| Cover Document | Aug. 28, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 28, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BIG LOTS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | OH |
| Entity File Number | 001-08897 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 06-1119097 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4900 E. Dublin-Granville Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Columbus |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 43081 |
| City Area Code | 614 |
| Local Phone Number | 278-6800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common shares |
| Trading Symbol | BIG |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000768835 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
