v3.3.1.900

Investment in Town Shoes Limited (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	May. 02, 2015	Jan. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	May. 09, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Town Shoe Acquisition, Ownership Interest Acquired	46.30%				46.30%			49.20%
Town Shoe Acquisition, Purchase Price for Ownership Interest (CAD)								$ 75,100
Town Shoe Acquisition, Purchase Price for Ownership Interest (USD)								$ 68,900
Town Shoe Acquisition, Voting Control Interest Acquired								50.00%
Foreign Currency Purchase (CAD)				$ 100,000
Foreign Currency Purchase (USD)				79,000
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ (20)	$ (107)	$ (7)	3,312	$ 3,178	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized					10,800
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in Town Shoes - beginning of period				25,887	25,887	0
Initial investment					0	22,339
Acquisition Costs, Part 2					(184)
Acquisition Costs, Period Cost						2,897
DSW Inc.'s portion of Town Shoes (loss) income					(5,250)	178
Foreign currency translation adjustments included in Other comprehensive (loss) income					934	729
Amortization of purchase price adjustments					(199)	(256)
Investment in Town Shoes - end of period	21,188				21,188	25,887	0
Note receivable from Town Shoes - beginning of period				$ 43,304	43,304	0
Purchase of note receivable	0				4,764	46,596	0
Payment-in-kind interest earned					5,098	3,891
Foreign currency translation adjustments included in Other comprehensive (loss) income					(4,232)	(7,183)
Note receivable from Town Shoes - end of period	$ 44,170				$ 44,170	43,304	$ 0
Shareholder Note, Interest Rate								12.00%
Town [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase of note receivable						$ 46,596

X

- Definition

Acquisition Costs, Part 2

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_AcquisitionCostsPart2
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Foreign Currency Purchase (CAD)

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_ForeignCurrencyPurchaseCAD
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Foreign Currency Purchase (USD)

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_ForeignCurrencyPurchaseUSD
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Payments to acquire equity method investments - cash paid to purchase

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_Paymentstoacquireequitymethod
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Shareholder Note, Interest Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_ShareholderNoteInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Town Shoe Acquisition, Ownership Interest Acquired

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_TownShoeAcquisitionOwnershipInterestAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Town Shoe Acquisition, Purchase Price for Ownership Interest (CAD)

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_TownShoeAcquisitionPurchasePriceforOwnershipInterestCAD
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Town Shoe Acquisition, Purchase Price for Ownership Interest (USD)

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_TownShoeAcquisitionPurchasePriceforOwnershipInterestUSD
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Town Shoe Acquisition, Voting Control Interest Acquired

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dsw_TownShoeAcquisitionVotingControlInterestAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	dsw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The capitalized costs incurred during the period (excluded from amortization) to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire an unproved property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers' fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 932
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-10.(c)(7)(ii))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=50486907&loc=d3e511914-122862

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 10
-Paragraph c
-Subparagraph 3(ii)(A)
-Article 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AcquisitionCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35755396&loc=d3e33749-111570

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount before tax of foreign currency transaction unrealized gain (loss) recognized in the income statement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450189&loc=d3e30690-110894

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450189&loc=d3e30700-110894

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450222&loc=d3e30840-110895

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) from foreign currency translation adjustments and purchase accounting adjustments of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

This element represents the undistributed income (or loss) of equity method investments, net of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations; such investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of interest expense incurred on a debt or other obligation to related party.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestExpenseRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amounts due from parties associated with the reporting entity as evidenced by a written promise to pay, due after 1 year (or 1 business cycle).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Related Parties
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16382449

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.11)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The cash outflow for a loan, supported by a promissory note, granted to related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Investing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OriginationOfNotesReceivableFromRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount before tax, after reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, attributable to noncontrolling interests.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51664549&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51664549&loc=SL4569643-111683

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph (b,c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669646-108580

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=dsw_TownMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: