Segment Reporting (Schedule of Net Sales by Channel) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011		May 01, 2010
Net sales	$ 2,229		$ 1,990
Nordstrom [Member]
Net sales	1,767		1,617
Nordstrom Rack [Member]
Net sales	466		390
Other Retail [Member]
Net sales	26	[1]	8	[1]
Total Retail Segment [Member]
Net sales	2,259		2,015
Corporate/Other [Member]
Net sales	$ (30)		$ (25)

[1] Other retail includes our HauteLook online private sale subsidiary and our Jeffrey stores.