Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Accounts (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Tax loss/credit carryforwards and capital loss	$ 18	$ 31
Employee benefits	77	67
Property and equipment	166	173
Straight-line rent	27	27
Goodwill and other intangible assets	21	23
Other	32	32
Total deferred tax assets	341	353
Valuation allowance	(5)	(6)
Total deferred tax assets, net	336	347
Deferred tax liabilities:
Inventories	71	63
Other	8	6
Total deferred tax liabilities	79	69
Net deferred tax asset	257	278
Balance Sheet caption reported in:
Deferred taxes	284	296
Other current assets	2	2
Accrued and other current liabilities	(24)	(20)
Other liabilities	(5)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 257	$ 278