Shareholders' Equity (Schedule of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			$ 614,486
Net earnings	$ 34,373	$ 34,726	66,931	$ 72,282
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(71)	(935)	2,312	(446)
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09			(400)
Equity, ending balance	675,087	647,063	675,087	647,063
Caleres, Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			613,117	601,484
Net earnings			66,884	72,280
Other comprehensive income (loss)			2,312	(446)
Dividends paid			(9,033)	(9,094)
Acquisition of treasury stock			(5,993)	(23,139)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net			(2,477)	(4,205)
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09			441
Excess tax benefit related to share-based plans				3,264
Share-based compensation expense			8,394	5,966
Equity, ending balance	673,645	646,110	673,645	646,110
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			1,369	988
Net earnings			47	2
Other comprehensive income (loss)			26	(37)
Equity, ending balance	1,442	953	1,442	953
Total Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity, beginning balance			614,486	602,472
Net earnings			66,931	72,282
Other comprehensive income (loss)			2,338	(483)
Dividends paid			(9,033)	(9,094)
Acquisition of treasury stock			(5,993)	(23,139)
Issuance of common stock under share-based plans, net			(2,477)	(4,205)
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09			441
Excess tax benefit related to share-based plans				3,264
Share-based compensation expense			8,394	5,966
Equity, ending balance	$ 675,087	$ 647,063	$ 675,087	$ 647,063