Accounts Receivable (Components Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 02, 2013		Aug. 03, 2013	Feb. 02, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012		Jul. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 2,148			$ 2,142		$ 2,092
Allowance for credit losses	(85)		(85)	(85)		(95)		(105)	(115)
Credit card receivables, net	2,063			2,057		1,997
Other accounts receivable	83	[1]		72	[1]	91	[1]
Accounts receivable, net	2,146			2,129		2,088
Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	1,317			1,348		1,315
Nordstrom private label card receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 831			$ 794		$ 777

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