Carter's (CRI) 10-Q 28 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 18, 2014
Document Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CARTERS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001060822	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-03	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	53,692,806

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$277,236	$286,546	$397,563
Accounts receivable, net	205,166	193,611	178,360
Finished goods inventories, net	363,018	417,754	284,525
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,362	35,157	21,612
Deferred income taxes	37,343	37,313	31,708
Total current assets	909,125	970,381	913,768
Property, plant, and equipment, net	316,786	307,885	182,193
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	323,967	330,258	305,974
Goodwill	184,604	186,077	188,731
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	7,758	8,088	2,682
Other assets	10,109	9,795	4,333
Total assets	1,752,349	1,812,484	1,597,681
Current liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	103,439	164,010	97,884
Other current liabilities	75,235	105,129	72,590
Total current liabilities	178,674	269,139	170,474
Long-term debt	586,000	586,000	186,000
Deferred income taxes	118,032	121,434	112,015
Other long-term liabilities	140,493	135,180	106,004
Total liabilities	1,023,199	1,111,753	574,493
Commitments and contingencies	'	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at March 29, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 30, 2013.	0	0	0
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 53,742,906, 54,541,879, and 59,358,011 shares issued and outstanding at March 29, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 30, 2013, respectively	537	545	594
Additional paid-in capital	11,420	4,332	248,032
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-12,842	-10,082	-12,670
Retained earnings	730,035	705,936	787,232
Total stockholders’ equity	729,150	700,731	1,023,188
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,752,349	$1,812,484	$1,597,681

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'	'
Preferred stock; par value	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock; shares authorized	100,000	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock; issued	0	0	0
Preferred stock; outstanding	0	0	0
Common stock, voting; par value	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, voting; shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock voting; shares issued	53,742,906	54,541,879	59,358,011
Common stock voting; shares outstanding	53,742,906	54,541,879	59,358,011

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$651,643	$591,009
Cost of goods sold	389,918	347,947
Gross profit	261,725	243,062
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	210,095	185,361
Royalty income	-9,901	-9,242
Operating income	-61,531	-66,943
Interest expense	6,897	1,294
Interest income	-132	-191
Other expense, net	596	573
Income before income taxes	54,170	65,267
Provision for income taxes	19,873	23,852
Net income	$34,297	$41,415
Basic net income per common share	$0.64	$0.70
Diluted net income per common share	$0.63	$0.69
Dividend declared per common share	$0.19	$0
Dividend paid per common share	$0.19	$0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$34,297	$41,415
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,760	-1,465
Comprehensive income	$31,537	$39,950

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$700,731	$545	$4,332	($10,082)	$705,936
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2013	54,541,879	54,541,879	'	'	'
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	3,370	0	3,370	0	0
Exercise of stock options	5,546	1	5,545	0	0
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	183,667	183,667	'	'	'
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	-4,079	0	-4,079	0	0
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares)	'	-60,285	'	'	'
Restricted stock activity	0	1	-1	0	0
Restricted stock activity (in shares)	'	131,950	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	4,535	0	4,535	0	0
Issuance of common stock	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	'	0	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-2,292	-10	-2,282	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	-1,054,305	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared and paid	-10,198	0	0	0	-10,198
Comprehensive income	31,537	0	0	-2,760	34,297
Balance at Mar. 29, 2014	$729,150	$537	$11,420	($12,842)	$730,035
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2014	53,742,906	53,742,906	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$34,297	$41,415
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	15,354	12,389
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames	6,271	0
Non-cash revaluation of contingent consideration	454	891
Amortization of debt issuance costs	375	196
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	4,535	4,065
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-3,370	-3,531
Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment	189	88
Deferred income taxes	-3,320	1,837
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-11,725	-10,402
Inventories	53,309	64,592
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,424	-221
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-74,233	-58,191
Net cash provided by operating activities	30,560	53,128
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-32,083	-31,426
Net cash used in investing activities	-32,083	-31,426
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment of debt issuance costs	-55	0
Repurchase of common stock	-2,292	-8,942
Dividends paid	-10,208	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	3,370	3,531
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	-4,079	-4,383
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,546	3,760
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-7,718	-6,034
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-69	-341
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-9,310	15,327
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	286,546	382,236
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$277,236	$397,563

THE_COMPANY

THE COMPANY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
THE COMPANY	'
	THE COMPANY
	Carter’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” and “its”) design, source, and market branded childrenswear under the Carter’s, Child of Mine, Just One You, Precious Firsts, OshKosh, and other brands. The Company's products are sourced through contractual arrangements with manufacturers worldwide for wholesale distribution to major domestic and international retailers and for the Company's own retail stores and websites that market its brand name merchandise and other licensed products manufactured by other companies. As of March 29, 2014, the Company operated 491 Carter’s stores in the United States, 186 OshKosh stores in the United States, and 103 stores in Canada.

BASIS_OF_PREPARATION

BASIS OF PREPARATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
BASIS OF PREPARATION	'
	BASIS OF PREPARATION
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carter's, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	In the opinion of management, the Company’s accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of its financial position and changes in stockholders' equity as of March 29, 2014 and the results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments consist only of those of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2015.
	The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2013 is derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The accounting policies the Company follows are set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013.
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to facilitate comparability with current year presentation.
	The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday, in December or January, nearest the last day of December, resulting in an additional week of results every five or six years. As a result, fiscal 2014, ending on January 3, 2015 will be comprised of 53 weeks.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,			December 28,			March 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(10,312	)	$	(7,552	)	$	(3,531	)
	Pension and post-retirement liability adjustment	(2,530		)	(2,530		)	(9,139		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(12,842	)	$	(10,082	)	$	(12,670	)

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets were as follows:
			March 29, 2014						December 28, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount		Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount
	Carter’s goodwill	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570
	Bonnie Togs goodwill	Indefinite	$	48,034	$	—	$	48,034	$	49,507	$	—	$	49,507
	Total goodwill		$	184,604	$	—	$	184,604	$	186,077	$	—	$	186,077
	Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233
	OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	$	85,500	$	—	$	85,500	$	85,500	$	—	$	85,500
	Other tradenames	3 years	$	38,007	$	19,859	$	18,148	$	38,007	$	13,588	$	24,419
	Bonnie Togs tradename	2 years	$	545	$	545	$	—	$	562	$	562	$	—
	Total tradenames		$	344,285	$	20,404	$	323,881	$	344,302	$	14,150	$	330,152
	Non-compete agreements	4 years	$	272	$	186	$	86	$	280	$	174	$	106
	Total tradenames and other intangibles, net		$	344,557	$	20,590	$	323,967	$	344,582	$	14,324	$	330,258
			March 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount
	Carter’s goodwill	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570
	Bonnie Togs goodwill	Indefinite	$	52,161	$	—	$	52,161
	Total goodwill		$	188,731	$	—	$	188,731
	Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233
	OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	$	85,500	$	—	$	85,500
	Bonnie Togs tradename	2 years	$	592	$	518	$	74
	Total tradenames		$	306,325	$	518	$	305,807
	Non-compete agreements	4 years	$	295	$	128	$	167
	Total tradenames and other intangibles, net		$	306,620	$	646	$	305,974
	The Company recorded approximately $6.3 million and $0.1 million in amortization expense during the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for these assets is approximately $10.2 million for the remainder of fiscal 2014, $6.2 million for fiscal 2015, and $1.8 million for fiscal 2016.

COMMON_STOCK

COMMON STOCK	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
COMMON STOCK	'
	COMMON STOCK:
	Pursuant to the previously announced share repurchase authorizations by the Board of Directors, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased and retired 30,151 shares, or approximately $2.3 million of its common stock, at an average purchase price of $76.03 per share, in open market transactions. The total remaining capacity under the repurchase authorizations as of March 29, 2014, was approximately $264.9 million. The authorizations have no expiration date.
	Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program
	On August 29, 2013, the Company entered into two fixed dollar accelerated stock repurchase agreements, or the ASR agreements, which were settled during January 2014 with approximately one million additional shares received by the Company with a fair market value, at trade date, of approximately $70.3 million. Under the ASR agreements, the Company had received and retired a total of approximately 5.6 million shares.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,		December 28,		March 30,
		2014		2013		2013
	Senior notes due 2021	$	400,000	$	400,000	$	—
	Secured revolving credit facility	$	186,000	$	186,000	$	186,000
	Total long-term debt	$	586,000	$	586,000	$	186,000
	As of March 29, 2014, the Company had approximately $186.0 million in borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $8.3 million of outstanding letters of credit. Amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility currently accrue interest at a LIBOR rate plus 2.00%, which, as of March 29, 2014, was 2.15%. As of March 29, 2014, there was approximately $180.7 million available for future borrowing. As of March 29, 2014, The William Carter Company ("TWCC"), a 100% owned subsidiary of Carter's Inc. had outstanding $400 million principal amount of senior notes, bearing interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, and maturing on August 15, 2021. The senior notes are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter's Inc. and certain subsidiaries of TWCC.
	As of March 29, 2014 the Company was in compliance with the financial debt covenants under the secured revolving credit facility.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost as follows:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,				March 30,
		2014				2013
	Stock options	$	1,370			$	1,274
	Restricted stock:
	Time-based awards	1,941				1,695
	Performance-based awards	1,224				826
	Stock awards	—				270
	Total	$	4,535			$	4,065
	All of the cost of stock-based compensation was reflected as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses.
	STOCK OPTIONS
	The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014:
		Number of shares			Weighted- average exercise price				Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years)	Aggregate intrinsic value
										(in thousands)
	Outstanding, December 28, 2013	1,677,741			$	35.37
	Granted	221,300			68.49
	Exercised	(183,667	)		30.19
	Forfeited	(50,608	)		44.5
	Expired	—			—
	Outstanding, March 29, 2014	1,664,766			$	40.07			7.15	$	59,904
	Vested and Expected to Vest, March 29, 2014	1,591,368			$	39.36			7.1	$	58,390
	Exercisable, March 29, 2014	941,211			$	28.83			5.92	$	44,444
	The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013 was approximately $8.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively. At March 29, 2014, there was approximately $10.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.9 years.
	The table below presents the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted:
		Fiscal quarter ended
		March 29,				March 30,
		2014				2013
	Expected volatility	30.87		%		33.17		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.82		%		1.13		%
	Expected term (years)	6				6
	Dividend yield	1.11		%		—
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	19.8			$	20.09
	RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
	The following table summarizes activity related to all restricted stock awards during the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014:
		Restricted			Weighted-average grant-date
		stock			fair value
		awards
	Outstanding, December 28, 2013	786,189			$	44.87
	Granted	171,550			68.49
	Vested restricted stock	(151,500	)		39.65
	Forfeited	(45,058	)		45.18
	Outstanding, March 29, 2014	761,181			$	51.22
	Time-based Restricted Stock Awards
	At March 29, 2014, there was approximately $17.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to restricted stock which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.0 years.
	Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards
	During the first fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company granted its executive officers 61,200 performance restricted shares at a fair market value of $68.49 per share. During the first fiscal quarter of 2013, the Company granted its executive officers an aggregate of 118,200 performance-based restricted shares at a fair market value of $59.27 per share.
	Vesting of the performance restricted shares granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and 2013 is contingent upon meeting specific performance targets through 2015 (in the case of the fiscal 2013 awards) and 2016 (in the case of the fiscal 2014 awards). Currently, the Company believes that the respective targets will be achieved and has recorded compensation expense based on the proration of the total ultimate expected value of the award.
	At March 29, 2014, there was approximately $10.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to performance-based restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	OSHKOSH B'GOSH PENSION PLAN
	The net periodic pension cost included in the statement of operations was comprised of:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Interest cost	$	622		$	584
	Expected return on plan assets	(798		)	(764		)
	Recognized actuarial loss	21			207
	Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	$	(155	)	$	27
	POST-RETIREMENT LIFE AND MEDICAL PLAN
	The components of post-retirement benefit expense charged to the statement of operations are as follows:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Service cost – benefits attributed to service during the period	$	28		$	40
	Interest cost on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	57			58
	Amortization net actuarial gain	(51		)	(34		)
	Curtailment gain	(22		)	—
	Total net periodic post-retirement benefit cost	$	12		$	64

