Stockholders' Equity (Components of Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Oct. 27, 2012
Jul. 28, 2012
Oct. 29, 2011
Oct. 27, 2012
Oct. 29, 2011
Jul. 20, 2012
Jul. 19, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]              
Unrealized gain/(loss) on REITs, gross amount $ 1   $ 15 $ 52 $ 62    
Unrealized gain/(loss) on REITs, tax     (5) (18) (22)    
Unrealized gain/(loss) on REITs, net amount 1   10 34 40    
Reclassification adjustment for (gain)/loss on REITs included in net income/(loss), gross amount (15) 270   (285)      
Reclassification adjustment for (gain)/loss on REITs included in net income/(loss), tax 5     101      
Reclassification adjustment for (gain)/loss on REITs included in net income/(loss), net amount (10)     (184)      
Net actuarial gain/(loss) arising during the period, gross amount (125)   (58) (125) (58)    
Net actuarial gain/(loss) arising during the period, tax 50   21 50 21    
Net actuarial gain/(loss) arising during the period, net amount (75)   (37) (75) (37)    
Prior service credit/(cost) arising during the period, gross amount     (4)   (4)    
Prior service credit/(cost) arising during the period, tax     2   2    
Prior service credit/(cost) arising during the period, net amount     (2)   (2)    
Reclassification of net prior service (credit)/cost recognized in net income/(loss) from a curtailment, gross amount (5)   1 (5) 1    
Reclassification of net prior service (credit)/cost recognized in net income/(loss) from a curtailment, tax 2     2      
Reclassification of net prior service (credit)/cost recognized in net income/(loss) from a curtailment, net amount (3)   1 (3) 1    
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss included in net periodic benefit expense/(income), gross amount 61   40 188 115    
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss included in net periodic benefit expense/(income), tax (24)   (16) (74) (45)    
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss included in net periodic benefit expense/(income), net amount 37   24 114 70    
Reclassification for amortization of prior service (credit)/cost included in net periodic benefit expense/(income), gross amount (4)   (6) (11) (19)    
Reclassification for amortization of prior service (credit)/cost included in net periodic benefit expense/(income), tax 2   2 5 7    
Reclassification for amortization of prior service (credit)/cost included in net periodic benefit expense, net amount (2)   (4) (6) (12)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Total (87)   (12) (186) 97    
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss), Deferred Tax Asset 35   4 66 (37)    
Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax $ (52)   $ (8) $ (120) $ 60    
REIT unit fair market value SPG             $ 158.13
REIT unit cash price SPG           $ 124.00