Credit Card Receivable Transaction (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2017 USD ($)
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Abstract]
Cash acquired for credit transaction	$ 55

Amount represents the cash received primarily for the par value of the receivables sold.

No definition available.

Name:	jwn_CashAcquiredForCreditTransaction
Namespace Prefix:	jwn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant