v2.4.0.6
Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Oct. 27, 2012
Oct. 29, 2011
Oct. 27, 2012
Oct. 29, 2011
Segment Reporting Information        
Sales/Credit card revenues $ 16,929 $ 16,402 $ 50,575 $ 48,577
Cost of sales 11,569 11,165 34,406 32,874
Bad debt expense 46 40 141 67
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 3,764 3,594 10,878 10,446
Depreciation and amortization 542 546 1,603 1,568
Segment EBIT 1,008 1,057 3,547 3,622
Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables 3 18 8 55
Segment profit/(loss) 1,005 1,039 3,539 3,567
Unallocated (income) and expenses:        
Other net interest expense 189 182 550 519
Gain on receivables held for sale (156)   (156)  
Earnings before income taxes 972 857 3,145 3,048
U.S. Retail
        
Segment Reporting Information        
Sales/Credit card revenues 16,601 16,054 49,589 47,529
Cost of sales 11,569 11,165 34,406 32,874
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 3,553 3,433 10,315 9,988
Depreciation and amortization 516 525 1,526 1,527
Segment EBIT 963 931 3,342 3,140
Segment profit/(loss) 963 931 3,342 3,140
Unallocated (income) and expenses:        
Intersegment activity related to reimbursements under the REDcard rewards program (78) (74) (217) (189)
U.S. Credit Card
        
Segment Reporting Information        
Sales/Credit card revenues 328 348 986 1,048
Bad debt expense 46 40 141 67
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 138 143 409 405
Depreciation and amortization 3 4 11 13
Segment EBIT 141 161 425 563
Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables 3 18 8 55
Segment profit/(loss) 138 143 417 508
Unallocated (income) and expenses:        
Intersegment activity related to reimbursements under the REDcard rewards program 78 74 217 189
Canadian
        
Segment Reporting Information        
Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses 72 18 154 53
Depreciation and amortization 24 17 67 28
Segment EBIT (96) (35) (221) (81)
Segment profit/(loss) $ (96) $ (35) $ (221) $ (81)