	25	$	29	$	22
	Interest cost		17		17		15
	Amortization of prior service cost		-13		-13		-13
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs		-66		-66		-82
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	-37	$	-33	$	-58
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	The Company’s policy is to fund claims as incurred. Information about the expected cash flows for the postretirement medical plan follows:
	(in thousands)	Postretirement
		Medical Plan
	Expected Benefit Payments, net of retiree contributions
	2015	$	47
	2016		48
	2017		47
	2018		48
	2019		48
	Next 5 years		245

SALES_MIX_Tables

SALES MIX (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The Company’s sales mix by major category during the last 3 years was as follows:
		For the Years Ended
		January			February			February
		31, 2015			1, 2014			2, 2013
	Pharmaceuticals		41.9	%		37.7	%		36.3	%
	Household Goods		31.2	%		33	%		33.1	%
	Food and Tobacco Products		25.3	%		27.6	%		28.8	%
	Paper and Cleaning Supplies		1.6	%		1.7	%		1.8	%
	Total Sales Mix		100	%		100	%		100	%

EXIT_AND_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITY_Tab

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following table illustrates the exit and disposal reserves related to the store closures and strategic initiatives discussed in the previous paragraphs (in millions):
		Balance at		Additions		Utilization		Ending
		February 1,						Balance
		2014						January 31,
								2015
	Inventory markdowns for discontinuance of exit categories	$	1.7	$	0.3	$	-1.6	$	0.4
	Inventory provision for freight capitalization expense, exit categories	$	-	$	0.3	$	-0.2	$	0.1
	Inventory markdowns for 2014 planned closures	$	-	$	2	$	-2	$	-
	Inventory provision for freight capitalization expense, 2014 planned closures	$	-	$	1.3	$	-1.3	$	-
	Impairment charge for the disposal of fixed assets for 2014 planned closures	$	-	$	2.9	$	-2.5	$	0.4
	Lease contract termination liability, 2008 closures	$	0.1	$	-	$	-	$	0.1
	Total	$	1.8	$	6.8	$	-7.6	$	1

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	The Company’s unaudited quarterly financial information for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 is reported below:
	(in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second		Third Quarter		Fourth
				Quarter				Quarter
	Year ended January 31, 2015
	Net sales	$	498,264	$	491,185	$	476,175	$	504,425
	Gross profit		142,474		113,669		123,489		124,161
	Net income		6,118		-16,434		-10,434		-8,154
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.17	$	-0.45	$	-0.29	$	-0.23
	Diluted	$	0.17	$	-0.45	$	-0.29	$	-0.23
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06
	Year ended February 1, 2014
	Net sales	$	501,495	$	482,176	$	460,542	$	495,033
	Gross profit		151,019		135,985		140,237		133,600
	Net income		11,411		3,330		7,308		3,966
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.31	$	0.09	$	0.2	$	0.11
	Diluted	$	0.31	$	0.09	$	0.2	$	0.11
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU3

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	31 years 6 months
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	8 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Automobiles and Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Automobiles and Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Airplane [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	9 years

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU4

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Beginning Balance	$0
Inventory Valuation Reserves Additions	12.5
Inventory Valuation Reserves Utilization	-5
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Ending Balance	7.5
Inventory Markdown on Low Productive Inventory [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Beginning Balance	0
Inventory Valuation Reserves Additions	10.9
Inventory Valuation Reserves Utilization	-3.9
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Ending Balance	7
Inventory Provision For Freight Capitalization Expense [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Beginning Balance	0
Inventory Valuation Reserves Additions	1.6
Inventory Valuation Reserves Utilization	-1.1
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Ending Balance	$0.50

