2.2.0.25truefalse00300 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Audited)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Common Stock [Member]
2/1/2010 - 1/31/2011
USD ($)
$Duration_2_1_2010_To_1_31_201124522http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_CommonStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CommonStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]
2/1/2010 - 1/31/2011
USD ($)
$Duration_2_1_2010_To_1_31_20112472http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Retained Earnings [Member]
2/1/2010 - 1/31/2011
USD ($)
$Duration_2_1_2010_To_1_31_2011246http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_RetainedEarningsMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_RetainedEarningsMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
2/1/2010 - 1/31/2011
USD ($)
$Duration_2_1_2010_To_1_31_201122223http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Total Walmart Shareholders' Equity [Member]
2/1/2010 - 1/31/2011
USD ($)
$Duration_2_1_2010_To_1_31_2011245http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_ParentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
2/1/2010 - 1/31/2011
USD ($)
$Duration_2_1_2010_To_1_31_201122224http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$7falsefalseUSDfalsefalse11/1/2010 - 1/31/2011
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$Duration_11_1_2010_To_1_31_2011http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000104169na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit16Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit15Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$1false0wmt_SharesOutstandingwmtfalsenainstantNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabelinstant2008-02-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse39730000003973falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse2false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabelinstant2008-02-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse397000000397falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse30280000003028falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse5702200000057022falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse38640000003864falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse6431100000064311[1]falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse19390000001939falsetruefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse6625000000066250falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 25
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 26
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A3
-Appendix A
falsefalse3false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse1338100000013381falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse1338100000013381[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse499000000499falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse1388000000013880[2],[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)
falsefalse4false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-6552000000-6552falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-6552000000-6552[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-371000000-371falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-6923000000-6923falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
falsefalse5false0us-gaap_DividendsCashus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-3746000000-3746falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-3746000000-3746[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-3746000000-3746falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared by an entity during the period for all classes of stock (common, preferred). This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph l
falsefalse6false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodSharesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-61000000-61falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30
-Article 5
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 04
-Article 3
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 11A
falsefalse7false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValueus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-6000000-6falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-95000000-95falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-3315000000-3315falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-3416000000-3416[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-3416000000-3416falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period and has not been retired and is not held in treasury. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5
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 04
-Article 3
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 11A
falsefalse8false0wmt_OtherChangesDuringPeriodShareswmtfalsenadurationNumber of shares of other changes in stock during the period.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1300000013falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of other changes in stock during the period.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse9false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse987000000987falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse991000000991[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-273000000-273falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse718000000718falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse10false0wmt_SharesOutstandingwmtfalsenainstantNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2009-01-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse39250000003925falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse11false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2009-01-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse393000000393falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse39200000003920falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse6334400000063344falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-2688000000-2688falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse6496900000064969[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse17940000001794falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse6676300000066763falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 25
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 26
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A3
-Appendix A
falsefalse12false0wmt_ConsolidatedIncomeNetOfTaxExcludingPortionAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestwmtfalsecreditdurationComprehensive income net of tax (excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest)falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse1437000000014370falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse1437000000014370[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse499000000499falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse1486900000014869falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryComprehensive income net of tax (excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest)No authoritative reference available.falsefalse14false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse26180000002618falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse26180000002618[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse6400000064falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse26820000002682falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
falsefalse15false0us-gaap_DividendsCashus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-4217000000-4217falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-4217000000-4217[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-4217000000-4217falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared by an entity during the period for all classes of stock (common, preferred). This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph l
falsefalse16false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodSharesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-145000000-145falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30
-Article 5
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 04
-Article 3
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 11A
falsefalse17false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValueus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-15000000-15falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-246000000-246falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-7136000000-7136falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-7397000000-7397[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-7397000000-7397falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period and has not been retired and is not held in treasury. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5
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 04
-Article 3
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 11A
falsefalse18false0us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValueus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-288000000-288falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-288000000-288[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-288000000-288falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock bought back by the entity at the exercise price or redemption price.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 4, 5
falsefalse19false0wmt_OtherChangesDuringPeriodShareswmtfalsenadurationNumber of shares of other changes in stock during the period.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of other changes in stock during the period.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse20false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse417000000417falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-4000000-4falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse413000000413[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-177000000-177falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse236000000236falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse21false0wmt_SharesOutstandingwmtfalsenainstantNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2010-01-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse37860000003786falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse22false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2010-01-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse378000000378falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse38030000003803falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse6635700000066357falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-70000000-70falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse7046800000070468[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse21800000002180falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse7264800000072648[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 25
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 26
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A3
-Appendix A
falsefalse23false0wmt_ConsolidatedIncomeNetOfTaxExcludingPortionAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestwmtfalsecreditdurationComprehensive income net of tax (excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest)falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse1638900000016389falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse1638900000016389[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse584000000584falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse1697300000016973falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryComprehensive income net of tax (excluding portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest)No authoritative reference available.falsefalse25false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse716000000716falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse716000000716[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse162000000162falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse878000000878falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
falsefalse26false0us-gaap_DividendsCashus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-4437000000-4437falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-4437000000-4437[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-4437000000-4437falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared by an entity during the period for all classes of stock (common, preferred). This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph l
falsefalse27false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodSharesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-280000000-280falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00 [1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30
-Article 5
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 04
-Article 3
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 11A
falsefalse28false0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValueus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-28000000-28falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-487000000-487falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-14319000000-14319falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-14834000000-14834[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-14834000000-14834falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period and has not been retired and is not held in treasury. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5
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 04
-Article 3
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 11A
falsefalse29false0wmt_OtherChangesDuringPeriodShareswmtfalsenadurationNumber of shares of other changes in stock during the period.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1000000010falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of other changes in stock during the period.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse30false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse20000002falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse261000000261falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-23000000-23falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse240000000240[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-221000000-221falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse1900000019falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse31false0wmt_SharesOutstandingwmtfalsenainstantNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2011-01-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse35160000003516falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesNumber of shares of stock held by shareholders.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse32false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2011-01-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse352000000352falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse35770000003577falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse6396700000063967falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse646000000646falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse6854200000068542[1]falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse27050000002705falsetruefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse7124700000071247falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 25
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 26
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A3
-Appendix A
falsefalse1Includes $20 million and $14 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, that is related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest.2As Adjusted3Includes $20 million and $14 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, that is related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest. 730Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Audited) (USD $)MillionsMillionsUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue
