Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 268	$ 396
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-lived Assets	191	196
Amortization of Landlord Allowances	(17)	(16)
Deferred Income Taxes	3	23
Share-based Compensation Expense	33	24
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation	(100)	(34)
Gain on Sale of Express Common Stock	0	(86)
Contribution of Express Common Stock to The Limited Brands Foundation	0	163
Gain on Contribution of Express Common Stock to The Limited Brands Foundation	0	(147)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable	32	(7)
Inventories	(60)	(69)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other	(53)	(12)
Income Taxes Payable	(112)	(155)
Other Assets and Liabilities	20	(53)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	205	223
Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	(329)	(162)
Proceeds from Sale of Express Common Stock	0	99
Other Investing Activities	11	0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(318)	(63)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs	985	981
Repurchase of Common Stock	(604)	(890)
Dividends Paid	(146)	(431)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation	100	34
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other	36	55
Financing Costs	0	(7)
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	371	(258)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	3
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	258	(95)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	935	1,130
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$ 1,193	$ 1,035