Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
Aug. 03, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the balances of Nordstrom, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies described and applied in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Annual Report"), and reflect all adjustments that are, in management's opinion, necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2012 Annual Report. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and related footnote disclosures contained in our 2012 Annual Report. The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Due to our Anniversary Sale in July, the holidays in December and the half-yearly sales that occur in our second and fourth quarters, our sales are typically higher in the second and fourth quarters of the fiscal year than in the first and third quarters. In 2013, our Anniversary Sale took place in the second quarter, while in 2012 it occurred during both the second and third quarters. This will impact comparisons of performance to the prior year. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. Reclassification Prior to 2013, we presented bad debt expense associated with finance charges and fees as a part of selling, general and administrative expenses. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, we reclassified these amounts and now present them as a reduction of credit card revenue. Historical results were also reclassified to match the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not impact net earnings, earnings per share, financial position or cash flows. See Note 9: Segment Reporting for additional changes in the way we view and measure our business and segment performance. None of these changes impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the balances of Nordstrom, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies described and applied in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Annual Report"), and reflect all adjustments that are, in management's opinion, necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented.

The condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2012 Annual Report. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and related footnote disclosures contained in our 2012 Annual Report.

The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Due to our Anniversary Sale in July, the holidays in December and the half-yearly sales that occur in our second and fourth quarters, our sales are typically higher in the second and fourth quarters of the fiscal year than in the first and third quarters. In 2013, our Anniversary Sale took place in the second quarter, while in 2012 it occurred during both the second and third quarters. This will impact comparisons of performance to the prior year. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

Reclassification

Prior to 2013, we presented bad debt expense associated with finance charges and fees as a part of selling, general and administrative expenses. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, we reclassified these amounts and now present them as a reduction of credit card revenue. Historical results were also reclassified to match the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not impact net earnings, earnings per share, financial position or cash flows.

See Note 9: Segment Reporting for additional changes in the way we view and measure our business and segment performance. None of these changes impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.