v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2017
Mar. 17, 2017
Jul. 30, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name DSW Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001319947    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-28    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Jan. 28, 2017    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,625,827,325
Class A Common Shares      
Class of Stock [Line Items]      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   72,460,969  
Class B Common Shares      
Class of Stock [Line Items]      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   7,732,807