Accounts Receivable (Components Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2013		Jan. 28, 2012		Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 2,142		$ 2,074
Allowance for credit losses	(85)		(115)		(145)	(190)
Credit card receivables, net	2,057		1,959
Other accounts receivable	72	[1]	74	[1]
Accounts receivable, net	2,129		2,033
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	1,348		1,347
Nordstrom private label card receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 794		$ 727

[1] Other accounts receivable consist primarily of credit and debit card receivables due from third-party financial institutions.