Accounts Receivable (Components Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 03, 2013		May 04, 2013	Feb. 02, 2013		Jul. 28, 2012		Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 2,351			$ 2,142		$ 2,294
Allowance for credit losses	(85)		(85)	(85)		(105)		(105)	(115)
Credit card receivables, net	2,266			2,057		2,189
Other accounts receivable	103	[1]		72	[1]	108	[1]
Accounts receivable, net	2,369			2,129		2,297
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	1,419			1,348		1,418
Nordstrom private label card receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 932			$ 794		$ 876

[1] Other accounts receivable consist primarily of third party credit and debit card receivables.