Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	May 02, 2015	Jan. 28, 2017	Jan. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ (6,196)	$ 34,726	$ 19,679	$ 17,878	$ 11,578	$ 33,992	$ 16,863	$ 19,391	$ 66,086	$ 81,824	$ 82,943
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment									1,045	(224)	(3,145)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments									(24,728)	(8,589)	(10,349)
Derivative financial instruments									(934)	168	(514)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(24,617)	(8,645)	(14,008)
Comprehensive income									41,469	73,179	68,935
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									381	276	49
Comprehensive income attributable to Caleres, Inc.									$ 41,088	$ 72,903	$ 68,886