Shareholders' Equity (Schedule Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity And Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Equity at January 28, 2012			$ 413,716
Net loss	(2,714)	(4,768)	(1,086)	(1,127)
Other comprehensive income			(882)
Dividends paid			(6,005)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net			(2,058)	693
Tax benefit related to share-based plans			738
Share-based compensation expense	1,800	1,300	3,275	3,007
Equity at July 28, 2012	407,698	390,722	407,698	390,722
Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity at January 28, 2012			412,669
Net loss			(840)
Other comprehensive income			(878)
Dividends paid			(6,005)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net			(2,058)
Tax benefit related to share-based plans			738
Share-based compensation expense			3,275
Equity at July 28, 2012	406,901		406,901
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity at January 28, 2012			1,047
Net loss			(246)
Other comprehensive income			(4)
Equity at July 28, 2012	$ 797		$ 797