Stockholders' Equity (Components of Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Aug. 03, 2013
Jul. 28, 2012
Aug. 03, 2013
Jul. 28, 2012
Jul. 20, 2012
Jul. 19, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]            
Unrealized gain/(loss), gross amount $ (4) $ 8   $ 51    
Unrealized gain/(loss) on REITs, tax 1 (2)   (18)    
Unrealized gain/(loss), net amount (3) 6   33    
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gain)/loss, gross amount   (270) [1]   (270) [1]    
Reclassification adjustment for REIT included in net income, tax   96   96    
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gain)/loss, net amount   (174)   (174)    
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial loss/(gain), gross amount 44 63 88 127    
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss included in net periodic benefit expense, tax (17) (26) (33) (50)    
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial loss/(gain) 27 37 55 77    
Reclassification for amortization of prior service cost/(credit), gross amount   (3) (1) (7)    
Reclassification for amortization of prior service cost/(credit), tax   1   3    
Reclassification for amortization of prior service cost/(credit), net amount   (2) (1) (4)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Total 40 (202) 87 (99)    
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss), Deferred Tax Asset (16) 69 (33) 31    
Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax $ 24 $ (133) $ 54 $ (68)    
REIT unit fair market value SPG           158.13
REIT unit cash price SPG         124.00  
[1] The reclassification adjustment for the Simon Property Group, L.P. (SPG) units was calculated by using the closing fair market value per SPG unit of $158.13 on July 19, 2012 for the two million REIT units that were redeemed on July 20, 2012.  The REIT units were redeemed at a price of $124.00 per unit (see Note 10).