Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (Manhattan full-line store [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 03, 2013
Manhattan full-line store [Member]
Property Assets Subject to Lien [Line Items]
Amount of property assets subject to lien	$ 100

Amount of property assets subject to lien until project completion or fulfillment of our existing installment payment commitment.

No definition available.

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