Destination Maternity (DESTQ) 10-K 13 Dec 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 04, 2013	Mar. 28, 2013
Document - Document and Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'DEST	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Destination Maternity Corp	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000896985	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$305,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	13,679,228	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$24,555	$22,376
Trade receivables, net	12,463	13,197
Inventories	86,546	88,754
Deferred income taxes	8,012	7,557
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,927	4,220
Total current assets	138,503	136,104
Property, plant and equipment, net	53,447	51,078
Other assets:	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $181 and $751	807	92
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,166 and $2,123	2,344	1,347
Deferred income taxes	12,470	10,667
Other non-current assets	410	356
Total other assets	16,031	12,462
Total assets	207,981	199,644
Current liabilities:	'	'
Line of credit borrowings	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	'	15,257
Accounts payable	23,810	21,987
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	39,417	35,544
Total current liabilities	63,227	72,788
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	22,121	21,884
Total liabilities	85,348	94,672
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, 1,656,381 shares authorized Series B junior participating preferred stock, $.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 13,556,331 and 13,370,149 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	136	134
Additional paid-in capital	98,634	95,086
Retained earnings	23,930	9,786
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-67	-34
Total stockholders’ equity	122,633	104,972
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$207,981	$199,644

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Series B junior participating preferred stock, par value	$0.01	'
Deferred financing costs, accumulated amortization	$181	$751
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$1,166	$2,123
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,656,381	1,656,381
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Series B junior participating preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	13,556,331	13,370,149
Common stock, shares outstanding	13,556,331	13,370,149
Series B junior participating preferred stock	'	'
Series B junior participating preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	300,000	300,000
Series B junior participating preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net sales	$540,259	$541,476	$545,394
Cost of goods sold	249,298	250,765	248,497
Gross profit	290,961	290,711	296,897
Selling, general and administrative expenses	252,026	255,623	257,421
Store closing, asset impairment and asset disposal expenses	1,441	1,983	1,039
Other charges	'	'	193
Operating income	37,494	33,105	38,244
Interest expense, net	532	1,215	2,233
Loss on extinguishment of debt	9	22	37
Income before income taxes	36,953	31,868	35,974
Income tax provision	13,010	12,496	12,986
Net income	$23,943	$19,372	$22,988
Net income per share—Basic	$1.80	$1.48	$1.79
Average shares outstanding—Basic	13,272	13,096	12,820
Net income per share—Diluted	$1.78	$1.46	$1.75
Average shares outstanding—Diluted	13,439	13,267	13,120

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income	$23,943	$19,372	$22,988
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-33	-16	-18
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax	'	90	490
Comprehensive income	$23,910	$19,446	$23,460

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	$71,598	$127	$88,399	($16,348)	($580)
Beginning Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2010	'	12,691	'	'	'
Net income	22,988	'	'	22,988	'
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax	490	'	'	'	490
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-18	'	'	'	-18
Cash dividends	-6,901	'	'	-6,901	'
Stock-based compensation	2,344	1	2,343	'	'
Stock-based compensation, shares	'	117	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, net	2,285	5	2,280	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	547	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) from stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	2,695	'	2,695	'	'
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-2,786	-1	-2,785	'	'
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, shares	'	-129	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	92,695	132	92,932	-261	-108
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2011	'	13,226	'	'	'
Net income	19,372	'	'	19,372	'
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax	90	'	'	'	90
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-16	'	'	'	-16
Cash dividends	-9,325	'	'	-9,325	'
Stock-based compensation	2,357	1	2,356	'	'
Stock-based compensation, shares	'	91	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, net	107	1	106	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	84	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) from stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	289	'	289	'	'
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-597	'	-597	'	'
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, shares	'	-31	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	104,972	134	95,086	9,786	-34
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	'	13,370	'	'	'
Net income	23,943	'	'	23,943	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-33	'	'	'	-33
Cash dividends	-9,799	'	'	-9,799	'
Stock-based compensation	2,771	1	2,770	'	'
Stock-based compensation, shares	'	97	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, net	744	1	743	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	123	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) from stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	760	'	760	'	'
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-725	'	-725	'	'
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, shares	'	-34	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$122,633	$136	$98,634	$23,930	($67)
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	13,556	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net income	$23,943	$19,372	$22,988
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	12,424	12,445	12,769
Stock-based compensation expense	2,771	2,357	2,344
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets	786	1,876	768
Loss on disposal of assets	528	115	270
Loss on extinguishment of debt	9	22	37
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	-3,007	-1,378	2,679
Amortization of deferred financing costs	203	105	170
Decrease (increase) in:	'	'	'
Trade receivables	727	-2,188	-680
Inventories	2,205	1,611	-9,632
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,708	2,577	-1,634
Other non-current assets	-54	-12	-26
Increase (decrease) in:	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	4,058	6,201	-5,525
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	268	-406	-3,085
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,153	42,697	21,443
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-15,059	-9,256	-12,270
Additions to intangible assets	-963	-265	-313
Withdrawal from grantor trust	'	'	1,504
Net cash used in investing activities	-16,022	-9,521	-11,079
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts	1,278	-401	-1,147
Repayment of long-term debt	-15,257	-16,085	-13,819
Deferred financing costs paid	-927	-61	-26
Withholding taxes on stock-based compensation paid in connection with repurchase of common stock	-725	-597	-2,786
Cash dividends paid	-9,799	-9,325	-6,901
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	744	107	2,285
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and restricted stock vesting	760	289	2,695
Net cash used in financing activities	-23,926	-26,073	-19,699
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-26	-12	-13
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,179	7,091	-9,348
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year	22,376	15,285	24,633
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	$24,555	$22,376	$15,285

Nature_of_Business

Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature of Operations	'
	1.              NATURE OF BUSINESS
	Destination Maternity Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a specialty designer and retailer of maternity clothing. The Company operated 1,907 retail locations as of September 30, 2013, including 596 stores and 1,311 leased departments, throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, and markets its maternity apparel on the Internet through its DestinationMaternity.com and brand-specific websites. The Company also markets maternity apparel at Kohl’s® stores throughout the United States under an exclusive product and license agreement. Further the Company has store franchise and product supply relationships in the Middle East, South Korea and India. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1982.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	a.              Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries: Cave Springs, Inc., Mothers Work Canada, Inc., Destination Maternity Apparel Private Limited and Mothers Work Services, Inc. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
	b.              Fiscal Year-End
	The Company operates on a fiscal year ending September 30 of each year. All references to fiscal years of the Company refer to the fiscal years ended on September 30 in those years. For example, the Company’s “fiscal 2013” ended on September 30, 2013.
	c.              Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	d.              Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash in the bank and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased. Book cash overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit, of $4,730,000 and $3,452,000 were included in accounts payable as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company maintains cash accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from maintaining cash accounts in excess of such limits. Management believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risks on its cash accounts.
	e.              Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the “first-in, first-out” (FIFO) method. Inventories of goods manufactured by the Company include the cost of materials, freight, direct labor, and manufacturing and distribution overhead.
	f.              Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed for financial reporting purposes on a straight-line basis, using service lives ranging principally from five to ten years for furniture and equipment and forty years for the building. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or their useful life. The cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts with any resulting gain or loss included in net income. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, except for the capitalization of major renewals and betterments that extend the life of the asset. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever adverse events, or changes in circumstances or business climate, indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors used in the evaluation include, but are not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, brand initiatives, recent operating results and projected cash flows. If the associated undiscounted cash flows are insufficient to support the recorded asset, an impairment loss is recognized to reduce the carrying value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss is determined by comparing the fair value of the asset with the carrying value. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded impairment write-downs of property, plant and equipment totaling $754,000, $1,875,000 and $759,000, respectively, on a pretax basis.
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	g.              Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets with definite useful lives consist primarily of patent and lease acquisition costs. The Company capitalizes legal costs incurred to defend its patents when a successful outcome is deemed probable and to the extent of an evident increase in the value of the patents. Intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their useful life or, if applicable, the lease term. Management reviews the carrying amount of these intangible assets as impairment indicators arise, to assess the continued recoverability based on future undiscounted cash flows and operating results from the related asset, future asset utilization and changes in market conditions. During fiscal 2013 the Company capitalized $1,093,000 of legal costs incurred in connection with a lawsuit asserting infringement of Company patents. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded write-downs of intangible assets totaling $32,000, $1,000 and $9,000, respectively, on a pretax basis. The Company has not identified any indefinite-lived intangible assets. Aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $149,000, $142,000 and $135,000, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense of the Company’s intangible assets as of September 30, 2013, for the next five fiscal years, is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	198
	2015		180
	2016		175
	2017		168
	2018		163
	h.              Interest Rate Derivatives
	The Company mitigated a portion of its floating rate interest risk on variable rate long-term debt through an interest rate swap agreement that expired on April 18, 2012. On the date the derivative instrument was entered into, the Company designated it as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”) and recognized the derivative on the balance sheet at fair value. In accordance with applicable accounting standards for derivative instruments, changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as, and meets all the criteria for, a cash flow hedge were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affected earnings. The Company formally documented the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged items. The Company formally assessed at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis, whether the derivative was highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. For fiscal 2012 and 2011, the Company’s interest rate swap was determined to have no ineffectiveness.
	i.              Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt agreement. Amortization expense of deferred financing costs in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $203,000, $105,000 and $170,000, respectively. In connection with debt extinguishments, in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 the Company wrote off $9,000, $22,000 and $37,000, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing costs (see Note 9). In connection with its current credit facility entered into on November 1, 2012, the Company incurred approximately $988,000 in deferred financing costs, of which $927,000 was paid in fiscal 2013 and $61,000 was paid in fiscal 2012 (see Note 8).
	Estimated amortization expense of the Company’s deferred financing costs as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	198
	2015		198
	2016		198
	2017		198
	2018		15
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	j.              Deferred Rent
	Rent expense on operating leases, including rent holidays and scheduled rent increases, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease commencing on the date the Company takes possession of the leased property, which is generally four to six weeks prior to a store’s opening date. The net excess of rent expense over the actual cash paid has been recorded as a deferred rent liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Tenant improvement allowances received from landlords are also included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred rent liabilities and are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease from the possession date.
	k.              Treasury (Reacquired) Shares
	Shares repurchased are retired and treated as authorized but unissued shares, with the cost in excess of par value of the reacquired shares charged to additional paid-in capital and the par value charged to common stock.
	l.              Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those instruments. The majority of the Company’s long-term debt bore interest at variable rates, which adjusted based on market conditions, and the carrying value of the long-term debt approximated fair value. The fair value of the Company’s debt was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates available to the Company. A significant portion of the Company’s floating rate interest risk on variable rate long-term debt was mitigated through an interest rate swap agreement that expired on April 18, 2012.
	m.              Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances
	Revenue is recognized at the point of sale for retail store sales, including leased department sales, or when merchandise is delivered to customers for licensed brand product and Internet sales, and when merchandise is shipped to international franchisees. A liability is established for the retail value of gift cards sold and merchandise credits issued. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized when gift cards or merchandise credits are redeemed by customers as tender for merchandise purchased. Allowances for returns are recorded as a reduction of revenue, based on the Company’s historical experience. Revenues are recorded net of applicable sales taxes.
	n.              Other Revenues
	Included in net sales are revenues earned by the Company through a variety of marketing partnership programs utilizing the Company’s opt-in customer database and various in-store marketing initiatives, focused on baby and parent-related products and services. Revenue from marketing partnership programs is recognized when goods or services are provided. Also included in net sales are fees and royalties related to international franchise agreements. International franchise fees are earned by the Company when all material services or conditions related to the international franchise agreement have been substantially performed or satisfied and royalties are earned based on net sales of the Company’s international franchisees and may include minimum guaranteed royalties.
	o.              Cost of Goods Sold
	Cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income includes: merchandise costs (including customs duty expenses), expenses related to inventory shrinkage, product-related corporate expenses (including expenses related to payroll, benefit costs and operating expenses of the Company’s buying departments), inventory reserves (including lower of cost or market reserves), inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, and the other costs of the Company’s distribution network.
	p.              Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
	The Company includes shipping and handling revenue earned from its Internet activities in net sales. Shipping and handling costs, which are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, include shipping supplies, related labor costs and third-party shipping costs.
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	q.              Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income include advertising and marketing expenses, corporate administrative expenses, store expenses (including store payroll and store occupancy expenses), and store opening expenses.
	r.              Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses the costs of advertising when the advertising first occurs. Advertising expenses, including Internet advertising expenses, were $16,984,000, $13,878,000 and $11,712,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	s.              Stock-based Compensation
	The Company recognizes employee stock-based compensation as a cost in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Stock-based awards are measured at the grant date fair value and are recorded generally on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting, which are recognized in stockholders’ equity, are reflected as financing cash inflows.
	t.              Store Closing, Asset Impairment and Asset Disposal Expenses
	Store closing expenses include lease termination fees, gains or losses on disposal of closed store assets and recognition of unamortized deferred rent. Asset impairment expenses represent losses recognized to reduce the carrying value of impaired long-lived assets. Asset disposal expenses represent gains or losses on disposal of assets other than in connection with store closings, including assets disposed from remodeling or relocation of stores.
	u.              Income Taxes
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as from net operating loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Under the accounting standard for uncertain income tax positions, recognition of a tax benefit occurs when a tax position is estimated by management to be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based solely on its technical merits. Derecognition of a previously recognized tax position would occur if it is subsequently determined that the tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. Recognized tax positions are measured at the largest amount that management believes has a greater than 50% likelihood of being finalized. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax provision.
	v.              Net Income per Share and Cash Dividends
Basic net income (or earnings) per share (“Basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding restricted stock awards for which the restrictions have not lapsed. Diluted net income per share (“Diluted EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to the potential dilution, if applicable, from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock awards and exercise of stock options into shares of common stock as if those stock options were exercised. Common shares issuable in connection with the award of performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are excluded from the calculation of EPS until the RSUs’ performance conditions are achieved and the shares in respect of the RSUs become issuable (see Note 13).
2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
The following table summarizes those effects for the diluted net income per share calculation (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	Year Ended September 30,
	2013		2012			2011
Net income	$	23,943	$	19,372	$		22,988
Net income per share—Basic	$	1.80	$	1.48	$		1.79
Net income per share—Diluted	$	1.78	$	1.46	$		1.75
Average number of shares outstanding—Basic		13,272		13,096			12,820
Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options		108		122			239
Incremental shares from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock awards		59		49			61
Average number of shares outstanding—Diluted		13,439		13,267			13,120
In addition to performance-based RSUs, for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, stock options and unvested restricted stock totaling approximately 196,000, 321,000 and 164,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS as their effect would have been antidilutive.
On January 26, 2011, the Company announced the initiation of a regular quarterly cash dividend. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 the Company paid cash dividends totaling $9,799,000 ($0.725 per share), $9,325,000 ($0.70 per share) and $6,901,000 ($0.525 per share), respectively. On November 14, 2013 the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1875 per share payable on December 27, 2013, which will require approximately $2,600,000 of available cash.
w.              Statements of Cash Flows
In fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company paid interest, including payments made on its interest rate swap agreement (see Note 9), of $360,000, $1,359,000 and $2,266,000, respectively, and made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $16,188,000, $7,432,000 and $9,804,000, respectively.
x.              Business and Credit Risk
Financial instruments, primarily cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables, potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company limits its credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents by placing such investments in highly liquid funds and instruments. Trade receivables associated with third-party credit cards are processed by financial institutions, which are monitored for financial stability. Trade receivables associated with licensed brand, leased department, international franchise and other relationships are evaluated for collectibility based on a combination of factors, including aging of trade receivables, write-off experience and past payment trends. The Company is dependent on key suppliers to provide sufficient quantities of inventory at competitive prices. No single supplier represented 10% or more of net purchases in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011. A significant majority of the Company’s purchases during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 were imported. Management believes that any event causing a disruption of imports from any specific country could be mitigated by moving production to readily available alternative sources.
y.              Insurance
The Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation, general liability and automotive liability claims, and employee-related healthcare claims, up to certain stop-loss limits. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred but not reported claims. Further, the Company utilizes a cooperative arrangement with a number of other companies to assist in managing certain workers’ compensation and general liability insurance risks for loss occurrences prior to March 1, 2010. The Company’s expenses associated with this relationship could be impacted by the loss history associated with the cooperative as a whole. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated by considering historical claims experience and other actuarial assumptions.
2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
z.              Store Preopening Costs
Non-capital expenditures, such as payroll costs incurred prior to the opening of a new store, are charged to expense in the period in which they were incurred.
aa.              Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit would be presented in the financial statements as a liability and would not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. Adoption of the new requirements of ASU No. 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2013-02 requires companies to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, companies are required to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The standard does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. ASU No. 2013-02 is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and interim periods within those years. Because this guidance impacts presentation only, the adoption of the new requirements of ASU No. 2013-02 will not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2011-05 required companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. It eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. The standard did not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, which deferred the effective date of the requirement to present separate line items on the statement of income for reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU No. 2011-05 and No. 2011-12 were effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and interim periods within those years. In accordance with ASU No. 2011-05 and No. 2011-12 the Company has presented two separate but consecutive statements, which include the components of net income and other comprehensive income. Because this guidance impacted presentation only, the adoption of the new requirements of ASU No. 2011-05 and No. 2011-12 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Trade_Receivables

