Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 04, 2013	Apr. 28, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) earnings	$ (10,832)	$ 1,628
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(690)	988
Pension and other post retirement benefits adjustments, net of tax of $85	145
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $36 and $136, respectively	(27)	(383)
Net gains from derivatives reclassified into earnings, net of tax of $45 and $9, respectively	(87)	(9)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(659)	596
Comprehensive (loss) income	(11,491)	2,224
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(28)	(65)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.	$ (11,463)	$ 2,289