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	As of March 29, 2014, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $11.6 million, of which $8.3 million, if ultimately recognized, will affect the Company’s effective tax rate in the period settled.  The Company has recorded tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is more likely than not, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions.  Because of deferred tax accounting, changes in the timing of these deductions would not affect the annual effective tax rate, but could accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authorities.
	Included in the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits are approximately $2.0 million of reserves for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire within the next fiscal year.  If these tax benefits are ultimately recognized, such recognition, net of federal income taxes, may affect the annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2015 and the effective tax rate in the quarter in which the benefits are recognized.
	The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  During the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, interest expense recorded on uncertain tax positions was not significant. The Company had approximately $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.8 million of interest accrued on uncertain tax positions as of March 29, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 30, 2013, respectively.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	INVESTMENTS
	The Company invests in marketable securities, principally equity-based mutual funds, to mitigate the risk associated with the investment return on employee deferrals of compensation. The Company had approximately $5.5 million, $5.4 million, and $3.9 million of such Level 1 investments as of March 29, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 30, 2013, respectively.
	During the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, gains on the investments in marketable securities were not significant.
	CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION
	The following table summarizes the changes in the contingent consideration liability related to the Company's acquisition of Bonnie Togs on June 30, 2011:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	29-Mar-14			30-Mar-13
	Balance at the beginning of period	$	16,348		$	29,704
	Payments made	—			—
	Accretion expense	454			887
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(487		)	(570		)
	Balance at the end of period	$	16,315		$	30,021
	The contingent consideration liability is a Level 3 fair value measurement. As of March 29, 2014, the Company determined the fair value of contingent consideration based upon a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis, reflecting a high probability that the earnings targets will be met and a discount rate of 18%.
	BORROWINGS
	As of March 29, 2014, the Level 2 fair value of the Company's $186 million in borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility approximated carrying value. The Level 2 fair value of the Company's $400 million in senior notes outstanding was approximately $412.0 million.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
		Fiscal quarter ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
	Basic number of common shares outstanding	53,172,459			58,467,804
	Dilutive effect of equity awards	501,322			877,404
	Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding	53,673,781			59,345,208
	Basic net income per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
	Net income	$	34,297		$	41,415
	Income allocated to participating securities	(470		)	(602		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	33,827		$	40,813
	Basic net income per common share	$	0.64		$	0.7
	Diluted net income per common share:
	Net income	$	34,297		$	41,415
	Income allocated to participating securities	(467		)	(595		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	33,830		$	40,820
	Diluted net income per common share	$	0.63		$	0.69
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share computation	269,650			702,300

OTHER_CURRENT_AND_LONGTERM_LIA

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	'
	OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,		December 28,		March 30,
		2014		2013		2013
	Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	$	3,196	$	19,579	$	4,670
	Contingent consideration	8,878		8,964		14,463
	Income taxes payable	6,637		97		10,642
	Accrued workers' compensation	7,392		7,236		5,351
	Accrued sales and use taxes	7,307		8,486		6,078
	Accrued salaries and wages	3,405		7,609		2,449
	Accrued gift certificates	7,877		7,899		6,021
	Accrued 401(k) contributions	893		8,775		906
	Accrued closure costs	7,754		10,656		6,522
	Other current liabilities	21,896		25,828		15,488
	Total	$	75,235	$	105,129	$	72,590
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,		December 28,		March 30,
		2014		2013		2013
	Deferred lease incentives	$	69,900	$	68,876	$	32,066
	Accrued rent	34,446		31,821		21,777
	Contingent consideration	7,437		7,384		15,558
	OshKosh pension plan	3,613		3,768		13,584
	Unrecognized tax benefits	12,505		11,947		11,447
	Post-retirement medical plan	5,069		5,055		6,265
	Deferred compensation	7,420		6,225		5,209
	Other	103		104		98
	Total	$	140,493	$	135,180	$	106,004

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The table below presents certain segment information for the periods indicated:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,			% of		March 30,			% of
		2014			Total		2013			Total
	Net sales:
	Carter’s Wholesale	$	271,628		41.7	%	$	248,178		42	%
	Carter’s Retail (a)	230,328			35.3	%	208,429			35.3	%
	Total Carter’s	501,956			77	%	456,607			77.3	%
	OshKosh Retail (a)	63,558			9.8	%	55,345			9.4	%
	OshKosh Wholesale	15,585			2.4	%	18,186			3.1	%
	Total OshKosh	79,143			12.2	%	73,531			12.4	%
	International (b)	70,544			10.8	%	60,871			10.3	%
	Total net sales	$	651,643		100	%	$	591,009		100	%
	Operating income:				% of					% of
					segment					segment
					net sales					net sales
	Carter’s Wholesale	$	46,867		17.3	%	$	50,410		20.3	%
	Carter’s Retail (a)	42,979			18.7	%	39,644			19	%
	Total Carter’s	89,846			17.9	%	90,054			19.7	%
	OshKosh Retail (a)	(4,489		)	(7.1	)%	(5,391		)	(9.7	)%
	OshKosh Wholesale	2,025			13	%	2,908			16	%
	Total OshKosh	(2,464		)	(3.1	)%	(2,483		)	(3.4	)%
	International (b) (c)	4,036			5.7	%	4,598			7.6	%
	Total segment operating income	91,418			14	%	92,169			15.6	%
	Corporate expenses (d) (e)	(29,887		)	(4.6	)%	(25,226		)	(4.3	)%
	Total operating income	$	61,531		9.4	%	$	66,943		11.3	%
	(a)	Includes eCommerce results.
	(b)	Net sales include international retail, eCommerce, and wholesale sales. Operating income includes international licensing income.
	(c)	Includes charges associated with the revaluation of the Company’s contingent consideration of approximately $0.5 million and $0.9 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. Also, includes a benefit of approximately $0.4 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, reflecting a favorable recovery on inventory related to the Company's exit from Japan retail operations. There were no such costs related to Japan for the quarter ended March 30, 2013.
	(d)	Corporate expenses include expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, building occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting, and audit fees.
	(e)    Includes the following charges:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in millions)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Closure of distribution facility in Hogansville, GA (1)	$	0.3		$	0.6
	Office consolidation costs	$	2		$	8
	Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames	$	6.3		$	—
	(1) Continuing operating costs associated with the closure of the Company's distribution facility in Hogansville, Georgia.

FACILITY_CLOSURE

FACILITY CLOSURE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
FACILITY CLOSURE	'
	FACILITY CLOSURE
	HOGANSVILLE DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
	In connection with the plan to close the Hogansville distribution facility, the Company recorded the following charges in selling, general, and administrative expenses:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in millions)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Severance	$	—		$	0.4
	Accelerated depreciation	—			0.1
	Other closure costs	—			0.1
	Total	$	—		$	0.6
	The following table summarizes restructuring reserves related to the closure of the Hogansville facility which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Severance			Other closure costs			Total
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1.2		$	0.1		$	1.3
	Provision	—			—			—
	Payments	(1.2		)	(0.1		)	(1.3		)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—
	As of March 30, 2013, restructuring reserves were approximately $2.5 million.
	OFFICE CONSOLIDATION
	In connection with the Company's plan to consolidate into a new headquarters facility in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company recorded the following charges in selling, general, and administrative expenses:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in millions)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Severance and other benefits	$	0.6		$	1.8
	Accelerated depreciation	—			1.3
	Other Closure Costs	1.4			4.9
	Total	$	2		$	8
	The following table summarizes restructuring reserves related to the office consolidation which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Severance			Other closure costs			Total
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	4.7		$	1.7		$	6.4
	Provision	0.6			0.9			1.5
	Payments	(1.7		)	(0.5		)	(2.2		)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	3.6		$	2.1		$	5.7
	As of March 30, 2013, restructuring reserves were approximately $4.0 million.
	The Company has substantially completed its consolidation efforts as of December 28, 2013, and the severance accrual is expected to be substantially paid by the end of fiscal 2014. The Company expects to incur approximately $3.0 million in additional costs in fiscal 2014 in connection with the office consolidation.
	JAPAN RETAIL OPERATIONS
	In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company made the decision to exit retail operations in Japan based on revised forecasts which do not meet the Company's investment objectives. As of March 29, 2014, the Company's retail operations in Japan generated sales of approximately $4.4 million and an operating loss of $1.1 million, including exit costs/benefits. In connection with the plan to exit these operations, the Company recorded approximately $0.6 million of accelerated depreciation in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and approximately $1.0 million in cost of goods sold related to a favorable recovery on inventory. There were no such exit costs related to Japan recorded in the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013.
	The following table summarizes restructuring reserves related to the exit of retail operations in Japan, which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Severance			Other closure costs			Total
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	0.9		$	2		$	2.9
	Provision	0.7			(0.7		)	—
	Payments	(0.4		)	(0.4		)	(0.8		)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	1.2		$	0.9		$	2.1
	The Company expects to incur approximately $1.2 million of additional costs in fiscal 2014 in connection with the exit of retail operations in Japan. Payments under the accruals as of March 29, 2014 are expected to be paid by the end of fiscal 2014.

