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Walmart Inc.

Exhibits

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beatandraise.com

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Walmart Inc.

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2.2.0.25falsefalse20102 - Disclosure - Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)truefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse2/1/2010 - 1/31/2011 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_2_1_2010_To_1_31_2011http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169duration2010-02-01T00:00:002011-01-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit15Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit16Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_GeneralPoliciesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseSummary of Significant Accounting Policies3false0us-gaap_NatureOfOperationsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> General Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ("Walmart," the "Company" or "we") operates retail stores in various formats around the world, aggregated into three reportable segments: (1) the Walmart U.S. segment; (2) the Walmart International segment; and (3) the Sam's Club segment. We are committed to saving people money so they can live better. We earn the trust of our customers every day by providing a broad assortment of quality merchandise and services at every day low prices ("EDLP") while fostering a culture that rewards and embraces mutual respect, integrity and diversity. EDLP is our pricing philosophy under which we price items at a low price every day so our customers trust that our prices will not change under frequent promotional activity. Our fiscal year ends on January 31.</div> </div>General Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ("Walmart," the "Company" or "we") operates retail stores in various formats around the world, aggregated into three reportablefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets. If the entity operates in more than one business, the disclosure also indicates the relative importance of its operations in each business and the basis for the determination (for example, assets, revenues, or earnings). Disclosures about the nature of operations need not be quantified; relative importance could be conveyed by use of terms such as "predominately", "about equally", or "major and other". This element is also referred to as "Business Description".Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 94-6 -Paragraph 10 falsefalseGeneral4false0us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are 50% or less owned and do not meet the consolidation criteria of Topic 810 of the Financial Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") are accounted for using the equity method. These investments are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements. The Company's operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua and the United Kingdom are consolidated using a December 31 fiscal year-end, generally due to statutory reporting requirements. There were no significant intervening events during January 2011 which materially affected the consolidated financial statements. The Company's operations in the United States and Canada are consolidated using a January 31 fiscal year-end.</div> </div>Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All materialfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. An entity also may describe its accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph k -Article 1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02, 03 -Article 3A Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 2-6 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 140 -Paragraph 46 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a(2) Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph d Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 97-2 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 96-16 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 14, 15 falsefalsePrinciples of Consolidation5false0wmt_UseOfEstimatesPolicyPolicyTextBlockwmtfalsenadurationDisclosure of accounting policy for the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Use of Estimates The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Those principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Management's estimates and assumptions also affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.</div> </div>Use of Estimates The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclosure of accounting policy for the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseUse of Estimates6false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. All credit card, debit card and EBT transactions that process in less than seven days are classified as cash and cash equivalents. The amounts due from banks for these transactions classified as cash totaled $1.2 billion and $2.6 billion at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, cash and cash equivalents includes restricted cash related to cash collateral holdings from various counterparties as required by certain derivative and trust agreements of $504 million and $469 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. </div> </div>Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. All credit card,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringA description of a company's cash and cash equivalents accounting policy. An entity shall disclose its policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents. Other information that may be disclosed includes (1) the nature of any restrictions on the entity's use of its cash and cash equivalents, (2) whether the entity's cash and cash equivalents are insured or expose the entity to credit risk, (3) the classification of any negative balance accounts (overdrafts), and (4) the carrying basis of cash equivalents (for example, at cost) and whether the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. In addition, cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three-years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. For a bank, may include explanation and amount of requirement to maintain reserves against deposits.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 203 -Paragraph 02-03 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Technical Practice Aid (TPA) -Number 2110 -Paragraph 6 falsefalseCash and Cash Equivalents7false0us-gaap_ReceivablesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>Receivables Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from:   <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr><td width="5%">  </td> <td valign="top" width="2%" align="left">• </td> <td valign="top" width="1%">  </td> <td valign="top" align="left"> insurance companies resulting from our pharmacy sales; </td></tr></table>   <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr><td width="5%">  </td> <td valign="top" width="2%" align="left">• </td> <td valign="top" width="1%">  </td> <td valign="top" align="left"> banks for customer credit card, debit card and electronic bank transfers that take in excess of seven days to process; </td></tr></table>   <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr><td width="5%">  </td> <td valign="top" width="2%" align="left">• </td> <td valign="top" width="1%">  </td> <td valign="top" align="left"> suppliers for marketing or incentive programs; </td></tr></table>   <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr><td width="5%">  </td> <td valign="top" width="2%" align="left">• </td> <td valign="top" width="1%">  </td> <td valign="top" align="left"> consumer financing programs in certain international subsidiaries; and </td></tr></table>   <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr><td width="5%">  </td> <td valign="top" width="2%" align="left">• </td> <td valign="top" width="1%">  </td> <td valign="top" align="left"> real estate transactions. </td></tr></table> We establish a reserve for uncollectible receivables based on historical trends in collection of past due amounts and write-off history. Our overall reserve for uncollectible receivables was $252 million and $298 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   Our Walmart International segment offers a limited amount of consumer credit products, principally through our subsidiaries in Chile, Canada and Mexico. At January 31, 2011, the balance of these receivables was $673 million, net of its reserve for doubtful accounts of $83 million, and is included in receivables, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. </div> </div>Receivables Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from:     •   insurance companies resulting from our pharmacy sales;falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivable, and finance, loan and lease receivables, including those classified as held for investment and held for sale. This disclosure may include (1) the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (2) how the level of the valuation allowance for receivables is determined (3) when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized for such receivables (4) the treatment of origination fees and costs, including the amortization method for net deferred fees or costs (5) the treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income (6) the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and (7) the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions (8) the nature and amount of any guarantees to repurchase receivables.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3-5 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 114 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 92-5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 13 falsefalseReceivables8false0us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> Inventories The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or market as determined primarily by the retail method of accounting, using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for substantially all of the Walmart U.S. segment's merchandise inventories. The retail method of accounting results in inventory being valued at the lower of cost or market since permanent markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventory. The Sam's Club segment's merchandise is valued based on the weighted-average cost using the LIFO method. Inventories for the Walmart International operations are primarily valued by the retail method of accounting and are stated using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. At January 31, 2011 and 2010, our inventories valued at LIFO approximate those inventories as if they were valued at FIFO. As discussed in Note 2, effective May 1, 2010 the Company changed the level at which it applies the retail method for valuing inventory for its operations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The retrospective application of this accounting change impacted both segment and consolidated operating income, as well as consolidated net income for all comparable periods presented </div> </div>Inventories The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or market as determined primarily by the retail method of accounting, using the last-in,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policies covering its major classes of inventories, bases of stating inventories (for example lower of cost or market), methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes (for example FIFO, LIFO, or average cost), loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. If inventory is carried at cost, this description includes the nature of the cost elements included in inventory.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 206 -Chapter 2 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph i, ii Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 4 -Paragraph 3, 5-10, 15, 16, 17 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 81-1 -Paragraph 69-75 falsefalseInventories9false0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Gains or losses on disposition are recognized as earned or incurred. Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Property and equipment are generally depreciated over the following estimated useful lives on a straight line basis:   <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="68%" align="center"> <tr><td width="85%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="4%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"><td valign="top"> Buildings and improvements</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap" align="right">3–40 years </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top"> Fixtures and equipment</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap" align="right">3–25 years </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"><td valign="top"> Transportation equipment</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap" align="right">4–15 years </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr></table> Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining expected lease term. If significant expenditures are made for leasehold improvements late in the expected term of a lease and renewal is reasonably assured, the useful life of the leasehold improvement is limited to the end of the renewal period or economic life of the asset, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense, including amortization of property under capital leases, for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $7.6 billion, $7.2 billion and $6.7 billion, respectively.</div> </div>Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Gains or losses on disposition are recognized as earned or incurred. Costs of majorfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for property, plant and equipment which may include the basis of such assets, depreciation methods used and estimated useful lives, the entity's capitalization policy, including its accounting treatment for costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities, whether such asset balances include capitalized interest and the method by which such is calculated, how disposals of such assets are accounted for and how impairment of such assets is assessed and recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 9 -Section C -Paragraph 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 12, 13 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 34 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph d falsefalseProperty and Equipment10false0wmt_CapitalizedInterestPolicyTextBlockwmtfalsenadurationCapitalized Interest Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Capitalized Interest The interest costs associated with construction projects are capitalized and included as part of the cost of the project. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on amounts expended on the project using our weighted average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project is substantially complete. Interest costs capitalized on construction projects were $63 million, $85 million and $88 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.</div> </div>Capitalized Interest The interest costs associated with construction projects are capitalized and included as part of the cost of the project. When no debtfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringCapitalized Interest Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapitalized Interest11false0wmt_LongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlockwmtfalsenadurationLong-Lived Assets Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets are stated at cost. Management reviews long-lived assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which is at the individual store level or in certain circumstances a market group of stores. Undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over the asset's useful life based on updated projections. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, any potential impairment is measured based upon the fair value of the related asset or asset group as determined by an appropriate market appraisal or other valuation technique.</div> </div>Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets are stated at cost. Management reviews long-lived assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes infalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringLong-Lived Assets Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLong-Lived Assets12false0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations and is allocated to the appropriate segment when acquired. Other acquired intangible assets are stated at the fair value acquired as determined by a valuation technique commensurate with the intended use of the related asset. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized; rather they are evaluated for impairment annually during our fourth fiscal quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value of the asset may be impaired. Definite-lived intangible assets are considered long-lived assets and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods that expected economic benefits will be provided.   Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by determining the fair value of the related reporting unit. Fair value is measured based on discounted cash flow method and relative market-based approaches. The analyses require significant management judgment to evaluate the capacity of an acquired business to perform within projections. The Company has not recorded impairment charges related to goodwill. The following table reflects goodwill activity, by operating segment, for fiscal years 2011 and 2010:   <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="92%" align="center"> <tr><td width="60%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td></tr> <tr><td valign="bottom">(Amounts in millions) </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center">Walmart U.S. </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center">Walmart International </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center">Sam's Club </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center">Total </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"><td valign="top"> February 1, 2009 </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">207 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">14,740 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">313 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">15,260 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top"> Currency translation and other</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">—   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">866 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">—   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">866 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px;"><td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"><td valign="top"> January 31, 2010 </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">207 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">15,606 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">313 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">16,126 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top"> Currency translation and other</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">—   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">605 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">—   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">605 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"><td valign="top"> Acquisitions</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">32 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">—   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">—   </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">32 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px;"><td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top"> January 31, 2011 </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">239 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">16,211 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">313 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">16,763 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px;"><td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td></tr></table> During fiscal 2011, Walmart U.S. completed an immaterial business acquisition that resulted in the recognition of $32 million in goodwill. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are included in other assets and deferred charges on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are evaluated for impairment based on their fair values using valuation techniques which are updated annually based on the most recent variables and assumptions. There were no impairment charges related to indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. </div> </div>Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in businessfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for goodwill and intangible assets. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 7-18, 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 4, 11-23, 26, 34 falsefalseGoodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets13false0us-gaap_InsuranceDisclosureTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> Self-Insurance Reserves The Company uses a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including, but not limited to, workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle liability, property and the Company's obligation for employee-related health care benefits. Liabilities relating to these claims associated with these risks are estimated by considering historical claims experience, including frequency, severity, demographic factors, and other actuarial assumptions. In estimating our liability for such claims, we periodically analyze our historical trends, including loss development, and apply appropriate loss development factors to the incurred costs associated with the claims. See Note 6. </div> </div>Self-Insurance Reserves The Company uses a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including, but notfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes the types of coverage's and products sold, and the assets, obligations, recorded liabilities, revenues and expenses arising there from, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure including data and tables.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 113 -Paragraph 27 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 60 -Paragraph 60 falsefalseSelf-Insurance Reserves14false0us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>   Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.</div> </div>  Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated futurefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for income taxes, which may include its accounting policies for recognizing and measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances, recognizing investment tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and other carryforwards, methodologies for determining its effective income tax rate and the characterization of interest and penalties in the financial statements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 4 -Paragraph 11 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 48 -Paragraph 20 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 6-34, 43, 47, 49 falsefalseIncome Taxes15false0us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes sales revenue net of sales taxes and estimated sales returns at the time it sells merchandise to the customer. Customer purchases of shopping cards are not recognized as revenue until the card is redeemed and the customer purchases merchandise by using the shopping card. The Company also recognizes revenue from service transactions at the time the service is performed. Generally, revenue from services is classified as a component of net sales on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Sam's Club Membership Fee Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes Sam's Club membership fee revenue both in the United States and internationally over the term of the membership, which is 12 months. The following table summarizes membership fee activity for each of the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009.   <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="84%" align="center"> <tr><td width="73%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td> <td>  </td></tr> <tr><td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="10" align="center">Fiscal Years Ended January 31, </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td></tr> <tr><td valign="bottom">(Amounts in millions) </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center">2011 </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center">2010 </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center">2009 </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"><td valign="top"> Deferred membership fee revenue, beginning of year</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">532 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">541 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">551 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top"> Cash received from members</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">1,074 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">1,048 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">1,044 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"><td valign="top"> Membership fee revenue recognized</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">(1,064 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">)  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">(1,057 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">)  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">(1,054 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">)  </td></tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px;"><td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top"> Deferred membership fee revenue, end of year</td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">542 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">532 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">541 </td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">   </td></tr> <tr style="font-size: 1px;"><td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom">   </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-top: #000000 3px double;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td>  </td></tr></table> Sam's Club membership fee revenue is included in membership and other income in the revenues section of the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The deferred membership fee is included in accrued liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.</div> </div>Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes sales revenue net of sales taxes and estimated sales returns at the time it sells merchandise to the customer.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction should be disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 13 -Section B -Paragraph Question 1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8, 12, 13 falsefalseRevenue Recognition16false0us-gaap_CostOfSalesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes actual product cost, the cost of transportation to the Company's warehouses, stores and clubs from suppliers, the cost of transportation from the Company's warehouses to the stores and clubs and the cost of warehousing for our Sam's Club segment and import distribution centers.</div> </div>Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes actual product cost, the cost of transportation to the Company's warehouses, stores and clubs from suppliers, the costfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policies for recognition of costs in the period which correspond to the sales and revenue categories presented in the statement of operations. Description may include the amount and nature of costs incurred, provisions associated with inventories, purchase discounts, freight and other costs included in cost of sales incurred and recorded in the period. This description also includes the nature of costs of sales incurred and recorded in the statement of operations for the period relating to transactions with related parties.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 2 -Article 5 falsefalseCost of Sales17false0wmt_PaymentsFromSuppliersPolicyTextBlockwmtfalsenadurationPayments From Suppliers Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> Payments from Suppliers Walmart receives money from suppliers for various programs, primarily volume incentives, warehouse allowances and reimbursements for specific programs such as markdowns, margin protection and advertising. Substantially all payments from suppliers are accounted for as a reduction of inventory purchases and recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income when the related inventory is sold. </div> </div>Payments from Suppliers Walmart receives money from suppliers for various programs, primarily volume incentives, warehouse allowances and reimbursements forfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPayments From Suppliers Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePayments from Suppliers18false0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses include all operating costs of the Company, except those costs related to the transportation of products from the supplier to the warehouses, stores or clubs, the costs related to the transportation of products from the warehouses to the stores or clubs and the cost of warehousing for our Sam's Club segment and import distribution centers. As a result, the majority of the cost of warehousing and occupancy for our Walmart U.S. and Walmart International segments' distribution facilities is included in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses. Because we do not include most of the cost of our Walmart U.S. and Walmart International segments' distribution facilities in cost of sales, our gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales (our "gross profit margin") may not be comparable to those of other retailers that may include all costs related to their distribution facilities in cost of sales and in the calculation of gross profit.</div> </div>Operating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses include all operating costs of the Company,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes the nature of and identifies the significant items comprising an entity's selling, general and administrative (or similar) report caption.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOperating, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses19false0us-gaap_AdvertisingCostsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>   Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $2.5 billion, $2.4 billion and $2.1 billion in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Advertising costs consist primarily of print, television and digital advertisements. Advertising reimbursements received from suppliers are generally accounted for as a reduction of purchases and recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income when the related inventory is sold.</div> </div>  Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $2.5 billion, $2.4 billion and $2.1 billion in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for advertising costs. For those costs that cannot be capitalized, discloses whether such costs are expensed as incurred or the first period in which the advertising takes place. For direct response advertising costs that are capitalized, describes those assets and the accounting policy used, including a description of the qualifying activity, the types of costs capitalized and the related amortization period. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for cooperative advertising arrangements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 93-7 -Paragraph 49 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 02-16 -Paragraph 6 falsefalseAdvertising Costs20false0us-gaap_LeasePolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> Leases The Company estimates the expected term of a lease by assuming the exercise of renewal options where an economic penalty exists that would preclude the abandonment of the lease at the end of the initial non-cancelable term and the exercise of such renewal is at the sole discretion of the Company. This expected term is used in the determination of whether a store or club lease is a capital or operating lease and in the calculation of straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the useful life of leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term or the economic life of the asset, whichever is shorter. If significant expenditures are made for leasehold improvements late in the expected term of a lease and renewal is reasonably assured, the useful life of the leasehold improvement is limited to the end of the renewal period or economic life of the asset, whichever is shorter. Rent abatements and escalations are considered in the calculation of minimum lease payments in the Company's capital lease tests and in determining straight-line rent expense for operating leases </div> </div>Leases The Company estimates the expected term of a lease by assuming the exercise of renewal options where an economic penalty exists that would precludefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for leasing arrangements (both lessor and lessee). This description may address (1) lease classification (that is, operating versus capital), (2) how the term of a lease is determined (for example, the circumstances in which a renewal option is considered part of the lease term), (3) how rental revenue or expense is recognized for a lease that contains rent escalations, (4) an entity's accounting treatment for deferred rent, including that which arises from lease incentives, rent abatements, rent holidays, or tenant allowances (5) an entity's accounting treatment for contingent rental payments and (6) an entity's policy for reviewing, at least annually, the residual values of sales-type and direct-finance leases. The description also may indicate how the entity accounts for its capital leases, leveraged leases or sale-leaseback transactions.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 13 -Paragraph 6, 7-15, 17, 18, 19, 32, 34, 43-47 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 34 -Paragraph 1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 98 -Paragraph 7 falsefalseLeases21false0wmt_PreOpeningCostsPolicyTextBlockwmtfalsenadurationPre Opening Costs Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Pre-Opening Costs The costs of start-up activities, including organization costs, related to new store openings, store remodels, expansions and relocations are expensed as incurred and included in operating, selling, general and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Pre-opening costs totaled $320 million, $227 million and $289 million for the years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. </div> </div>Pre-Opening Costs The costs of start-up activities, including organization costs, related to new store openings, store remodels, expansions and relocationsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPre Opening Costs Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePre-Opening Costs22false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Currency Translation The assets and liabilities of all international subsidiaries are translated from the respective local currency to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The income statements of international subsidiaries are translated from the respective local currencies to the U.S. dollar using average exchange rates for the period covered by the income statements. Related translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).</div> </div>Currency Translation The assets and liabilities of all international subsidiaries are translated from the respective local currency to the U.S. dollar usingfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes a reporting enterprise's accounting policy for (1) transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting enterprise's functional currency, (2) translating foreign currency financial statements that are incorporated into the financial statements of the reporting enterprise by consolidation, combination, or the equity method of accounting, and (3) remeasurement of the financial statements of a foreign reporting enterprise in a hyperinflationary economy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 5, 7-20, 80 falsefalseCurrency Translation23false0us-gaap_DisclosureOfReclassificationAmountTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> Reclassifications In connection with the Company's finance transformation project, we reviewed and adjusted the classification of certain revenue and expense items within our Consolidated Statements of Income for financial reporting purposes. The reclassifications did not impact operating income or consolidated net income attributable to Walmart. The changes were effective February 1, 2010 and have been reflected in all periods presented. </div> </div>Reclassifications In connection with the Company's finance transformation project, we reviewed and adjusted the classification of certain revenue and expensefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribe any adjustments made during the period to avoid double counting in comprehensive income items displayed as part of net income that also had been displayed as part of other comprehensive income in that period or earlier periods. These adjustments include reclassifications to net income of items in accumulated comprehensive income, such as deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges when hedged item reported in net income, holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities transferred into trading category, unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities transferred from held-to-maturity category into available-for-sale category and accumulated translation adjustment attributable to foreign subsidiary or investment in foreign entity upon sale or liquidation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19, 20, 21 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseReclassifications24false0wmt_RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicyTextBlockwmtfalsenadurationRecently Issued Accounting Standards Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div> Recent Accounting Pronouncements A new accounting standard, effective for and adopted by the Company on February 1, 2010, changes the approach to determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE") and requires companies to assess more frequently whether they must consolidate VIEs. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. </div> </div>Recent Accounting Pronouncements A new accounting standard, effective for and adopted by the Company on February 1, 2010, changes the approach tofalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRecently Issued Accounting Standards Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalseRecent Accounting Pronouncements123Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue