Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PACIFIC SUNWEAR OF CALIFORNIA INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000874841
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 28, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 191
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		67,553,504