REPURCHASE OF HELEN OF TROY COMMON STOCK (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011
REPURCHASE OF HELEN OF TROY COMMON STOCK
Shares authorized for purchase in the open market or through private transactions	2,957,802
Private transactions | Chief Executive Officer
Repurchase of common stock
Common stock repurchased and retired (in shares)		1,016,227
Common stock repurchased and retired, total purchase price or aggregate market value		$ 36,520
Average price per share (in dollars per share)		$ 35.93
Stock options exercised (in shares)		1,625,000
Open market transactions
Repurchase of common stock
Common stock repurchased and retired (in shares)	61,426		80,000
Common stock repurchased and retired, total purchase price or aggregate market value	1,759		1,799
Average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 28.64		$ 22.49
Equity compensation plans | Stock option exercises
Repurchase of common stock
Common stock repurchased and retired (in shares)	49,126	1,124,563	7,733
Common stock repurchased and retired, total purchase price or aggregate market value	$ 1,627	$ 40,047	$ 226
Average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 33.12	$ 35.61	$ 29.22