Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Gross increase to tax positions in prior periods
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Gross decrease to tax positions in prior periods
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Gross increase to tax positions in current period
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Lapses in statute
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations
Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance at beginning of year
Sales Return Reserve
The accrued amount of estimated sales returns.
Charged to costs and expenses
Sales Return Reserve, Additions
Additions to the sales return reserve during the period based on an estimate of the amount of customer merchandise returns using historical return patterns.
Deductions
Sales Returns Reserve, Net Returns
Deductions to the sales return reserve during the period based on the amount of actual returns, offset by the value of the merchandise returned and the sales commissions reversed.
Allowance at end of year
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule Of Land, Property and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Land, Property and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Land, Property and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Land and land improvements [Member]
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Buildings and building improvements [Member]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Store fixtures and equipment [Member]
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Capitalized software [Member]
Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Construction in progress [Member]
Construction in Progress [Member]
Land, Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land, property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Land, property and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Schedule Of Land, Property And Equipment
Schedule Of Land, Buildings, And Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Land, Buildings, And Equipment [Table Text Block]
U.S.
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
Foreign
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
Earnings 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.
Self Insurance [Abstract]
Self Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule Of Self Insurance [Table]
Schedule Of Self Insurance [Table]
Schedule Of Self Insurance [Table]
Self Insurance [Axis]
Self Insurance [Axis]
Self Insurance [Axis]
Self Insurance Type [Domain]
Self Insurance Type [Domain]
Self Insurance, Type [Domain]
Workers' compensation [Member]
Workers Compensation [Member]
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Employment practices liability [Member]
Employment Practices Liability [Member]
Employment Practices Liability [Member]
Commercial general liability [Member]
Commercial General Liability [Member]
Commercial General Liability [Member]
Other liability [Member]
General Liability [Member]
Self-insurance reserve [Line Items]
Self Insurance [Line Items]
Self Insurance [Line Items]
Self-insurance policy retention per claim
Self Insurance Policy Retention Per Claim
Self Insurance Policy Retention Per Claim
Workers' compensation policy limit
Workers Compensation Policy Limit
Workers' compensation policy limit.
Self-insurance policy limit
Self Insurance Policy Limit Maximum
Self Insurance Policy Limit Maximum
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Principles of Consolidation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Net Sales
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Credit Card Revenues, net
Credit Card Revenues [Policy Text Block]
Describes an entity's accounting policy for credit card revenues.
Cost of Sales
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Loyalty Program
Revenue Recognition, Loyalty Programs [Policy Text Block]
Buying and Occupancy Costs
Buying and Occupancy Costs Policy [Text Block]
Describes the nature of and identifies the significant items comprising an entity's buying and occupancy costs.
Rent
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Advertising
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Vendor Allowances
Cost of Sales, Vendor Allowances, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Stock-Based Compensation
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
New Store Opening Costs
New Store Opening Costs Policy [Text Block]
Describes an entity's accounting policies for costs incurred to open new stores.
Gift Cards
Revenue Recognition Gift Cards Policy Text Block [Policy Text Block]
Disclosure of accounting policy for gift cards that it has issued, including its policy for recording a liability or deferred revenue and its policy for recognizing revenue when it is not anticipated that a customer will demand full performance (that is, breakage).
Income Taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Comprehensive Net Earnings
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accounts Receivable
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Merchandise Inventories
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Land, Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Long-Lived Assets
Long Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]
Disclosure of accounting policy for intangible and long lived tangible assets. This accounting policy may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of intangible and long lived tangible assets.
Self-Insurance
Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act impact [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
State [Member]
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Foreign [Member]
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
U.S. federal corporate income tax statutory rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Impact of the Tax Act on net earnings
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
One-time, non-cash charge related to the revaluation of our net deferred tax assets for the change in statutory tax rate
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Valuation allowance
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Increase in expense for tax-related interest and penalties
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense
Liability for interest and penalties
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued
Estimated unrecognized tax benefits, decrease in tax position
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments
Schedule Of Future Minimum Capital And Operating Lease Payments Text Block
Schedule of future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable capital and operating lease agreements.
Schedule Of Rent Expense
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]
Statutory rate
Tax Act impact
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent
Goodwill impairment
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Percent
State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent
Non-deductible acquisition-related items
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Acquisition Related
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Acquisition Related
Federal credits
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent
Other, net
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent
Effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Compensation and benefits accruals
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits
Allowance for sales returns
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Returns and Allowances
Credit card receivable transaction
Deferred Tax Assets Credit Card Receivable Transaction
Amount of deferred tax asset attributable to the Credit card receivable transaction.
