Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010
Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 491	$ 352
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-lived Assets	290	291
Amortization of Landlord Allowances	(26)	(25)
Deferred Income Taxes	22	(6)
Share-based Compensation Expense	38	38
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation	(40)	(12)
Gain on Sale of Express Common Stock	(86)	0
Contribution of Express Common Stock to The Limited Brands Foundation	163	0
Gain on Contribution of Express Common Stock to The Limited Brands Foundation	(147)	0
Gain on Distribution from Express	0	(49)
Gain on Express Initial Public Offering	0	(52)
Gain on Divestiture of Limited Stores	0	(20)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	0	25
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable	(57)	(28)
Inventories	(504)	(415)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other	155	181
Income Taxes Payable	(150)	(120)
Other Assets and Liabilities	(55)	(79)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	94	81
Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	(338)	(197)
Proceeds from Sale of Express Common Stock	99	0
Proceeds from Divestiture of Limited Stores	0	32
Proceeds from Express Initial Public Offering	0	20
Other Investing Activities	0	4
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(239)	(85)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs	981	390
Payments of Long-term Debt	0	(645)
Financing Costs	(7)	(14)
Repurchase of Common Stock	(1,073)	(147)
Dividends Paid	(491)	(471)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation	40	12
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other	61	60
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities	(489)	(815)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	2	3
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(632)	(816)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	1,130	1,804
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	498	988
Express [Member]
Investing Activities:
Return of Capital	0	49
Limited Stores [Member]
Investing Activities:
Return of Capital	$ 0	$ 7