Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 1,027	$ 1,009	$ 1,169
Short-term investments	75		75
Derivative financial instruments	16	13	2
Deferred compensation plan assets	25	22	25
Total	1,143	1,044	1,271
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	9	14	68
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets:
Cash equivalents	216	224	211
Deferred compensation plan assets	25	22	25
Total	241	246	236
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Cash equivalents	811	785	958
Short-term investments	75		75
Derivative financial instruments	16	13	2
Total	902	798	1,035
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments	$ 9	$ 14	$ 68