GUARANTOR_CONDENSED_CONSOLIDAT

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	'
	GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	The Company’s senior notes constitute debt obligations of TWCC (the “Issuer”), are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter’s, Inc. (the “Parent”), and by each of the Company’s current domestic subsidiaries, and, subject to certain exceptions, future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility or certain other debt of the Company or the subsidiary guarantors.
	The condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent, the Issuer and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries has been prepared from the books and records maintained by the Company. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows, had the Parent, Issuer, guarantor or non-guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities.
	Intercompany revenues and expenses included in the subsidiary records are eliminated in consolidation. As a result of this activity, an amount due to/due from affiliates will exist at any time. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. The Company has accounted for investments in subsidiaries under the equity method. The guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned directly or indirectly by the Parent and all guarantees are joint, several and unconditional.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of March 29, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	264,128		$	—		$	13,108		$	—		$	277,236
	Accounts receivable, net	—			178,034			18,504			8,628			—			205,166
	Intercompany receivable	—			54,911			80,281			12,078			(147,270		)	—
	Intercompany loan receivable	—			10,000			—			—			(10,000		)	—
	Finished goods inventories, net	—			177,816			180,133			35,933			(30,864		)	363,018
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			10,137			12,306			3,919			—			26,362
	Deferred income taxes	—			24,252			12,155			936			—			37,343
	Total current assets	—			719,278			303,379			74,602			(188,134		)	909,125
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	—			154,045			137,170			25,571			—			316,786
	Goodwill	—			136,570			—			48,034			—			184,604
	Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—			238,382			85,500			85			—			323,967
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net	—			7,758			—			—			—			7,758
	Other assets	—			10,107			2			—			—			10,109
	Intercompany long term receivable	—			—			261,259			—			(261,259		)	—
	Intercompany long term note receivable	—			100,000			—			—			(100,000		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	729,150			555,914			2,487			—			(1,287,551		)	—
	Total assets	$	729,150		$	1,922,054		$	789,797		$	148,292		$	(1,836,944	)	$	1,752,349
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	68,708		$	28,654		$	6,077		$	—		$	103,439
	Intercompany payables	—			78,020			62,719			6,531			(147,270		)	—
	Intercompany loan payables	—			—			—			10,000			(10,000		)	—
	Other current liabilities	—			29,124			33,638			12,473			—			75,235
	Total current liabilities	—			175,852			125,011			35,081			(157,270		)	178,674
	Long-term debt	—			586,000			—			—			—			586,000
	Deferred income taxes	—			74,832			43,200			—			—			118,032
	Intercompany long term liability	—			261,259			—			—			(261,259		)	—
	Intercompany long term note payable	—			—			100,000			—			(100,000		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			64,097			57,852			18,544			—			140,493
	Stockholders' equity (deficit)	729,150			760,014			463,734			94,667			(1,318,415		)	729,150
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	729,150		$	1,922,054		$	789,797		$	148,292		$	(1,836,944	)	$	1,752,349
	As of December 28, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	278,260		$	—		$	8,286		$	—		$	286,546
	Accounts receivable, net	—			163,264			20,365			9,982			—			193,611
	Intercompany receivable	—			62,802			104,123			12,385			(179,310		)	—
	Finished goods inventories, net	—			221,462			181,889			46,217			(31,814		)	417,754
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			18,475			11,878			4,804			—			35,157
	Deferred income taxes	—			20,594			15,893			826			—			37,313
	Total current assets	—			764,857			334,148			82,500			(211,124		)	970,381
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	—			148,671			133,846			25,368			—			307,885
	Goodwill	—			136,570			—			49,507			—			186,077
	Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—			244,653			85,500			105			—			330,258
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net	—			8,088			—			—			—			8,088
	Other assets	—			9,743			52			—			—			9,795
	Intercompany long term receivable	—			—			263,183			—			(263,183		)	—
	Intercompany long term note receivable	—			100,000			—			—			(100,000		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	700,731			547,186			1,262			—			(1,249,179		)	—
	Total assets	$	700,731		$	1,959,768		$	817,991		$	157,480		$	(1,823,486	)	$	1,812,484
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	108,851		$	40,825		$	14,334		$	—		$	164,010
Intercompany payables	—			100,804			70,857			7,649			(179,310		)	—
Other current liabilities	—			29,037			57,610			18,482						105,129
Total current liabilities	—			238,692			169,292			40,465			(179,310		)	269,139
Long-term debt	—			586,000			—			—			—			586,000
Deferred income taxes	—			77,798			43,636			—			—			121,434
Intercompany long term liability	—			263,183			—			—			(263,183		)	—
Intercompany long term note payable	—			—			100,000			—			(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			61,550			55,175			18,455			—			135,180
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	700,731			732,545			449,888			98,560			(1,280,993		)	700,731
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	700,731		$	1,959,768		$	817,991		$	157,480		$	(1,823,486	)	$	1,812,484
As of March 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	369,131		$	6,379		$	22,053		$	—		$	397,563
Accounts receivable, net	—			152,461			21,072			4,827			—			178,360
Intercompany receivable	—			45,206			44,654			39			(89,899		)	—
Finished goods inventories, net	—			141,148			150,820			25,336			(32,779		)	284,525
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			2,201			15,979			3,432			—			21,612
Deferred income taxes	—			20,511			9,928			1,269			—			31,708
Total current assets	—			730,658			248,832			56,956			(122,678		)	913,768
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—			61,230			97,489			23,474			—			182,193
Goodwill	—			136,570			—			52,161			—			188,731
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—			220,233			85,500			241			—			305,974
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	—			2,682			—			—			—			2,682
Other assets	—			4,261			72			—			—			4,333
Intercompany long term receivable	—			—			181,727			—			(181,727		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	1,023,188			498,482			—			—			(1,521,670		)	—
Total assets	$	1,023,188		$	1,654,116		$	613,620		$	132,832		$	(1,826,075	)	$	1,597,681
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	64,844		$	25,572		$	7,468		$	—		$	97,884
Intercompany payables	—			32,802			43,935			13,162			(89,899		)	—
Other current liabilities	—			31,384			26,674			14,532			—			72,590
Total current liabilities	—			129,030			96,181			35,162			(89,899		)	170,474
Long-term debt	—			186,000			—			—			—			186,000
Deferred income taxes	—			76,519			35,496			—			—			112,015
Intercompany long term liabilities	—			181,727			—			—			(181,727		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			24,873			55,517			25,614			—			106,004
Stockholders' equity	1,023,188			1,055,967			426,426			72,056			(1,554,449		)	1,023,188
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,023,188		$	1,654,116		$	613,620		$	132,832		$	(1,826,075	)	$	1,597,681
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	407,365		$	321,708		$	49,158		$	(126,588	)	$	651,643
Cost of goods sold	—			293,774			188,020			30,059			(121,935		)	389,918
Gross profit	—			113,591			133,688			19,099			(4,653		)	261,725
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			48,527			146,417			22,932			(7,781		)	210,095
Royalty income	—			(8,045		)	(4,027		)	—			2,171			(9,901		)
Operating income (loss)	—			73,109			(8,702		)	(3,833		)	957			61,531
Interest expense	—			6,897			1,313			24			(1,337		)	6,897
Interest income	—			(1,469		)	—			—			1,337			(132		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(34,297		)	17,435			(586		)	—			17,448			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			(57		)	57			596			—			596
Income (loss) before income taxes	34,297			50,303			(9,486		)	(4,453		)	(16,491		)	54,170
Provision for income taxes	—			16,963			3,740			(830		)	—			19,873
Net income (loss)	$	34,297		$	33,340		$	(13,226	)	$	(3,623	)	$	(16,491	)	$	34,297
For the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	369,618		$	314,813		$	37,038		$	(130,460	)	$	591,009
Cost of goods sold	—			255,762			178,888			21,641			(108,344		)	347,947
Gross profit	—			113,856			135,925			15,397			(22,116		)	243,062
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			45,123			146,850			20,480			(27,092		)	185,361
Royalty income	—			(6,831		)	(4,024		)	—			1,613			(9,242		)
Operating income (loss)	—			75,564			(6,901		)	(5,083		)	3,363			66,943
Interest expense	—			1,294			—			—			—			1,294
Interest income	—			(130		)	(3		)	(58		)	—			(191		)
Other (income) expense, net	—			(75		)	75			573			—			573
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(41,415		)	11,363			4,328			—			25,724			—
Income (loss) before income taxes	41,415			63,112			(11,301		)	(5,598		)	(22,361		)	65,267
Provision for income taxes	—			25,060			(972		)	(236		)	—			23,852
Net income (loss)	$	41,415		$	38,052		$	(10,329	)	$	(5,362	)	$	(22,361	)	$	41,415
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	34,297		$	33,340		$	(13,226	)	$	(3,623	)	$	(16,491	)	$	34,297
Post-retirement benefit plans	—			—			—			—			—			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,760		)	—			—			(2,760		)	2,760			(2,760		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	31,537		$	33,340		$	(13,226	)	$	(6,383	)	$	(13,731	)	$	31,537
For the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	41,415		$	38,052		$	(10,329	)	$	(5,362	)	$	(22,361	)	$	41,415
Post-retirement benefit plans	—			—			—			—			—			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,465		)	—			—			(1,465		)	1,465			(1,465		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	39,950		$	38,052		$	(10,329	)	$	(6,827	)	$	(20,896	)	$	39,950
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	$	—		$	44,470		$	(12,284	)	$	(1,626	)	$	—		$	30,560
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(18,417		)	(10,994		)	(2,672		)	—			(32,083		)
Intercompany investing activity	11,033			3,772			(2,305		)	—			(12,500		)	—
Issuance of intercompany loan	—			(10,000		)	—			—			10,000			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	11,033			(24,645		)	(13,299		)	(2,672		)	(2,500		)	(32,083		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of debt issuance costs	—			(55		)	—			—			—			(55		)
Intercompany financing activity	—			(34,969		)	23,280			(811		)	12,500			—
Proceeds from intercompany loan	—			—			—			10,000			(10,000		)	—
Dividends paid	(10,208		)	—			—			—			—			(10,208		)
Repurchase of common stock	(2,292		)	—			—			—			—			(2,292		)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			1,067			2,303			—			—			3,370
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(4,079		)	—			—			—			—			(4,079		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,546			—			—			—			—			5,546
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(11,033		)	(33,957		)	25,583			9,189			2,500			(7,718		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(69		)	—			(69		)
Net(decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(14,132		)	—			4,822			—			(9,310		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			278,260			—			8,286			—			286,546
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	264,128		$	—		$	13,108		$	—		$	277,236
For the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	$	—		$	62,524		$	(8,872	)	$	(524	)	$	—		$	53,128
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(21,966		)	(5,070		)	(4,390		)	—			(31,426		)
Intercompany investing activity	9,565			(16,080		)	(4,956		)	—			11,471			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	9,565			(38,046		)	(10,026		)	(4,390		)	11,471			(31,426		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(8,309		)	15,910			3,870			(11,471		)	—
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			1,104			2,427			—			—			3,531
Repurchase of common stock	(8,942		)	—			—			—			—			(8,942		)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(4,383		)	—			—			—			—			(4,383		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,760			—			—			—			—			3,760
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(9,565		)	(7,205		)	18,337			3,870			(11,471		)	(6,034		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(341		)	—			(341		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			17,273			(561		)	(1,385		)	—			15,327
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			351,858			6,940			23,438			—			382,236
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	369,131		$	6,379		$	22,053		$	—		$	397,563

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,			December 28,			March 30,
		2014			2013			2013
	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(10,312	)	$	(7,552	)	$	(3,531	)
	Pension and post-retirement liability adjustment	(2,530		)	(2,530		)	(9,139		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(12,842	)	$	(10,082	)	$	(12,670	)

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets Table	'
	The Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets were as follows:
			March 29, 2014						December 28, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount		Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount
	Carter’s goodwill	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570
	Bonnie Togs goodwill	Indefinite	$	48,034	$	—	$	48,034	$	49,507	$	—	$	49,507
	Total goodwill		$	184,604	$	—	$	184,604	$	186,077	$	—	$	186,077
	Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233
	OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	$	85,500	$	—	$	85,500	$	85,500	$	—	$	85,500
	Other tradenames	3 years	$	38,007	$	19,859	$	18,148	$	38,007	$	13,588	$	24,419
	Bonnie Togs tradename	2 years	$	545	$	545	$	—	$	562	$	562	$	—
	Total tradenames		$	344,285	$	20,404	$	323,881	$	344,302	$	14,150	$	330,152
	Non-compete agreements	4 years	$	272	$	186	$	86	$	280	$	174	$	106
	Total tradenames and other intangibles, net		$	344,557	$	20,590	$	323,967	$	344,582	$	14,324	$	330,258
			March 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount
	Carter’s goodwill	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570
	Bonnie Togs goodwill	Indefinite	$	52,161	$	—	$	52,161
	Total goodwill		$	188,731	$	—	$	188,731
	Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233
	OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	$	85,500	$	—	$	85,500
	Bonnie Togs tradename	2 years	$	592	$	518	$	74
	Total tradenames		$	306,325	$	518	$	305,807
	Non-compete agreements	4 years	$	295	$	128	$	167
	Total tradenames and other intangibles, net		$	306,620	$	646	$	305,974
	The Company recorded approximately $6.3 million and $0.1 million in amortization expense during the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for these assets is approximately $10.2 million for the remainder of fiscal 2014, $6.2 million for fiscal 2015, and $1.8 million for fiscal 2016.

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,		December 28,		March 30,
		2014		2013		2013
	Senior notes due 2021	$	400,000	$	400,000	$	—
	Secured revolving credit facility	$	186,000	$	186,000	$	186,000
	Total long-term debt	$	586,000	$	586,000	$	186,000

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of recorded stock-based compensation cost	'
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost as follows:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,				March 30,
		2014				2013
	Stock options	$	1,370			$	1,274
	Restricted stock:
	Time-based awards	1,941				1,695
	Performance-based awards	1,224				826
	Stock awards	—				270
	Total	$	4,535			$	4,065
Summary of stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014:
		Number of shares			Weighted- average exercise price				Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years)	Aggregate intrinsic value
										(in thousands)
	Outstanding, December 28, 2013	1,677,741			$	35.37
	Granted	221,300			68.49
	Exercised	(183,667	)		30.19
	Forfeited	(50,608	)		44.5
	Expired	—			—
	Outstanding, March 29, 2014	1,664,766			$	40.07			7.15	$	59,904
	Vested and Expected to Vest, March 29, 2014	1,591,368			$	39.36			7.1	$	58,390
	Exercisable, March 29, 2014	941,211			$	28.83			5.92	$	44,444
Assumptions used for grants and summary of stock options and restricted stock activity	'
	The table below presents the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted:
		Fiscal quarter ended
		March 29,				March 30,
		2014				2013
	Expected volatility	30.87		%		33.17		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.82		%		1.13		%
	Expected term (years)	6				6
	Dividend yield	1.11		%		—
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	19.8			$	20.09
Summary of restricted stock award activity	'
	The following table summarizes activity related to all restricted stock awards during the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014:
		Restricted			Weighted-average grant-date
		stock			fair value
		awards
	Outstanding, December 28, 2013	786,189			$	44.87
	Granted	171,550			68.49
	Vested restricted stock	(151,500	)		39.65
	Forfeited	(45,058	)		45.18
	Outstanding, March 29, 2014	761,181			$	51.22

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of pension expense and post-retirement benefit expense	'
	The net periodic pension cost included in the statement of operations was comprised of:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Interest cost	$	622		$	584
	Expected return on plan assets	(798		)	(764		)
	Recognized actuarial loss	21			207
	Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	$	(155	)	$	27
	The components of post-retirement benefit expense charged to the statement of operations are as follows:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Service cost – benefits attributed to service during the period	$	28		$	40
	Interest cost on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	57			58
	Amortization net actuarial gain	(51		)	(34		)
	Curtailment gain	(22		)	—
	Total net periodic post-retirement benefit cost	$	12		$	64

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_FAIR_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in contingent consideration	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the contingent consideration liability related to the Company's acquisition of Bonnie Togs on June 30, 2011:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	29-Mar-14			30-Mar-13
	Balance at the beginning of period	$	16,348		$	29,704
	Payments made	—			—
	Accretion expense	454			887
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(487		)	(570		)
	Balance at the end of period	$	16,315		$	30,021

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding	'
	The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
		Fiscal quarter ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
	Basic number of common shares outstanding	53,172,459			58,467,804
	Dilutive effect of equity awards	501,322			877,404
	Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding	53,673,781			59,345,208
	Basic net income per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
	Net income	$	34,297		$	41,415
	Income allocated to participating securities	(470		)	(602		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	33,827		$	40,813
	Basic net income per common share	$	0.64		$	0.7
	Diluted net income per common share:
	Net income	$	34,297		$	41,415
	Income allocated to participating securities	(467		)	(595		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	33,830		$	40,820
	Diluted net income per common share	$	0.63		$	0.69
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share computation	269,650			702,300

OTHER_CURRENT_AND_LONGTERM_LIA1

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other current liabilities	'
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,		December 28,		March 30,
		2014		2013		2013
	Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	$	3,196	$	19,579	$	4,670
	Contingent consideration	8,878		8,964		14,463
	Income taxes payable	6,637		97		10,642
	Accrued workers' compensation	7,392		7,236		5,351
	Accrued sales and use taxes	7,307		8,486		6,078
	Accrued salaries and wages	3,405		7,609		2,449
	Accrued gift certificates	7,877		7,899		6,021
	Accrued 401(k) contributions	893		8,775		906
	Accrued closure costs	7,754		10,656		6,522
	Other current liabilities	21,896		25,828		15,488
	Total	$	75,235	$	105,129	$	72,590
Schedule of other long-term liabilities	'
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,		December 28,		March 30,
		2014		2013		2013
	Deferred lease incentives	$	69,900	$	68,876	$	32,066
	Accrued rent	34,446		31,821		21,777
	Contingent consideration	7,437		7,384		15,558
	OshKosh pension plan	3,613		3,768		13,584
	Unrecognized tax benefits	12,505		11,947		11,447
	Post-retirement medical plan	5,069		5,055		6,265
	Deferred compensation	7,420		6,225		5,209
	Other	103		104		98
	Total	$	140,493	$	135,180	$	106,004

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment information	'
	The table below presents certain segment information for the periods indicated:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in thousands)	March 29,			% of		March 30,			% of
		2014			Total		2013			Total
	Net sales:
	Carter’s Wholesale	$	271,628		41.7	%	$	248,178		42	%
	Carter’s Retail (a)	230,328			35.3	%	208,429			35.3	%
	Total Carter’s	501,956			77	%	456,607			77.3	%
	OshKosh Retail (a)	63,558			9.8	%	55,345			9.4	%
	OshKosh Wholesale	15,585			2.4	%	18,186			3.1	%
	Total OshKosh	79,143			12.2	%	73,531			12.4	%
	International (b)	70,544			10.8	%	60,871			10.3	%
	Total net sales	$	651,643		100	%	$	591,009		100	%
	Operating income:				% of					% of
					segment					segment
					net sales					net sales
	Carter’s Wholesale	$	46,867		17.3	%	$	50,410		20.3	%
	Carter’s Retail (a)	42,979			18.7	%	39,644			19	%
	Total Carter’s	89,846			17.9	%	90,054			19.7	%
	OshKosh Retail (a)	(4,489		)	(7.1	)%	(5,391		)	(9.7	)%
	OshKosh Wholesale	2,025			13	%	2,908			16	%
	Total OshKosh	(2,464		)	(3.1	)%	(2,483		)	(3.4	)%
	International (b) (c)	4,036			5.7	%	4,598			7.6	%
	Total segment operating income	91,418			14	%	92,169			15.6	%
	Corporate expenses (d) (e)	(29,887		)	(4.6	)%	(25,226		)	(4.3	)%
	Total operating income	$	61,531		9.4	%	$	66,943		11.3	%
	(a)	Includes eCommerce results.
	(b)	Net sales include international retail, eCommerce, and wholesale sales. Operating income includes international licensing income.
	(c)	Includes charges associated with the revaluation of the Company’s contingent consideration of approximately $0.5 million and $0.9 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. Also, includes a benefit of approximately $0.4 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, reflecting a favorable recovery on inventory related to the Company's exit from Japan retail operations. There were no such costs related to Japan for the quarter ended March 30, 2013.
	(d)	Corporate expenses include expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, building occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting, and audit fees.
	(e)    Includes the following charges:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in millions)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Closure of distribution facility in Hogansville, GA (1)	$	0.3		$	0.6
	Office consolidation costs	$	2		$	8
	Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames	$	6.3		$	—
	(1) Continuing operating costs associated with the closure of the Company's distribution facility in Hogansville, Georgia.

FACILITY_CLOSURE_Tables

FACILITY CLOSURE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of restructuring and related costs	'
	In connection with the Company's plan to consolidate into a new headquarters facility in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company recorded the following charges in selling, general, and administrative expenses:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in millions)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Severance and other benefits	$	0.6		$	1.8
	Accelerated depreciation	—			1.3
	Other Closure Costs	1.4			4.9
	Total	$	2		$	8
	In connection with the plan to close the Hogansville distribution facility, the Company recorded the following charges in selling, general, and administrative expenses:
		Fiscal quarter ended
	(dollars in millions)	March 29, 2014			March 30, 2013
	Severance	$	—		$	0.4
	Accelerated depreciation	—			0.1
	Other closure costs	—			0.1
	Total	$	—		$	0.6
Schedule of restructuring reserve	'
	The following table summarizes restructuring reserves related to the office consolidation which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Severance			Other closure costs			Total
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	4.7		$	1.7		$	6.4
	Provision	0.6			0.9			1.5
	Payments	(1.7		)	(0.5		)	(2.2		)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	3.6		$	2.1		$	5.7
	The following table summarizes restructuring reserves related to the exit of retail operations in Japan, which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Severance			Other closure costs			Total
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	0.9		$	2		$	2.9
	Provision	0.7			(0.7		)	—
	Payments	(0.4		)	(0.4		)	(0.8		)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	1.2		$	0.9		$	2.1
	The following table summarizes restructuring reserves related to the closure of the Hogansville facility which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Severance			Other closure costs			Total
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1.2		$	0.1		$	1.3
	Provision	—			—			—
	Payments	(1.2		)	(0.1		)	(1.3		)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—

GUARANTOR_CONDENSED_CONSOLIDAT1

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of March 29, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	264,128		$	—		$	13,108		$	—		$	277,236
	Accounts receivable, net	—			178,034			18,504			8,628			—			205,166
	Intercompany receivable	—			54,911			80,281			12,078			(147,270		)	—
	Intercompany loan receivable	—			10,000			—			—			(10,000		)	—
	Finished goods inventories, net	—			177,816			180,133			35,933			(30,864		)	363,018
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			10,137			12,306			3,919			—			26,362
	Deferred income taxes	—			24,252			12,155			936			—			37,343
	Total current assets	—			719,278			303,379			74,602			(188,134		)	909,125
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	—			154,045			137,170			25,571			—			316,786
	Goodwill	—			136,570			—			48,034			—			184,604
	Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—			238,382			85,500			85			—			323,967
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net	—			7,758			—			—			—			7,758
	Other assets	—			10,107			2			—			—			10,109
	Intercompany long term receivable	—			—			261,259			—			(261,259		)	—
	Intercompany long term note receivable	—			100,000			—			—			(100,000		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	729,150			555,914			2,487			—			(1,287,551		)	—
	Total assets	$	729,150		$	1,922,054		$	789,797		$	148,292		$	(1,836,944	)	$	1,752,349
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	68,708		$	28,654		$	6,077		$	—		$	103,439
	Intercompany payables	—			78,020			62,719			6,531			(147,270		)	—
	Intercompany loan payables	—			—			—			10,000			(10,000		)	—
	Other current liabilities	—			29,124			33,638			12,473			—			75,235
	Total current liabilities	—			175,852			125,011			35,081			(157,270		)	178,674
	Long-term debt	—			586,000			—			—			—			586,000
	Deferred income taxes	—			74,832			43,200			—			—			118,032
	Intercompany long term liability	—			261,259			—			—			(261,259		)	—
	Intercompany long term note payable	—			—			100,000			—			(100,000		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			64,097			57,852			18,544			—			140,493
	Stockholders' equity (deficit)	729,150			760,014			463,734			94,667			(1,318,415		)	729,150
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	729,150		$	1,922,054		$	789,797		$	148,292		$	(1,836,944	)	$	1,752,349
	As of December 28, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	278,260		$	—		$	8,286		$	—		$	286,546
	Accounts receivable, net	—			163,264			20,365			9,982			—			193,611
	Intercompany receivable	—			62,802			104,123			12,385			(179,310		)	—
	Finished goods inventories, net	—			221,462			181,889			46,217			(31,814		)	417,754
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			18,475			11,878			4,804			—			35,157
	Deferred income taxes	—			20,594			15,893			826			—			37,313
	Total current assets	—			764,857			334,148			82,500			(211,124		)	970,381
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	—			148,671			133,846			25,368			—			307,885
	Goodwill	—			136,570			—			49,507			—			186,077
	Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—			244,653			85,500			105			—			330,258
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net	—			8,088			—			—			—			8,088
	Other assets	—			9,743			52			—			—			9,795
	Intercompany long term receivable	—			—			263,183			—			(263,183		)	—
	Intercompany long term note receivable	—			100,000			—			—			(100,000		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	700,731			547,186			1,262			—			(1,249,179		)	—
	Total assets	$	700,731		$	1,959,768		$	817,991		$	157,480		$	(1,823,486	)	$	1,812,484
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	108,851		$	40,825		$	14,334		$	—		$	164,010
	Intercompany payables	—			100,804			70,857			7,649			(179,310		)	—
	Other current liabilities	—			29,037			57,610			18,482						105,129
Total current liabilities	—			238,692			169,292			40,465			(179,310		)	269,139
Long-term debt	—			586,000			—			—			—			586,000
Deferred income taxes	—			77,798			43,636			—			—			121,434
Intercompany long term liability	—			263,183			—			—			(263,183		)	—
Intercompany long term note payable	—			—			100,000			—			(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			61,550			55,175			18,455			—			135,180
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	700,731			732,545			449,888			98,560			(1,280,993		)	700,731
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	700,731		$	1,959,768		$	817,991		$	157,480		$	(1,823,486	)	$	1,812,484
As of March 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	369,131		$	6,379		$	22,053		$	—		$	397,563
Accounts receivable, net	—			152,461			21,072			4,827			—			178,360
Intercompany receivable	—			45,206			44,654			39			(89,899		)	—
Finished goods inventories, net	—			141,148			150,820			25,336			(32,779		)	284,525
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—			2,201			15,979			3,432			—			21,612
Deferred income taxes	—			20,511			9,928			1,269			—			31,708
Total current assets	—			730,658			248,832			56,956			(122,678		)	913,768
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—			61,230			97,489			23,474			—			182,193
Goodwill	—			136,570			—			52,161			—			188,731
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—			220,233			85,500			241			—			305,974
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	—			2,682			—			—			—			2,682
Other assets	—			4,261			72			—			—			4,333
Intercompany long term receivable	—			—			181,727			—			(181,727		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	1,023,188			498,482			—			—			(1,521,670		)	—
Total assets	$	1,023,188		$	1,654,116		$	613,620		$	132,832		$	(1,826,075	)	$	1,597,681
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—		$	64,844		$	25,572		$	7,468		$	—		$	97,884
Intercompany payables	—			32,802			43,935			13,162			(89,899		)	—
Other current liabilities	—			31,384			26,674			14,532			—			72,590
Total current liabilities	—			129,030			96,181			35,162			(89,899		)	170,474
Long-term debt	—			186,000			—			—			—			186,000
Deferred income taxes	—			76,519			35,496			—			—			112,015
Intercompany long term liabilities	—			181,727			—			—			(181,727		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			24,873			55,517			25,614			—			106,004
Stockholders' equity	1,023,188			1,055,967			426,426			72,056			(1,554,449		)	1,023,188
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,023,188		$	1,654,116		$	613,620		$	132,832		$	(1,826,075	)	$	1,597,681
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	For the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	407,365		$	321,708		$	49,158		$	(126,588	)	$	651,643
	Cost of goods sold	—			293,774			188,020			30,059			(121,935		)	389,918
	Gross profit	—			113,591			133,688			19,099			(4,653		)	261,725
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			48,527			146,417			22,932			(7,781		)	210,095
	Royalty income	—			(8,045		)	(4,027		)	—			2,171			(9,901		)
	Operating income (loss)	—			73,109			(8,702		)	(3,833		)	957			61,531
	Interest expense	—			6,897			1,313			24			(1,337		)	6,897
	Interest income	—			(1,469		)	—			—			1,337			(132		)
	(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(34,297		)	17,435			(586		)	—			17,448			—
	Other (income) expense, net	—			(57		)	57			596			—			596
	Income (loss) before income taxes	34,297			50,303			(9,486		)	(4,453		)	(16,491		)	54,170
	Provision for income taxes	—			16,963			3,740			(830		)	—			19,873
	Net income (loss)	$	34,297		$	33,340		$	(13,226	)	$	(3,623	)	$	(16,491	)	$	34,297
	For the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	369,618		$	314,813		$	37,038		$	(130,460	)	$	591,009
	Cost of goods sold	—			255,762			178,888			21,641			(108,344		)	347,947
	Gross profit	—			113,856			135,925			15,397			(22,116		)	243,062
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			45,123			146,850			20,480			(27,092		)	185,361
	Royalty income	—			(6,831		)	(4,024		)	—			1,613			(9,242		)
	Operating income (loss)	—			75,564			(6,901		)	(5,083		)	3,363			66,943
	Interest expense	—			1,294			—			—			—			1,294
	Interest income	—			(130		)	(3		)	(58		)	—			(191		)
	Other (income) expense, net	—			(75		)	75			573			—			573
	(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(41,415		)	11,363			4,328			—			25,724			—
	Income (loss) before income taxes	41,415			63,112			(11,301		)	(5,598		)	(22,361		)	65,267
	Provision for income taxes	—			25,060			(972		)	(236		)	—			23,852
	Net income (loss)	$	41,415		$	38,052		$	(10,329	)	$	(5,362	)	$	(22,361	)	$	41,415
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
	For the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Net income (loss)	$	34,297		$	33,340		$	(13,226	)	$	(3,623	)	$	(16,491	)	$	34,297
	Post-retirement benefit plans	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,760		)	—			—			(2,760		)	2,760			(2,760		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	31,537		$	33,340		$	(13,226	)	$	(6,383	)	$	(13,731	)	$	31,537
	For the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Net income (loss)	$	41,415		$	38,052		$	(10,329	)	$	(5,362	)	$	(22,361	)	$	41,415
	Post-retirement benefit plans	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,465		)	—			—			(1,465		)	1,465			(1,465		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	39,950		$	38,052		$	(10,329	)	$	(6,827	)	$	(20,896	)	$	39,950
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	For the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	$	—		$	44,470		$	(12,284	)	$	(1,626	)	$	—		$	30,560
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(18,417		)	(10,994		)	(2,672		)	—			(32,083		)
	Intercompany investing activity	11,033			3,772			(2,305		)	—			(12,500		)	—
	Issuance of intercompany loan	—			(10,000		)	—			—			10,000			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	11,033			(24,645		)	(13,299		)	(2,672		)	(2,500		)	(32,083		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payments of debt issuance costs	—			(55		)	—			—			—			(55		)
	Intercompany financing activity	—			(34,969		)	23,280			(811		)	12,500			—
	Proceeds from intercompany loan	—			—			—			10,000			(10,000		)	—
	Dividends paid	(10,208		)	—			—			—			—			(10,208		)
	Repurchase of common stock	(2,292		)	—			—			—			—			(2,292		)
	Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			1,067			2,303			—			—			3,370
	Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(4,079		)	—			—			—			—			(4,079		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,546			—			—			—			—			5,546
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(11,033		)	(33,957		)	25,583			9,189			2,500			(7,718		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(69		)	—			(69		)
	Net(decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(14,132		)	—			4,822			—			(9,310		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			278,260			—			8,286			—			286,546
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	264,128		$	—		$	13,108		$	—		$	277,236
	For the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013
	(dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	$	—		$	62,524		$	(8,872	)	$	(524	)	$	—		$	53,128
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(21,966		)	(5,070		)	(4,390		)	—			(31,426		)
	Intercompany investing activity	9,565			(16,080		)	(4,956		)	—			11,471			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	9,565			(38,046		)	(10,026		)	(4,390		)	11,471			(31,426		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Intercompany financing activity	—			(8,309		)	15,910			3,870			(11,471		)	—
	Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			1,104			2,427			—			—			3,531
	Repurchase of common stock	(8,942		)	—			—			—			—			(8,942		)
	Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(4,383		)	—			—			—			—			(4,383		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,760			—			—			—			—			3,760
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(9,565		)	(7,205		)	18,337			3,870			(11,471		)	(6,034		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(341		)	—			(341		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			17,273			(561		)	(1,385		)	—			15,327
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			351,858			6,940			23,438			—			382,236
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	369,131		$	6,379		$	22,053		$	—		$	397,563

THE_COMPANY_Details

THE COMPANY (Details)	Mar. 29, 2014
	store
United States [Member] | Carter's [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of locations	491
United States [Member] | OshKosh [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of locations	186
Canada [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of international retail stores	103

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($12,842)	($10,082)	($12,670)
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-10,312	-7,552	-3,531
Pension and Post-retirement Liability Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($2,530)	($2,530)	($9,139)

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization costs	$6,300,000	$100,000	'
Goodwill, Gross amount	184,604,000	188,731,000	186,077,000
Goodwill, Net amount	184,604,000	188,731,000	186,077,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	20,590,000	646,000	14,324,000
Total, Gross amount	344,557,000	306,620,000	344,582,000
Total, Net amount	323,967,000	305,974,000	330,258,000
Carter's Goodwill [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill, Gross amount	136,570,000	136,570,000	136,570,000
Goodwill, Net amount	136,570,000	136,570,000	136,570,000
Bonnie Togs Goodwill [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill, Gross amount	48,034,000	52,161,000	49,507,000
Goodwill, Net amount	48,034,000	52,161,000	49,507,000
Carter's Tradename [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite intangible assets	220,233,000	220,233,000	220,233,000
Oshkosh Tradename [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite intangible assets	85,500,000	85,500,000	85,500,000
Tradenames [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	20,404,000	518,000	14,150,000
Intangible assets, Gross amount	344,285,000	306,325,000	344,302,000
Indefinite-lived trademarks	323,881,000	305,807,000	330,152,000
Other Tradenames [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization costs	6,300,000	0	'
Future amortization expense, remainder of fiscal year	10,200,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, 2015	6,200,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, 2016	1,800,000	'	'
Weighted-average useful life	'3 years	'	'3 years
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	38,007,000	'	38,007,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	19,859,000	'	13,588,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	18,148,000	'	24,419,000
Bonnie Togs Tradename [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average useful life	'2 years	'2 years	'2 years
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	545,000	592,000	562,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	545,000	518,000	562,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	0	74,000	0
Non-compete Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average useful life	'4 years	'4 years	'4 years
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	272,000	295,000	280,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	186,000	128,000	174,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	$86,000	$167,000	$106,000

COMMON_STOCK_Share_Repurchases

COMMON STOCK (Share Repurchases) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Number of shares repurchased and retired	30,151
Cost of repurchased and retired shares	$2.30
Average price per share, repurchased and retired shares	$76.03
Remaining capacity under authorization	$264.90

COMMON_STOCK_Accelerated_Stock

COMMON STOCK (Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]	'
Shares repurchased under accelerated stock repurchase program	5.6
ASR Settlement [Member]	'
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]	'
Shares repurchased under accelerated stock repurchase program	1
Stock repurchased during the year (in dollars)	$70.30

LONGTERM_DEBT_Schedule_of_Long

LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Long Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$586,000	$586,000	$186,000
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	400,000	400,000	0
Secured revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$186,000	$186,000	$186,000

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Outstanding letters of credit	8.3
Senior Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Principal amount	400
Interest rate (as a percentage)	5.25%
Secured revolving credit facility [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Credit facility, amount outstanding	186
Available for future borrowing	180.7
Secured revolving credit facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Variable interest rate, index	'LIBOR
Variable interest rate, basis spread (as a percentage)	2.00%
Effective interest rate (as a percentage)	2.15%

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_StockB

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock-Based Compensation Cost by Award Type) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$4,535	$4,065
Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,370	1,274
Time-based Awards [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,941	1,695
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,224	826
Stock Awards [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$0	$270

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Intrinsic value of basic stock options exercised	$8.40	$6.90
Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	10.9	'
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	$17.10	'
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	'3 years	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Stock Options (Number of shares)	'
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	1,677,741
Granted (in shares)	221,300
Exercised (in shares)	-183,667
Forfeited (in shares)	-50,608
Expired (in shares)	0
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	1,664,766
Vested and Expected to Vest, (in shares)	1,591,368
Exercisable, (in shares)	941,211
Stock Options (Weighted-average exercise price)	'
Weighted- average exercise price per share beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$35.37
Granted (in dollars per share)	$68.49
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$30.19
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$44.50
Expired (in dollars per share)	$0
Weighted- average exercise price per share ending balance shares outstanding (in dollars per share)	$40.07
Weighted- average exercise price per share, Vested and Expected to Vest (in dollars per share)	$39.36
Weighted- average exercise price per share, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$28.83
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Outstanding	'7 years 1 month 24 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Vested and Expected to Vest	'7 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Exercisable	'5 years 11 months 1 day
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding	$59,904
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested and Expected to Vest	58,390
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable	$44,444

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Weight

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details) (Stock Option [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected Volatility	30.87%	33.17%
Risk-free interest rate	1.82%	1.13%
Expected term (years)	'6 years	'6 years
Dividend yield	1.11%	0.00%
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$19.80	$20.09

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Restri

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Restricted Stock	'
Shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	786,189
Granted (in shares)	171,550
Vested (in shares)	-151,500
Forfeited (in shares)	-45,058
Shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	761,181
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$44.87
Granted (in dollars per share)	$68.49
Vested (in dollars per share)	$39.65
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$45.18
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$51.22

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_NonMan

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Non-Management Board Directors) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Performance-based restricted shares granted (in shares)	61,200	118,200
Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards to the CEO [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value per share	68.49	59.27
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	10.6	'
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	'2 years 2 months 12 days	'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation	$622	$584
Expected return on plan assets	-798	-764
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	21	207
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	-155	27
Post-retirement Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation	57	58
Service cost – benefits attributed to service during the period	28	40
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	-51	-34
Curtailment gain	-22	0
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	$12	$64

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$11.60	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would impact effective tax rate	8.3	'	'
Reserves for unrecognized tax benefits	2	'	'
Interest accrued on uncertain tax positions	$0.90	$0.80	$0.80

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_FAIR_V1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Investments) (Details) (Level 1 [Member], USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investments	$5.50	$5.40	$3.90

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_FAIR_V2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Contingent Consideration) (Details) (Level 3 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$16,348	$29,704
Payments made	0	0
Accretion expense	454	887
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-487	-570
Balance at end of period	$16,315	$30,021
Discount rate	18.00%	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_FAIR_V3

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Borrowings) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$586,000	$586,000	$186,000
Secured revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	186,000	186,000	186,000
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	400,000	400,000	0
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$412,000	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding [Abstract]	'	'
Basic number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	53,172,459	58,467,804
Dilutive effect of equity awards (in shares)	501,322	877,404
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	53,673,781	59,345,208
Basic net income per common share:	'	'
Net income	$34,297	$41,415
Income allocated to participating securities	-470	-602
Net income available to common shareholders	33,827	40,813
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.64	$0.70
Diluted net income per common share:	'	'
Net income	34,297	41,415
Income allocated to participating securities	-467	-595
Net income available to common shareholders	$33,830	$40,820
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.63	$0.69
Anti-dilutive shares (in shares)	269,650	702,300

OTHER_CURRENT_AND_LONGTERM_LIA2

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	$3,196	$19,579	$4,670
Contingent consideration	8,878	8,964	14,463
Income taxes payable	6,637	97	10,642
Accrued workers' compensation	7,392	7,236	5,351
Accrued sales and use taxes	7,307	8,486	6,078
Accrued salaries and wages	3,405	7,609	2,449
Accrued gift certificates	7,877	7,899	6,021
Accrued 401(k) contributions	893	8,775	906
Accrued closure costs	7,754	10,656	6,522
Other current liabilities	21,896	25,828	15,488
Total	$75,235	$105,129	$72,590

OTHER_CURRENT_AND_LONGTERM_LIA3

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred lease incentives	$69,900	$68,876	$32,066
Accrued rent	34,446	31,821	21,777
Contingent consideration	7,437	7,384	15,558
OshKosh pension plan	3,613	3,768	13,584
Unrecognized tax benefits	12,505	11,947	11,447
Post-retirement medical plan	5,069	5,055	6,265
Deferred compensation	7,420	6,225	5,209
Other	103	104	98
Total	$140,493	$135,180	$106,004

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	$651,643,000		$591,009,000
Operating income (loss)	61,531,000		66,943,000
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	9.40%		11.30%
Corporate expenses	-29,887,000		-25,226,000
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames	6,300,000		100,000
Other Tradenames [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames	6,300,000		0
Hogansville Distribution Facility [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Closure of distribution facility in Hogansville, GA	300,000	[1]	600,000	[1]
Office Consolidation [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Closure of distribution facility in Hogansville, GA	2,000,000		8,000,000
Japan Retail Operations [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	4,400,000		'
Operating income (loss)	-1,100,000		'
Operating Segments [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	651,643,000		591,009,000
Percentage of total net sales	100.00%		100.00%
Operating income (loss)	91,418,000		92,169,000
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	14.00%		15.60%
Operating Segments [Member] | Carter's [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	501,956,000		456,607,000
Percentage of total net sales	77.00%		77.30%
Operating income (loss)	89,846,000		90,054,000
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	17.90%		19.70%
Operating Segments [Member] | OshKosh [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	79,143,000		73,531,000
Percentage of total net sales	12.20%		12.40%
Operating income (loss)	-2,464,000		-2,483,000
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	-3.10%		-3.40%
Operating Segments [Member] | Wholesale [Member] | Carter's [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	271,628,000		248,178,000
Percentage of total net sales	41.70%		42.00%
Operating income (loss)	46,867,000		50,410,000
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	17.30%		20.30%
Operating Segments [Member] | Wholesale [Member] | OshKosh [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	15,585,000		18,186,000
Percentage of total net sales	2.40%		3.10%
Operating income (loss)	2,025,000		2,908,000
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	13.00%		16.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Retail [Member] | Carter's [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	230,328,000	[2]	208,429,000	[2]
Percentage of total net sales	35.30%	[2]	35.30%	[2]
Operating income (loss)	42,979,000	[2]	39,644,000	[2]
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	18.70%	[2]	19.00%	[2]
Operating Segments [Member] | Retail [Member] | OshKosh [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	63,558,000	[2]	55,345,000	[2]
Percentage of total net sales	9.80%	[2]	9.40%	[2]
Operating income (loss)	-4,489,000	[2]	-5,391,000	[2]
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	-7.10%	[2]	-9.70%	[2]
Operating Segments [Member] | International [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	70,544,000	[3]	60,871,000	[3]
Percentage of total net sales	10.80%	[3]	10.30%	[3]
Operating income (loss)	4,036,000	[3],[4]	4,598,000	[3],[4]
Operating income (loss) as percentage of segment net sales	5.70%	[3],[4]	7.60%	[3],[4]
Operating Segments [Member] | International [Member] | Japan Retail Operations [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Operating income (loss)	$400,000	[3],[4]	'
Corporate [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Corporate expense as percentage of segment net sales	-4.60%	[5],[6]	-4.30%	[5],[6]
[1]	Continuing operating costs associated with the closure of the Company's distribution facility in Hogansville, Georgia.
[2]	Includes eCommerce results.
[3]	Net sales include international retail, eCommerce, and wholesale sales. Operating income includes international licensing income.
[4]	Includes charges associated with the revaluation of the Company’s contingent consideration of approximately $0.5 million and $0.9 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. Also, includes a benefit of approximately $0.4 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, reflecting a favorable recovery on inventory related to the Company's exit from Japan retail operations. There were no such costs related to Japan for the quarter ended March 30, 2013.
[5]	Includes the following charges: Fiscal quarter ended(dollars in millions)March 29, 2014 March 30, 2013Closure of distribution facility in Hogansville, GA (1)$0.3 $0.6Office consolidation costs $2.0 $8.0Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames$6.3 $—(1) Continuing operating costs associated with the closure of the Company's distribution facility in Hogansville, Georgia.
[6]	Corporate expenses include expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, building occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting, and audit fees.

FACILITY_CLOSURE_Details

FACILITY CLOSURE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Net sales	$651,643,000		$591,009,000
Operating income (loss)	61,531,000		66,943,000
Hogansville Distribution Facility [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring charge due to closure	300,000	[1]	600,000	[1]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	1,300,000		'
Provision	0		600,000
Payments	-1,300,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0		2,500,000
Hogansville Distribution Facility [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Provision	0		100,000
Hogansville Distribution Facility [Member] | Severance [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	1,200,000		'
Provision	0		400,000
Payments	-1,200,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0		'
Hogansville Distribution Facility [Member] | Other Closure Costs [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	100,000		'
Provision	0		100,000
Payments	-100,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0		'
Office Consolidation [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Expected restructuring charges	3,000,000		'
Restructuring charge due to closure	2,000,000		8,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	6,400,000		'
Provision	1,500,000		'
Payments	-2,200,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	5,700,000		4,000,000
Office Consolidation [Member] | Severance and Other Benefits [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring charge due to closure	600,000		1,800,000
Office Consolidation [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring charge due to closure	0		1,300,000
Office Consolidation [Member] | Severance [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	4,700,000		'
Provision	600,000		'
Payments	-1,700,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	3,600,000		'
Office Consolidation [Member] | Other Closure Costs [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Restructuring charge due to closure	1,400,000		4,900,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	1,700,000		'
Provision	900,000		'
Payments	-500,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	2,100,000		'
Japan Retail Operations [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'
Expected restructuring charges	1,200,000		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	2,900,000		'
Provision	0		'
Payments	-800,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	2,100,000		'
Net sales	4,400,000		'
Operating income (loss)	-1,100,000		'
Japan Retail Operations [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Provision	600,000		'
Japan Retail Operations [Member] | Severance [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	900,000		'
Provision	700,000		'
Payments	-400,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	1,200,000		'
Japan Retail Operations [Member] | Other Closure Costs [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	2,000,000		'
Provision	-700,000		'
Payments	-400,000		'
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	900,000		'
Japan Retail Operations [Member] | Recovery on Inventory [Member]	'		'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'		'
Provision	$1,000,000		'
[1]	Continuing operating costs associated with the closure of the Company's distribution facility in Hogansville, Georgia.

GUARANTOR_CONDENSED_CONSOLIDAT2

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$277,236	$286,546	$397,563	$382,236
Accounts receivable, net	205,166	193,611	178,360	'
Intercompany receivable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	'	'	'
Finished goods inventories, net	363,018	417,754	284,525	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,362	35,157	21,612	'
Deferred income taxes	37,343	37,313	31,708	'
Total current assets	909,125	970,381	913,768	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	316,786	307,885	182,193	'
Goodwill	184,604	186,077	188,731	'
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	323,967	330,258	305,974	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	7,758	8,088	2,682	'
Other assets	10,109	9,795	4,333	'
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0	'
Total assets	1,752,349	1,812,484	1,597,681	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	103,439	164,010	97,884	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	0	'
Intercompany loan payables	0	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	75,235	105,129	72,590	'
Total current liabilities	178,674	269,139	170,474	'
Long-term debt	586,000	586,000	186,000	'
Deferred income taxes	118,032	121,434	112,015	'
Intercompany long term liability	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	140,493	135,180	106,004	'
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	729,150	700,731	1,023,188	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,752,349	1,812,484	1,597,681	'
Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	0	'
Intercompany receivable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	'	'	'
Finished goods inventories, net	0	0	0	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0	'
Total current assets	0	0	0	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0	0	'
Goodwill	0	0	0	'
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	0	0	0	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	0	0	0	'
Other assets	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	729,150	700,731	1,023,188	'
Total assets	729,150	700,731	1,023,188	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	0	'
Intercompany loan payables	0	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	0	0	0	'
Total current liabilities	0	0	0	'
Long-term debt	0	0	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term liability	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	0	'
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	729,150	700,731	1,023,188	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	729,150	700,731	1,023,188	'
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	264,128	278,260	369,131	351,858
Accounts receivable, net	178,034	163,264	152,461	'
Intercompany receivable	54,911	62,802	45,206	'
Intercompany loan receivable	10,000	'	'	'
Finished goods inventories, net	177,816	221,462	141,148	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,137	18,475	2,201	'
Deferred income taxes	24,252	20,594	20,511	'
Total current assets	719,278	764,857	730,658	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	154,045	148,671	61,230	'
Goodwill	136,570	136,570	136,570	'
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	238,382	244,653	220,233	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	7,758	8,088	2,682	'
Other assets	10,107	9,743	4,261	'
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note receivable	100,000	100,000	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	555,914	547,186	498,482	'
Total assets	1,922,054	1,959,768	1,654,116	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	68,708	108,851	64,844	'
Intercompany payables	78,020	100,804	32,802	'
Intercompany loan payables	0	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	29,124	29,037	31,384	'
Total current liabilities	175,852	238,692	129,030	'
Long-term debt	586,000	586,000	186,000	'
Deferred income taxes	74,832	77,798	76,519	'
Intercompany long term liability	261,259	263,183	181,727	'
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	64,097	61,550	24,873	'
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	760,014	732,545	1,055,967	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,922,054	1,959,768	1,654,116	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	6,379	6,940
Accounts receivable, net	18,504	20,365	21,072	'
Intercompany receivable	80,281	104,123	44,654	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	'	'	'
Finished goods inventories, net	180,133	181,889	150,820	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,306	11,878	15,979	'
Deferred income taxes	12,155	15,893	9,928	'
Total current assets	303,379	334,148	248,832	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	137,170	133,846	97,489	'
Goodwill	0	0	0	'
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	85,500	85,500	85,500	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	0	0	0	'
Other assets	2	52	72	'
Intercompany long term receivable	261,259	263,183	181,727	'
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	2,487	1,262	0	'
Total assets	789,797	817,991	613,620	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	28,654	40,825	25,572	'
Intercompany payables	62,719	70,857	43,935	'
Intercompany loan payables	0	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	33,638	57,610	26,674	'
Total current liabilities	125,011	169,292	96,181	'
Long-term debt	0	0	0	'
Deferred income taxes	43,200	43,636	35,496	'
Intercompany long term liability	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note payable	100,000	100,000	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	57,852	55,175	55,517	'
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	463,734	449,888	426,426	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	789,797	817,991	613,620	'
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	13,108	8,286	22,053	23,438
Accounts receivable, net	8,628	9,982	4,827	'
Intercompany receivable	12,078	12,385	39	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	'	'	'
Finished goods inventories, net	35,933	46,217	25,336	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,919	4,804	3,432	'
Deferred income taxes	936	826	1,269	'
Total current assets	74,602	82,500	56,956	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	25,571	25,368	23,474	'
Goodwill	48,034	49,507	52,161	'
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	85	105	241	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	0	0	0	'
Other assets	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0	'
Total assets	148,292	157,480	132,832	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	6,077	14,334	7,468	'
Intercompany payables	6,531	7,649	13,162	'
Intercompany loan payables	10,000	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	12,473	18,482	14,532	'
Total current liabilities	35,081	40,465	35,162	'
Long-term debt	0	0	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term liability	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	18,544	18,455	25,614	'
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	94,667	98,560	72,056	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	148,292	157,480	132,832	'
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	0	'
Intercompany receivable	-147,270	-179,310	-89,899	'
Intercompany loan receivable	-10,000	'	'	'
Finished goods inventories, net	-30,864	-31,814	-32,779	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0	'
Total current assets	-188,134	-211,124	-122,678	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0	0	'
Goodwill	0	0	0	'
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	0	0	0	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	0	0	0	'
Other assets	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term receivable	-261,259	-263,183	-181,727	'
Intercompany long term note receivable	-100,000	-100,000	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-1,287,551	-1,249,179	-1,521,670	'
Total assets	-1,836,944	-1,823,486	-1,826,075	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	0	'
Intercompany payables	-147,270	-179,310	-89,899	'
Intercompany loan payables	-10,000	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	0	'	0	'
Total current liabilities	-157,270	-179,310	-89,899	'
Long-term debt	0	0	0	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0	'
Intercompany long term liability	-261,259	-263,183	-181,727	'
Intercompany long term note payable	-100,000	-100,000	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	0	'
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	-1,318,415	-1,280,993	-1,554,449	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($1,836,944)	($1,823,486)	($1,826,075)	'

GUARANTOR_CONDENSED_CONSOLIDAT3

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$651,643	$591,009
Cost of goods sold	389,918	347,947
Gross profit	261,725	243,062
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	210,095	185,361
Royalty income	-9,901	-9,242
Operating income (loss)	61,531	66,943
Interest expense	6,897	1,294
Interest income	-132	-191
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	0	0
Other expense, net	596	573
Income before income taxes	54,170	65,267
Provision for income taxes	19,873	23,852
Net income	34,297	41,415
Parent [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	0	0
Cost of goods sold	0	0
Gross profit	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	0	0
Royalty income	0	0
Operating income (loss)	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Interest income	0	0
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	-34,297	-41,415
Other expense, net	0	0
Income before income taxes	34,297	41,415
Provision for income taxes	0	0
Net income	34,297	41,415
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	407,365	369,618
Cost of goods sold	293,774	255,762
Gross profit	113,591	113,856
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	48,527	45,123
Royalty income	-8,045	-6,831
Operating income (loss)	73,109	75,564
Interest expense	6,897	1,294
Interest income	-1,469	-130
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	17,435	11,363
Other expense, net	-57	-75
Income before income taxes	50,303	63,112
Provision for income taxes	16,963	25,060
Net income	33,340	38,052
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	321,708	314,813
Cost of goods sold	188,020	178,888
Gross profit	133,688	135,925
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	146,417	146,850
Royalty income	-4,027	-4,024
Operating income (loss)	-8,702	-6,901
Interest expense	1,313	0
Interest income	0	-3
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	-586	4,328
Other expense, net	57	75
Income before income taxes	-9,486	-11,301
Provision for income taxes	3,740	-972
Net income	-13,226	-10,329
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	49,158	37,038
Cost of goods sold	30,059	21,641
Gross profit	19,099	15,397
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	22,932	20,480
Royalty income	0	0
Operating income (loss)	-3,833	-5,083
Interest expense	24	0
Interest income	0	-58
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	0	0
Other expense, net	596	573
Income before income taxes	-4,453	-5,598
Provision for income taxes	-830	-236
Net income	-3,623	-5,362
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	-126,588	-130,460
Cost of goods sold	-121,935	-108,344
Gross profit	-4,653	-22,116
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	-7,781	-27,092
Royalty income	2,171	1,613
Operating income (loss)	957	3,363
Interest expense	-1,337	0
Interest income	1,337	0
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	17,448	25,724
Other expense, net	0	0
Income before income taxes	-16,491	-22,361
Provision for income taxes	0	0
Net income	($16,491)	($22,361)

GUARANTOR_CONDENSED_CONSOLIDAT4

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	$34,297	$41,415
Post-retirement benefit plans	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,760	-1,465
Comprehensive income	31,537	39,950
Parent [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	34,297	41,415
Post-retirement benefit plans	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,760	-1,465
Comprehensive income	31,537	39,950
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	33,340	38,052
Post-retirement benefit plans	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Comprehensive income	33,340	38,052
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	-13,226	-10,329
Post-retirement benefit plans	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Comprehensive income	-13,226	-10,329
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	-3,623	-5,362
Post-retirement benefit plans	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,760	-1,465
Comprehensive income	-6,383	-6,827
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	-16,491	-22,361
Post-retirement benefit plans	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,760	1,465
Comprehensive income	($13,731)	($20,896)

GUARANTOR_CONDENSED_CONSOLIDAT5

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	$30,560	$53,128
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-32,083	-31,426
Intercompany investing activity	0	0
Issuance of intercompany loan	0	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-32,083	-31,426
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Intercompany financing activity	0	'
Proceeds from intercompany loan	0	'
Repayment of intercompany loan	'	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	-55	0
Dividends paid	-10,208	0
Repurchase of common stock	-2,292	-8,942
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	3,370	3,531
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	-4,079	-4,383
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,546	3,760
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-7,718	-6,034
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-69	-341
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-9,310	15,327
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	286,546	382,236
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	277,236	397,563
Parent [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Intercompany investing activity	11,033	9,565
Issuance of intercompany loan	0	'
Net cash used in investing activities	11,033	9,565
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Intercompany financing activity	0	'
Proceeds from intercompany loan	0	'
Repayment of intercompany loan	'	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	'
Dividends paid	-10,208	'
Repurchase of common stock	-2,292	-8,942
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	-4,079	-4,383
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,546	3,760
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-11,033	-9,565
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	44,470	62,524
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-18,417	-21,966
Intercompany investing activity	3,772	-16,080
Issuance of intercompany loan	-10,000	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-24,645	-38,046
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Intercompany financing activity	-34,969	'
Proceeds from intercompany loan	0	'
Repayment of intercompany loan	'	-8,309
Payment of debt issuance costs	-55	'
Dividends paid	0	'
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	1,067	1,104
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-33,957	-7,205
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-14,132	17,273
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	278,260	351,858
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	264,128	369,131
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	-12,284	-8,872
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-10,994	-5,070
Intercompany investing activity	-2,305	-4,956
Issuance of intercompany loan	0	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-13,299	-10,026
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Intercompany financing activity	23,280	'
Proceeds from intercompany loan	0	'
Repayment of intercompany loan	'	15,910
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	'
Dividends paid	0	'
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	2,303	2,427
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	25,583	18,337
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	-561
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	6,940
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	6,379
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	-1,626	-524
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-2,672	-4,390
Intercompany investing activity	0	0
Issuance of intercompany loan	0	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,672	-4,390
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Intercompany financing activity	-811	'
Proceeds from intercompany loan	10,000	'
Repayment of intercompany loan	'	3,870
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	'
Dividends paid	0	'
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	9,189	3,870
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-69	-341
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,822	-1,385
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,286	23,438
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	13,108	22,053
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Intercompany investing activity	-12,500	11,471
Issuance of intercompany loan	10,000	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,500	11,471
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Intercompany financing activity	12,500	'
Proceeds from intercompany loan	-10,000	'
Repayment of intercompany loan	'	-11,471
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	'
Dividends paid	0	'
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	0
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	2,500	-11,471
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$0	$0