Trade Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Trade Receivables	'
	3.              TRADE RECEIVABLES
	Trade receivables are recorded based on revenue recognized for sales of the Company’s merchandise and for other revenue earned by the Company through its marketing partnership programs and international franchise agreements, and are non-interest bearing. The Company evaluates the collectability of trade receivables based on a combination of factors, including aging of trade receivables, write-off experience, analysis of historical trends and expectations of future performance. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for the amount of trade receivables that are considered unlikely to be collected. When the Company’s collection efforts are unsuccessful, uncollectible trade receivables are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s trade receivables were net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $147,000 and $201,000, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories	'
	4.              INVENTORIES
	Inventories as of September 30 were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Finished goods	$	79,087	$	82,795
	Work-in-progress		2,709		2,804
	Raw materials		4,750		3,155
		$	86,546	$	88,754

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'
	5.              PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
	Property, plant and equipment as of September 30 was comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Land	$	1,400		$		1,400
	Building and improvements		16,211				15,843
	Furniture and equipment		73,363				69,504
	Leasehold improvements		88,298				84,702
			179,272				171,449
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(125,825	)			(120,371	)
		$	53,447		$		51,078
	Aggregate depreciation and amortization expense of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $12,275,000, $12,303,000 and $12,634,000, respectively. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded pretax charges of $754,000, $1,875,000 and $759,000, respectively, related to the impairment of leasehold improvements and furniture and equipment at certain of its retail locations.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	6.              ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
	As of September 30, accrued expenses and other current liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Employee compensation and benefits	$	9,243	$	5,918
	Insurance, primarily self-insurance reserves		5,899		5,341
	Gift certificates and store credits		4,182		4,194
	Deferred rent		3,400		3,599
	Sales taxes		2,876		3,097
	Product return reserve		2,702		2,225
	Accounting and legal		1,106		1,215
	Income taxes payable		166		1,350
	Other		9,843		8,605
		$	39,417	$	35,544

Deferred_Rent_and_Other_Non_Cu

Deferred Rent and Other Non Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities	'
	7.              DEFERRED RENT AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
	As of September 30, deferred rent and other non-current liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Deferred rent	$	21,132		$		21,245
	Less: current portion included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(3,400	)			(3,599	)
	Non-current deferred rent		17,732				17,646
	Accrued income taxes		4,218				4,063
	Other		171				175
		$	22,121		$		21,884

