Accounts Receivable (Components Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2009
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 2,074	$ 2,103
Allowance for credit losses	(115)	(145)	(190)	(138)
Credit card receivables, net	1,959	1,958
Other accounts receivable	74	68
Accounts receivable, net	2,033	2,026
Nordstrom VISA Credit Card Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	1,347	1,431
Nordstrom Private Label Card Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit card receivables	$ 727	$ 672