Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended							1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jul. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2007	Jul. 31, 2010 Fixed Rate 5.25 Percent Notes Due November 2014 [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 Fixed Rate 5.25 Percent Notes Due November 2014 [Member]	Jan. 29, 2011 Fixed Rate 5.25 Percent Notes Due November 2014 [Member]	Jul. 31, 2010 Fixed Rate 6.125 Percent Notes Due December 2012 [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 Fixed Rate 6.125 Percent Notes Due December 2012 [Member]	Jan. 29, 2011 Fixed Rate 6.125 Percent Notes Due December 2012 [Member]	Jan. 29, 2011 2017 Notes [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Interest Rate Swap	Aug. 31, 2010 Interest Rate Swap	Mar. 31, 2010 Interest Rate Swap	Sep. 30, 2011 Variable Rate Term Loan Due August 2012 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Variable Rate Term Loan Due August 2012 [Member]	Jan. 29, 2011 Limited Brands, Inc. [Member]	Jan. 30, 2010 Limited Brands, Inc. [Member]
Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans related to cross-currency swaps						$ 470
Notional amount of cash flow hedge derivative		175	595		57			0	213		0	57	150
Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge	1
Fair value interest rate swap arrangements		175	595		57			0	213		0	57	150
Arrangements terminated, realized losses recognized as interest expense														213		10
Non-designated derivative instrument to offset the remaining portion of the de-designated instrument															9
Payments of long-term debt		$ 0	$ 645	$ 656			$ 277			$ 144							$ 12	$ 200	$ 645	$ 656