Segment Reporting (Information On Reporting Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jan. 29, 2011
Total net sales	$ 882.4	$ 841.3	$ 1,751.4	$ 1,720.1
Total operating profit	(62.4)	36.7	(20.0)	118.3
Total assets	2,198.3	2,295.8	2,198.3	2,295.8	2,268.5
Payless Domestic [Member]
Total net sales	494.5	508.0	992.9	1,054.6
Total operating profit	(63.8)	6.8	(50.8)	56.1
Total assets	973.2	1,120.2	973.2	1,120.2	1,039.3
Payless International [Member]
Total net sales	117.2	109.8	214.7	209.8
Total operating profit	8.6	11.6	11.6	18.7
Total assets	218.7	215.5	218.7	215.5	258.4
PLG Wholesale [Member]
Total net sales	217.7	174.7	430.2	348.1
Total operating profit	(0.3)	22.9	25.0	46.2
Total assets	931.4	883.9	931.4	883.9	905.3
PLG Retail [Member]
Total net sales	53.0	48.8	113.6	107.6
Total operating profit	(6.9)	(4.6)	(5.8)	(2.7)
Total assets	$ 75.0	$ 76.2	$ 75.0	$ 76.2	$ 65.5