Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012		Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2012		Jul. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Collective Brands, Inc.	$ 9.7		$ (35.0)	$ 42.9		$ (8.6)
Less: net earnings allocated to participating securities	0.1	[1]		0.4	[1]
Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 9.6		$ (35.0)	$ 42.5		$ (8.6)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	60.6		60.3	60.4		60.5
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	61.4		60.3	61.1		60.5
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$ 0.16		$ (0.58)	$ 0.70		$ (0.14)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders	$ 0.16		$ (0.58)	$ 0.70		$ (0.14)
Stock Options
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net effect of dilutive stock options	58			56
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net effect of dilutive stock options	671			636

[1] Net earnings allocated to participating securities is calculated based upon a weighted average percentage of participating securities in relation to total shares outstanding. Net losses are not allocated to participating securities.