Accrued expenses
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities
Merchandise inventories
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory
Gift cards
Deferred Tax Assets Gift Cards And Gift Certificates
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to gift card and gift certificate income recognized only for tax purposes and which will reverse when recognized under generally accepted accounting principles.
Federal benefit of state taxes
Deferred Tax Assets, State Taxes
Net operating losses
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards
(Loss) Gain on sale of interest rate swap
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Valuation allowance
Total net deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Land, property and equipment basis and depreciation differences
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Debt exchange premium
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Financing Arrangements
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Net deferred tax assets
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net
Property and equipment [Member]
Buildings And Equipment [Member]
Buildings and equipment [Member]
Capital lease obligations
Capital Leased Assets, Gross
Accumulated amortization on capital lease obligations
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation
Land, Property And Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]
Benefit Obligations And Funded Status
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Amounts Recognized As Liabilities In The Consolidated Balance Sheets
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]
Components Of SERP Expense Recognized In The Consolidated Statements Of Earnings
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Amounts Not Yet Reflected In SERP Expense And Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Pre-Tax)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations And SERP Expense
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]
Expected Future Benefit Payments Including Benefits Attributable To Estimated Future Employee Service
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
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]
2015 Program [Member]
Two Thousand Fifteen Program [Member]
Two Thousand Fifteen Program [Member]
2017 Program [Member]
Two Thousand Seventeen Program [Member]
Two Thousand Seventeen Program [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Special Dividend [Member]
Special Dividend [Member]
Special Dividend [Member]
Recurring Dividend [Member]
Recurring Dividend [Member]
Recurring Dividend
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Remaining share repurchase program capacity
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount
Expiration of unused 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.
Share repurchase authorization
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
Dividends
Dividends, Cash
Quarterly dividend per share declared and paid subsequent quarter
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Summary Of Self-Insurance Reserves
Summary Of Self Insurance Reserve [Text Block]
Summary of the carrying amounts of accrued known and estimated losses incurred as of the balance sheet date for which no insurance coverage exists, and for which a claim has been made or is probable of being asserted, typically arising from workman's compensation-type of incidents and personal injury to nonemployees from accidents on the entity's property.
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
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]
Total 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
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Assets
Assets
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
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]
2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2014 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2014 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2014 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2012 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2012 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2012 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2013 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2013 Plan [Member]
PSU TSR 2013 Plan [Member]
2017 Amendment [Member]
2017 Amendment [Member]
2017 Amendment to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan [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]
Trunk Club [Member]
Trunk Club [Member]
Trunk Club [Member]
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
Value Creation Plan [Member]
Long-term Incentive Plan [Member]
Long-term incentive plan for Trunk Club.
Supplemental award stock option [Member]
Supplemental Award Equity Option [Member]
Contracts conveying rights, but not obligations, to buy or sell a specific quantity of stock at a specified price during a specified period (an American option) or at a specified date (a European option). Rights awareded as part of a supplemental award during the year, rather than the annual grant.
Stock options [Member]
Equity Option [Member]
Restricted stock units [Member]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Performance share units [Member]
Performance Shares [Member]
Sale of Stock [Axis]
Sale of Stock [Axis]
Sale of Stock [Domain]
Sale of Stock [Domain]
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate number of additional shares authorized to be issued under equity incentive plan
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Shares or units authorized under equity incentive plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares outstanding
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Shares available for grant under equity incentive plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Shares authorized under nonemployee director stock incentive plan
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Shares Approved for Issuance
Remaining shares available for issuance under nonemployee director stock incentive plan
Share Based Goods And Nonemployee Services Transaction Shares Available For Issuance
For our nonemployee director stock incentive plan: the difference between the maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares already issued upon exercise of options or other share-based awards under the plan, and 2) shares reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.
Expense recognized on deferred shares awarded under the nonemployee director stock incentive plan (less than $1 as of February 3, 2018)
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense
Granted (in shares or units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested share-based awards
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Trunk Club Value Creation Plan payout
Trunk Club LTIP payout
The amount which could be paid out under the long-term incentive plan based on achievement of certain business valuation or performance criteria.
Maximum percentage of employee payroll deductions under ESPP
Percentage Of Payroll Deductions Contributed To Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The maximum deduction from payroll that eligible employees may contribute towards the purchase of the entity's common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
ESPP offering period
ESPP Offering Period
The term of each Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") offering period that participants may apply payroll deductions toward the purchase of shares of Nordstrom common stock.
Percentage of fair market value for purchase of shares of common stock in ESPP
Percentage of fair value for purchase of shares of common stock in ESPP
The percentage of the fair market value of the entity's common stock on the last day of the offer period for which eligible employees may purchase the stock under the entity's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Shares authorized under Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Shares Authorized For Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Maximum number of shares authorized to be purchased under the
entity's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Shares available for issuance under Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Stock Available For Issuance During Period Shares Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Number of shares available for issuance under the entity's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Other current liabilities
Other Liabilities, Current
Dividends (in dollars per share)
Weighted-average exercise price per stock option granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted-average fair value per option at grant date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Vesting period, in years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Option expiration period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Weighted-average period that unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Total fair value of units vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
Outstanding (in shares or units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Percentage of units that are earned
Percentage Of Performance Share Units That Are Earned
The percentage at which Performance Share Units may be earned based on the vesting criteria in the Performance Share Unit award agreements.
Vesting rate of the number of units granted
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage
Vested, less than (in shares or units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period1
A "less than" number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period.
PSU settlement paid in stock and cash
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Share-based Liabilities Paid In Stock And Cash
Amount of stock and cash paid related to share-based compensation liabilities.
PSU's in other liabilities
Other Liabilities
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Common Stock
Common Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Special Dividend related to the sale of credit card receivables [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Balance (in shares)
Net earnings
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Dividends
Issuance of common stock for Trunk Club acquisition
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions
Issuance of common stock for Trunk Club acquisition (in shares)
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares
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
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Balance
Balance (in shares)
2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months
2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two
2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three
2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four
2022
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five
2023 – 2027
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter
Name of Property [Axis]
Name of Property [Axis]
Name of Property [Domain]
Name of Property [Domain]
Nordstrom - U.S. [Member]
Nordstrom US [Member]
Nordstrom full-line stores in the U.S. [Member]
Nordstrom Canada [Member]
Nordstrom Canada [Member]
Nordstrom Canada [Member]
Nordstrom Rack [Member]
Nordstrom Rack [Member]
Nordstrom Rack [Member]
Jeffrey [Member]
Jeffrey [Member]
Jeffrey [Member]
Last Chance [Member]
Clearance Store [Member]
Clearance Store [Member]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Nordstrom Rewards [Member]
Nordstrom Rewards [Member]
Nordstrom Rewards points [Member]
Retail store [Member]
5311 Retail, Department Stores [Member]
Other [Member]
Other Assets [Member]
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
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]
Number of retail channels
Number of Stores
Number of states in which company operates
Number of States in which Entity Operates
Number of provinces in which the company operates
Number of Provinces in which the Entity Operates
The number of provinces in Canada in which the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date.
Nordstrom Rewards costs
Nordstrom Rewards costs
The total cost to operate the Nordstrom Rewards loyalty program, including the costs recorded in cost of sales as well as selling, general and administrative expenses.
Development incentive deferred rent credit
Incentives From Lessor Gross
This item represents the gross deferred credit for an incentive or inducement received by a lessee from a lessor, in order to motivate the lessee to enter the lease agreement, which incentive or inducement is to be recognized as a reduction of rental expense over the lease term.
Advertising expense, net of vendor allowances
Advertising Expense
Shipping and handling cost
Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs
Period at which unused gift card balance redemptions are deemed remote, years
Period At Which Unused Gift Card Balance Redemptions Are Deemed Remote
Period At Which Unused Gift Card Balance Redemptions Are Deemed Remote
Gift card breakage income
Revenue Recognition Gift Cards Breakage 2017
The amount of breakage recognized related to unredeemed gift cards. Breakage occurs when a customer pays in advance of vendor performance and does not demand full performance for various reasons.
Gift card breakage rate
Gift Card Breakage Rate
The rate of breakage recognized related to unredeemed gift cards. Breakage occurs when a customer pays in advance of vendor performance and does not demand full performance for various reasons.
Outstanding gift card liability
Gift Card Liability, Current
Checks not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of bank deposit balances
Bank Overdrafts
Goodwill impairment
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Long-lived tangible asset impairment
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use
Amortizable intangible asset impairment
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived
Asset impairment charges
Asset Impairment Charges
Amortization expense of intangible assets
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Future amortization expense of intangible assets, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Future amortization expense of intangible assets, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Net cumulative effect adjustment - decrease in beginning accumulated deficit
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification
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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (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 (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Earnings per basic share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Earnings per diluted share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Anti-dilutive stock options and other equity instruments
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Self-Insurance
Self Insurance Disclosure Text Block
Disclosure of self insurance related to health and welfare, workers' compensation and general liability.
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
Goodwill impairment
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
Bad debt expense
Provision for Doubtful Accounts
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Receivables
Proceeds from sale of credit card receivables originated at Nordstrom
Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held-for-sale at Nordstrom
The cash inflow resulting from the sale of loans classified as held-for-sale originated at Nordstrom.
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
Change in credit card receivables originated at third parties
Payments for (Proceeds from) Loans Receivable
Proceeds from sale of credit card receivables originated at third parties
Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held-for-sale at Third Parties
The cash inflow resulting from the sale of loans classified as held-for-sale originated at third parties.
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
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Principal payments on long-term borrowings
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Defeasance of long-term debt
Repayments of Secured Debt
(Decrease) increase 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 increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid during the year for:
Cash Paid During The Period For Abstract
Cash Paid During The Period For.
Income taxes, net of refunds
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Interest, net of capitalized interest
Interest Paid, Net
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Beneficial interest asset acquired from the sale of credit card receivables
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received
Issuance of common stock for Trunk Club acquisition
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Document Type
Document Type
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
Leases
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
HauteLook [Member]
HauteLook [Member]
HauteLook [Member]
Other [Member]
Other Goodwill [Member]
Other Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross
Goodwill
Goodwill
Additions
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Impairment
Assumptions
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Weighted-average volatility
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
Weighted-average expected dividend yield
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate
Expected life in years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Grant Date Information
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Exercise price per option
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Basic EPS [Member]
Basic EPS [Member]
EPS computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year [Member]
Diluted EPS [Member]
Diluted EPS [Member]
EPS calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year plus dilutive common stock equivalents [Member]
Comparable sales (decrease) increase
Comparable Sales Percentage Change
The percentage increase or decrease in comparable sales compared with the same period in the prior year. Same-store sales include sales from stores that have been open at least one full year at the beginning of the year and sales from our online store.
Credit card revenues, net
Gross profit
Gross Profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Earnings before interest and income taxes
Net earnings (loss)
Earnings (Loss) per basic share (in dollars per share)
Earnings (Loss) per diluted share (in dollars per share)
Impact of Trunk Club impairment charge on earnings per share
Impairment Effect on Earnings Per Share, after Tax
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Abstract]
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares or units)
Outstanding, beginning of year (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (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
Vested (in shares or units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Vested (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares or units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding, end of year (in shares or units)
Outstanding, end of year (in dollars per share)
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate
Rate of compensation increase
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase
Assumptions used to determine SERP expense:
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate
Rate of compensation increase
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase
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.
Income tax expense
Net earnings
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Diluted (in shares)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
Cosmetic expenses [Member]
Cosmetic Selling Expenses [Member]
Cosmetic selling expenses [Member]
Purchase price adjustments [Member]
Purchase Price Adjustments [Member]
Purchase price adjustments [Member]
Cooperative advertising [Member]
Cooperative Advertising And Promotion [Member]
Cooperative advertising and promotion [Member]
Other [Member]
Other Vendor Allowances [Member]
Other vendor allowances [Member]
Total vendor allowances
Vendor Allowances
Vendor Allowances
Number of reportable segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2018
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
2019
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2020
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2021
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2022
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
Thereafter
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
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 secured debt [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 [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 [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 unsecured debt [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
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary Of Carrying Value And Fair Value Estimate Of Long-Term Debt, Including Current Maturities
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 loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax
Prior service credit
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Abstract]
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Abstract]
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Table]
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Table]
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Table]
Series 2011-1 Class A Notes, 2.28%, due October 2016 [Member]
Series20111 Class Notes228 Due October2016 [Member]
Series 2011-1 Class A Notes, 2.28%, Due October 2016
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Credit Card Receivable Transaction [Table]
Debt defeased as a condition of closing the credit card receivable transaction
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount
Cash acquired for credit transaction
Cash Acquired For Credit Transaction
Amount represents the cash received primarily for the par value of the receivables sold.
Credit transaction and other, net (including transaction-related expenses from the third quarter)
Credit Transaction and Other, net
The net income statement impact from the credit transaction and other. The items may include (1) the impact from the credit card receivables classified as held-for-sale (2) the impact from credit transaction-related expenses and/or (3) other.
Beneficial interest asset, useful life (in years)
Beneficial Interest Asset, Expected Life
The expected life of the beneficial interest asset based on the payment rate of the associated receivables, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.
Deferred revenue, useful life (in years)
Deferred Revenue, Recognition Period
Recognition period of deferred revenue, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.
Investment in contract asset, useful life (in years)
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Shareholders’ equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
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
Credit Card Receivable Transaction
Credit Card Receivables Transaction [Text Block]
The disclosure summarizing our upcoming credit card receivable transaction.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Disclosures [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]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense Before Income Tax Benefit
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]
Assumptions To Estimate The Fair Value For Stock Options At Grant Date
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Summary Of Stock Option Activity
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Summary Of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]
Summary Of Performance Share Unit Activity
Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
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
Vested (in shares or units)
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares or units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $2, ($1) and ($15)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax
Comprehensive net earnings
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Change In Benefit Obligation [Member]
Change In Benefit Obligation [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Member]
Change In Plan Assets [Member]
Change In Plan Assets [Member]
Change in plan assets [Member]
Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Participant service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid
Actuarial gain
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)
Employer contribution
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid
Benefit obligation at end of year
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Underfunded status at end of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Buildings And Improvements [Member]
Buildings And Improvements [Member]
Estimated useful life (in years)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Major Property Class [Axis]
Major Property Class [Axis]
Major Property Class [Domain]
Major Property Class [Domain]
Nordstrom full-line stores [Member]
Nordstrom Full Line Stores [Member]
Nordstrom Full Line Stores [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Non-cancelable lease terms (in years)
Non Cancelable Lease Terms
The fixed, non-cancelable lease terms for the majority of our stores.
Charges not included in rent expense
Charges Not Included In Rent Expense
Common area charges, real estate taxes and other executory costs not included in rent expense.
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
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
Other assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total assets
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Accounts payable
Accounts Payable, Current
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
Employee-related 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 10)
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 167.0 and 170.0 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
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities and Equity
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]
Outstanding trade letters of credit [Member]
Letter of Credit [Member]
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].
Long-term purchase commitment [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase obligations, capital expenditure contractual commitments and inventory purchase orders
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation
Outstanding trade letters of credit amount
Long-term Line of Credit
Amount of property assets subject to lien
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.
Interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings
Interest Costs Incurred
Less:
Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest income
Investment Income, Interest
Capitalized interest
Interest Costs Capitalized
Interest expense, net
Other [Member]
Other Stock-based Compensation [Member]
Other Stock-based Compensation [Member]
Acquisition-related stock compensation [Member]
Equity Issued in Business Combination [Member]
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
Operating leases
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
2021
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Shareholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Products and Services [Axis]
Products and Services [Axis]
Product and Service, Name [Domain]
Products and Services [Domain]
Women's Apparel [Member]
Womens Apparel [Member]
Women's apparel [Member]
Shoes [Member]
Shoes [Member]
Shoes [Member]
Men's Apparel [Member]
Mens Apparel [Member]
Men's apparel [Member]
Women's Accessories [Member]
Womens Accessories [Member]
Women's accessories [Member]
Beauty [Member]
Cosmetics [Member]
Cosmetics [Member]
Kids' Apparel [Member]
Childrens Apparel [Member]
Children's apparel [Member]
Other [Member]
Other Products And Services [Member]
Other Products And Services [Member]
Percent of total net sales
Merchandise Category As A Percentage of Net Sales
Sales by merchandise category as a percentage of total net sales.
Computation Of Earnings Per Share
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs [Member]
Cost Of Sales And Related Buying And Occupancy Costs [Member]
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs [Member]
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
U.S. And Foreign Components Of Earnings Before Income Taxes
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
Components Of Income Tax Expense
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation Of Statutory To Effective Tax Rate
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]
Components of SERP expense [Member]
Components Of Serp Expense [Member]
Components of SERP Expense [Member]
Amortization of net loss and other
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)
Total SERP expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
2013 Program [Member]
Two Thousand Thirteen Program [Member]
Two Thousand Thirteen Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Share repurchase program line items
Capacity beginning balance
Share repurchase authorization
Shares repurchased (in shares)
Shares repurchased, average price per share (in dollars per share)
Stock Repurchased During Period Average Price Per Share
The average price per share for common outstanding shares repurchased as part of the Company's share repurchase program authorized by the Company's Board of Directors.
