Exit Costs (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores expected to close in next three years	475
Estimated exit costs	$ 13.0
Lease termination costs	13.0
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated exit costs	20.0
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated exit costs	25.0
Lease Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	10.6
Employee Severance Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	2.4
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed	352
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Payless Stores [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed	298
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Stride Rite Children's Locations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed	54
Payless Domestic [Member] | Lease Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	9.3
Payless Domestic [Member] | Employee Severance Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	2.0
Payless International [Member] | Lease Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	0.5
Payless International [Member] | Employee Severance Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	0.3
PLG Retail Reporting [Member] | Lease Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	0.8
PLG Retail Reporting [Member] | Employee Severance Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Lease termination costs	$ 0.1