SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012 The Children's Place U.S.	Apr. 30, 2011 The Children's Place U.S.	Jan. 28, 2012 The Children's Place U.S.	Apr. 28, 2012 The Children's Place Canada [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 The Children's Place Canada [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 The Children's Place Canada [Member]	Apr. 28, 2012 The Children's Place Canada [Member]	Apr. 27, 2012 The Children's Place Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Percentage of entity-wide sales qualifying purchaser as major customer (as a percent)	10.00%
Segment information
Business Exit Costs	$ 834	$ 0	$ 4,000
Net sales:
Total net sales	438,508	430,806			384,783	380,508		53,725	50,298
Gross Profit:
Total gross profit	176,787	183,647			154,855	159,419		21,932	24,228
Gross Margin:
Total Gross Margin (as a percent)	40.30%	42.60%			40.20%	41.90%		40.80%	48.20%
Operating income (loss):
Total operating income (loss)	35,333	48,776			32,553	41,255		2,780	7,521
Operating income (loss) as a percent of net sales:
Total operating income (loss) (as a percent)	8.10%	11.30%			8.50%	10.80%		5.20%	15.00%
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	17,218	17,751			14,230	15,704		2,988	2,047
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	22,012	24,535			19,160	21,371		2,852	3,164
Total assets:
Total assets	856,603	864,962		850,649	698,803	722,821	693,489	157,800	142,141	157,160
Number of Stores					937	922		125	110			7
Depreciation											$ 893