Shareholders' Equity (Schedule Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity And Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 03, 2014	May 04, 2013
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Equity, beginning balance	$ 477,362
Net earnings (loss)	15,476	(10,832)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	477	(659)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net	(803)	(2,070)
Share-based compensation expense	1,555	1,617
Equity, ending balance	492,771	412,934
Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Equity, beginning balance	476,699	425,129
Net earnings (loss)	15,429	(10,762)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	477	(659)
Dividends paid	(3,053)	(3,027)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net	(803)	(2,070)
Tax benefit related to share-based plans	1,769	1,962
Share-based compensation expense	1,555	1,617
Equity, ending balance	492,073	412,190
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Equity, beginning balance	663	772
Net earnings (loss)	47	(70)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(12)	42
Equity, ending balance	698	744
Total Equity [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Equity, beginning balance	477,362	425,901
Net earnings (loss)	15,476	(10,832)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	465	(617)
Dividends paid	(3,053)	(3,027)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net	(803)	(2,070)
Tax benefit related to share-based plans	1,769	1,962
Share-based compensation expense	1,555	1,617
Equity, ending balance	$ 492,771	$ 412,934