Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Jul. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jul. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 4,003	$ 24,287	$ (2,714)	$ 1,628	$ (8,176)	$ 33,693	$ (4,768)	$ 3,641	$ 27,204	$ 24,390	$ 37,060
Other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment									475	207	2,150
Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments, net of tax of $5,777, $1,555 and $2,197 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively									(9,061)	2,941	3,433
Unrealized (loss) gains on derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $154, $139 and $63 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively									(402)	343	171
Net loss from derivatives reclassified into earnings, net of tax of $121, $22 and $124 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively									247	44	233
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									(8,741)	3,535	5,987
Comprehensive income									18,463	27,925	43,047
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									(275)	(160)	(150)
Comprehensive income attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.									$ 18,738	$ 28,085	$ 43,197