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit	'
	8.              LINE OF CREDIT
	On November 1, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year $61,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), which replaced the Company’s former $55,000,000 credit facility (the “Prior Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility consists of two tranches: (1) a senior secured revolving credit and letter of credit facility of up to $55,000,000 (“Tranche A”) and (2) a senior secured first-in, last-out revolving credit facility of up to $6,000,000 (“Tranche A-1”). The Credit Facility will mature on November 1, 2017. Upon the Company’s request and with the consent of the lender, permitted borrowings under Tranche A may be increased up to an additional $15,000,000, in increments of $2,500,000, up to a Tranche A maximum limit of $70,000,000. Proceeds from advances under the Credit Facility, with certain restrictions, were permitted to be used to repay then existing term loan or other debt (see Note 9), and may be used to provide financing for working capital, letters of credit, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases and other general corporate purposes.
	The Credit Facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants and representations and warranties. Under the Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain minimum Excess Availability (as defined in the related Credit Facility agreement) equal to 10% of the Borrowing Base (as defined in the related Credit Facility agreement). The Credit Facility is secured by a security interest in the Company’s trade receivables, inventory, real estate interests, letter of credit rights, cash, intangibles and certain other assets. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is equal to, at the Company’s election, either (1) the lender’s base rate plus the applicable margin, or (2) a LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for base rate borrowings is 0.50% for Tranche A borrowings and 2.00% for Tranche A-1 borrowings. The applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings is 1.50% for Tranche A borrowings and 3.00% for Tranche A-1 borrowings. Tranche A-1 borrowings are deemed to be the first loans made and the last loans repaid. The Company also pays an unused line fee under the Credit Facility of 0.25% per annum.
	Any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility may be accelerated and become due and payable immediately and all loan and letter of credit commitments thereunder may be terminated upon an event of default and expiration of any applicable cure period. Events of default include: (1) nonpayment of obligations due under the Credit Facility, (2) failure to perform any covenant or agreement contained in the Credit Facility, (3) material misrepresentations, (4) failure to pay, or certain other defaults under, other material indebtedness of the Company, (5) certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, (6) a change of control, (7) material uninsured losses, (8) indictments of the Company or senior management in a material forfeiture action, and (9) customary ERISA defaults, among others.
	In connection with the execution of the Credit Facility, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $988,000, of which $927,000 was paid in fiscal 2013 and $61,000 was paid in fiscal 2012. These deferred financing costs are being amortized over the term of the Credit Facility agreement and included in “interest expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Prior Credit Facility had a maturity date of January 13, 2013. Proceeds from advances under the Prior Credit Facility, subject to certain restrictions, could be used to provide financing for working capital, letters of credit, capital expenditures, debt prepayments, dividends, share repurchases and other general corporate purposes. The Prior Credit Facility contained various affirmative and negative covenants and representations and warranties. There were no financial covenant requirements under the Prior Credit Facility unless Excess Availability (as defined in the related Prior Credit Facility agreement) fell below 10% of the Borrowing Base (as defined in the related Prior Credit Facility agreement). Throughout the period of the Prior Credit Facility, the Company exceeded the applicable excess availability requirements under the Prior Credit Facility and was not subject to any financial covenants.
	8.              LINE OF CREDIT (Continued)
	The Prior Credit Facility was amended on July 25, 2011 to decrease the maximum available for borrowings from $65,000,000 to $55,000,000 and to extend its maturity date from March 13, 2012 to January 13, 2013. The amendment also increased the Company’s effective interest rate on borrowings, if any, by approximately 0.75% per annum and increased the applicable interest rate margins. The Prior Credit Facility was secured by a security interest in the Company’s trade receivables, inventory, real estate interests, letter of credit rights, cash, intangibles and certain other assets. The security interest granted to the Prior Credit Facility lender was, in certain respects, subordinate to the security interest granted to the Company’s Term Loan lenders (see Note 9). The interest rate on outstanding borrowings was equal to, at the Company’s election, either (1) the lender’s prime rate plus the applicable margin, or (2) a LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. From July 25, 2011 to November 1, 2012, the applicable margins were 0.75% for prime rate borrowings and 1.75% for LIBOR rate borrowings. Prior to July 25, 2011 there was no applicable margin for prime rate borrowings and the applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings was 1.00%. The applicable margins for both prime rate and LIBOR rate borrowings were the lowest available margins based upon the availability calculation made in accordance with the Prior Credit Facility.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and $5,695,000 in letters of credit, with $55,305,000 of availability under the Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility and $7,084,000 in letters of credit, with $47,916,000 of availability under the Prior Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2013, Tranche A borrowings under the Credit Facility would have resulted in interest at a rate between approximately 1.68% and 3.75% per annum, and Tranche A-1 borrowings under the Credit Facility would have resulted in interest at a rate between approximately 3.18% and 5.25% per annum. During fiscal 2013 the Company’s average level of direct borrowings (all of which were under the Credit Facility) was $205,000, and the Company’s maximum borrowings at any time were $6,200,000. During fiscal 2012 and 2011 the Company did not have any direct borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-Term Debt	'
	9.              LONG-TERM DEBT
	The following table summarizes the Company’s long-term debt as of September 30 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Senior secured Term Loan B, variable interest (4.25% as of September 30, 2012), principal of $225 due quarterly through December 31, 2012 with the remaining balance due March 13, 2013 (remaining balance of $13,427 was prepaid on November 1, 2012)	$	—	$	13,427
	Industrial Revenue Bond, variable interest (0.45% as of September 30, 2012), principal due annually until September 1, 2020 (remaining balance of $1,830 was prepaid on April 3, 2013)		—		1,830
			—		15,257
	Less: current portion		—		(15,257	)
		$	—	$	—
	Prior to November 1, 2012, the Company had a Term Loan and Security Agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) for a senior secured Term Loan B due March 13, 2013 (the “Term Loan”), the $90,000,000 proceeds of which were received on April 18, 2007. On November 1, 2012, the Company prepaid the remaining Term Loan balance of $13,427,000 in connection with the execution of its new Credit Facility (see Note 8). The interest rate on the Term Loan was equal to, at the Company’s election, either (1) the prime rate plus 1.00%, or (2) a LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and during fiscal 2012 and 2011, the applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings was 2.25%, the lowest available margin based on the Company’s quarterly Consolidated Leverage Ratios (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement). Prior to its repayment, the Term Loan required minimum principal repayments in quarterly installments of $225,000 each, in addition to an annual principal repayment equal to 25% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) in excess of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year, based on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The Term Loan could be prepaid at the Company’s option, in part or in whole, at any time without any prepayment premium or penalty. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company prepaid $13,427,000, $15,000,000, and $12,623,000 (including a $2,623,000 prepayment, related to fiscal 2010 results, required under the annual excess cash flow provision of the Term Loan), respectively, of the outstanding Term Loan. There was no required principal repayment related to fiscal 2011 results.
	9.              LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)
	The Term Loan was secured by a security interest in the Company’s trade receivables, inventory, real estate interests, letter of credit rights, cash, intangibles and certain other assets. The security interest granted to the Term Loan lenders was, in certain respects, subordinate to the security interest granted to the Prior Credit Facility lender. The Term Loan Agreement imposed certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repurchase stock, and enter into other various types of transactions. The Term Loan Agreement also contained quarterly financial covenants that required the Company to maintain a specified maximum permitted Consolidated Leverage Ratio and a specified minimum permitted Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement). Throughout the period of the Term Loan the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Term Loan Agreement.
	In order to mitigate the Company’s floating rate interest risk on the variable rate Term Loan, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the agent bank for the Term Loan for a five-year term commencing on April 18, 2007, the date the $90,000,000 Term Loan proceeds were received. The interest rate swap agreement enabled the Company to effectively convert an amount of the Term Loan (equal to the notional amount of the interest rate swap) from a floating interest rate (LIBOR plus 2.25% during fiscal 2012 and 2011, based on the Company’s specified leverage ratios), to a fixed interest rate (7.25% during fiscal 2012 and 2011, based on the Company’s specified leverage ratios). The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $75,000,000 at the inception of the swap agreement and decreased over time to a notional amount of $5,000,000 at the expiration date of April 18, 2012. During the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, pretax losses of $(144,000) and $(808,000), respectively, associated with the exchange of interest rate payments under the swap agreement were included as “interest expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
	In connection with the issuance of the Term Loan and amendments of the Prior Credit Facility (see Note 8), the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $1,112,000. These deferred financing costs were being amortized over the term of the related debt agreement and are included in “interest expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
	The Company had $1,830,000 outstanding under an Industrial Revenue Bond (“IRB”) at September 30, 2012, which was classified as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet pursuant to a put option that was available to the bondholders. On February 11, 2013, the Company notified the IRB trustee of its intention to redeem all remaining outstanding bonds effective April 3, 2013. As provided under the indenture of trust for the bonds, on April 3, 2013 the IRB trustee drew down $1,830,000 plus accrued interest under the letter of credit issued as security for the bonds, at which time the Company had no further obligations, and the bonds had no further rights, under the indenture.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
	10.              FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The accounting standard for fair value measurements defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value focused on exit price and creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements as follows:
	              Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	              Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or inputs that are corroborated by observable market data
	              Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data
	At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had cash equivalents of $20,425,000 and $19,462,000, respectively. The Company’s cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds for which the carrying value approximates fair value (based on Level 1 inputs) due to the short-term nature of those instruments.
	The carrying values of trade receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those instruments. The Company’s long-term debt bore interest at variable rates, which adjusted based on market conditions and the carrying value of the long-term debt approximated fair value. The fair value of the Company’s debt was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates available to the Company, which the Company considered to be Level 2 inputs.
	10.              FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)
	A significant portion of the Company’s floating rate interest risk on variable rate long-term debt was mitigated through an interest rate swap agreement that expired on April 18, 2012. The Company’s interest rate swap was required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of the interest rate swap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing an interest rate yield curve that was readily available to the public, which the Company considered to be a Level 2 input.
	The fair value accounting standards provide a company with the option to report selected financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at fair value and requires such company to display the fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the company has chosen to use fair value on the face of the balance sheet. The Company has not elected the fair value option for its financial assets and liabilities that had not been previously measured at fair value.

Common_and_Preferred_Stock

Common and Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Common and Preferred Stock	'
	11.              COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK
	In July 2008, the Company’s Board approved a program to repurchase up to $7,000,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. In July 2012, the Company’s Board extended its authorization of the program from July 31, 2012 to July 31, 2014, and increased the amount of the Company’s outstanding stock authorized to be repurchased from $7,000,000 to $10,000,000. Under the program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market or in negotiated or other transactions. No shares have been repurchased under this program as of September 30, 2013.
	The Company has authorization to issue up to 1,656,381 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01, with 300,000 shares authorized for Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”). There was no preferred stock issued or outstanding as of September 30, 2013 or 2012.
	The Series B Preferred Stock can be purchased in units equal to one one-thousandth of a share (the “Series B Units”) under the terms of the Rights Agreement (see Note 12). The holders of the Series B Units are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared on common stock. Series B Units are junior to the common stock for both dividends and liquidations. Each Series B Unit votes as one share of common stock.

Rights_Agreement

Rights Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Rights Agreement	'
	12.              RIGHTS AGREEMENT
	In October 2005, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Rights Agreement to renew its then existing Rights Agreement (collectively referred to as the “Rights Agreement”) that would otherwise have expired in October 2005. Under the Rights Agreement, the Company provided and will provide one Right (the “Right”) for each share of Destination Maternity Corporation common stock now or hereafter outstanding. Under certain limited conditions, as defined in the Rights Agreement, each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one Series B Unit at $85 per share, subject to adjustment. The Rights expire on October 9, 2015 (the “Final Expiration Date”).
	The Rights Agreement provides the independent directors of the Company with some discretion in determining when the Distribution Date (as defined in the Rights Agreement) shall occur and the date until which the Rights may be redeemed. In addition, the Rights Agreement exempts from its operation any person that acquires, obtains the right to acquire, or otherwise obtains beneficial ownership of 15.0% or more of the then outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (an “Acquiring Person”) without any intention of changing or influencing control of the Company provided that such person, as promptly as practicable, divests himself or itself of a sufficient number of shares of common stock so that such person would no longer be an Acquiring Person.
	The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date, which will occur upon (1) the earlier of ten business days following a public announcement that an Acquiring Person has acquired beneficial ownership of 15.0% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock, and ten business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group owning 15.0% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock, or (2) such later date as may be determined by action of a majority of the independent directors. The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company without conditioning the offer on the redemption of the Rights.
	The Rights can be mandatorily redeemed by action of a majority of the independent directors at any time prior to the earlier of the Final Expiration Date and the Distribution Date for $0.01 per Right. Upon exercise and the occurrence of certain events, as defined in the Rights Agreement, each holder of a Right, except the Acquiring Person, will have the right to receive Series B Units, or common stock of the acquiring company, in each case having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right.