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_SU5

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Inventory, Net	$315,678,000				$361,993,000				$315,678,000	$361,993,000
Increase (Decrease) in LIFO Reserve									4,700,000	4,500,000
Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense										29,000	34,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense									900,000	800,000
Franchise Revenue										1,500,000	1,600,000	1,700,000
Advertising Expense										23,400,000	22,800,000	24,000,000
Reduction of Advertising Expenses										2,200,000	2,800,000	2,400,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	79,629,000				54,580,000				79,629,000	54,580,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	66,400,000				54,300,000				66,400,000	54,300,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets										12,100,000	12,100,000	10,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	14,800,000								14,800,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	14,600,000								14,600,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	13,800,000								13,800,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	12,600,000								12,600,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	10,300,000								10,300,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense, Year Seven	13,500,000								13,500,000
Workers Compensation Stop Loss Limit									500,000
Increase (Decrease) in Self Insurance Reserve									41,300,000	41,800,000
Self Insurance Reserve	10,000,000				10,500,000				10,000,000	10,500,000
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	($0.23)	($0.29)	($0.45)	$0.17	$0.11	$0.20	$0.09	$0.31	($0.80)	$0.71	$0.81
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Description									Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we review for impairment all stores open at least 3 years or remodeled for more than two years. Impairment results when the carrying value of the assets exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the lease, or 10 years for owned stores.
Inventory Valuation Reserves	7,500,000				0				7,500,000	0
Inventory Valuation Reserves Utilization									5,000,000
Inventory Adjustments	3,300,000								3,300,000
Revenue Recognition, Gift Cards, Breakage										1,000,000
Inventory Valuation Reserves Additions									12,500,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total	($0.23)	($0.29)	($0.45)	$0.17	$0.11	$0.20	$0.09	$0.31	($0.80)	$0.71	$0.81
Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Description					Utilizing 10 years of gift card data provided by third party vendor Bank of America during the second quarter, a clear redemption and breakage trend emerged. Fred’s gift cards hit their redemption peak of approximately 87% by the end of third year of activation, resulting in a 13% breakage trend.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total									511,142,000	480,596,000	487,713,000
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total									2,900,000
Other Income [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total										$0.02
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Operating Expenses					1,500,000
Earnings Per Share, Diluted					$0.03
Pharmacy Inventory [Member]
Inventory, Net	43,500,000				40,400,000				43,500,000	40,400,000
LIFO Inventory Amount	39,900,000				35,200,000				39,900,000	35,200,000
Merchandise Inventory [Member]
Inventory, Net	19,400,000				21,600,000				19,400,000	21,600,000
Catastrophic Claims [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities									350,000
Medical Insurance [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities									175,000
Inventory Provision For Freight Capitalization Expense [Member]
Inventory Valuation Reserves Additions									$1,600,000

DETAIL_OF_CERTAIN_BALANCE_SHEE2

DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and equipment, at cost:
Property, Plant and Equipment	$470,543	$471,716
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-339,195	-328,686
Property Plant and Equipment Net	131,348	143,030
Construction in progress	4,033	1,729
Land	8,604	8,604
Total Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	143,985	153,363
Other non-trade receivables:
Vendor receivables	19,683	30,431
Income tax receivable	19,487	4,777
Franchise stores receivable	1,732	1,537
Coupon receivable	532	400
Insurance claims receivable	441	0
Other	1,612	1,963
Total other non-trade receivable	43,487	39,108
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Prepaid rent	4,423	4,505
Supplies	4,200	4,473
Prepaid insurance	2,025	1,644
Prepaid advertising	281	806
Other	2,054	1,817
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,983	13,245
Accrued expenses and other:
Insurance reserves	10,048	10,474
Payroll and benefits	9,056	9,661
Sales and use tax	4,484	4,586
Deferred / contingent rent	2,871	2,904
Real estate tax	2,039	1,858
Pharmacy credit returns	1,458	1,117
Project costs accrual	1,413	913
Utilities	1,215	1,358
Personal property tax	1,155	1,080
Warehouse freight and fuel	889	1,315
Repairs and maintenance	676	862
Giftcard liability	552	1,473
Lease liability	499	117
Franchise stores payable	197	1,000
Other	9,047	7,518
Total accrued expenses and other	45,599	46,236
Other noncurrent liabilities:
Unearned vendor allowances (see Note 1 - Vendor Rebates and Allowances)	24,416	13,084
Uncertain tax positions	369	1,329
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	24,785	14,413
Buildings and building improvements [Member]
Property and equipment, at cost:
Property, Plant and Equipment	115,863	114,688
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property and equipment, at cost:
Property, Plant and Equipment	76,822	78,101
Automobiles and Vehicles [Member]
Property and equipment, at cost:
Property, Plant and Equipment	5,764	5,459
Airplane [Member]
Property and equipment, at cost:
Property, Plant and Equipment	4,697	4,697
Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, at cost:
Property, Plant and Equipment	$267,397	$268,771

DETAIL_OF_CERTAIN_BALANCE_SHEE3

DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS [Line Items]
Depreciation	$28.90	$28.90	$29

INDEBTEDNESS_Details

INDEBTEDNESS (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturities of Long Term Debt [Line Items]
2015	$554
2016	621
2017	60
2018	65
2019	70
Thereafter	1,443
Total	$2,813	$5,319

INDEBTEDNESS_Details_Textual

INDEBTEDNESS (Details Textual) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2007	Jan. 25, 2013	Apr. 09, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit		$4,500,000				$5,600,000
Purchase Of Lease Property For Cash	7,500,000
Purchase Of Lease Property For Mortgage Bond	3,500,000
Bonds Purchased Percentage		100.00%
Offset Value For Investment In Bonds		34,600,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	6.65%		6.31%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	7.40%		7.40%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				20,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description				1.00% - 1.625% plus LIBOR
Long-term Line of Credit		3,777,000				0
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		1.80%
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date				25-Jan-16
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description					1.25% or 1.50% plus eitherLIBOR
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date					9-Apr-20
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				20,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit				50,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit					150,000,000
Current Portion Of Line Of Credit [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description		Currently, the Company’s rates are 162.5 basis points over LIBOR for borrowings
Long-term Line of Credit		3,800,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		$46,200,000
Current Portion Of Line Of Credit [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description					bear interest at 1.25% or 1.50% plus LIBOR based on our FIFO inventory balance.
Unused Portion Of Line Of Credit [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description		27.5 basis points over LIBOR for the unused portion of the credit line
Unused Portion Of Line Of Credit [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
INDEBTEDNESS [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description					interest rates for the unused portion of the credit line are 20.0 basis points over LIBOR.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage loans on land & buildings, Carrying Value	$2,813	$5,319
Mortgage loans on land & buildings, Fair Value	3,072	5,581
Revolving line of credit, Carrying Value	4,500	5,600
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving line of credit, Carrying Value	3,777	0
Revolving line of credit, Fair value	$3,777	$0

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Current
Federal	($6,746)	$17,079	$11,298
State	68	1,489	834
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-6,678	18,568	12,132
Deferred
Federal	-11,061	-5,060	-3,865
State	-2,273	-812	633
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-13,334	-5,872	-3,232
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($20,012)	$12,696	$8,900

INCOME_TAXES_Details_1

INCOME TAXES (Details 1) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrual for incentive compensation	$569	$528
Allowance for doubtful accounts	927	1,017
Insurance accruals	1,921	2,545
Other accruals	6	19
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,788	4,498
Deferred revenue	859	755
Federal benefit on state reserves	90	311
WOTC Credit Carryforward	1,318	0
Amortization of intangibles	14,383	13,076
Total deferred income tax assets	25,861	22,749
Less: Valuation allowance	2,249	2,051
Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance	23,612	20,698
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Postretirement benefits	-149	-144
Property, plant and equipment	-14,338	-15,767
Inventory valuation	-19,182	-28,542
Prepaid expenses	-560	-170
Total deferred income tax liabilities	-34,229	-44,623
Net deferred income tax liabilities	($10,617)	($23,925)

