Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fiscal Year- DSW Inc.’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. The periods presented in these financial statements are the fiscal years ended January 30, 2016 ("fiscal 2015"), January 31, 2015 ("fiscal 2014") and February 1, 2014 ("fiscal 2013"). Fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 each consisted of 52 weeks. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are required as a part of inventory valuation, depreciation, amortization, customer loyalty program reserve, recoverability of long-lived assets and intangible assets, litigation reserves, exit and disposal obligations and establishing reserves for self-insurance. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DSW Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in United States Dollars ("USD"), unless otherwise noted.