Investments (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Feb. 01, 2013

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS

The following table summarizes, by major security type, the carrying value and amortized cost of Dell's investments. All debt security investments with remaining maturities in excess of one year and substantially all equity and other securities are recorded as long-term investments in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

	February 1, 2013									February 3, 2012
	Carrying Value		Cost		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized (Loss)			Carrying Value		Cost		Unrealized Gain		Unrealized (Loss)
	(in millions)
Investments:
Non- U.S. government and agencies	$	13	$	13	$	—	$	—		$	24	$	24	$	—	$	—
Commercial paper	6		6		—		—			434		434		—		—
U.S. corporate	113		112		1		—			336		335		1		—
International corporate	76		76		—		—			172		172		—		—
Total short-term investments	208		207		1		—			966		965		1		—
Non- U.S. government and agencies	83		83		—		—			70		70		—		—
U.S. corporate	1,588		1,580		9		(1		)	2,332		2,322		12		(2		)
International corporate	624		620		4		—			883		880		4		(1		)
Equity and other securities	270		270		—		—			119		119		—		—
Total long-term investments	2,565		2,553		13		(1		)	3,404		3,391		16		(3		)
Total investments	$	2,773	$	2,760	$	14	$	(1	)	$	4,370	$	4,356	$	17	$	(3	)

Dell's investments in debt securities are classified as available-for-sale securities, which are carried at fair value. Equity and other securities primarily relate to investments held in Dell's Deferred Compensation Plan, which are classified as trading securities and carried at fair value, and investments accounted for under the cost method. The fair value of Dell's portfolio can be affected by interest rate movements, credit, and liquidity risks. Dell's investments in debt securities have contractual maturities of three years or less.

During Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012, and Fiscal 2011, gross realized gains recognized in interest and other, net were $36 million, $49 million, and $7 million, respectively. Dell recognized gross realized losses of $1 million, $41 million, and $1 million, respectively, during the same periods.