Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Paragraph 45

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Unit (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011	Jan. 30, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	$ 4,364	$ 4,318
Accumulated Impairments	(1,085)	(1,167)
Net Goodwill	3,279	3,151	3,151	3,150
Water Works
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	1,867	1,867
Accumulated Impairments	(815)	(815)
Net Goodwill	1,052	1,052
Facilities Maintenance
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	1,603	1,474
Net Goodwill	1,603	1,474
White Cap
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	183	183
Accumulated Impairments	(74)	(74)
Net Goodwill	109	109
Utilities
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	284	285
Accumulated Impairments	(99)	(99)
Net Goodwill	185	186
Crown Bolt
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	215	215
Net Goodwill	215	215
Repair And Remodel
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	125	125
Accumulated Impairments	(30)	(30)
Net Goodwill	95	95
Electrical
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	20	20
Net Goodwill	20	20
Creative Touch Interiors
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	67	67
Accumulated Impairments	(67)	(67)
Industrial Pipes Valves And Fittings
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill		82
Accumulated Impairments		$ (82)