Shareholders' Equity (Schedule Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity And Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2013	May 04, 2013	Jul. 28, 2012	Aug. 03, 2013	Jul. 28, 2012
Equity, beginning balance		$ 425,901		$ 425,901
Net earnings (loss)	15,283		(2,714)	4,451	(1,086)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(252)	(659)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net				(2,780)	(2,058)
Share-based compensation expense	1,300		1,800	2,935	3,275
Equity, ending balance	426,401		407,698	426,401	407,698
Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity, beginning balance		425,129		425,129	412,669
Net earnings (loss)				4,595	(840)
Other comprehensive (loss) income				(911)	(878)
Dividends declared				(6,048)	(6,005)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net				(2,780)	(2,058)
Tax benefit related to share-based plans				2,798	738
Share-based compensation expense				2,935	3,275
Equity, ending balance	425,718		406,901	425,718	406,901
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity, beginning balance		772		772	1,047
Net earnings (loss)				(144)	(246)
Other comprehensive (loss) income				55	(4)
Dividends declared
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net
Tax benefit related to share-based plans
Share-based compensation expense
Equity, ending balance	683		797	683	797
Total Equity [Member]
Equity, beginning balance		425,901		425,901	413,716
Net earnings (loss)				4,451	(1,086)
Other comprehensive (loss) income				(856)	(882)
Dividends declared				(6,048)	(6,005)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net				(2,780)	(2,058)
Tax benefit related to share-based plans				2,798	738
Share-based compensation expense				2,935	3,275
Equity, ending balance	$ 426,401		$ 407,698	$ 426,401	$ 407,698