Shares repurchased (amount)
Expiration of unused capacity
Capacity ending balance
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current
Other liabilities (noncurrent)
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Net amount recognized
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan
Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Commitments And Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of total participants in SERP benefits plan
Number Of Total participants Eligible For Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefits
Number Of Total participants Eligible For Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefits
Number of officers and select employees eligible for SERP benefits
Number Of Officers And Select Employees Eligible For Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefits
Number of officers and select employees eligible for Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan benefits.
Number of retirees eligible for SERP benefits
Number Of Retirees Eligible For Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefits
Number Of Retirees Eligible For Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefits
Number of beneficiaries eligible for SERP benefits
Number Of Beneficiary Eligible For Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefits
Number Of Beneficiary Eligible For Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefits
Accumulated benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Cost currently in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of SERP expense in the next year
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year
Employee health and welfare [Member]
Employee Health And Welfare [Member]
Employee, health, and welfare [Member]
Total self-insurance reserve
Self Insurance Reserve
Stock-Based Compensation
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Four Zero One K Plan [Abstract]
Four Zero One K Plan Abstract
401(k) Plan
401K Disclosure Text Block
Disclosures related to our 401(k) plan
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis]
Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis]
Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain]
Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain]
Matching Contributions [Member]
Matching Contributions [Member]
Matching Contributions [Member]
Profit-Sharing Contributions [Member]
Profit-Sharing Contributions [Member]
Profit-Sharing Contributions [Member]
401(K) Plan [Line Items]
Expense related to Company 401(k) plan contributions
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost
Debt And Credit Facilities
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Outstanding, beginning of year (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Granted (in dollars per share)
Exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period
Exercised (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, end of year (in shares)
Outstanding, end of year (in dollars per share)
Outstanding, end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding, end of year, aggregate intrinsic value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value
Exercisable, end of year (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Exercisable, end of year (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Exercisable, end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Exercisable, end of year, aggregate intrinsic value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value
Vested or expected to vest, end of year (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number
Vested or expected to vest, end of year (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Vested or expected to vest, end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Vested or expected to vest, end of year, aggregate intrinsic value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value
Fair value of stock options vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
Postretirement Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Postretirement plan adjustments, tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax
Activity In The Allowance For Sales Returns, Net
Summary of Sales Return Allowance [Table Text Block]
Schedule summarizing the activity in the allowance for sales returns.
Vendor Allowances
Vendor Allowances, Table [Text Block]
Schedule of vendor allowances earned during the period.
Estimated Useful Life Of Land, Property And Equipment By Asset Category
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Summary Of Goodwill Activity
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Leases [Axis]
Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis]
Leases [Domain]
Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain]
Store locations [Member]
Store Locations [Member]
Store Locations [Member]
Offices, warehouses and equipment [Member]
Offices Warehouses And Equipment [Member]
Offices, Warehouses And Equipment [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum rent
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals
Percentage rent
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals
Property incentives
Property incentives
This item represents the credit for an incentive or inducement received by a lessee from a lessor, in order to motivate the lessee to enter the lease agreement, which incentive or inducement is to be recognized as a reduction of rental expense over the lease term.
Total rent expense
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S. [Member]
Nordstrom.com [Member]
Nordstrom.com [Member]
Nordstrom.com [Member]
Full-price [Member]
Nordstrom [Member]
Nordstrom [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]
Summary Of Share Repurchase Activity
Summary Of Share Repurchase Program Activity Text Block
Summary of Share Repurchase Program Activity. Includes the number and average price per share that was repurchased during the period.
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Nonrecurring fair value measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [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, net
Goodwill, gross
Information By Reportable Segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Net Sales By Channel
Schedule of Net sales by channel [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Net sales by channel [Table Text Block]
Percent Of Net Sales By Merchandise Category Summary
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]
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]
Unsecured revolving credit facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Puerto Rico unsecured borrowing facility [Member]
Line of Credit [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]
Book value of office building used to secure mortgage payable
Buildings Pledged As Collateral
The net book value of a building pledged as security for a mortgage.
Maturity date
Total unsecured debt
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
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Debt covenant leverage ratio
Debt Instrument, Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio
Debt Instrument, Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio
Borrowing capacity of current facility
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity
Debt instrument interest rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms
Basis spread on variable rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Outstanding borrowings or issuances
Current income taxes:
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
State and local
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total current income tax expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred income taxes:
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
State and local
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense
Total income tax expense
Summary Of Long-Term Debt
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule Of Required Principal Payments On Long-Term Debt
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Components Of Interest Expense, Net
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]