Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Nov. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 27,284	$ 24,287	$ 31,735	$ 23,201
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(100)	557	(1,690)	545
Pension and other post retirement benefits adjustments, net of tax of $82, $0, $252 and $0, respectively	138		419
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $61, $240, $308 and $204, respectively	79	403	714	(487)
Net (gains) losses from derivatives reclassified into earnings, net of tax of $57, $65, $182 and $76, respectively	(111)	137	(348)	161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6	1,097	(905)	219
Comprehensive income	27,290	25,384	30,830	23,420
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(25)	2	(114)	(248)
Comprehensive income attributable to Brown Shoe Company, Inc.	$ 27,315	$ 25,382	$ 30,944	$ 23,668