Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Earnings
Net sales	$ 628,128	$ 585,756	$ 1,252,748	$ 1,183,474
Cost of goods sold	391,583	347,286	766,403	697,444
Gross profit	236,545	238,470	486,345	486,030
Selling and administrative expenses	235,696	224,448	471,164	448,963
Restructuring and other special charges, net	689	1,891	2,433	3,608
Operating earnings	160	12,131	12,748	33,459
Interest expense	(6,520)	(4,810)	(13,218)	(9,322)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(1,003)		(1,003)
Interest income	65	49	150	67
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	(7,298)	7,370	(1,323)	24,204
Income tax benefit (provision)	2,530	(2,582)	196	(8,881)
Net (loss) earnings	(4,768)	4,788	(1,127)	15,323
Less: Net (loss) earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(159)	(473)	(206)	16
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.	$ (4,609)	$ 5,261	$ (921)	$ 15,307
Basic (loss) earnings per common share attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc. shareholders	$ (0.11)	$ 0.12	$ (0.02)	$ 0.35
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc. shareholders	$ (0.11)	$ 0.12	$ (0.02)	$ 0.35
Dividends per common share	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.14	$ 0.14