Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Feb. 25, 2012	Jul. 29, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 28, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	BROWN SHOE CO INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000014707
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-28
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,989,642
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 415.3
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No