Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (2,714)	$ (4,768)	$ (1,086)	$ (1,127)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,000)	(353)	(12)	1,898
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $308 and $50 in the thirteen weeks and $444 and $101 in the twenty-six weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively	(507)	(27)	(890)	(236)
Net loss from derivatives reclassified into earnings, net of tax of $20 and $3 in the thirteen weeks and $11 and $9 in the twenty-six weeks ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively	33	14	24	27
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(1,474)	(366)	(878)	1,689
Comprehensive (loss) income	(4,188)	(5,134)	(1,964)	562
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(185)	(145)	(250)	(184)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.	$ (4,003)	$ (4,989)	$ (1,714)	$ 746