We synthesize current information on input, accumulation, and decay of coarse woody debris (CWD) compared with other aboveground litter to assess the role of CWD in the nutrient cycles of northern coniferous forests. CWD contributes between 3% and 73% of aboveground litter input, but <20% of N, P, K, and Ca. Although CWD accounts for up to 54% of accumulated organic matter (including forest floor and soil), it contributes <5% of the N, <10% of the P, and <25% of the K, Ca, and Mg. Decay rates of CWD in northern forests range from 0.0025 to 0.071 year^-1. Nitrogen or P concentrations in CWD increase during decay, depending on the initial N/P ratio, which eventually converges at about 20. CWD is initially a sink for N and (or) P, whichever is least available, but becomes a source later in decay. CWD contributes <5% of the N released annually. There is little evidence that CWD retains significant amounts of excess N following disturbance. We conclude that CWD is of minor importance in the nutrient cycles of northern coniferous forests, and that guidelines for CWD retention should be based on other perceived benefits of CWD.