Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020 [Member] Mortgage Payable768 Percent Due April2020 [Member] Mortgage Payable 7.68 Percent Due April 2020 [Member] Other [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Senior notes, 6.25%, due January 2018, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior Notes625 Percent Due January2018 Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior Notes 6.25 Percent Due January 2018 Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior Notes475 Percent Due May2020 Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior Notes 4.75 Percent Due May 2020 Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior notes, 4.00%, due October 2021, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior Notes Four Percent Due October Two Thousand And Twenty One Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior Notes, Four Percent, Due October Two Thousand And Twenty One, Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior notes, 4.00%, due March 2027, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior Notes400 Percent Due March2027 [Member] Senior Notes 4.00 Percent Due March 2027, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior Debentures695 Percent Due March2028 [Member] Senior Debentures 6.95 Percent Due March 2028 [Member] Senior notes, 7.00%, due January 2038, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior Notes700 Percent Due January2038 Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior Notes 7.00 Percent Due January 2038 Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior notes, 5.00%, due January 2044, net of unamortized discount [Member] Senior Notes500 Percent Due January2044 Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Senior Notes, Five Percent, Due January Two Thousand And Forty Four, Net Of Unamortized Discount [Member] Other [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total secured debt Secured Debt Total unsecured debt Unsecured Debt Total long-term debt Total long-term debt Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Includes capital lease obligations. Less: current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total due beyond one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt instrument interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net earnings (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Comprehensive net earnings (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2017 Program [Member] Two Thousand Seventeen Program [Member] Two Thousand Seventeen Program [Member] 2015 Program [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Program [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Program [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items] Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items] Share repurchase authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Expiration of unused share repurchase program capacity Expiration Of Unused Share Repurchase Program Capacity The expired amount of unused capacity for the repurchase of common shares outstanding under the Company's share repurchase programs authorized by the Company's Board of Directors. Shares repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchase of common stock, amount Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Remaining share repurchase capacity Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Quarterly dividend declared and paid in subsequent quarter Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Computation Of Earnings (Loss) Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Dividends (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis Of Presentation Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Merchandise inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Land, property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $5,952, $5,596 and $5,462) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Current portion of long-term debt Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, net Deferred property incentives, net Incentive from Lessor Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies (Note 4) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 166.6, 170.0 and 173.2 shares issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Retail [Member] Retail Segment [Member] Retail Segment [Member] Corporate/Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Retail Business [Member] Total Retail Business [Member] Total Retail Business [Member] Credit [Member] Credit Segment [Member] Credit Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales Revenue, Net Credit card revenues, net Credit Card Revenues, net Interest and fee income from credit card balances due from individuals. Such loans are considered revolving credit arrangements. Also, pursuant to the program agreement with TD Bank, amount includes Nordstrom's portion of the ongoing credit card revenue (net of credit losses) from both the sold and newly generated credit card receivables, asset amortization and deferred revenue recognition of the assets and liabilities recorded as part of the transaction. Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes Earnings Before Interest And Income Taxes This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations (before interest income and interest expense) attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before interest income, interest expense, income taxes and extraordinary items. Interest expense, net Interest Expense Earnings (loss) before income taxes Earnings Before Income Taxes This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before income taxes and extraordinary items. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Beginning balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Net earnings Other comprehensive earnings (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Dividends Dividends, Cash Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation (in shares) Stock-Based Compensation, Shares Number of shares issued in connection with the amount of equity-based compensation recognized as expense during the period. Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Ending balance Ending balance (in shares) Debt And Credit Facilities Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Unsecured revolving credit facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] 2017 Refinancing [Member] 2017 Refinancing [Member] 2017 Refinancing [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Proceeds from long-term borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal payments on long-term borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt Interest expense, net Interest paid under the make-whole provision Interest Paid, Net Total short-term borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Option to increase the maximum capacity of revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility Option To Increase Maximum Amount The maximum amount by which the entity may choose to increase the maximum capacity of a credit facility. Maximum borrowing capacity with option Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Issuances or borrowings Long-term Line of Credit Debt covenant leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Manhattan full-line store [Member] Manhattan Full-line Store [Member] Manhattan full-line store [Member]. Property Assets Subject to Lien [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Fee interest in land Amount Of Property Assets Subject To Lien Amount of property assets subject to lien until project completion or fulfillment of our existing installment payment commitment. New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Nature of Retail Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Retail Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Retail Operations [Line Items] Employee credit card receivables held for sale Receivables Held-for-sale, Amount Increase in net cash provided by operating activities related to excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Increase in net cash used in financing activities related to excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Increase in net cash provided by operating activities related to tax withholding on share-based awards Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Increase in net cash used in financing activities related to tax withholding on share-based awards Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Basic shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings (Loss) per basic share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings (Loss) per diluted share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Summary Of Grants Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments, Grants in Period [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the number and weighted-average grant date fair value of equity options or other equity instruments granted during the year. Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S. [Member] Nordstrom Full Line Stores [Member] Nordstrom Full Line Stores [Member] Nordstrom.com [Member] Nordstrom.com [Member] Nordstrom.com [Member] Full-price [Member] Nordstrom [Member] Nordstrom [Member] Nordstrom Rack [Member] Nordstrom Rack [Member] Nordstrom Rack [Member] Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook [Member] Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook [Member] Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook [Member] Off-price [Member] Off-Price [Member] Off-Price [Member] Other retail [Member] Other Retail [Member] Other Retail [Member] Retail segment [Member] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization expenses Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net Amortization Of Deferred Property Incentives And Other Net The amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings during the period for amortization, primarily of deferred property incentives (deferred credits received as an inducement or incentive for entering into a lease or real estate agreement), and also for amortization of deferred bond offering costs and other items. Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Change in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Merchandise inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Deferred property incentives Increase (Decrease) In Deferred Property Incentives The net change during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in Deferred Property Incentives (deferred credits received as an inducement or incentive for entering into a lease or real estate agreement). Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of discounts Principal payments on long-term borrowings Decrease in cash book overdrafts Proceeds from (Repayments of) Bank Overdrafts Cash dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments for repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from issuances under stock compensation plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Tax withholding on share-based awards Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid during the period for: Cash Paid During The Period For Abstract Cash Paid During The Period For. Income taxes, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest, net of capitalized interest Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted stock units [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Stock options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Other [Member] Other Stock-based Compensation [Member] Other Stock-based Compensation [Member] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Name [Domain] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Name [Domain] Acquisition-related stock compensation [Member] Equity Issued in Business Combination [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Total stock-based compensation expense, before income tax benefit Income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Information By Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary Of Net Sales Within Reportable Segments Schedule of Net sales by channel [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net sales by channel [Table Text Block] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2010 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Ten Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Ten Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Increase in common stock available for issuance under the amended plan Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Compensation Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Performance share units [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Units granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Weighted-average grant-date fair value per stock option (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Total revenues Revenues Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs Cost Of Sales And Related Buying And Occupancy Costs The aggregate of cost of sales, buying and occupancy costs during the reporting period. Buying costs consist primarily of compensation and other costs incurred by our merchandise and product development groups. Occupancy costs include rent, depreciation, property taxes and facility operating costs of our retail, corporate center and distribution operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Goodwill impairment Earnings before interest and income taxes Earnings before income taxes Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net earnings (loss) Earnings (Loss) per share: Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted-average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Summary Of Carrying Value And Fair Value Estimate Of Long-Term Debt Schedule Of Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value Table Text Block [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured at fair value. Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Shareholders' equity Common stock, no par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, No Par Value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Trunk Club [Member] Trunk Club [Member] Trunk Club [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Goodwill Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Summary Of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Long-term Debt [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Carrying value of long-term debt Fair value of long-term debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure