Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 47,682	$ 126,548
Receivables, net of allowances of $25,851 in 2011 and $18,398 in 2010	154,022	113,937
Inventories, net of adjustment to last-in, first-out cost of $5,006 in 2011 and $4,437 in 2010	561,797	524,250
Deferred income taxes	14,432	4,503
Income taxes	5,145	10,195
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,060	28,848
Total current assets	815,138	808,281
Prepaid pension costs	68,054	63,250
Property and equipment, net	131,471	135,632
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	140,590	70,592
Other assets	72,223	70,288
Total assets	1,227,476	1,148,043
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement	201,000	198,000
Trade accounts payable	190,611	167,190
Employee compensation and benefits	45,514	64,528
Other accrued expenses	87,455	82,187
Total current liabilities	524,580	511,905
Other liabilities:
Long-term debt	198,633	150,000
Deferred rent	32,361	34,678
Deferred income taxes	31,136	11,534
Other liabilities	27,050	24,017
Total other liabilities	289,180	220,229
Equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 41,970,687 and 43,911,286 shares outstanding, net of 4,116,108 and 2,175,509 treasury shares in 2011 and 2010, respectively	420	439
Additional paid-in capital	115,869	134,270
Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,637	6,141
Retained earnings	286,743	274,230
Total Brown Shoe Company, Inc. shareholders' equity	412,669	415,080
Noncontrolling interests	1,047	829
Total equity	413,716	415,909
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,227,476	$ 1,148,043