Retirement Benefits (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Expense related to the qualified plan	$ 51	$ 49	$ 46
Maximum Period Vested Amount Will Be Paid Out For Terminated Employees	10 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	193	168
Associate Contributions	12	12
Company Contributions	15	15
Interest	11	12
Distributions	(17)	(14)
Balance at End of Year	214	193	168
Expense related to the non-qualified plan	$ 26	$ 27	$ 20

Maximum Period Vested Amount Will Be Paid Out For Terminated Employees

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- Definition

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans Expense

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- Definition

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

+ References

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- Definition

The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets.

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-Glossary Benefits

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- Definition

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

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The amount of contributions made by plan participants. This item represents a periodic increase to the plan obligation and an increase to plan assets.

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The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

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The amount of the cost recognized during the period for defined contribution plans.

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