Equity Investments And Other (Express) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Apr. 12, 2011 Express [Member]	Jul. 29, 2011 Express [Member]	Jul. 30, 2011 Express [Member]	Jul. 30, 2011 Express [Member]
Common stock sold					$ 99
Merchandise sourcing revenue from equity method investment							108	192
Accounts receivable for merchandise sourcing							78	78
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	163
Amount pledged to The Limited Brands Foundation	50
Contribution expense		113	0	163
Non-taxable gain on contribution of Express shares						$ 147