Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 23, 2011	Jul. 24, 2010	Jul. 23, 2011	Jul. 24, 2010
Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 70,864	$ 76,414	$ 159,502	$ 171,913
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	5,917	5,844	12,311	12,366
Selling, general and administrative expenses	67,007	68,880	140,555	142,701
Depreciation and amortization	3,738	4,355	7,754	8,820
Other charges and impairments	1,719	(1,052)	4,896	(756)
Total costs and expenses	78,381	78,027	165,516	163,131
(Loss) income from operations	(7,517)	(1,613)	(6,014)	8,782
Interest expense	651	1,073	1,319	2,333
Other income (expense), net	(36)	(51)	96	665
(Loss) income from operations before income tax (benefit) expense	(8,204)	(2,737)	(7,237)	7,114
Income tax (benefit) expense	(1,905)	(920)	(1,600)	2,391
Net (loss) income	(6,299)	(1,817)	(5,637)	4,723
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(55)	0	(140)	0
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CPI CORP.	$ (6,244)	$ (1,817)	$ (5,497)	$ 4,723
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to CPI Corp. - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.89)	$ (0.25)	$ (0.78)	$ 0.65
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to CPI Corp. - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.89)	$ (0.25)	$ (0.78)	$ 0.65
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	7,040,441	7,318,746	7,016,291	7,249,318
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	7,040,441	7,318,746	7,016,291	7,244,031