Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2017	Jan. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Leases [Line Items]
Charges not included in rent expense	$ 112	$ 97	$ 88
Nordstrom full-line stores [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Non-cancelable lease terms (in years)	15 years
Nordstrom full-line stores [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Non-cancelable lease terms (in years)	30 years
Nordstrom Rack [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Non-cancelable lease terms (in years)	10 years
Nordstrom Rack [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Non-cancelable lease terms (in years)	15 years