Acquisitions And Divestitures (Schedule Of Unaudited Pro Forma Effect On Operating Results) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 29, 2011
Acquisitions And Divestitures [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 713,788	$ 1,961,880
Net earnings attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.	$ 33,644	$ 36,430
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc. shareholders	$ 0.80	$ 0.84
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc. shareholders	$ 0.79	$ 0.83