INCOME_TAXES_Details_2

INCOME TAXES (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Income tax provision at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	4.50%	2.20%	4.70%
Tax credits, principally jobs	2.60%	-2.90%	-1.00%
Uncertain tax provisions	0.10%	-1.30%	-12.70%
Change in state valuation allowance	-0.40%	0.20%	-2.20%
Other	-0.40%	-0.80%	-1.00%
Permanent differences	-0.50%	0.40%	0.30%
Effective income tax rate	40.90%	32.80%	23.10%

INCOME_TAXES_Details_3

INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Beginning balance	$1.30	$2.10	$9.60
Additions for tax position during the current year	0	0.2	0.1
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0.1	0.1	0.1
Reductions for tax positions of prior years from lapse of statue	0	-1.1	-0.9
Reductions for settlements of prior year tax positions	-1.1	0	-6.8
Ending balance	$0.30	$1.30	$2.10

INCOME_TAXES_Details_Textual

INCOME TAXES (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount			$0.20	$0.10
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions		0.1	0.1	0.1
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued		0.2	0.4
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued		0.1	0.4
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Period		2015 through 2035
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance		0.3	1.3	2.1	9.6
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount	1.1
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		133.9
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance		$0.30

LONGTERM_LEASES_Details

LONG-TERM LEASES (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	$46,618
2016	39,999
2017	32,120
2018	22,507
2019	16,373
Thereafter	54,376
Total minimum lease payments	$211,993

LONGTERM_LEASES_Details_Textua

LONG-TERM LEASES (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 31, 2015
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$61,400,000	$60,000,000	$57,200,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals	900,000	800,000	700,000
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	5,100,000			5,100,000
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation	5,111,000			5,140,000
Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense	29,000	34,000
Capital Leases, Contingent Rental Payments Due	$301,000	$326,100		$310,000
Atlantic Retail Investors Llc [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of Properties Subject to Ground Leases				13

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_Te

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 16, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Aug. 27, 2007
Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased					4,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased			3,600,000
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Program				90,000
Stock Repurchase Program Number Of Shares Available For Repurchase	3,000,000	3,000,000

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Details

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014	Jan. 28, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$1,791	$2,433	$2,055
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	473	606	565
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	197	240	197
Restricted Stock Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	984	1,331	1,258
Stock Option Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$610	$862	$600

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Details1

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014	Jan. 28, 2012
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected volatility	32.10%	35.20%	39.70%
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	1.90%	0.50%
Expected option life (in years)	4 years 11 months 23 days	5 years 10 months 2 days	4 years 1 month 28 days
Expected dividend yield	1.70%	1.60%	1.30%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$3.81	$4.79	$3.95
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected volatility	22.70%	32.40%	33.20%
Risk-free interest rate	0.20%	0.20%	0.10%
Expected option life (in years)	7 months 17 days	7 months 17 days	7 months 17 days
Expected dividend yield	1.10%	1.10%	1.00%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$3.02	$4.36	$3.60

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Details2

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Options, Outstanding Beginning Period (in shares)	1,142,429		1,145,655	795,376
Options, Granted (in shares)	122,000		213,859	441,791
Options, Forfeited / Cancelled (in shares)	-31,510		-135,716	-24,600
Options, Exercised (in shares)	-41,314		-81,369	-66,912
Options, Outstanding Ending Period (in shares)	946,553		1,142,429	1,145,655	795,376
Options, Repurchased and Cancelled (in shares)	-245,052	[1]
Options, Exercisable (in shares)	260,245
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Beginning Period (in dollars per share)	$12.63		$12.18	$11.52
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share)	$15.78		$15.26	$13.65
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited / Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$13.20		$13.18	$14.54
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share)	$12.06		$12.26	$13.14
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Repurchased and Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$10.61	[1]
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Ending Period (in dollars per share)	$13.56		$12.63	$12.18	$11.52
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$11.40
Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years), Outstanding	3 years 4 months 24 days		3 years	3 years 2 months 12 days	3 years
Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable	2 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Beginning Period (in dollars)	$5,539		$1,467	$2,831
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Ending Period (in dollars)	2,954		5,539	1,467	2,831
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in dollars)	$1,365
[1]	Shares represent options purchased and cancelled from Bruce Efird, former CEO, subsequent to the expiration of his employment agreement.

