| Document and Entity Information Document | Nov. 04, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GENESCO INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000018498 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TN |
| Entity File Number | 1-3083 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 62-0211340 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1415 Murfreesboro Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Nashville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 37217-2895 |
| City Area Code | 615 |
| Local Phone Number | 367-7000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $1.00 par value |
| Trading Symbol | GCO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
