Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2013	Jul. 28, 2012	Aug. 03, 2013	Jul. 28, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 15,283	$ (2,714)	$ 4,451	$ (1,086)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(900)	(1,000)	(1,590)	(12)
Pension and other post retirement benefits adjustments, net of tax of $85, $0, $170 and $0, respectively	136		281
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $283, $308, $247 and $444, respectively	662	(507)	635	(890)
Net (gains) losses from derivatives reclassified into earnings, net of tax of $80, $20, $125 and $11, respectively	(150)	33	(237)	24
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(252)	(1,474)	(911)	(878)
Comprehensive income (loss)	15,031	(4,188)	3,540	(1,964)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(61)	(185)	(89)	(250)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.	$ 15,092	$ (4,003)	$ 3,629	$ (1,714)