Equity_Award_Plans

Equity Award Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Award Plans	'
	13.              EQUITY AWARD PLANS
	The Company has three equity award plans: the 1994 Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”), the Amended and Restated 1987 Stock Option Plan (the “1987 Plan”) and the Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The Director Plan expired on December 31, 2004 and no further awards may be granted under the Director Plan. The 1987 Plan expired on December 9, 2007, and no further awards may be issued under the 1987 Plan. Options issued under the Director Plan and the 1987 Plan will remain outstanding until they have expired, been exercised or have otherwise terminated. Up to a total of 4,350,000 options were able to be issued under the 1987 Plan and the Director Plan (including up to a total of 400,000 options which were issuable under the Director Plan), but 521,354 of these options became unavailable for grant upon the expiration of the 1987 Plan on December 9, 2007 and the expiration of the Director Plan on December 31, 2004. In January 2006, the stockholders of the Company approved the adoption of the 2005 Plan and, subsequently, have approved amendments to increase the number of issuable shares. Under the 2005 Plan, employees, directors, consultants and other individuals who provide services to the Company may be granted awards in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or restricted stock units. Up to 2,800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock may be issued in respect of awards under the 2005 Plan, as amended, with no more than 1,500,000 of those shares permitted to be issued in respect of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under the 2005 Plan. Awards of options to purchase the Company’s common stock will have exercise prices as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), but such exercise prices may not be lower than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant.
	No options have been granted by the Company with an exercise price less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant for any of the periods presented. The majority of the options issued under the plans vest ratably over four or five-year periods, although some options have both market price and time vesting requirements, and options issued under the plans generally expire ten years from the date of grant. Restricted stock awards issued under the 2005 Plan have restrictions that lapse ratably over periods ranging from one to five years. The non-executive chairman of the Company’s Board is granted 6,000 shares of restricted stock and each non-employee director, other than the non-executive chairman, of the Company’s Board is granted 4,000 shares of restricted stock on an annual basis that will vest one year from the date of grant. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of vested options. As of September 30, 2013, there were 1,095,106 shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant under the 2005 Plan, with no more than 641,347 of those shares permitted to be issued in respect of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted under the 2005 Plan.
	Stock option activity for all plans was as follows:
		Outstanding				Weighted							Weighted			Aggregate
		Options				Average							Average			Intrinsic Value
						Exercise Price							Remaining Life
		(in thousands)											(years)			(in thousands)
	Balance—September 30, 2012		607				$		13.05
	Granted		107						20.23
	Exercised		(163	)					10.01
	Forfeited		(1	)					10.70
	Expired		(2	)					18.70
	Balance—September 30, 2013		548				$		15.35						6.9		$	9,021
	Exercisable—September 30, 2013		210				$		11.40						5.2		$	4,280
	During the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $2,080,000, $1,544,000 and $9,659,000, respectively. The total cash received from these option exercises was $744,000, $107,000 and $2,285,000, respectively, and the actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from these option exercises was $784,000, $580,000 and $3,617,000, respectively. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase 101,949, 119,600 and 368,800 shares of common stock, respectively, with aggregate exercise prices of $890,000, $1,007,000 and $2,428,000, respectively, were exercised by the option holders and net-share settled by the Company, such that the Company withheld 39,934, 51,041 and 109,926 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, which had a fair market value equal to the aggregate exercise prices of the options.
	The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was estimated to be $7.98, $6.17 and $9.69 per option share, respectively. The weighted average fair value of each option granted is calculated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
	13.              EQUITY AWARD PLANS (Continued)
	Weighted-average assumptions for option grants were as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected dividend yield		3.5		%		4.5		%		3.2		%
	Expected price volatility		59.6		%		63.0		%		62.5		%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.8		%		1.0		%		2.4		%
	Expected life		5.5 years				5.5 years				5.8 years
	Expected dividend yield was determined using a weighted average of the Company’s annualized dividend rate compared to the market price of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. Expected volatility was determined using a weighted average of the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock as of the option grant date measured over a period equal to the expected life of the grant. Risk-free interest rates were based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of the grant. Expected lives were determined using a weighted average of the historic lives of previously issued grants of the Company’s options.
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2013:
		Options Outstanding														Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number				Weighted					Weighted					Number			Weighted
		Outstanding				Average					Average					Exercisable			Average
						Remaining Life					Exercise Price								Exercise Price
		(in thousands)				(years)										(in thousands)
	$   3.52 to $  6.50		35					3.0				$		5.10			30			$	5.41
	6.51 to     7.00		90					4.6						6.87			90				6.87
	7.01 to   14.00		92					5.9						11.79			27				11.55
	14.01 to   19.00		85					8.2						15.96			13				16.88
	19.01 to   20.00		105					9.1						19.86			1				19.17
	20.01 to   22.00		40					7.7						20.62			16				20.62
	22.01 to   29.63		101					7.5						22.43			33				22.13
	$   3.52 to $29.63		548					6.9				$		15.35			210			$	11.40
	Restricted stock activity for the 2005 Plan was as follows:
		Outstanding				Weighted
		Shares				Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Nonvested—September 30, 2012		215				$		16.02
	Granted		107						20.98
	Vested		(86	)					14.52
	Forfeited		(10	)					16.75
	Nonvested—September 30, 2013		226				$		18.92
	In each of November 2012 and December 2011, the Compensation Committee established the performance goals for the award of performance-based RSUs for four executive officers, under the 2005 Plan. The RSUs earned, if any, under the November 2012 awards (the “2012 Awards”) will be based on the Company’s cumulative operating income, as reflected in the Company’s financial statements, from fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015. The RSUs earned, if any, under the December 2011 awards (the “2011 Awards”)
	13.              EQUITY AWARD PLANS (Continued)
	will be based on the Company’s cumulative operating income, as reflected in the Company’s financial statements, with respect to fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2014. The grant of any RSUs under these awards will generally be further contingent on the continued employment of the executive officers with the Company, through the date on which the shares in respect of these RSUs, if any, are issued following the end of the applicable performance periods, as well as the achievement of certain minimum levels of operating income in the final fiscal year of each applicable performance period. Any dividends declared on the shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the RSUs will be credited as additional RSUs based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the dividend payment date. The additional RSUs, if any, will be earned on the same terms as the original RSUs. For the 2012 Awards, the executive officers will earn a cumulative total of 18,541 RSUs, excluding RSUs from dividends declared, if the Company’s cumulative operating income for fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 equals or exceeds a threshold of $109,582,000, and will ratably earn up to a maximum cumulative total of 55,621 RSUs, excluding RSUs from dividends declared, if the Company’s operating income during such performance period equals or exceeds $132,201,000. For the 2011 Awards, the executive officers will earn a cumulative total of 19,531 RSUs, excluding RSUs from dividends declared, if the Company’s cumulative operating income for fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2014 equals or exceeds a threshold of $120,000,000, and will ratably earn up to a maximum cumulative total of 58,590 RSUs, excluding RSUs from dividends declared, if the Company’s operating income during such performance period equals or exceeds $132,000,000.
	As of September 30, 2013, $5,143,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all non-vested equity awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
	During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, certain stock option exercises and vesting restricted stock awards were net-share settled by the Company such that the Company withheld shares of the Company’s common stock, which had a fair market value equivalent to the minimum statutory obligation for the applicable income and employment taxes for the awards, and the Company remitted the cash value to the appropriate taxing authorities. The total shares withheld in connection with tax obligations, which were 34,125, 30,849 and 128,646, respectively, during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, are reflected as repurchase of common stock in the accompanying financial statements, and were based on the value of the Company’s common stock on the exercise or vesting date. The remaining shares, net of those withheld, were delivered to the award holders. Total payments for tax obligations to the tax authorities were $725,000, $597,000 and $2,786,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	14.              INCOME TAXES
	For the years ended September 30, the income tax provision was comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
	Current provision	$		16,017		$	13,874			$		10,307
	Deferred (benefit) provision			(1,791	)		(1,378	)				2,679
	Deferred benefit of state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect, recognized based on change in tax regulations			(1,216	)		—					—
		$		13,010		$	12,496			$		12,986
	Federal provision	$		11,485		$	8,517			$		12,047
	State provision			380			2,170					924
	Foreign provision			1,145			1,809					15
		$		13,010		$	12,496			$		12,986
	14.              INCOME TAXES (Continued)
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rates for the years ended September 30 follows:
		2013						2012					2011
	Statutory federal tax rate		35.0		%				35.0		%			35.0		%
	State tax rate, net of federal benefit		2.7						2.7					3.3
	Provision for (benefit from) uncertain income tax positions, net of federal effect		1.3						2.4					(1.5	)
	Benefit of state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect, recognized based on change in tax regulations		(3.3	)					—					—
	Other		(0.5	)					(0.9	)				(0.7	)
			35.2		%				39.2		%			36.1		%
	The deferred tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to the Company’s net deferred tax assets as of September 30 were as follows (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred rent	$		7,964		$	7,981
	State net operating loss carryforwards			3,141			—
	Employee benefit accruals			3,071			2,915
	Depreciation and amortization			2,245			1,729
	Stock-based compensation			1,029			733
	Inventory reserves			745			637
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards			—			447
	Other accruals			3,203			2,866
	Other			1,529			1,444
				22,927			18,752
	Valuation allowance			(1,925	)		—
				21,002			18,752
	Deferred tax liability:
	Prepaid expenses			(520	)		(528	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$		20,482		$	18,224
	Based on the Company’s historical and projected levels of taxable income, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the net deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2013. There can be no assurance that the Company will generate taxable earnings or any specific level of earnings in the future.
	During fiscal 2013, the Company recognized a state income tax benefit, net of federal effect and a valuation allowance, of $1,216,000, for the estimated carryforward tax benefit of certain state net operating losses, which had previously been projected to expire unused, based upon recently enacted changes in applicable state income tax regulations. The Company assessed that it was unlikely that sufficient future state specific taxable income will be generated to fully use the available state net operating loss carryforwards, and accordingly, a valuation allowance  has been recorded to recognize only the portion of the deferred tax asset that is considered more likely than not to be realized. The Company does not record state tax benefits associated with temporary differences for certain other states in which it has net operating losses, given the continued historical uncertainty related to realizing such state tax benefits. Had the state tax benefits been reflected for these states, the deferred tax assets (excluding state net operating loss carryforwards) as of September 30, 2013 would be approximately $679,000 higher.
	14.              INCOME TAXES (Continued)
	The accounting standard for uncertain income tax positions clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements and also contains guidance on the measurement of uncertain tax positions.
	A reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions for the years ended September 30 follows (in thousands):
		2013							2012						2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$		4,063			$				2,591		$				3,830
	Additions for current year tax positions			476							1,377						203
	Additions for prior year tax positions			331							266						154
	Reductions of prior year tax positions			(12	)						(20	)					(1,104	)
	Settlements			(640	)						(151	)					(492	)
	Balance at end of year	$		4,218			$				4,063		$				2,591
	As of September 30, 2013, gross unrecognized tax benefits included accrued interest and penalties of $1,957,000. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, interest and penalties of $341,000, $577,000, and $(386,000), respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits, were included in income tax provision. If recognized, the portion of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the Company’s effective tax rate was $2,985,000, net of federal tax benefit.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had income taxes receivable of $648,000, which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	During the twelve months subsequent to September 30, 2013, it is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits could potentially increase by approximately $399,000 (of which approximately $278,000, net of federal benefit, would affect the effective tax rate) for uncertain tax positions, including the continued effect of interest on unrecognized tax benefits and limitations on certain potential tax credits, partially offset by the effect of expiring statutes of limitations and settlements.
	The Company’s United States Federal income tax returns for the years ended September 30, 2010 and thereafter remain subject to examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service. The Company also files tax returns in Canada, India and numerous United States state jurisdictions, which have varying statutes of limitations. Generally, Canadian tax returns for tax years ended September 30, 2007 and thereafter, Indian tax returns for tax years ended March 31, 2009 and thereafter, and United States state tax returns for tax years ended September 30, 2009 and thereafter, depending upon the jurisdiction, remain subject to examination. However, the statutes of limitations on certain of the Company’s United States state tax returns remain open for tax years prior to fiscal 2009.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	15.              COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company leases its retail facilities and certain equipment under various non-cancelable operating leases. Certain of these leases have renewal options. Total rent expense (including related occupancy costs, such as insurance, maintenance and taxes, paid to landlords) under operating leases amounted to $61,253,000, $65,412,000 and $67,496,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Such amounts include contingent rentals based upon a percentage of sales totaling $1,574,000, $1,428,000 and $1,563,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	In September 2013 the Company announced its plans to relocate its corporate headquarters and distribution operations from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to southern New Jersey. The lease for the new corporate headquarters building was signed September 19, 2013 and is expected to commence in Fall 2014, and the lease for a new build-to-suit distribution center building was signed December 3, 2013 and is expected to commence in early to mid 2015. Future minimum payments for the two leases are included in the table below.
	Store, office and distribution facility leases generally provide for payment of direct operating costs in addition to rent.
	15.              COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
	Future annual minimum operating lease payments, excluding such direct operating costs, as well as leases for equipment rental as of September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	42,200
	2015		33,704
	2016		28,360
	2017		23,447
	2018		18,973
	2019 and thereafter		72,732
		$	219,416
	From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising from normal business activities. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to currently pending actions cannot be accurately predicted, the Company does not believe that the resolution of any pending action will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Executive_Officer_Employment_A

Executive Officer Employment Agreements (Employment Contracts)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employment Contracts	'
Executive Officer Employment Agreements	'
	16.              EXECUTIVE OFFICER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
	The Company has an employment agreement with Edward M. Krell, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). Mr. Krell’s employment agreement was amended on August 10, 2011 to increase Mr. Krell’s annual base salary from $650,000 to $750,000, effective December 1, 2010. On December 4, 2013, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Krell’s annual base salary from $750,000 to $800,000. Base salary earned for Mr. Krell was $750,000, $750,000 and $733,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The agreement also provides for salary continuation and severance payments should the employment of the executive be terminated under specified conditions, as defined therein. Additionally, Mr. Krell is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance. The agreement continues in effect until terminated by either the Company or the executive in accordance with the termination provisions of the agreement.
	Effective June 1, 2011, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Christopher F. Daniel, in connection with the hiring of Mr. Daniel as the Company’s President. The agreement provided that Mr. Daniel’s annual base salary would be $525,000. On December 4, 2013, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Daniel’s annual base salary from $525,000 to $535,000. Base salary earned for Mr. Daniel was $525,000, $525,000 and $175,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The agreement also provides for salary continuation and severance payments should employment of the executive be terminated under specified conditions, as defined therein. Additionally, Mr. Daniel is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance. The agreement continues in effect until terminated by either the Company or the executive in accordance with the termination provisions of the agreement.
	The Company has an employment agreement with Judd P. Tirnauer, the Company’s Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Tirnauer was promoted from Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer to Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer effective November 22, 2011. Mr. Tirnauer’s employment agreement was amended on August 10, 2011 to increase Mr. Tirnauer’s annual base salary from $332,000 to $375,000, effective December 1, 2010. On November 15, 2012, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Tirnauer’s annual base salary from $375,000 to $385,000, effective December 1, 2012. On December 4, 2013, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Tirnauer’s annual base salary from $385,000 to $405,000. Base salary earned for Mr. Tirnauer was $383,000, $375,000 and $368,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The agreement also provides for salary continuation and severance payments should employment of the executive be terminated under specified conditions, as defined therein. Additionally, Mr. Tirnauer is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance. The agreement continues in effect until terminated by either the Company or the executive in accordance with the termination provisions of the agreement.
	16.              EXECUTIVE OFFICER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS (Continued)
	The Company has an employment agreement with Ronald J. Masciantonio, the Company’s Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer. Effective April 21, 2011, Mr. Masciantonio was named by the Board as an executive officer of the Company. Effective November 22, 2011, Mr. Masciantonio was promoted from Senior Vice President & General Counsel to Executive Vice President & General Counsel and, effective November 15, 2012, Mr. Masciantonio was promoted to the additional position of Chief Administrative Officer and continued to serve as the Company’s General Counsel until August 16, 2013. Mr. Masciantonio’s employment agreement was amended on August 10, 2011 to increase Mr. Masciantonio’s annual base salary from $275,000 to $320,000, effective December 1, 2010. On November 15, 2012, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Masciantonio’s annual base salary from $320,000 to $360,000, effective December 1, 2012. On December 4, 2013, the Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Masciantonio’s annual base salary from $360,000 to $390,000. Base salary earned for Mr. Masciantonio was $353,000, $320,000 and $312,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The agreement also provides for salary continuation and severance payments should employment of the executive be terminated under specified conditions, as defined therein. Additionally, Mr. Masciantonio is eligible for an annual cash bonus based on performance. The agreement continues in effect until terminated by either the Company or the executive in accordance with the termination provisions of the agreement.