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Details3

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Details 3) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014	Jan. 28, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options [Line Items]
Total fair value of stock options vested	$353	$395	$543
Total pretax intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$266	$253	$76

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Details4

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable [Line Items]
Options outstanding, Shares	946,553
Options Exercisable, Shares	260,245
Stock Options Range Of Exercis Price 1 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable [Line Items]
Options outstanding, Exercise Price Minimum	$8.66
Options outstanding, Exercise Price Maximum	$12.69
Options outstanding, Shares	168,185
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.80
Options Exercisable, Shares	164,985
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.76
Stock Options Range Of Exercise Prices 2 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable [Line Items]
Options outstanding, Exercise Price Minimum	$13
Options outstanding, Exercise Price Maximum	$13.64
Options outstanding, Shares	466,907
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)	2 years 9 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.57
Options Exercisable, Shares	50,505
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.11
Stock Options Range Of Exercise Prices 3 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Stock Options Outstanding And Exercisable [Line Items]
Options outstanding, Exercise Price Minimum	$13.72
Options outstanding, Exercise Price Maximum	$19.88
Options outstanding, Shares	311,461
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life (years)	5 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.56
Options Exercisable, Shares	44,755
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.53

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Details5

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Details 5) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Options, Non-vested Restricted Stock Beginning Period (in shares)	551,013	621,009	711,600
Options, Granted (in shares)	207,295	113,943	133,979
Options, Forfeited / Cancelled (in shares)	-94,729	-125,686	-94,796
Options, Vested (in shares)	-106,058	-58,253	-129,774
Options, Non-vested Restricted Stock (in shares) Ending Period	557,521	551,013	621,009
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested Restricted Stock (in dollars per share) Beginning Period	$13.53	$13.09	$12.56
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share)	$17.02	$14.72	$14.45
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited / Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$13.76	$13.22	$12.16
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested (in dollars per share)	$13.84	$11.83	$12.26
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested Restricted Stock (in dollars per share) Ending Period	$14.72	$13.53	$13.09

EQUITY_INCENTIVE_PLANS_Details6

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Incentive Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Authorized	3,000,000	2,400,000
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Available For Grant	1,212,243	1,273,395
Exercise Price For Stock Options Issued Of Fair Value	100.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award	expire five to eight years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date	18-Mar-22
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Eligible Employees To Purchase Shares, Description	The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") (the 2004 Plan), which was approved by Fred's stockholders, permits eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant or 85% of the market price at the time of exercise.
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued In Period		54,992	60,912	54,830
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Authorized	1,410,928
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Available For Grant	803,573
Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized, Stock Options	1.2
Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized, Period For Recognition	2 years 8 months 12 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	9.3
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	6 years 10 months 24 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	5.5
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 6 months
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period, Total Fair Value	1	0.7	1.5

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Details_T

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details Textual)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	482,588	2,500

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE2

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$472	$559	$440
Service cost	22	25	29	22
Interest cost	15	17	17	15
Actuarial loss (gain)	-35	30	122
Benefits paid	-33	-47	-49
Benefit obligation at end of year	$440	$584	$559	$440

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE3

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 1) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$936	$1,045	$1,246
Deferred tax	-366	-342	-452
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	$570	$703	$794

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE4

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 2) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Effect of health care trend rate
1% increase effect on accumulated benefit obligations	$36	$47	$43
1% increase effect on periodic cost	4	5	5
1% decrease effect on accumulated benefit obligations	-33	-42	-39
1% decrease effect on periodic cost	($4)	($4)	($5)

