Information On Reporting Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 886.0	$ 882.4	$ 1,798.1	$ 1,751.4
Operating (loss) profit	21.2	(62.4)	70.4	(20.0)
Total Assets	2,138.9	2,198.3	2,138.9	2,198.3	2,047.2
Payless Domestic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	477.0	494.5	990.9	992.9
Operating (loss) profit	(7.7)	(63.8)	15.6	(50.8)
Total Assets	910.6	973.2	910.6	973.2	834.6
Payless International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	119.4	117.2	220.6	214.7
Operating (loss) profit	7.8	8.6	6.4	11.6
Total Assets	224.9	218.7	224.9	218.7	232.3
PLG Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	231.0	217.7	461.2	430.2
Operating (loss) profit	24.3	(0.3)	47.2	25.0
Total Assets	918.2	931.4	918.2	931.4	912.0
PLG Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	58.6	53.0	125.4	113.6
Operating (loss) profit	(3.2)	(6.9)	1.2	(5.8)
Total Assets	$ 85.2	$ 75.0	$ 85.2	$ 75.0	$ 68.3