Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 24,287	$ 33,693	$ 23,201	$ 32,566
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	557	(1,777)	545	121
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $240 and $175 in the thirteen weeks and $204 and $74 in the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively	403	374	(487)	138
Net losses (gains) from derivatives reclassified into earnings, net of tax of $65 and $7 in the thirteen weeks and $76 and $2 in the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively	137	(13)	161	14
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,097	(1,416)	219	273
Comprehensive income	25,384	32,277	23,420	32,839
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2	(30)	(248)	(214)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.	$ 25,382	$ 32,307	$ 23,668	$ 33,053