Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Mar. 01, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Feb. 02, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	BROWN SHOE CO INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000014707
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--02-02
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 570.9
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,930,966
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No