v2.4.0.6
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Indefinite Lived Intangibles Assets) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Apr. 02, 2011
Mar. 31, 2012
Carter's Wholesale Segment [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Carter's Retail Segment [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
International Segment [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Carters Trade Name [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Carters Trade Name [Member]
Apr. 02, 2011
Carters Trade Name [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Oshkosh Trade Name [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Oshkosh Trade Name [Member]
Apr. 02, 2011
Oshkosh Trade Name [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Bonnie Togs Tradename [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Carters Goodwill [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Carters Goodwill [Member]
Apr. 02, 2011
Carters Goodwill [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Bonnie Togs Goodwill [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Bonnie Togs Goodwill [Member]
Mar. 31, 2012
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                                      
Gross amount-goodwill                           $ 136,570 [1] $ 136,570 [1] $ 136,570 [1] $ 53,126 [2] $ 52,109 [2]  
Gross amount-tradename             220,233 220,233 220,233 85,500 85,500 85,500              
Net amount-goodwill 189,696 188,679 136,570 45,900 82,000 8,600               136,570 [1] 136,570 [1] 136,570 [1] 53,126 [2] 52,109 [2]  
Net amount-tradename 306,109 306,176 305,733       220,233 220,233 220,233 85,500 85,500 85,500              
Gross Balance at December 31, 2011                         592       52,109   295
Purchase accounting adjustments                         0       0   0
Foreign currency exchange adjustments                         9       1,017   5
Gross Balance at March 31, 2012                         $ 601       $ 53,126   $ 300
[1] $45.9 million of which relates to the Carter’s wholesale segment, $82.0 million of which relates to the Carter’s retail segment, and $8.6 million of which relates to the international segment.
[2] Relates to the international segment.