Goodwill, Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended									3 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012 Victoria's Secret Segment [Member]	Jan. 29, 2011 Victoria's Secret Segment [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 Bath & Body Works Segment [Member]	Jan. 29, 2011 Bath & Body Works Segment [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 All Other Segments [Member]	Jan. 29, 2011 All Other Segments [Member]		Jan. 28, 2012 La Senza [Member]	Jan. 31, 2009 La Senza [Member]	Jan. 31, 2007 La Senza [Member]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,451	$ 1,442	$ 690	$ 690	$ 628	$ 628	$ 133	$ 124	[1]			$ 313
Impairment	(119)		0		0		(119)			(119)	(189)
Foreign Currency Translation	(2)	9	0	0	0	0	(2)	9
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 1,330	$ 1,451	$ 690	$ 690	$ 628	$ 628	$ 12	$ 133				$ 313

[1] Balance is presented net of a $189 million La Senza impairment recognized in the fourth quarter of 2008.