Shareholders' Equity (Schedule of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2017	Jul. 30, 2016	Jul. 29, 2017	Jul. 30, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			$ 614,486
Net earnings	$ 17,674	$ 19,679	32,558	$ 37,557
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,727	(1,321)	2,383	489
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09			(400)
Equity, ending balance	641,174	614,765	641,174	614,765
Caleres, Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			613,117	601,484
Net earnings			32,497	37,551
Other comprehensive income (loss)			2,383	489
Dividends paid			(6,030)	(6,089)
Acquisition of treasury stock			(5,993)	(23,139)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net			(2,490)	(4,086)
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09			441
Excess tax benefit related to share-based plans				3,248
Share-based compensation expense			5,804	4,329
Equity, ending balance	639,729	613,787	639,729	613,787
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			1,369	988
Net earnings			61	6
Other comprehensive income (loss)			15	(16)
Equity, ending balance	1,445	978	1,445	978
Total Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			614,486	602,472
Net earnings			32,558	37,557
Other comprehensive income (loss)			2,398	473
Dividends paid			(6,030)	(6,089)
Acquisition of treasury stock			(5,993)	(23,139)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net			(2,490)	(4,086)
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09			441
Excess tax benefit related to share-based plans				3,248
Share-based compensation expense			5,804	4,329
Equity, ending balance	$ 641,174	$ 614,765	$ 641,174	$ 614,765