Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Nov. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Operating Segments
Net sales	$ 127,664	$ 135,537	$ 405,358	$ 418,743
Percentage of consolidated net sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating loss	(14,855)	(24,816)	(10,679)	(44,800)
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,423	4,268	10,198	13,531
Interest income	49	35	150	108
Interest expense	(55)	(45)	(163)	(136)
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(14,861)	(24,826)	(10,692)	(44,828)
Wet Seal [Member]
Operating Segments
Net sales	114,878	117,892	358,245	357,806
Percentage of consolidated net sales	90.00%	87.00%	88.00%	85.00%
Operating loss	(4,575)	(8,747)	13,928	(8,003)
Depreciation and amortization expense	2,615	3,442	7,934	11,022
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(4,575)	(8,747)	13,928	(8,003)
Arden B [Member]
Operating Segments
Net sales	12,786	17,645	47,113	60,937
Percentage of consolidated net sales	10.00%	13.00%	12.00%	15.00%
Operating loss	(2,427)	(3,733)	(1,380)	(6,614)
Depreciation and amortization expense	304	404	882	1,314
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Loss before benefit for income taxes	(2,427)	(3,733)	(1,380)	(6,614)
Corporate and Unallocated [Member]
Operating Segments
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Percentage of consolidated net sales	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Operating loss	(7,853)	(12,336)	(23,227)	(30,183)
Depreciation and amortization expense	504	422	1,382	1,195
Interest income	49	35	150	108
Interest expense	(55)	(45)	(163)	(136)
Loss before benefit for income taxes	$ (7,859)	$ (12,346)	$ (23,240)	$ (30,211)