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE5

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 3) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Service cost	$22	$25	$29	$22
Interest cost	15	17	17	15
Amortization of prior service cost		-13	-13	-13
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs		-66	-66	-82
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost		($37)	($33)	($58)

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE6

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 4) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Expected Benefit Payments, net of retiree contributions
2015	$47
2016	48
2017	47
2018	48
2019	48
Next 5 years	$245

OTHER_COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGE7

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$4,500,000	$5,600,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	10,600,000	9,800,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	60.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount	17,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage	100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	200,000	200,000	200,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	7.10%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate		2.70%	3.60%
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$315,000

SALES_MIX_Details

SALES MIX (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Mix Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Pharmaceuticals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Mix Percentage	41.90%	37.70%	36.30%
Household Goods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Mix Percentage	31.20%	33.00%	33.10%
Food and Tobacco Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Mix Percentage	25.30%	27.60%	28.80%
Paper and Cleaning Supplies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Mix Percentage	1.60%	1.70%	1.80%

EXIT_AND_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITY_Det

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITY (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease contract termination liability, Beginning Balance	$1.80
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	6.8
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	-7.6
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance	1
Inventory markdowns for discontinuance of exit categories [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease contract termination liability, Beginning Balance	1.7
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	0.3
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	-1.6
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance	0.4
Inventory Provision For Freight Capitalization Expense [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease contract termination liability, Beginning Balance	0
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	0.3
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	-0.2
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance	0.1
Inventory Markdowns For 2014 Planned Closures [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease contract termination liability, Beginning Balance	0
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	2
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	-2
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance	0
Inventory Provision For Freight Capitalization Expense 2014 Planned Closures [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease contract termination liability, Beginning Balance	0
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	1.3
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	-1.3
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance	0
Lease Contract Termination Liability [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease contract termination liability, Beginning Balance	0.1
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	0
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	0
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance	0.1
Closed Store Fixed Assets Impairment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease contract termination liability, Beginning Balance	0
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	2.9
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	-2.5
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance	$0.40

EXIT_AND_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITY_Det1

EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITY (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve		$1	$1.80
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense			2.9
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of			2.5
Inventory Adjustments		3.3
Proceeds From Reserves			1.6
Recognition of Freight Capitalization Expense	1.3
Restructuring Reserve, Period Increase (Decrease)			0.3
Restructuring Reserve Utilizations		7.6
Restructuring Reserve		1	1.8
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve		0.4	1.7
Restructuring Reserve Utilizations		1.6
Restructuring Reserve		0.4	1.7
Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve		0.4
Restructuring Reserve		$0.40

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	3-May-14	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$504,425	$476,175	$491,185	$498,264	$495,033	$460,542	$482,176	$501,495	$1,970,049	$1,939,246	$1,955,275
Gross profit	124,161	123,489	113,669	142,474	133,600	140,237	135,985	151,019	503,793	560,841	566,332
Net income	($8,154)	($10,434)	($16,434)	$6,118	$3,966	$7,308	$3,330	$11,411	($28,904)	$26,015	$29,629
Net income per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.23)	($0.29)	($0.45)	$0.17	$0.11	$0.20	$0.09	$0.31	($0.80)	$0.71	$0.81
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.23)	($0.29)	($0.45)	$0.17	$0.11	$0.20	$0.09	$0.31	($0.80)	$0.71	$0.81
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.24	$0.24	$0.43

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details_Text

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details Textual) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 25, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$66
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	53
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other	$13

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$2,097	$1,994	$2,100
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,383	1,198	627
Deductions and Reclass Adjustments	1,076	1,095	733
Ending Balance	2,404	2,097	1,994
Allowance for Insurance Reserves [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	10,474	10,094	10,291
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	41,364	41,917	43,761
Deductions and Reclass Adjustments	41,790	41,537	43,958
Ending Balance	$10,048	$10,474	$10,094