Financial Services, Financing Receivables Held by Consolidated VIEs, Net (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	May 04, 2012	Feb. 03, 2012
Financing receivables held by consolidated VIEs, net:
Short-term, net	$ 1,117	$ 1,096
Long-term, net	455	429
Financing receivables held by consolidated VIEs, net	$ 1,572	$ 1,525

The carrying amount (non-current portion) of the variable interest entity's assets consolidated into the statement of financial position. In general, a VIE is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. A VIE often holds financial assets, including loans or receivables, real estate or other property. A VIE may be essentially passive or it may engage in research and development or other activities on behalf of another company.

No definition available.

Name:	dell_VariableInterestEntityCarryingAmountOfAssetsLongTerm
Namespace Prefix:	dell_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant