Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Operating Segments
Net sales	$ 135,261	$ 148,770	$ 283,206	$ 304,810
Percentage of consolidated net sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating income (loss)	(19,543)	3,325	(19,984)	16,651
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,570	4,814	9,261	9,481
Interest income	38	66	76	138
Interest expense	(46)	(44)	(94)	(87)
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	(19,551)	3,347	(20,002)	16,702
Wet Seal [Member]
Operating Segments
Net sales	113,739	125,033	239,914	256,086
Percentage of consolidated net sales	84.00%	84.00%	85.00%	84.00%
Operating income (loss)	(8,579)	10,280	745	29,094
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,723	3,929	7,577	7,713
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	(8,579)	10,280	745	29,094
Arden B [Member]
Operating Segments
Net sales	21,522	23,737	43,292	48,724
Percentage of consolidated net sales	16.00%	16.00%	15.00%	16.00%
Operating income (loss)	(1,578)	1,449	(2,882)	4,014
Depreciation and amortization expense	456	504	911	1,044
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,578)	1,449	(2,882)	4,014
Corporate and Unallocated [Member]
Operating Segments
Operating income (loss)	(9,386)	(8,404)	(17,847)	(16,457)
Depreciation and amortization expense	391	381	773	724
Interest income	38	66	76	138
Interest expense	(46)	(44)	(94)	(87)
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ (9,394)	$ (8,382)	$ (17,865)	$ (16,406)