Equity Investments And Other (Express) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 12, 2011	Jul. 29, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jul. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Amount pledged to The Limited Brands Foundation			$ 50
Express [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains			140		140
Common stock sold	99
Merchandise sourcing revenue from equity method investment					84
Accounts receivable for merchandise sourcing			62		62
Pre-tax gain on distribution recorded in Other Income	86
Diluted ownership interest	8.00%
Shares of common stock in Express sold in secondary offering	5.5
Contribution of shares		7.2
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure				163
Amount pledged to The Limited Brands Foundation			50
Contribution expense				113
Non-taxable gain on contribution of Express shares		147
Available-for-sale Securities			$ 156		$ 156