Long-term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012		Jan. 29, 2011		May 31, 2010
Senior unsecured debt with subsidiary guarantee	$ 1,888		$ 886
Senior unsecured debt	1,650		1,621
Total	3,538		2,507
Current portion of long-term debt	(57)	[1]	0	[1]
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	3,481		2,507
Fixed Rate 6.625 Percent Notes Due April 2021 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt with subsidiary guarantee	1,000		0
Debt instrument, face amount	1,000
Debt instrument, stated rate	6.625%
Fixed Rate 8.50 Percent Notes Due June 2019 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt with subsidiary guarantee	488		486
Debt instrument, face amount	500
Debt instrument, stated rate	8.50%
Fixed Rate 7.00 Percent Notes Due May 2020 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt with subsidiary guarantee	400		400
Debt instrument, face amount	400				400
Debt instrument, stated rate	7.00%				7.00%
Fixed Rate 6.90 Percent Notes Due July 2017 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt	724	[2]	699	[2]
Debt instrument, face amount	700
Debt instrument, stated rate	6.90%
Fixed Rate 6.95 Percent Debentures Due March 2033 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt	350		350
Debt instrument, face amount	350
Debt instrument, stated rate	6.95%
Fixed Rate 7.60 Percent Notes Due July 2037 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt	299		299
Debt instrument, face amount	300
Debt instrument, stated rate	7.60%
Fixed Rate 5.25 Percent Notes Due November 2014 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt	220	[3]	215	[3]
Debt instrument, stated rate	5.25%
Fixed Rate 6.125 Percent Notes Due December 2012 [Member]
Senior unsecured debt	57	[1]	58	[1]
Debt instrument, stated rate	6.125%
Limited Brands, Inc. [Member]
Current portion of long-term debt	(57)
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	$ 3,481		$ 2,507

[1] The principal balance outstanding was $57 million as of both January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011. The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $0 million as of January 28, 2012 and $1 million as of January 29, 2011.

[2] The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $25 million as of January 28, 2012 and $0 million as of January 29, 2011.

[3] The principal balance outstanding was $213 million as of both January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011. The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $7 million as of January 28, 2012 and $2 million as of January 29, 2011.