Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2017	Jan. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 2.4	$ 6.3	$ 4.0
Postretirement liability adjustment, tax	$ 0.4	$ 0.4	$ 0.4

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Liability Adjustment, Tax Amount

No definition available.

Name:	gco_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionLiabilityAdjustmentTaxAmount
Namespace Prefix:	gco_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration