Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Jan. 28, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fiscal Year We have a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to January 31. A 52-week fiscal year consists of four 13-week quarters and a 53-week period consists of three 13-week quarters and a 14-week fourth quarter. As used herein, the terms “Fiscal 2011,” “Fiscal 2010,” and “Fiscal 2009” refer to our fiscal years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011, and January 30, 2010. Foreign Operations We use a December 31 fiscal year for our foreign subsidiaries in order to expedite our year-end closing. There were no intervening events or transactions with respect to our foreign subsidiaries during the period from January 1, 2012 to January 28, 2012 that would have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Business We operate retail specialty stores located throughout the continental United States and related websites that merchandise plus-size, junior, and misses sportswear, dresses, coats, and intimate apparel, as well as accessories and casual footwear, at a wide range of prices. We also conduct a direct marketing operation that merchandises food and specialty gifts throughout the continental United States through our FIGI’S Gifts in Good Taste catalog and related website. During Fiscal 2009 we discontinued our LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog.
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charming Shoppes, Inc. and our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Charming Shoppes, Inc., and, where applicable, our consolidated subsidiaries.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Business Segments and Related Disclosures We determine our operating segments based on the way our chief operating decision-makers review our results of operations. We consider our retail stores and store-related e-commerce as operating segments that are similar in terms of economic characteristics, production processes, and operations. Accordingly, we have aggregated our retail stores and store-related e-commerce into a single reporting segment (the “Retail Stores” segment). Our catalog and catalog-related e-commerce operations are separately reported under the Direct-to-Consumer segment. The Retail Stores segment derives its revenues from sales through retail stores and store-related e-commerce sales under our LANE BRYANT(including LANE BRYANT OUTLET), FASHION BUG, and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES brands, and previously our PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET brand, which was discontinued during Fiscal 2009. The Direct-to-Consumer segment derives its revenues from catalog sales and catalog-related e-commerce sales under our FIGI’S title, and previously our LANE BRYANT WOMAN title, which was discontinued during Fiscal 2009. Our foreign sourcing operations do not constitute a material geographic segment. See “NOTE 16. SEGMENT REPORTING” below for further information regarding our operations by business segment.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires that our management make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash Equivalents We consider all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. These amounts are stated at cost, which approximates market value.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable Our FIGI’S food and gifts business offers credit to its customers using interest-free, three-payment credit terms over three months, with the first payment due on a defined date 30 to 60 days after a stated holiday. A substantial portion of the FIGI’S business is conducted during the December holiday season. We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including analysis of historical trends, aging of accounts receivable, write-off experience, past history of recoveries, and expectations of future performance.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories We value merchandise inventories for our Retail Stores and Direct-to-Consumer segments at the lower of cost or market using the retail inventory method (average cost basis). Under the retail inventory method the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are adjusted in proportion to markdowns currently taken and shrinkage on the retail value of inventories. In addition to markdowns that have been taken (i.e., selling price permanently reduced on the selling floor) we accrue an estimate for promotional markdowns not yet recorded for seasonal merchandise that will not be sold again above its current promotional price. We purchase inventory and track inventory quantities on hand by season in order to determine aged seasonal inventory. We liquidate aged seasonal inventory through markdowns or sale to liquidators. We account for store inventory shrinkage based on physical inventories conducted at least once annually on a store-by-store basis, with supplemental observations in locations exhibiting high shrinkage rates. We account for distribution and fulfillment center inventory shrinkage based on cycle counts on a center-by-center basis. Actual inventory losses are recorded in our financial statements at the time these physical inventory observations are performed. We determine interim shrinkage estimates based on the actual inventory losses identified by the physical inventory counts at our stores and distribution centers and record a reserve for estimated inventory losses (shrinkage). We recognize abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials costs as current-period expenses rather than capitalizing them into inventory. We record cash consideration received from vendors as a reduction of inventory and recognize it in cost of goods sold as inventory is sold. We defer the recognition of cash received from vendors during interim periods in order to better match the recognition of the cash consideration to the period the inventory is sold
Prepayments and Other [Policy Text Block]	Prepayments and Other Prepayments and other includes prepaid taxes, insurance, rent, marketing, deferred advertising costs, and other prepaid expenses. Prepayments and other also includes third-party credit card receivables and income taxes receivable
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred and Non-Deferred Advertising Costs With the exception of direct-response advertising, we expense advertising costs when the related advertising takes place. We capitalize all direct costs incurred in the development, production, and circulation of our direct-mail catalogs until the related catalog is mailed. These capitalized costs are amortized as a component of cost of goods sold over the expected sales realization cycle of the catalog, which is generally within one to six months. Advertising costs are net of restricted and unrestricted marketing expense reimbursements we receive under our operating agreements related to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs (see “NOTE 9. SALE OF PROPRIETARY CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES PROGRAMS” below). Our initial estimation of the expected sales realization cycle for a particular catalog merchandise offering is based primarily on our historical sales and sell-through experience with similar catalog merchandise offerings, our understanding of then-prevailing merchandise trends and influences, our assessment of prevailing economic conditions, and various competitive factors, as well as on other possible factors. We continually track our subsequent sales realization, compile customer feedback for indications of future performance, reassess the marketplace, compare our findings to our previous estimate, and adjust our amortization accordingly
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Depreciation For financial reporting purposes we compute depreciation and amortization primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of their useful lives or the related lease term as determined under our operating lease accounting policy (see “Lease Accounting” below). We use accelerated depreciation methods for income tax reporting purposes. We assess our long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We consider historical performance and future estimated results when evaluating an asset for potential impairment, and we compare the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, we write down the asset to its estimated fair value and recognize an impairment loss. Our estimate of fair value is generally based on either appraised value or the present value of future cash flows and is a “Level 3” fair value measurement (based on unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data). The estimates and assumptions that we use to evaluate possible impairment require certain significant assumptions regarding factors such as future sales growth and operating performance, and they may change as new events occur or as additional information is obtained. See “NOTE 10. IMPAIRMENT OF STORE ASSETS” below for further details regarding the recognition of impairment losses related to our long-lived assets
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Lease Accounting We lease substantially all of our store properties as well as certain of our other facilities and account for these leases as operating leases. A majority of our store leases contain lease options that we can unilaterally exercise. The lease term we use for such leases includes lease option renewal periods only in instances in which the failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty for us and exercise of the renewal option is therefore reasonably assured at the lease inception date. For leases that contain rent escalations, the lease term for recognition of straight-line rent expense commences on the date we take possession of the leased property for construction purposes, which for stores is generally two months prior to a store opening date. Similarly, landlord incentives or allowances under operating leases (tenant improvement allowances) are recorded as a deferred rent liability. The deferred rent liability is amortized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, commencing on the date we take possession of the leased property for construction purposes. Contingent rent is determined on a store-by-store basis based on criteria set forth in the lease. Generally, a landlord is due incremental rent when a store exceeds a sales threshold that is determined in the lease.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We own trademarks, tradenames, and internet domain names that we obtained primarily from our acquisition of LANE BRYANT. We also own trademarks, tradenames, internet domain names, and customer relationships for our FIGI’S catalog and related website. The values of these intangible assets were determined by management with the assistance of an independent appraiser using a discounted cash flow method, based on the estimated future benefits to be received from the assets. We allocated the excess of the cost of the acquisitions over the estimated fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets acquired to goodwill. We amortize separate intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. We do not amortize goodwill. Our goodwill as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 is attributable to our LANE BRYANT operations within our Retail Stores segment. Our LANE BRYANT, FIGI’S, and other trademarks, tradenames, and internet domain names are well-recognized in the marketplace, and we expect to renew and protect these assets indefinitely. Therefore, we are not amortizing the appraised value of these trademarks, tradenames, and internet domain names. We periodically review these assets for indicators of a limited useful life. The customer relationships for our FIGI’S business have been amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of four years and were fully amortized as of the end of Fiscal 2009. We test our goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently if there is an indication of possible impairment. We perform our annual impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year because our fourth quarter results of operations are significant to us and are an integral part of our analyses. In addition, we prepare our financial plan for the following fiscal year, which is an important part of our impairment analyses, during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Our impairment test for goodwill involves a two-step process. The first step of the test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using principally an income approach to valuation, which uses a discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill. Our identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks. These intangible assets arise primarily from the allocation of the purchase price of businesses acquired to identifiable intangible assets based on their respective fair market values at the date of acquisition. Amounts assigned to identifiable intangible assets, and their related useful lives, are derived from established valuation techniques and management estimates. Consistent with the methodology used to initially establish and record the fair value of the trademarks, we apply the “relief-from-royalty” method of the income approach in measuring the fair value of our tradenames for impairment testing. Under this method it is assumed that a company, without the rights to the trade names, would license the right to utilize them for business purposes. The fair value is estimated by discounting the hypothetical royalty payments to their present value over the estimated economic life of the asset. We assigned the values of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets recognized in connection with our acquisitions of LANE BRYANT, CATHERINES, and FIGI’S to the respective reporting units within our reportable business segments. The calculation of the estimated fair value of our reporting units for the purpose of evaluating goodwill for impairment and the fair values of other intangible assets require estimates, assumptions, and judgments, and are “Level 3” fair value measurements (based on unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data). The results of our evaluations might have been materially different if different estimates, assumptions, and judgments had been used
Asset Securitization [Policy Text Block]	Asset Securitization Prior to the Fiscal 2009 sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs (see “NOTE 9. SALE OF PROPRIETARY CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES PROGRAMS” below) we accounted for these programs as asset securitizations. Asset securitization primarily involved the sale of proprietary credit card receivables to a separate and distinct special-purpose entity, which in turn transferred the receivables to a separate and distinct qualified special-purpose entity (“QSPE”). The QSPE’s assets and liabilities were not consolidated in our balance sheets and the receivables transferred to the QSPE were isolated for purposes of the securitization program. The QSPE issued asset-backed certificates that represented undivided interests in those credit card receivables transferred into the QSPE. These certificates were sold to investors and we retained any undivided interests that remained unsold. We included these remaining undivided interests and any other retained interests in “Investment in asset-backed securities” in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of these retained interests approximated their fair value. We initially measured servicing assets and liabilities recognized in connection with our asset securitizations at fair value using a “Level 3” fair value measurement (based on unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data). Subsequent to initial recognition of the servicing assets or liabilities, we amortized the servicing assets or liabilities in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income or loss and assessed the assets or liabilities for impairment or increased obligation based on fair value at each reporting date. See “NOTE 14. ASSET SECURITIZATION” below for further details regarding recognition and measurement of our servicing assets and liabilities. Transaction expenses related to securitizations were deferred and amortized over the reinvestment period of the transaction. Net securitization income, including revaluation of our interest-only strip, was included as a reduction of selling, general, and administrative expenses in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
Insurance Liabilities [Policy Text Block]	Insurance Liabilities We use a combination of third-party insurance and/or self-insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, medical, dental, automobile, and general liability claims. Our insurance liabilities are a component of “Accrued expenses” in our consolidated balance sheets and represent an estimate of the ultimate cost of uninsured claims incurred as of the balance sheet date. In estimating our self-insurance liabilities we use estimates of expected losses, which are based on analyses of historical data. Loss estimates are adjusted based upon actual claim settlements and reported claims. We evaluate the adequacy of these liabilities on a regular basis, modifying our assumptions as necessary, updating our records of historical experience, and adjusting our liabilities as appropriate
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Senior Convertible Notes We account for our 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes (the “1.125% Notes”) as cash-settled convertible securities, which are separated into their debt and equity components. The value assigned to the debt component is the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature. As a result, the debt is recorded at a discount to adjust its below-market coupon interest rate to the market coupon interest rate for a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature. The difference between the proceeds for the convertible debt and the amount reflected as the debt component represents the value of the conversion feature and is recorded as additional paid-in capital. The debt is subsequently accreted to its par value over its expected life with an offsetting non-cash increase in interest expense on the income statement to reflect interest expense at the market rate for the debt component at the date of issuance. Concurrent with the issuance of the 1.125% Notes we entered into privately-negotiated common stock call options and warrants with affiliates of the initial purchasers. We accounted for the call options and warrants as equity instruments and included the cost of the call options and the proceeds from the sale of the warrants in additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets. The 1.125% Notes will have no impact on our diluted net income per share until the price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price. Prior to conversion we will include any dilutive effect of the 1.125% Notes or the warrants in the calculation of diluted net income per share using the treasury stock method. The call options are excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. We monitor the 1.125% Notes, call options, and warrants for compliance with the requirements for recognizing them as equity instruments on a quarterly basis. Should the issuance of the 1.125% Notes, the purchase of the call options, or the sale of the warrants fail to continue to qualify for treatment as equity instruments, we would be required to recognize derivative instruments in connection with the transactions, include the effects of the transactions in assets or liabilities instead of equity, and recognize changes in the fair values of the assets or liabilities in consolidated net income as they occur until the requirements for treatment as equity instruments are again met
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition Revenues from merchandise sales are net of discounts, returns and allowances, and coupons, and exclude sales tax. We record a reserve for estimated future sales returns based on an analysis of actual returns received, and we defer recognition of layaway sales to the date of delivery. Revenues from sales of gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized upon the redemption of the gift cards. Catalog and e-commerce revenues include shipping and handling fees billed to customers. These revenues are recognized after the following have occurred: execution of the customer’s order, authorization of the customer’s credit card has been received, and the product has been shipped to and received by the customer. We record a reserve for estimated future sales returns based on an analysis of actual returns. We sell gift cards to our Retail Stores segment customers through our stores and our retail-store-related websites, as well as through third parties. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer. Our gift cards do not contain expiration dates or inactivity fees. We recognize gift card breakage (unused gift card balances for which we believe the likelihood of redemption is remote) as net sales based on an analysis of historical redemption patterns.
Revenue Recognition, Loyalty Programs [Policy Text Block]	Loyalty Card Programs We offer our customers various loyalty card programs (see “NOTE 8. CUSTOMER LOYALTY CARD PROGRAMS” below). Customers that join these programs are entitled to various benefits, including discounts on purchases, during the membership period. Customers join some of these programs by paying an annual membership fee. For these programs we recognize revenue as a component of net sales over the life of the membership period based on when the customer earns the benefits and when the fee is no longer refundable. Certain loyalty card customers earn points for purchases which may be redeemed for merchandise coupons upon the accumulation of a specified number of points. No membership fees are charged in connection with these programs. We recognize an accrual for discounts earned and not yet issued and discounts issued but not yet redeemed based on an analysis of historical redemption patterns. Costs we incur in connection with administering these programs are recognized in selling, general, and administrative expenses as incurred
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes merchandise costs net of discounts and allowances, freight, inventory shrinkage, and shipping and handling costs associated with our catalog and e-commerce businesses. We capitalize net merchandise costs and freight as inventory costs. Cost of goods sold also includes certain costs incurred in connection with our customer loyalty card programs (see “Loyalty Card Programs” above) and the costs of producing and distributing our merchandise catalogs (see “Deferred and Non-Deferred Advertising Costs” above)
Occupancy and Buying Expenses [Policy Text Block]	Occupancy and Buying Expenses Occupancy expenses include rent; real estate taxes; insurance; common area maintenance; utilities; maintenance; and depreciation for our stores, warehouse and fulfillment center facilities, and equipment. Buying expenses include payroll; payroll-related costs; and operating expenses for our buying departments and distribution centers. Occupancy and buying expenses are treated as period costs and are not capitalized as part of inventory
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-based Compensation Current grants of stock-based compensation consist primarily of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of SARs. We amortize stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of an award except for awards that include a market condition, which are amortized on a graded vesting basis over their derived service period. The Black-Scholes model requires estimates or assumptions as to the dividend yield and price volatility of the underlying stock, the expected life of the award, and a relevant risk-free interest rate, which are more fully described in “NOTE 7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS” below. Stock-based compensation for performance-based awards is initially determined using an estimate of performance levels expected to be achieved and is periodically reviewed and adjusted as required. During Fiscal 2009 we also granted cash-settled RSUs under our 2003 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan. We record stock-based compensation related to cash-settled RSUs as a liability and adjust the liability and related compensation expense for changes in the market value of our common stock. We present gross excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation as cash flows from financing activities in our statements of cash flows and we reflect write-offs of deferred tax assets related to an excess of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements over amounts deductible for tax purposes as cash flows used by operating activities.
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities We recognize liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities when the liabilities are incurred and value the liabilities at fair value. One-time benefit payments are recognized as employees render service over future periods if the benefit arrangement requires employees to render future service beyond a minimum retention period. We record severance payments that are offered in accordance with an on-going benefit arrangement no later than the period when it becomes probable that the costs will be incurred and the costs are reasonably estimable
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes We recognize a tax benefit for a tax position that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, based solely on its technical merits. We measure the recognized benefit as the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized on ultimate settlement, based on a cumulative probability basis. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For tax positions that initially fail to qualify for recognition, we recognize a benefit in the first interim period in which the position meets the ”more-likely-than-not” threshold or is resolved through negotiation, litigation, or upon expiration of the statute of limitations. We de-recognize a previously recognized tax benefit if we subsequently determine that the tax position no longer meets the “more-likely-than-not” threshold of being sustained. We consider a tax position to be “effectively settled” upon completion of an examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled we recognize the full amount of the tax benefit, even if (1) the tax position is not considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained solely on the basis of its technical merits, and (2) the statute of limitations remains open. We recognize deferred tax assets for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for net operating loss and credit carryforwards. We recognize a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets if, based on existing facts and circumstances, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and we adjust the allowance for changes in our estimate of the portion of deferred tax assets that are more-likely-than-not to be realized. We permanently reinvest undistributed profits from our international operations and therefore have not provided for incremental United States income taxes on such undistributed profits
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net Income/(Loss) Per Share Net income/(loss) per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each fiscal year. Common shares that we hold as treasury stock are excluded from the computation of net income/(loss) per share. Net income per share assuming dilution is based on the weighted-average number of common shares and share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents include the effect of dilutive stock options, SARs, and stock awards, using the treasury stock method. Share equivalents are not included in the weighted-average shares outstanding for determining net loss per share, as the result would be anti-dilutive. Our 1.125% Notes do not impact our diluted net income per share unless the price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price of $15.379 per share because we expect to settle the principal amount of the 1.125% Notes in cash upon conversion. Our call options are not included in the calculation of diluted net income per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. Should the price of our common stock exceed $21.607 per share we would include the dilutive effect of the additional potential shares that may be issued related to our warrants, using the treasury stock method
Comprehensive Income [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income The consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income include transactions from non-owner sources that affect stockholders’ equity. Unrealized gains and losses recognized in comprehensive income are reclassified to net income upon their realization
Interest Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Debt Acquisition Costs Debt acquisition costs other than costs related to the equity component of our 1.125% Notes are deferred and amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the related debt agreement. Debt acquisition costs related to the equity component of our 1.125% Notes have been recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital (see “NOTE 5. LONG-TERM DEBT” below)
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use Costs related to the development of internal-use software, other than those incurred during the application development stage, are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software.
Split dollar Life Insurance Agreements [Policy Text Block]	Split-dollar Life Insurance Agreements We recognize a liability for future benefits payable to employees under our split-dollar life insurance agreements with former executive employees.
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description	Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In September 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment." Topic 350 currently requires entities to test goodwill on an annual basis by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill (step one). Step two of the test must be performed to measure the amount of impairment. Under ASU 2011-08 entities are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless they conclude that it is more likely than not (i.e. there is a greater than 50% likelihood) that the unit's carrying value is greater than its fair value based on an assessment of events and circumstances. ASU 2011-08 includes examples of events and circumstances that entities should consider to determine whether they have to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for our fiscal year which begins on January 29, 2012. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reports that have not been issued.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fiscal Year

We have a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to January 31. A 52-week fiscal year consists of four 13-week quarters and a 53-week period consists of three 13-week quarters and a 14-week fourth quarter. As used herein, the terms “Fiscal 2011,” “Fiscal 2010,” and “Fiscal 2009” refer to our fiscal years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011, and January 30, 2010.

Foreign Operations

We use a December 31 fiscal year for our foreign subsidiaries in order to expedite our year-end closing. There were no intervening events or transactions with respect to our foreign subsidiaries during the period from January 1, 2012 to January 28, 2012 that would have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

Business

We operate retail specialty stores located throughout the continental United States and related websites that merchandise plus-size, junior, and misses sportswear, dresses, coats, and intimate apparel, as well as accessories and casual footwear, at a wide range of prices. We also conduct a direct marketing operation that merchandises food and specialty gifts throughout the continental United States through our FIGI’S Gifts in Good Taste catalog and related website. During Fiscal 2009 we discontinued our LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog.

Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charming Shoppes, Inc. and our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Charming Shoppes, Inc., and, where applicable, our consolidated subsidiaries.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Business Segments and Related Disclosures

We determine our operating segments based on the way our chief operating decision-makers review our results of operations. We consider our retail stores and store-related e-commerce as operating segments that are similar in terms of economic characteristics, production processes, and operations. Accordingly, we have aggregated our retail stores and store-related e-commerce into a single reporting segment (the “Retail Stores” segment). Our catalog and catalog-related e-commerce operations are separately reported under the Direct-to-Consumer segment.

The Retail Stores segment derives its revenues from sales through retail stores and store-related e-commerce sales under our LANE BRYANT(including LANE BRYANT OUTLET), FASHION BUG, and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES brands, and previously our PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET brand, which was discontinued during Fiscal 2009. The Direct-to-Consumer segment derives its revenues from catalog sales and catalog-related e-commerce sales under our FIGI’S title, and previously our LANE BRYANT WOMAN title, which was discontinued during Fiscal 2009. Our foreign sourcing operations do not constitute a material geographic segment.

See “NOTE 16. SEGMENT REPORTING” below for further information regarding our operations by business segment.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires that our management make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. These amounts are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable

Our FIGI’S food and gifts business offers credit to its customers using interest-free, three-payment credit terms over three months, with the first payment due on a defined date 30 to 60 days after a stated holiday. A substantial portion of the FIGI’S business is conducted during the December holiday season. We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including analysis of historical trends, aging of accounts receivable, write-off experience, past history of recoveries, and expectations of future performance.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

We value merchandise inventories for our Retail Stores and Direct-to-Consumer segments at the lower of cost or market using the retail inventory method (average cost basis). Under the retail inventory method the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are adjusted in proportion to markdowns currently taken and shrinkage on the retail value of inventories. In addition to markdowns that have been taken (i.e., selling price permanently reduced on the selling floor) we accrue an estimate for promotional markdowns not yet recorded for seasonal merchandise that will not be sold again above its current promotional price.

We purchase inventory and track inventory quantities on hand by season in order to determine aged seasonal inventory. We liquidate aged seasonal inventory through markdowns or sale to liquidators. We account for store inventory shrinkage based on physical inventories conducted at least once annually on a store-by-store basis, with supplemental observations in locations exhibiting high shrinkage rates. We account for distribution and fulfillment center inventory shrinkage based on cycle counts on a center-by-center basis. Actual inventory losses are recorded in our financial statements at the time these physical inventory observations are performed. We determine interim shrinkage estimates based on the actual inventory losses identified by the physical inventory counts at our stores and distribution centers and record a reserve for estimated inventory losses (shrinkage).

We recognize abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials costs as current-period expenses rather than capitalizing them into inventory.

We record cash consideration received from vendors as a reduction of inventory and recognize it in cost of goods sold as inventory is sold. We defer the recognition of cash received from vendors during interim periods in order to better match the recognition of the cash consideration to the period the inventory is sold

Prepayments and Other [Policy Text Block]

Prepayments and Other

Prepayments and other includes prepaid taxes, insurance, rent, marketing, deferred advertising costs, and other prepaid expenses. Prepayments and other also includes third-party credit card receivables and income taxes receivable

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred and Non-Deferred Advertising Costs

With the exception of direct-response advertising, we expense advertising costs when the related advertising takes place. We capitalize all direct costs incurred in the development, production, and circulation of our direct-mail catalogs until the related catalog is mailed. These capitalized costs are amortized as a component of cost of goods sold over the expected sales realization cycle of the catalog, which is generally within one to six months. Advertising costs are net of restricted and unrestricted marketing expense reimbursements we receive under our operating agreements related to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs (see “NOTE 9. SALE OF PROPRIETARY CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES PROGRAMS” below).

Our initial estimation of the expected sales realization cycle for a particular catalog merchandise offering is based primarily on our historical sales and sell-through experience with similar catalog merchandise offerings, our understanding of then-prevailing merchandise trends and influences, our assessment of prevailing economic conditions, and various competitive factors, as well as on other possible factors. We continually track our subsequent sales realization, compile customer feedback for indications of future performance, reassess the marketplace, compare our findings to our previous estimate, and adjust our amortization accordingly

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Depreciation

For financial reporting purposes we compute depreciation and amortization primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of their useful lives or the related lease term as determined under our operating lease accounting policy (see “Lease Accounting” below). We use accelerated depreciation methods for income tax reporting purposes.

We assess our long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We consider historical performance and future estimated results when evaluating an asset for potential impairment, and we compare the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, we write down the asset to its estimated fair value and recognize an impairment loss. Our estimate of fair value is generally based on either appraised value or the present value of future cash flows and is a “Level 3” fair value measurement (based on unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data). The estimates and assumptions that we use to evaluate possible impairment require certain significant assumptions regarding factors such as future sales growth and operating performance, and they may change as new events occur or as additional information is obtained.

See “NOTE 10. IMPAIRMENT OF STORE ASSETS” below for further details regarding the recognition of impairment losses related to our long-lived assets

Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Lease Accounting

We lease substantially all of our store properties as well as certain of our other facilities and account for these leases as operating leases. A majority of our store leases contain lease options that we can unilaterally exercise. The lease term we use for such leases includes lease option renewal periods only in instances in which the failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty for us and exercise of the renewal option is therefore reasonably assured at the lease inception date.

For leases that contain rent escalations, the lease term for recognition of straight-line rent expense commences on the date we take possession of the leased property for construction purposes, which for stores is generally two months prior to a store opening date. Similarly, landlord incentives or allowances under operating leases (tenant improvement allowances) are recorded as a deferred rent liability. The deferred rent liability is amortized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, commencing on the date we take possession of the leased property for construction purposes.

Contingent rent is determined on a store-by-store basis based on criteria set forth in the lease. Generally, a landlord is due incremental rent when a store exceeds a sales threshold that is determined in the lease.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We own trademarks, tradenames, and internet domain names that we obtained primarily from our acquisition of LANE BRYANT. We also own trademarks, tradenames, internet domain names, and customer relationships for our FIGI’S catalog and related website. The values of these intangible assets were determined by management with the assistance of an independent appraiser using a discounted cash flow method, based on the estimated future benefits to be received from the assets. We allocated the excess of the cost of the acquisitions over the estimated fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets acquired to goodwill. We amortize separate intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. We do not amortize goodwill. Our goodwill as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 is attributable to our LANE BRYANT operations within our Retail Stores segment.

Our LANE BRYANT, FIGI’S, and other trademarks, tradenames, and internet domain names are well-recognized in the marketplace, and we expect to renew and protect these assets indefinitely. Therefore, we are not amortizing the appraised value of these trademarks, tradenames, and internet domain names. We periodically review these assets for indicators of a limited useful life. The customer relationships for our FIGI’S business have been amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of four years and were fully amortized as of the end of Fiscal 2009.

We test our goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently if there is an indication of possible impairment. We perform our annual impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year because our fourth quarter results of operations are significant to us and are an integral part of our analyses. In addition, we prepare our financial plan for the following fiscal year, which is an important part of our impairment analyses, during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year.

Our impairment test for goodwill involves a two-step process. The first step of the test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using principally an income approach to valuation, which uses a discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill.

Our identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks. These intangible assets arise primarily from the allocation of the purchase price of businesses acquired to identifiable intangible assets based on their respective fair market values at the date of acquisition. Amounts assigned to identifiable intangible assets, and their related useful lives, are derived from established valuation techniques and management estimates.

Consistent with the methodology used to initially establish and record the fair value of the trademarks, we apply the “relief-from-royalty” method of the income approach in measuring the fair value of our tradenames for impairment testing. Under this method it is assumed that a company, without the rights to the trade names, would license the right to utilize them for business purposes. The fair value is estimated by discounting the hypothetical royalty payments to their present value over the estimated economic life of the asset.

We assigned the values of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets recognized in connection with our acquisitions of LANE BRYANT, CATHERINES, and FIGI’S to the respective reporting units within our reportable business segments. The calculation of the estimated fair value of our reporting units for the purpose of evaluating goodwill for impairment and the fair values of other intangible assets require estimates, assumptions, and judgments, and are “Level 3” fair value measurements (based on unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data). The results of our evaluations might have been materially different if different estimates, assumptions, and judgments had been used

Asset Securitization [Policy Text Block]

Asset Securitization

Prior to the Fiscal 2009 sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs (see “NOTE 9. SALE OF PROPRIETARY CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES PROGRAMS” below) we accounted for these programs as asset securitizations. Asset securitization primarily involved the sale of proprietary credit card receivables to a separate and distinct special-purpose entity, which in turn transferred the receivables to a separate and distinct qualified special-purpose entity (“QSPE”). The QSPE’s assets and liabilities were not consolidated in our balance sheets and the receivables transferred to the QSPE were isolated for purposes of the securitization program. The QSPE issued asset-backed certificates that represented undivided interests in those credit card receivables transferred into the QSPE. These certificates were sold to investors and we retained any undivided interests that remained unsold. We included these remaining undivided interests and any other retained interests in “Investment in asset-backed securities” in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of these retained interests approximated their fair value.

We initially measured servicing assets and liabilities recognized in connection with our asset securitizations at fair value using a “Level 3” fair value measurement (based on unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data). Subsequent to initial recognition of the servicing assets or liabilities, we amortized the servicing assets or liabilities in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income or loss and assessed the assets or liabilities for impairment or increased obligation based on fair value at each reporting date. See “NOTE 14. ASSET SECURITIZATION” below for further details regarding recognition and measurement of our servicing assets and liabilities.

Transaction expenses related to securitizations were deferred and amortized over the reinvestment period of the transaction. Net securitization income, including revaluation of our interest-only strip, was included as a reduction of selling, general, and administrative expenses in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income

Insurance Liabilities [Policy Text Block]

Insurance Liabilities

We use a combination of third-party insurance and/or self-insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, medical, dental, automobile, and general liability claims. Our insurance liabilities are a component of “Accrued expenses” in our consolidated balance sheets and represent an estimate of the ultimate cost of uninsured claims incurred as of the balance sheet date. In estimating our self-insurance liabilities we use estimates of expected losses, which are based on analyses of historical data. Loss estimates are adjusted based upon actual claim settlements and reported claims. We evaluate the adequacy of these liabilities on a regular basis, modifying our assumptions as necessary, updating our records of historical experience, and adjusting our liabilities as appropriate

Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Senior Convertible Notes

We account for our 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes (the “1.125% Notes”) as cash-settled convertible securities, which are separated into their debt and equity components. The value assigned to the debt component is the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature. As a result, the debt is recorded at a discount to adjust its below-market coupon interest rate to the market coupon interest rate for a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature. The difference between the proceeds for the convertible debt and the amount reflected as the debt component represents the value of the conversion feature and is recorded as additional paid-in capital. The debt is subsequently accreted to its par value over its expected life with an offsetting non-cash increase in interest expense on the income statement to reflect interest expense at the market rate for the debt component at the date of issuance.

Concurrent with the issuance of the 1.125% Notes we entered into privately-negotiated common stock call options and warrants with affiliates of the initial purchasers. We accounted for the call options and warrants as equity instruments and included the cost of the call options and the proceeds from the sale of the warrants in additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets.

The 1.125% Notes will have no impact on our diluted net income per share until the price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price. Prior to conversion we will include any dilutive effect of the 1.125% Notes or the warrants in the calculation of diluted net income per share using the treasury stock method. The call options are excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

We monitor the 1.125% Notes, call options, and warrants for compliance with the requirements for recognizing them as equity instruments on a quarterly basis. Should the issuance of the 1.125% Notes, the purchase of the call options, or the sale of the warrants fail to continue to qualify for treatment as equity instruments, we would be required to recognize derivative instruments in connection with the transactions, include the effects of the transactions in assets or liabilities instead of equity, and recognize changes in the fair values of the assets or liabilities in consolidated net income as they occur until the requirements for treatment as equity instruments are again met

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from merchandise sales are net of discounts, returns and allowances, and coupons, and exclude sales tax. We record a reserve for estimated future sales returns based on an analysis of actual returns received, and we defer recognition of layaway sales to the date of delivery. Revenues from sales of gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized upon the redemption of the gift cards.

Catalog and e-commerce revenues include shipping and handling fees billed to customers. These revenues are recognized after the following have occurred: execution of the customer’s order, authorization of the customer’s credit card has been received, and the product has been shipped to and received by the customer. We record a reserve for estimated future sales returns based on an analysis of actual returns.

We sell gift cards to our Retail Stores segment customers through our stores and our retail-store-related websites, as well as through third parties. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer. Our gift cards do not contain expiration dates or inactivity fees. We recognize gift card breakage (unused gift card balances for which we believe the likelihood of redemption is remote) as net sales based on an analysis of historical redemption patterns.

Revenue Recognition, Loyalty Programs [Policy Text Block]

Loyalty Card Programs

We offer our customers various loyalty card programs (see “NOTE 8. CUSTOMER LOYALTY CARD PROGRAMS” below). Customers that join these programs are entitled to various benefits, including discounts on purchases, during the membership period. Customers join some of these programs by paying an annual membership fee. For these programs we recognize revenue as a component of net sales over the life of the membership period based on when the customer earns the benefits and when the fee is no longer refundable. Certain loyalty card customers earn points for purchases which may be redeemed for merchandise coupons upon the accumulation of a specified number of points. No membership fees are charged in connection with these programs. We recognize an accrual for discounts earned and not yet issued and discounts issued but not yet redeemed based on an analysis of historical redemption patterns. Costs we incur in connection with administering these programs are recognized in selling, general, and administrative expenses as incurred

Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes merchandise costs net of discounts and allowances, freight, inventory shrinkage, and shipping and handling costs associated with our catalog and e-commerce businesses. We capitalize net merchandise costs and freight as inventory costs. Cost of goods sold also includes certain costs incurred in connection with our customer loyalty card programs (see “Loyalty Card Programs” above) and the costs of producing and distributing our merchandise catalogs (see “Deferred and Non-Deferred Advertising Costs” above)

Occupancy and Buying Expenses [Policy Text Block]

Occupancy and Buying Expenses

Occupancy expenses include rent; real estate taxes; insurance; common area maintenance; utilities; maintenance; and depreciation for our stores, warehouse and fulfillment center facilities, and equipment. Buying expenses include payroll; payroll-related costs; and operating expenses for our buying departments and distribution centers. Occupancy and buying expenses are treated as period costs and are not capitalized as part of inventory

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-based Compensation

Current grants of stock-based compensation consist primarily of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of SARs. We amortize stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of an award except for awards that include a market condition, which are amortized on a graded vesting basis over their derived service period. The Black-Scholes model requires estimates or assumptions as to the dividend yield and price volatility of the underlying stock, the expected life of the award, and a relevant risk-free interest rate, which are more fully described in “NOTE 7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS” below. Stock-based compensation for performance-based awards is initially determined using an estimate of performance levels expected to be achieved and is periodically reviewed and adjusted as required.

During Fiscal 2009 we also granted cash-settled RSUs under our 2003 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan. We record stock-based compensation related to cash-settled RSUs as a liability and adjust the liability and related compensation expense for changes in the market value of our common stock.

We present gross excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation as cash flows from financing activities in our statements of cash flows and we reflect write-offs of deferred tax assets related to an excess of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements over amounts deductible for tax purposes as cash flows used by operating activities.

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities

We recognize liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities when the liabilities are incurred and value the liabilities at fair value. One-time benefit payments are recognized as employees render service over future periods if the benefit arrangement requires employees to render future service beyond a minimum retention period. We record severance payments that are offered in accordance with an on-going benefit arrangement no later than the period when it becomes probable that the costs will be incurred and the costs are reasonably estimable

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

We recognize a tax benefit for a tax position that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, based solely on its technical merits. We measure the recognized benefit as the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized on ultimate settlement, based on a cumulative probability basis. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

For tax positions that initially fail to qualify for recognition, we recognize a benefit in the first interim period in which the position meets the ”more-likely-than-not” threshold or is resolved through negotiation, litigation, or upon expiration of the statute of limitations. We de-recognize a previously recognized tax benefit if we subsequently determine that the tax position no longer meets the “more-likely-than-not” threshold of being sustained.

We consider a tax position to be “effectively settled” upon completion of an examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled we recognize the full amount of the tax benefit, even if (1) the tax position is not considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained solely on the basis of its technical merits, and (2) the statute of limitations remains open.

We recognize deferred tax assets for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for net operating loss and credit carryforwards. We recognize a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets if, based on existing facts and circumstances, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and we adjust the allowance for changes in our estimate of the portion of deferred tax assets that are more-likely-than-not to be realized.

We permanently reinvest undistributed profits from our international operations and therefore have not provided for incremental United States income taxes on such undistributed profits

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Income/(Loss) Per Share

Net income/(loss) per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each fiscal year. Common shares that we hold as treasury stock are excluded from the computation of net income/(loss) per share. Net income per share assuming dilution is based on the weighted-average number of common shares and share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents include the effect of dilutive stock options, SARs, and stock awards, using the treasury stock method. Share equivalents are not included in the weighted-average shares outstanding for determining net loss per share, as the result would be anti-dilutive.

Our 1.125% Notes do not impact our diluted net income per share unless the price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price of $15.379 per share because we expect to settle the principal amount of the 1.125% Notes in cash upon conversion. Our call options are not included in the calculation of diluted net income per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. Should the price of our common stock exceed $21.607 per share we would include the dilutive effect of the additional potential shares that may be issued related to our warrants, using the treasury stock method

Comprehensive Income [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income

The consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income include transactions from non-owner sources that affect stockholders’ equity. Unrealized gains and losses recognized in comprehensive income are reclassified to net income upon their realization

Interest Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Debt Acquisition Costs

Debt acquisition costs other than costs related to the equity component of our 1.125% Notes are deferred and amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the related debt agreement. Debt acquisition costs related to the equity component of our 1.125% Notes have been recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital (see “NOTE 5. LONG-TERM DEBT” below)

Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use

Costs related to the development of internal-use software, other than those incurred during the application development stage, are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software.

Split dollar Life Insurance Agreements [Policy Text Block]

Split-dollar Life Insurance Agreements

We recognize a liability for future benefits payable to employees under our split-dollar life insurance agreements with former executive employees.

New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment." Topic 350 currently requires entities to test goodwill on an annual basis by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill (step one). Step two of the test must be performed to measure the amount of impairment. Under ASU 2011-08 entities are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless they conclude that it is more likely than not (i.e. there is a greater than 50% likelihood) that the unit's carrying value is greater than its fair value based on an assessment of events and circumstances. ASU 2011-08 includes examples of events and circumstances that entities should consider to determine whether they have to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for our fiscal year which begins on January 29, 2012. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reports that have not been issued.