v2.4.0.6
Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jul. 28, 2012
Jul. 30, 2011
Jul. 28, 2012
Jul. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information        
Sales/Credit card revenues $ 16,779 $ 16,240 $ 33,646 $ 32,175
Cost of sales 11,297 10,872 22,838 21,710
Bad debt expense 43 15 95 27
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 3,653 3,544 7,114 6,852
Depreciation and amortization 531 509 1,060 1,022
Earnings before interest expense and income taxes 1,255 1,300 2,539 2,564
Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables 3 18 5 37
Segment profit/(loss) 1,252 1,282 2,534 2,527
Unallocated (income) and expenses:        
Other net interest expense 181 173 361 337
Earnings before income taxes 1,071 1,109 2,173 2,190
U.S. Retail
        
Segment Reporting Information        
Sales/Credit card revenues 16,451 15,895 32,989 31,475
Cost of sales 11,297 10,872 22,838 21,710
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 3,468 3,382 6,762 6,554
Depreciation and amortization 505 494 1,009 1,002
Earnings before interest expense and income taxes 1,181 1,147 2,380 2,209
Segment profit/(loss) 1,181 1,147 2,380 2,209
Unallocated (income) and expenses:        
Intersegment credit (expense) related to reimbursements under the REDcard rewards program 74 66 138 115
U.S. Credit Card
        
Segment Reporting Information        
Sales/Credit card revenues 328 345 657 700
Bad debt expense 43 15 95 27
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 139 137 271 262
Depreciation and amortization 3 4 7 9
Earnings before interest expense and income taxes 143 189 284 402
Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables 3 18 5 37
Segment profit/(loss) 140 171 279 365
Unallocated (income) and expenses:        
Intersegment expense (credit) related to reimbursements under the REDcard rewards program 74 66 138 115
Canadian
        
Segment Reporting Information        
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 47 25 81 36
Depreciation and amortization 22 11 44 11
Earnings before interest expense and income taxes (69) (36) (125) (47)
Segment profit/(loss) $ (69) $ (36) $ (125) $ (47)