Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Net Sales By Channel) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jul. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	May 01, 2010	Jan. 28, 2012		Jan. 29, 2011		Jan. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 3,169	$ 2,383	$ 2,716	$ 2,229	$ 2,816	$ 2,087	$ 2,417	$ 1,990	$ 10,497		$ 9,310		$ 8,258
Nordstrom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									8,426		7,700		6,923
Nordstrom Rack [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,045		1,691		1,411
Other Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									185	[1]	29	[1]	29	[1]
Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									10,656		9,420		8,363
Corporate/Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ (159)		$ (110)		$ (105)

[1] Other retail includes our HauteLook online private sale subsidiary, our Jeffrey stores and our treasure&bond store.