SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jan. 29, 2011
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Percentage of entity-wide sales qualifying purchaser as major customer (as a percent)			10.00%
Net sales:
Total net sales	$ 343,508	$ 345,301	$ 774,314	$ 767,434
Gross Profit:
Total gross profit	115,565	113,574	299,212	293,278
Gross Margin:
Total Gross Margin (as a percent)	33.60%	32.90%	38.60%	38.20%
Operating income (loss):
Total operating income (loss)	(15,778)	(13,128)	32,998	34,566
Operating income (loss) as a percent of net sales:
Total operating income (loss) (as a percent)	(4.60%)	(3.80%)	4.30%	4.50%
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	18,478	18,199	36,229	35,824
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	22,190	23,044	46,725	46,958
Total assets:
Total assets	873,251	892,525	873,251	892,525	854,331
The Children's Place U.S.
Segment information
Number of stores	944	880	944	880
Net sales:
Total net sales	294,417	297,329	674,925	670,742
Gross Profit:
Total gross profit	93,326	92,824	252,745	249,184
Gross Margin:
Total Gross Margin (as a percent)	31.70%	31.20%	37.40%	37.20%
Operating income (loss):
Total operating income (loss)	(20,269)	(17,456)	20,986	21,867
Operating income (loss) as a percent of net sales:
Total operating income (loss) (as a percent)	(6.90%)	(5.90%)	3.10%	3.30%
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	16,259	16,277	31,963	32,063
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	18,324	22,171	39,695	44,975
Total assets:
Total assets	723,073	779,743	723,073	779,743	720,951
The Children's Place Canada
Segment information
Number of stores	116	97	116	97
Net sales:
Total net sales	49,091	47,972	99,389	96,692
Gross Profit:
Total gross profit	22,239	20,750	46,467	44,094
Gross Margin:
Total Gross Margin (as a percent)	45.30%	43.30%	46.80%	45.60%
Operating income (loss):
Total operating income (loss)	4,491	4,328	12,012	12,699
Operating income (loss) as a percent of net sales:
Total operating income (loss) (as a percent)	9.10%	9.00%	12.10%	13.10%
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	2,219	1,922	4,266	3,761
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	3,866	873	7,030	1,983
Total assets:
Total assets	$ 150,178	$ 112,782	$ 150,178	$ 112,782	$ 133,380