Postretirement_Obligations

Postretirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Postretirement Obligations	'
	17.              POSTRETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	Effective September 30, 2008, Dan W. Matthias, the Company’s former Chairman of the Board and Former CEO, retired as CEO. In connection with Mr. Matthias’ retirement as CEO, in September 2008 the Company entered into a Transition Agreement (the “D. Matthias Transition Agreement”) with Mr. Matthias, the term of which expired on September 30, 2012. The D. Matthias Transition Agreement provided that Mr. Matthias made himself available to the Company during the term of the agreement for strategic planning, corporate development and other matters as requested by the Board or the Company’s CEO. Subsequent to his retirement, Mr. Matthias continued to serve the Company as non-executive Chairman of the Board until January 2010 and was thereafter available to the Company as stipulated in the D. Matthias Transition Agreement. In consideration of Mr. Matthias’ advisory and board services (and in lieu of all other director compensation), the Company paid Mr. Matthias an annual retainer of $200,000 and continued certain insurance and fringe benefits during the term of the D. Matthias Transition Agreement. The D. Matthias Transition Agreement also provides for the restrictive covenants set forth in Mr. Matthias’ employment agreement to continue in effect until September 30, 2014.
	Effective September 30, 2010, Rebecca C. Matthias, the Company’s former President and Chief Creative Officer, retired. In connection with Ms. Matthias’ scheduled retirement, in November 2009 the Company entered into a Transition Agreement (the “R. Matthias Transition Agreement”) with Ms. Matthias, the term of which expired on September 30, 2012. In addition to certain preretirement employment arrangements, the R. Matthias Transition Agreement provided that Ms. Matthias made herself available to the Company during the term of the agreement on a limited basis for strategic planning, merchandising, public relations, publicity and other matters as requested by the Company’s CEO. The R. Matthias Transition Agreement also provides for the restrictive covenants set forth in Ms. Matthias’ employment agreement to continue in effect until September 30, 2014.
	The Company had Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements (the “SERP Agreement(s)”) with Mr. and Ms. Matthias (the “SERP Executives”), which were effective March 2, 2007. Pursuant to the D. Matthias Transition Agreement, Mr. Matthias received SERP Agreement benefits totaling $3,960,000, which were paid to Mr. Matthias in installments that commenced on April 1, 2009, with the final installment paid on October 1, 2012. The Company paid SERP Agreement benefits to Mr. Matthias totaling $150,000, $600,000 and $750,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Pursuant to the R. Matthias Transition Agreement, Ms. Matthias received a lump sum payment of the SERP Agreement benefits of $4,166,000 on December 16, 2010. No further amounts are payable to Mr. or Ms. Matthias pursuant to their SERP Agreements.
	The Company accounted for the SERP Agreements in accordance with the accounting requirements for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans.
	17.              POSTRETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Continued)
	Changes in the benefit obligation under the SERP Agreements as of September 30 were as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	150		$	732
	Interest cost		—			18
	Benefit payments		(150	)		(600	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		—			150
	Less: current portion included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities		—			(150	)
	Non-current benefit obligation at end of year	$	—		$	—
	Net periodic pension cost on a pretax basis for fiscal 2012 and 2011 consisted of interest cost of $18,000 and $88,000, respectively.
	The Company had a grantor trust, which was established for the purpose of accumulating assets in anticipation of the Company’s payment obligations under the SERP Agreements (the “Grantor Trust”). In accordance with the Company’s agreements with the SERP Executives and the trustee for the Grantor Trust (the “Trustee”), the Company made partial cash contributions to the Grantor Trust, and provided an irrevocable standby letter of credit to the Trustee, in lieu of any contributions otherwise required, as security for funding obligations under the SERP Agreements. In December 2010, the Company received a distribution of the assets in the Grantor Trust totaling $1,504,000. The amount withdrawn was used to partially fund the December 2010 lump sum payment of $4,166,000 of SERP Agreement benefits to Ms. Matthias. No further amounts remain in the Grantor Trust.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	18.              EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The Company has a 401(k) savings plan for all employees who elect to participate and who have at least six months of service and are at least 18 years of age. Employees can contribute up to 20% of their annual salary. Employees who meet certain criteria are eligible for a matching contribution from the Company based on a sliding scale. Company matches are made in the first quarter of the succeeding calendar year and vest over a period of approximately six years from each employee’s commencement of employment with the Company. Company matching contributions totaling $121,000 (net of $12,000 of cumulative plan forfeitures), $39,000 (net of $100,000 of cumulative plan forfeitures) and $146,000, were made in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, the Company may make discretionary contributions to the plan, which vest over a period of approximately six years from each employee’s commencement of employment with the Company. The Company has not made any discretionary contributions.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	'
	19.              QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	Quarterly financial results for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Quarter Ended
	Fiscal 2013	9/30/13		6/30/13		3/31/13		12/31/12
	Net sales	$	128,250	$	141,886	$	134,859	$	135,264
	Gross profit		69,525		77,288		72,980		71,168
	Net income		5,633		8,591		5,877		3,842
	Net income per share—Basic		0.42		0.65		0.44		0.29
	Net income per share—Diluted		0.42		0.64		0.44		0.29
	19.              QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
		Quarter Ended
	Fiscal 2012	9/30/12		6/30/12		3/31/12		12/31/11
	Net sales	$	128,487	$	138,847	$	137,792	$	136,350
	Gross profit		71,588		75,756		73,761		69,606
	Net income		5,189		6,941		4,979		2,263
	Net income per share—Basic		0.39		0.53		0.38		0.17
	Net income per share—Diluted		0.39		0.52		0.38		0.17
	The Company’s business, like that of other retailers, is seasonal. The Company’s quarterly net sales have historically been highest in its third fiscal quarter, corresponding to the peak Spring selling season. Given the historically higher sales level in its third fiscal quarter and the relatively fixed nature of most of the Company’s operating expenses, the Company has typically generated a very significant percentage of its full year operating income and net income during its third fiscal quarter.

Segment_and_Enterprise_Wide_Di

Segment and Enterprise Wide Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment and Enterprise Wide Disclosures	'
	20.              SEGMENT AND ENTERPRISE WIDE DISCLOSURES
	Operating Segment.    For purposes of the disclosure requirements for segments of a business enterprise, the Company has determined that its business is comprised of one operating segment: the design, manufacture and sale of maternity apparel and related accessories. While the Company offers a wide range of products for sale, the substantial portion of its products are initially distributed through the same distribution facilities, many of the Company’s products are manufactured at common contract manufacturer production facilities, the Company’s products are marketed through a common marketing department, and these products are sold to a similar customer base, consisting of expectant mothers.
	Geographic Information.    Geographic revenue information is allocated based on the country in which the products or services are sold and, in the case of international franchise revenues, on the location of the customer. Information concerning the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers
	United States	$	512,585	$	514,779	$	520,023
	Foreign		27,674		26,697		25,371
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2012
	Long-Lived Assets, Net
	United States	$	53,992	$	51,449
	Foreign		1,799		976
	Major Customers.    For the periods presented, the Company did not have any one customer who represented more than 10% of its net sales.

Interest_Expense_Net

Interest Expense, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Expense, Net	'
	21.              INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
	Interest expense, net for the years ended September 30 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense	$	557		$	1,256		$	2,266
	Interest income		(25	)		(41	)		(33	)
	Interest expense, net	$	532		$	1,215		$	2,233

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions	'
	22.              RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	There is a husband and wife relationship between Mr. Matthias and Ms. Matthias. There are no family relationships among any of the Company’s current executive officers or directors.

Schedule_of_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
		Balance at		Additions		Deductions and		Balance at
		beginning		charged to		reclassifications		end of
		of period (1)		costs and				period (1)
				expenses
	Year Ended September 30, 2013
	Product return reserve	$	2,225	$	477	$	—	$	2,702
	Year Ended September 30, 2012
	Product return reserve	$	2,083	$	142	$	—	$	2,225
	Year Ended September 30, 2011
	Product return reserve	$	1,469	$	614	$	—	$	2,083
	(1)              As of September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s product return reserve reflects the estimated gross sales value of estimated product returns, which had an estimated cost value of $1,160, $919 and $853, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	'
	a.              Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries: Cave Springs, Inc., Mothers Work Canada, Inc., Destination Maternity Apparel Private Limited and Mothers Work Services, Inc. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year-End	'
	b.              Fiscal Year-End
	The Company operates on a fiscal year ending September 30 of each year. All references to fiscal years of the Company refer to the fiscal years ended on September 30 in those years. For example, the Company’s “fiscal 2013” ended on September 30, 2013.
Use of Estimates	'
	c.              Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	d.              Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash in the bank and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased. Book cash overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit, of $4,730,000 and $3,452,000 were included in accounts payable as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company maintains cash accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from maintaining cash accounts in excess of such limits. Management believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risks on its cash accounts.
Inventories	'
	e.              Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the “first-in, first-out” (FIFO) method. Inventories of goods manufactured by the Company include the cost of materials, freight, direct labor, and manufacturing and distribution overhead.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	f.              Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed for financial reporting purposes on a straight-line basis, using service lives ranging principally from five to ten years for furniture and equipment and forty years for the building. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or their useful life. The cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts with any resulting gain or loss included in net income. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, except for the capitalization of major renewals and betterments that extend the life of the asset. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever adverse events, or changes in circumstances or business climate, indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors used in the evaluation include, but are not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, brand initiatives, recent operating results and projected cash flows. If the associated undiscounted cash flows are insufficient to support the recorded asset, an impairment loss is recognized to reduce the carrying value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss is determined by comparing the fair value of the asset with the carrying value. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded impairment write-downs of property, plant and equipment totaling $754,000, $1,875,000 and $759,000, respectively, on a pretax basis.
Intangible Assets	'
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	g.              Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets with definite useful lives consist primarily of patent and lease acquisition costs. The Company capitalizes legal costs incurred to defend its patents when a successful outcome is deemed probable and to the extent of an evident increase in the value of the patents. Intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their useful life or, if applicable, the lease term. Management reviews the carrying amount of these intangible assets as impairment indicators arise, to assess the continued recoverability based on future undiscounted cash flows and operating results from the related asset, future asset utilization and changes in market conditions. During fiscal 2013 the Company capitalized $1,093,000 of legal costs incurred in connection with a lawsuit asserting infringement of Company patents. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded write-downs of intangible assets totaling $32,000, $1,000 and $9,000, respectively, on a pretax basis. The Company has not identified any indefinite-lived intangible assets. Aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $149,000, $142,000 and $135,000, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense of the Company’s intangible assets as of September 30, 2013, for the next five fiscal years, is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	198
	2015		180
	2016		175
	2017		168
	2018		163
Interest Rate Derivatives	'
	h.              Interest Rate Derivatives
	The Company mitigated a portion of its floating rate interest risk on variable rate long-term debt through an interest rate swap agreement that expired on April 18, 2012. On the date the derivative instrument was entered into, the Company designated it as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”) and recognized the derivative on the balance sheet at fair value. In accordance with applicable accounting standards for derivative instruments, changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as, and meets all the criteria for, a cash flow hedge were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affected earnings. The Company formally documented the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged items. The Company formally assessed at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis, whether the derivative was highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. For fiscal 2012 and 2011, the Company’s interest rate swap was determined to have no ineffectiveness.
Deferred Financing Costs	'
	i.              Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt agreement. Amortization expense of deferred financing costs in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $203,000, $105,000 and $170,000, respectively. In connection with debt extinguishments, in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 the Company wrote off $9,000, $22,000 and $37,000, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing costs (see Note 9). In connection with its current credit facility entered into on November 1, 2012, the Company incurred approximately $988,000 in deferred financing costs, of which $927,000 was paid in fiscal 2013 and $61,000 was paid in fiscal 2012 (see Note 8).
	Estimated amortization expense of the Company’s deferred financing costs as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	198
	2015		198
	2016		198
	2017		198
	2018		15
Deferred Rent	'
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	j.              Deferred Rent
	Rent expense on operating leases, including rent holidays and scheduled rent increases, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease commencing on the date the Company takes possession of the leased property, which is generally four to six weeks prior to a store’s opening date. The net excess of rent expense over the actual cash paid has been recorded as a deferred rent liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Tenant improvement allowances received from landlords are also included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred rent liabilities and are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease from the possession date.
Treasury (Reacquired) Shares	'
	k.              Treasury (Reacquired) Shares
	Shares repurchased are retired and treated as authorized but unissued shares, with the cost in excess of par value of the reacquired shares charged to additional paid-in capital and the par value charged to common stock.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	l.              Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those instruments. The majority of the Company’s long-term debt bore interest at variable rates, which adjusted based on market conditions, and the carrying value of the long-term debt approximated fair value. The fair value of the Company’s debt was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates available to the Company. A significant portion of the Company’s floating rate interest risk on variable rate long-term debt was mitigated through an interest rate swap agreement that expired on April 18, 2012.
Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances	'
	m.              Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances
	Revenue is recognized at the point of sale for retail store sales, including leased department sales, or when merchandise is delivered to customers for licensed brand product and Internet sales, and when merchandise is shipped to international franchisees. A liability is established for the retail value of gift cards sold and merchandise credits issued. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized when gift cards or merchandise credits are redeemed by customers as tender for merchandise purchased. Allowances for returns are recorded as a reduction of revenue, based on the Company’s historical experience. Revenues are recorded net of applicable sales taxes.
Other Revenues	'
	n.              Other Revenues
	Included in net sales are revenues earned by the Company through a variety of marketing partnership programs utilizing the Company’s opt-in customer database and various in-store marketing initiatives, focused on baby and parent-related products and services. Revenue from marketing partnership programs is recognized when goods or services are provided. Also included in net sales are fees and royalties related to international franchise agreements. International franchise fees are earned by the Company when all material services or conditions related to the international franchise agreement have been substantially performed or satisfied and royalties are earned based on net sales of the Company’s international franchisees and may include minimum guaranteed royalties.
Cost of Goods Sold	'
	o.              Cost of Goods Sold
	Cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income includes: merchandise costs (including customs duty expenses), expenses related to inventory shrinkage, product-related corporate expenses (including expenses related to payroll, benefit costs and operating expenses of the Company’s buying departments), inventory reserves (including lower of cost or market reserves), inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, and the other costs of the Company’s distribution network.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	'
	p.              Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
	The Company includes shipping and handling revenue earned from its Internet activities in net sales. Shipping and handling costs, which are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, include shipping supplies, related labor costs and third-party shipping costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	q.              Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income include advertising and marketing expenses, corporate administrative expenses, store expenses (including store payroll and store occupancy expenses), and store opening expenses.
Advertising Costs	'
	r.              Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses the costs of advertising when the advertising first occurs. Advertising expenses, including Internet advertising expenses, were $16,984,000, $13,878,000 and $11,712,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock-based Compensation	'
	s.              Stock-based Compensation
	The Company recognizes employee stock-based compensation as a cost in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Stock-based awards are measured at the grant date fair value and are recorded generally on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting, which are recognized in stockholders’ equity, are reflected as financing cash inflows.
Store Closing, Asset Impairment and Asset Disposal Expenses	'
	t.              Store Closing, Asset Impairment and Asset Disposal Expenses
	Store closing expenses include lease termination fees, gains or losses on disposal of closed store assets and recognition of unamortized deferred rent. Asset impairment expenses represent losses recognized to reduce the carrying value of impaired long-lived assets. Asset disposal expenses represent gains or losses on disposal of assets other than in connection with store closings, including assets disposed from remodeling or relocation of stores.
Income Taxes	'
	u.              Income Taxes
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as from net operating loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Under the accounting standard for uncertain income tax positions, recognition of a tax benefit occurs when a tax position is estimated by management to be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based solely on its technical merits. Derecognition of a previously recognized tax position would occur if it is subsequently determined that the tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. Recognized tax positions are measured at the largest amount that management believes has a greater than 50% likelihood of being finalized. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax provision.
Net Income Per Share and Cash Dividends	'
	v.              Net Income per Share and Cash Dividends
	Basic net income (or earnings) per share (“Basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding restricted stock awards for which the restrictions have not lapsed. Diluted net income per share (“Diluted EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to the potential dilution, if applicable, from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock awards and exercise of stock options into shares of common stock as if those stock options were exercised. Common shares issuable in connection with the award of performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are excluded from the calculation of EPS until the RSUs’ performance conditions are achieved and the shares in respect of the RSUs become issuable (see Note 13).
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	The following table summarizes those effects for the diluted net income per share calculation (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012			2011
	Net income	$	23,943	$	19,372	$		22,988
	Net income per share—Basic	$	1.80	$	1.48	$		1.79
	Net income per share—Diluted	$	1.78	$	1.46	$		1.75
	Average number of shares outstanding—Basic		13,272		13,096			12,820
	Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options		108		122			239
	Incremental shares from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock awards		59		49			61
	Average number of shares outstanding—Diluted		13,439		13,267			13,120
	In addition to performance-based RSUs, for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, stock options and unvested restricted stock totaling approximately 196,000, 321,000 and 164,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS as their effect would have been antidilutive.
	On January 26, 2011, the Company announced the initiation of a regular quarterly cash dividend. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 the Company paid cash dividends totaling $9,799,000 ($0.725 per share), $9,325,000 ($0.70 per share) and $6,901,000 ($0.525 per share), respectively. On November 14, 2013 the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1875 per share payable on December 27, 2013, which will require approximately $2,600,000 of available cash.
Statements of Cash Flows	'
	w.              Statements of Cash Flows
	In fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company paid interest, including payments made on its interest rate swap agreement (see Note 9), of $360,000, $1,359,000 and $2,266,000, respectively, and made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $16,188,000, $7,432,000 and $9,804,000, respectively.
Business and Credit Risk	'
	x.              Business and Credit Risk
	Financial instruments, primarily cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables, potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company limits its credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents by placing such investments in highly liquid funds and instruments. Trade receivables associated with third-party credit cards are processed by financial institutions, which are monitored for financial stability. Trade receivables associated with licensed brand, leased department, international franchise and other relationships are evaluated for collectibility based on a combination of factors, including aging of trade receivables, write-off experience and past payment trends. The Company is dependent on key suppliers to provide sufficient quantities of inventory at competitive prices. No single supplier represented 10% or more of net purchases in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011. A significant majority of the Company’s purchases during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 were imported. Management believes that any event causing a disruption of imports from any specific country could be mitigated by moving production to readily available alternative sources.
Insurance	'
	y.              Insurance
	The Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation, general liability and automotive liability claims, and employee-related healthcare claims, up to certain stop-loss limits. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred but not reported claims. Further, the Company utilizes a cooperative arrangement with a number of other companies to assist in managing certain workers’ compensation and general liability insurance risks for loss occurrences prior to March 1, 2010. The Company’s expenses associated with this relationship could be impacted by the loss history associated with the cooperative as a whole. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated by considering historical claims experience and other actuarial assumptions.
Store Preopening Costs	'
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	z.              Store Preopening Costs
	Non-capital expenditures, such as payroll costs incurred prior to the opening of a new store, are charged to expense in the period in which they were incurred.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	aa.              Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit would be presented in the financial statements as a liability and would not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those years. Adoption of the new requirements of ASU No. 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2013-02 requires companies to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, companies are required to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The standard does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. ASU No. 2013-02 is effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and interim periods within those years. Because this guidance impacts presentation only, the adoption of the new requirements of ASU No. 2013-02 will not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU No. 2011-05 required companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. It eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. The standard did not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, which deferred the effective date of the requirement to present separate line items on the statement of income for reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU No. 2011-05 and No. 2011-12 were effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and interim periods within those years. In accordance with ASU No. 2011-05 and No. 2011-12 the Company has presented two separate but consecutive statements, which include the components of net income and other comprehensive income. Because this guidance impacted presentation only, the adoption of the new requirements of ASU No. 2011-05 and No. 2011-12 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Estimated Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	'
	Estimated amortization expense of the Company’s intangible assets as of September 30, 2013, for the next five fiscal years, is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	198
	2015		180
	2016		175
	2017		168
	2018		163
Estimated Amortization Expense of Deferred Financing Costs	'
	Estimated amortization expense of the Company’s deferred financing costs as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	198
	2015		198
	2016		198
	2017		198
	2018		15
Net Income Per Share	'
	2.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
	The following table summarizes those effects for the diluted net income per share calculation (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012			2011
	Net income	$	23,943	$	19,372	$		22,988
	Net income per share—Basic	$	1.80	$	1.48	$		1.79
	Net income per share—Diluted	$	1.78	$	1.46	$		1.75
	Average number of shares outstanding—Basic		13,272		13,096			12,820
	Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options		108		122			239
	Incremental shares from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock awards		59		49			61
	Average number of shares outstanding—Diluted		13,439		13,267			13,120

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories	'
	Inventories as of September 30 were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Finished goods	$	79,087	$	82,795
	Work-in-progress		2,709		2,804
	Raw materials		4,750		3,155
		$	86,546	$	88,754

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment as of September 30 was comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Land	$	1,400		$		1,400
	Building and improvements		16,211				15,843
	Furniture and equipment		73,363				69,504
	Leasehold improvements		88,298				84,702
			179,272				171,449
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(125,825	)			(120,371	)
		$	53,447		$		51,078

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	As of September 30, accrued expenses and other current liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Employee compensation and benefits	$	9,243	$	5,918
	Insurance, primarily self-insurance reserves		5,899		5,341
	Gift certificates and store credits		4,182		4,194
	Deferred rent		3,400		3,599
	Sales taxes		2,876		3,097
	Product return reserve		2,702		2,225
	Accounting and legal		1,106		1,215
	Income taxes payable		166		1,350
	Other		9,843		8,605
		$	39,417	$	35,544

Deferred_Rent_and_Other_Non_Cu1

Deferred Rent and Other Non Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities	'
	As of September 30, deferred rent and other non-current liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Deferred rent	$	21,132		$		21,245
	Less: current portion included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(3,400	)			(3,599	)
	Non-current deferred rent		17,732				17,646
	Accrued income taxes		4,218				4,063
	Other		171				175
		$	22,121		$		21,884

LongTerm_DebtTables

Long-Term Debt(Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-Term Debt	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s long-term debt as of September 30 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Senior secured Term Loan B, variable interest (4.25% as of September 30, 2012), principal of $225 due quarterly through December 31, 2012 with the remaining balance due March 13, 2013 (remaining balance of $13,427 was prepaid on November 1, 2012)	$	—	$	13,427
	Industrial Revenue Bond, variable interest (0.45% as of September 30, 2012), principal due annually until September 1, 2020 (remaining balance of $1,830 was prepaid on April 3, 2013)		—		1,830
			—		15,257
	Less: current portion		—		(15,257	)
		$	—	$	—

Equity_Award_Plans_Tables

Equity Award Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Option Activity for All Plans	'
	Stock option activity for all plans was as follows:
		Outstanding				Weighted							Weighted			Aggregate
		Options				Average							Average			Intrinsic Value
						Exercise Price							Remaining Life
		(in thousands)											(years)			(in thousands)
	Balance—September 30, 2012		607				$		13.05
	Granted		107						20.23
	Exercised		(163	)					10.01
	Forfeited		(1	)					10.70
	Expired		(2	)					18.70
	Balance—September 30, 2013		548				$		15.35						6.9		$	9,021
	Exercisable—September 30, 2013		210				$		11.40						5.2		$	4,280
Weighted-Average Assumptions for Option Grants	'
	13.              EQUITY AWARD PLANS (Continued)
	Weighted-average assumptions for option grants were as follows:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected dividend yield		3.5		%		4.5		%		3.2		%
	Expected price volatility		59.6		%		63.0		%		62.5		%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.8		%		1.0		%		2.4		%
	Expected life		5.5 years				5.5 years				5.8 years
Summarizes Information about Stock Options Outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2013:
		Options Outstanding														Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number				Weighted					Weighted					Number			Weighted
		Outstanding				Average					Average					Exercisable			Average
						Remaining Life					Exercise Price								Exercise Price
		(in thousands)				(years)										(in thousands)
	$   3.52 to $  6.50		35					3.0				$		5.10			30			$	5.41
	6.51 to     7.00		90					4.6						6.87			90				6.87
	7.01 to   14.00		92					5.9						11.79			27				11.55
	14.01 to   19.00		85					8.2						15.96			13				16.88
	19.01 to   20.00		105					9.1						19.86			1				19.17
	20.01 to   22.00		40					7.7						20.62			16				20.62
	22.01 to   29.63		101					7.5						22.43			33				22.13
	$   3.52 to $29.63		548					6.9				$		15.35			210			$	11.40
Restricted Stock Activity	'
	Restricted stock activity for the 2005 Plan was as follows:
		Outstanding				Weighted
		Shares				Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Nonvested—September 30, 2012		215				$		16.02
	Granted		107						20.98
	Vested		(86	)					14.52
	Forfeited		(10	)					16.75
	Nonvested—September 30, 2013		226				$		18.92

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Provision	'
	For the years ended September 30, the income tax provision was comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013				2012				2011
	Current provision	$		16,017		$	13,874			$		10,307
	Deferred (benefit) provision			(1,791	)		(1,378	)				2,679
	Deferred benefit of state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect, recognized based on change in tax regulations			(1,216	)		—					—
		$		13,010		$	12,496			$		12,986
	Federal provision	$		11,485		$	8,517			$		12,047
	State provision			380			2,170					924
	Foreign provision			1,145			1,809					15
		$		13,010		$	12,496			$		12,986
Reconciliations of the Statutory Federal Tax Rate to the Company's Effective Income Tax Rates	'
	14.              INCOME TAXES (Continued)
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rates for the years ended September 30 follows:
		2013						2012					2011
	Statutory federal tax rate		35.0		%				35.0		%			35.0		%
	State tax rate, net of federal benefit		2.7						2.7					3.3
	Provision for (benefit from) uncertain income tax positions, net of federal effect		1.3						2.4					(1.5	)
	Benefit of state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect, recognized based on change in tax regulations		(3.3	)					—					—
	Other		(0.5	)					(0.9	)				(0.7	)
			35.2		%				39.2		%			36.1		%
Deferred Tax Effects of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to the Company's Net Deferred Tax Assets	'
	The deferred tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to the Company’s net deferred tax assets as of September 30 were as follows (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred rent	$		7,964		$	7,981
	State net operating loss carryforwards			3,141			—
	Employee benefit accruals			3,071			2,915
	Depreciation and amortization			2,245			1,729
	Stock-based compensation			1,029			733
	Inventory reserves			745			637
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards			—			447
	Other accruals			3,203			2,866
	Other			1,529			1,444
				22,927			18,752
	Valuation allowance			(1,925	)		—
				21,002			18,752
	Deferred tax liability:
	Prepaid expenses			(520	)		(528	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$		20,482		$	18,224
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	'
	A reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions for the years ended September 30 follows (in thousands):
		2013							2012						2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$		4,063			$				2,591		$				3,830
	Additions for current year tax positions			476							1,377						203
	Additions for prior year tax positions			331							266						154
	Reductions of prior year tax positions			(12	)						(20	)					(1,104	)
	Settlements			(640	)						(151	)					(492	)
	Balance at end of year	$		4,218			$				4,063		$				2,591

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Future Annual Minimum Operating Lease Payments	'
	15.              COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
	Future annual minimum operating lease payments, excluding such direct operating costs, as well as leases for equipment rental as of September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2014	$	42,200
	2015		33,704
	2016		28,360
	2017		23,447
	2018		18,973
	2019 and thereafter		72,732
		$	219,416

Postretirement_Obligations_Tab

Postretirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in the benefit obligation under Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements	'
	17.              POSTRETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Continued)
	Changes in the benefit obligation under the SERP Agreements as of September 30 were as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	150		$	732
	Interest cost		—			18
	Benefit payments		(150	)		(600	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		—			150
	Less: current portion included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities		—			(150	)
	Non-current benefit obligation at end of year	$	—		$	—

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Results	'
	Quarterly financial results for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Quarter Ended
	Fiscal 2013	9/30/13		6/30/13		3/31/13		12/31/12
	Net sales	$	128,250	$	141,886	$	134,859	$	135,264
	Gross profit		69,525		77,288		72,980		71,168
	Net income		5,633		8,591		5,877		3,842
	Net income per share—Basic		0.42		0.65		0.44		0.29
	Net income per share—Diluted		0.42		0.64		0.44		0.29
	19.              QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
		Quarter Ended
	Fiscal 2012	9/30/12		6/30/12		3/31/12		12/31/11
	Net sales	$	128,487	$	138,847	$	137,792	$	136,350
	Gross profit		71,588		75,756		73,761		69,606
	Net income		5,189		6,941		4,979		2,263
	Net income per share—Basic		0.39		0.53		0.38		0.17
	Net income per share—Diluted		0.39		0.52		0.38		0.17

Segment_and_Enterprise_Wide_Di1

Segment and Enterprise Wide Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Operations by Geographic Area	'
	Geographic Information.    Geographic revenue information is allocated based on the country in which the products or services are sold and, in the case of international franchise revenues, on the location of the customer. Information concerning the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2011
	Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers
	United States	$	512,585	$	514,779	$	520,023
	Foreign		27,674		26,697		25,371
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2012
	Long-Lived Assets, Net
	United States	$	53,992	$	51,449
	Foreign		1,799		976

Interest_Expense_Net_Tables

Interest Expense, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Expense, Net	'
	Interest expense, net for the years ended September 30 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense	$	557		$	1,256		$	2,266
	Interest income		(25	)		(41	)		(33	)
	Interest expense, net	$	532		$	1,215		$	2,233

Nature_of_Business_Additional_

Nature of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2013
	Stores
Number of Stores	596
Retail Locations	'
Number of Stores	1,907
Leased departments	'
Number of Stores	1,311

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets	'
2014	$198
2015	180
2016	175
2017	168
2018	$163

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Amortization Expense of Deferred Financing Costs (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense of deferred financing	'
2014	$198
2015	198
2016	198
2017	198
2018	$15

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$5,633	$8,591	$5,877	$3,842	$5,189	$6,941	$4,979	$2,263	$23,943	$19,372	$22,988
Net income per share—Basic	$0.42	$0.65	$0.44	$0.29	$0.39	$0.53	$0.38	$0.17	$1.80	$1.48	$1.79
Net income per share—Diluted	$0.42	$0.64	$0.44	$0.29	$0.39	$0.52	$0.38	$0.17	$1.78	$1.46	$1.75
Average shares outstanding—Basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,272	13,096	12,820
Average shares outstanding—Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,439	13,267	13,120
Employee Stock Option	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	108	122	239
Restricted Stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Incremental shares from the assumed lapse of restrictions on restricted stock awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	59	49	61

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
	Supplier	Supplier	Supplier	Scenario Forecast	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Furniture And Equipment	Furniture And Equipment	Building
								Minimum	Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash overdraft	$4,730	$3,452	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity of cash and cash equivalents	'Three months or less	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service lives of assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'10 years	'40 years
Impairment write-downs of property, plant and equipment	754	1,875	759	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Legal costs incurred in connection with a lawsuit	1,093	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Write-downs of intangible assets	32	1	9	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets	149	142	135	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred financing costs	203	105	170	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Writeoff of unamortized deferred financing costs	9	22	37	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing costs	988	'	'	'	'	'	988	'	'	'
Payments of Financing Costs	927	61	26	'	927	61	'	'	'	'
Options and unvested restricted stock	196,000	321,000	164,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Company paid cash dividends	9,799	9,325	6,901	2,600	'	'	'	'	'	'
Company paid cash dividends on per share	$0.73	$0.70	$0.53	$0.19	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest paid, including payments made on interest rate swap agreement	360	1,359	2,266	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax paid, net of refunds	16,188	7,432	9,804	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
No single supplier represented of net purchases	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
No single provider	0	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising expenses, including Internet advertising expenses	$16,984	$13,878	$11,712	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Trade_Receivables_Additional_I

Trade Receivables - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Trade receivables, net	$147,000	$201,000

Inventories_Detail

Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$79,087	$82,795
Work-in-progress	2,709	2,804
Raw materials	4,750	3,155
Total	$86,546	$88,754

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net - Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	$179,272	$171,449
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-125,825	-120,371
Property, plant and equipment, net, total	53,447	51,078
Land	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	1,400	1,400
Building and improvements	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	16,211	15,843
Furniture And Equipment	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	73,363	69,504
Leasehold improvements	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	$88,298	$84,702

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N3

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate depreciation and amortization expense of property, plant and equipment	$12,275,000	$12,303,000	$12,634,000
Impairment write-downs of property, plant and equipment	$754,000	$1,875,000	$759,000

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Employee compensation and benefits	$9,243	$5,918
Insurance, primarily self-insurance reserves	5,899	5,341
Gift certificates and store credits	4,182	4,194
Deferred rent	3,400	3,599
Sales taxes	2,876	3,097
Product return reserve	2,702	2,225
Accounting and legal	1,106	1,215
Income taxes payable	166	1,350
Other	9,843	8,605
Total	$39,417	$35,544

Deferred_Rent_and_Other_Non_Cu2

Deferred Rent and Other Non Current Liabilities - Deferred Rent and Other Non Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	'	'
Deferred rent	$21,132	$21,245
Less: current portion included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-3,400	-3,599
Non-current deferred rent	17,732	17,646
Accrued income taxes	4,218	4,063
Other	171	175
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$22,121	$21,884

Line_of_Credit_Additional_Info

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			15 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Nov. 01, 2012
	Y			Tranches			Y
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior secured revolving credit facility	'	'	$65,000,000	$61,000,000	$55,000,000	'	'
Line of credit maturity date	'	'	13-Mar-12	1-Nov-17	13-Jan-13	'	'
Additional permitted borrowings under Tranche A	'	'	'	15,000,000	'	'	'
Increments of additional permitted borrowings under Tranche A	'	'	'	2,500,000	'	'	'
Credit Facility extended maximum limit	70,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit Facility Tranches	'	'	'	2	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility period	5	'	'	'	'	'	5
Minimum excess availability on borrowing base	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Applicable margin for Base rate borrowings using LIBOR	'	1.00%	'	'	'	'	1.75%
Unused line fee under the Credit Facility	'	'	'	0.25%	'	'	'
Credit Facility Description of Variable Rate Basis	'	'	'	'The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is equal to, at the Company’s election, either (1) the lender’s base rate plus the applicable margin, or (2) a LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for base rate borrowings is 0.50% for Tranche A borrowings and 2.00% for Tranche A-1 borrowings. The applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings is 1.50% for Tranche A borrowings and 3.00% for Tranche A-1 borrowings. Tranche A-1 borrowings are deemed to be the first loans made and the last loans repaid.	'	'	'
Deferred financing costs	'	'	'	988,000	'	'	'
Payments of Financing Costs	'	'	'	927,000	61,000	26,000	'
Increase in effective interest rate on borrowings	'	'	0.75%	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit	'	'	'	5,695,000	7,084,000	'	'
Line of credit availability	'	'	'	55,305,000	47,916,000	'	'
Line of credit, outstanding borrowings	'	'	'	205,000	0	0	'
Line of credit borrowings during period	'	'	'	6,200,000	'	'	'
Tranche A	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior secured revolving credit facility	'	'	'	55,000,000	'	'	'
Excess interest rate over prime rate	'	'	'	0.50%	'	'	'
Applicable margin for Base rate borrowings using LIBOR	'	'	'	1.50%	'	'	'
Tranche A | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior Credit Facility borrowings interest rate	'	'	'	1.68%	'	'	'
Tranche A | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior Credit Facility borrowings interest rate	'	'	'	3.75%	'	'	'
Tranche A-1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior secured revolving credit facility	'	'	'	$6,000,000	'	'	'
Excess interest rate over prime rate	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'	'
Applicable margin for Base rate borrowings using LIBOR	'	'	'	3.00%	'	'	'
Tranche A-1 | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior Credit Facility borrowings interest rate	'	'	'	3.18%	'	'	'
Tranche A-1 | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior Credit Facility borrowings interest rate	'	'	'	5.25%	'	'	'
Prior Credit Facility	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess interest rate over prime rate	'	0.00%	'	'	'	'	0.75%

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	'	$15,257
Current portion of long-term debt	'	-15,257
Long-term Debt, Total	'	'
Outstanding borrowings under Senior secured term loan B	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	'	13,427
Outstanding borrowings under Industrial revenue bond	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	'	1,830
Current portion of long-term debt	'	($1,830)

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Pa

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Apr. 03, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
				Senior Secured Term Loan B	Senior Secured Term Loan B	Senior Secured Term Loan B	Senior Secured Term Loan B	Senior Secured Term Loan B	Industrial revenue bond	Industrial revenue bond	Industrial revenue bond
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior secured term loan B, variable interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4.25%	'	'	0.45%
Minimum quarterly repayment amount	'	'	'	'	$225,000	$225,000	$0	'	'	'	'
Remaining Term Loan B balance prepaid	'	'	'	$13,427,000	'	'	'	'	$1,830,000	'	'
Line of credit maturity date	13-Mar-12	1-Nov-17	13-Jan-13	'	'	'	'	'	'	1-Sep-20	'

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Nov. 01, 2012

Apr. 18, 2007

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Apr. 18, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Senior Secured Term Loan B

Term Loan And Amendments Of Prior Credit Facility

Industrial revenue bond

Industrial revenue bond

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured Term Loan proceeds

'

'

'

'

$90,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining Term Loan B balance prepaid

'

'

'

13,427,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condition for interest rate on term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The interest rate on the Term Loan was equal to, at the Company’s election, either (1) the prime rate plus 1.00%, or (2) a LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess interest rate over prime rate

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed margin minimum on term loan B LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

'

2.25%

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum quarterly repayment amount

'

'

'

'

'

225,000

225,000

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of Excess Cash Flow due as principal repayment

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum excess cash flow to generate additional annual principal repayment

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment of outstanding Term Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,427,000

15,000,000

12,623,000

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment under the annual excess cash flow provision of term Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,623,000

'

'

'

'

Senior Secured Term Loan B

'

'

'

'

90,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate on Term Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.25%

7.25%

'

'

'

'

'

Notional Amount of Interest Rate Swap

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

Pretax losses with the exchange of interest rate payments under the swap agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-144,000

-808,000

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Financing Costs

927,000

61,000

26,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,112,000

'

'

Outstanding borrowings under an Industrial Revenue Bond ("IRB")

'

15,257,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,830,000

Repayment of long-term debt

$15,257,000

$16,085,000

$13,819,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,830,000

'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash equivalents held by the Company	$20,425	$19,462

Common_and_Preferred_Stock_Add

Common and Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 30, 2008	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Repurchase of the Company’s outstanding common stock	$10,000,000	$7,000,000	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	1,656,381	1,656,381
Preferred stock, par value	'	'	$0.01	'
Series B junior participating preferred stock, shares issued	'	'	0	0
Series B junior participating preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'	0	0
Class of warrants rights preference share conversion ratio	'	'	0.10%	'
Series B Unit voting rights	'	'	'One share of common stock	'
Series B junior participating preferred stock	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	300,000	300,000
Preferred stock, par value	'	'	$0.01	0.01
Series B junior participating preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'	'	'

Rights_Agreement_Additional_In

Rights Agreement - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Right
Rights Agreement (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Number of right for each common share	1
Number of Series B unit purchased	1
Right Exercise Price	85
Beneficial Ownership Percentage To make right agreement inoperative for Acquiring Person	15.00%
Number of Days For commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer	'10 days
Mandatorily redeemable rights redemption price	0.01
Rights to receive Series B units or common stock of the acquiring company	'Two times

Equity_Award_Plans_Stock_Optio

Equity Award Plans - Stock Option Activity for All Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock option activity for all plans	'
Share-based compensation Arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, number, beginning balance	607
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants	107
Exercise of stock options, shares	-163
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, forfeitures in period	-1
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, expirations in period	-2
Share-based compensation Arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, number, Ending balance	548
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, number	210
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, weighted average exercise price, beginning balance	$13.05
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, weighted average exercise price	$20.23
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercises in period, weighted average exercise price	$10.01
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, forfeitures in period, weighted average exercise price	$10.70
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, expirations in period, weighted average exercise price	$18.70
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, weighted average exercise price, Ending balance	$15.35
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$11.40
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term	'6 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term	'5 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, intrinsic value	$9,021
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, intrinsic value	$4,280

Equity_Award_Plans_WeightedAve

Equity Award Plans - Weighted-Average Assumptions for Option Grants (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Weighted-average assumptions for option grants	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	3.50%	4.50%	3.20%
Expected price volatility	59.60%	63.00%	62.50%
Risk-free interest rate	0.80%	1.00%	2.40%
Expected life	'5 years 6 months	'5 years 6 months	'5 years 9 months 18 days

Equity_Award_Plans_Summarizes_

Equity Award Plans - Summarizes Information about Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Range one	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$3.52
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$6.50
Number of Options Outstanding	35
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'3 years
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.10
Number of Options Exercisable	30
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.41
Range two	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$6.51
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$7
Number of Options Outstanding	90
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'4 years 7 months 6 days
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.87
Number of Options Exercisable	90
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.87
Range three	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$7.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$14
Number of Options Outstanding	92
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'5 years 10 months 24 days
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.79
Number of Options Exercisable	27
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.55
Range four	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$14.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$19
Number of Options Outstanding	85
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'8 years 2 months 12 days
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.96
Number of Options Exercisable	13
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.88
Range five	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$19.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$20
Number of Options Outstanding	105
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'9 years 1 month 6 days
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.86
Number of Options Exercisable	1
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.17
Range six	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$20.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$22
Number of Options Outstanding	40
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'7 years 8 months 12 days
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.62
Number of Options Exercisable	16
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.62
Range seven	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$22.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$29.63
Number of Options Outstanding	101
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'7 years 6 months
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.43
Number of Options Exercisable	33
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.13
Range eight	'
Summary of information about stock options outstanding	'
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range	$3.52
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range	$29.63
Number of Options Outstanding	548
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'6 years 10 months 24 days
Option Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.35
Number of Options Exercisable	210
Option Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.40

Equity_Award_Plans_Restricted_

Equity Award Plans - Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted stock activity for the 2005 Plan	'
Outstanding Shares, Nonvested, beginning balance	215
Outstanding Shares, Granted	107
Outstanding Shares, Vested	-86
Outstanding Shares, Forfeited	-10
Outstanding Shares, Nonvested, ending balance	226
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, beginning balance	$16.02
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$20.98
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$14.52
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$16.75
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, ending balance	$18.92

Equity_Award_Plans_Additional_

Equity Award Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 09, 2007
	Executives
	Award
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of equity award plans	3	'	'	'
Options unavailable for grant upon expiration of 1987 Plan	'	'	'	521,354
Share-based payment award, expiration period	'10 years	'	'	'
Restricted stock, shares vested to non-employee director	4,000	'	'	'
Number of options granted with exercise price less than fair market value on grant date	0	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$2,080,000	$1,544,000	$9,659,000	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	744,000	107,000	2,285,000	'
Actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from option exercised	784,000	580,000	3,617,000	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	163,000	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, net	744,000	107,000	2,285,000	'
Net-share settled by company	39,934	51,041	109,926	'
Weighted average fair value of stock options	$7.98	$6.17	$9.69	'
Cumulative operating income during performance period, fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2014, minimum	109,582,000	120,000,000	'	'
Maximum Cumulative Operating Income During Performance Period	132,201,000	132,000,000	'	'
Number of executive officers granted performance based RSU	4	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	5,143,000	'	'	'
Weighted-average period recognized compensation cost	'1 year 3 months 18 days	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock, shares	34,125	30,849	128,646	'
Payments for tax obligations to the tax authorities on exercise or vesting date	725,000	597,000	2,786,000	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based payment award, vesting period	'4 years	'	'	'
Minimum | Executive | RSUs	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cumulative restricted stock units available for future declaration	18,541	19,531	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based payment award, vesting period	'5 years	'	'	'
Maximum | Executive | RSUs	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cumulative restricted stock units available for future declaration	55,621	58,590	'	'
1987 Plan	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options to be issued	4,350,000	'	'	'
2005 Plan	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options to be issued	2,800,000	'	'	'
Common stock shares issued, restricted stock units under 2005 Plan	1,500,000	'	'	'
Common stock available for grant under the 2005 Plan	1,095,106	'	'	'
Shares issued in respect of restricted stock under the 2005 Plan	641,347	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	101,949	119,600	368,800	'
Exercise of stock options, net	$890,000	$1,007,000	$2,428,000	'
2005 Plan | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based payment award, expiration period	'1 year	'	'	'
2005 Plan | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based payment award, expiration period	'5 years	'	'	'
Director Plan	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award number of shares authorized to be issued as stock options	400,000	'	'	'
Non-executive chairman	'	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock, shares vested to non-employee director	6,000	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Provis

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary of income tax provisions	'	'	'
Current provision	$16,017	$13,874	$10,307
Deferred (benefit) provision	-1,791	-1,378	2,679
Deferred benefit of state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect, recognized based on change in tax regulations	-1,216	'	'
Federal provision	11,485	8,517	12,047
State provision	380	2,170	924
Foreign provision	1,145	1,809	15
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$13,010	$12,496	$12,986

Income_Taxes_Reconciliations_o

Income Taxes - Reconciliations of the Statutory Federal Tax Rate to the Company's Effective Income Tax Rates (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Reconciliations of the statutory federal tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rates	'	'	'
Statutory federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax rate, net of federal benefit	2.70%	2.70%	3.30%
Provision for (benefit from) uncertain income tax positions, net of federal effect	1.30%	2.40%	-1.50%
Benefit of state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect, recognized based on change in tax regulations	-3.30%	'	'
Other	-0.50%	-0.90%	-0.70%
Effective income tax rate, continuing operations, total	35.20%	39.20%	36.10%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Effe

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Effects of Temporary Differences Giving Rise to the Company's Net Deferred Tax Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Deferred rent	$7,964	$7,981
State net operating loss carryforwards	3,141	'
Employee benefit accruals	3,071	2,915
Depreciation and amortization	2,245	1,729
Stock-based compensation	1,029	733
Inventory reserves	745	637
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	'	447
Other accruals	3,203	2,866
Other	1,529	1,444
Deferred tax assets (excluding state net operating loss carryforwards	22,927	18,752
Valuation allowance	-1,925	'
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	21,002	18,752
Deferred tax liability:	'	'
Prepaid expenses	-520	-528
Net deferred tax assets	$20,482	$18,224

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Income

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$4,063	$2,591	$3,830
Additions for current year tax positions	476	1,377	203
Additions for prior year tax positions	331	266	154
Reductions of prior year tax positions	-12	-20	-1,104
Settlements	-640	-151	-492
Balance at end of year	$4,218	$4,063	$2,591

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes ( Textual) [ Abstract]	'	'	'
Benefit of state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal effect, from change in tax regulations	($1,216)	'	'
Increase deferred tax assets excluding state net operating loss carryforwards	679	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain income tax positions	1,957	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain income tax position accrued interest and penalties	341	577	-386
Recognized liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that impact effective tax rate	2,985	'	'
Recoverable income taxes	648	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits increase for uncertain tax positions	399	'	'
Approximate gross unrecognized tax benefit that would impact the effective tax rate	$278	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Annual Minimum Operating Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future annual minimum operating lease payments	'
2014	$42,200
2015	33,704
2016	28,360
2017	23,447
2018	18,973
2019 and thereafter	72,732
Total	$219,416

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Total rent expense	$61,253,000	$65,412,000	$67,496,000
Contingent rentals based upon a percentage of sales	$1,574,000	$1,428,000	$1,563,000

Executive_Officer_Employment_A1

Executive Officer Employment Agreements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 02, 2010

Aug. 03, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 01, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 01, 2012

Dec. 02, 2010

Oct. 02, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 01, 2012

Dec. 02, 2010

Apr. 27, 2010

Dec. 04, 2013

Dec. 04, 2013

Dec. 04, 2013

Dec. 04, 2013

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

President

President

President

President

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Chief Executive Officer

President

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual base salary

'

'

'

$750,000

$650,000

'

'

'

$525,000

'

'

'

$385,000

$375,000

$332,000

'

'

'

$360,000

$320,000

$275,000

$800,000

$535,000

$405,000

$390,000

Base salary earned

$750,000

$750,000

$733,000

'

'

$525,000

$525,000

$175,000

'

$383,000

$375,000

$368,000

'

'

'

$353,000

$320,000

$312,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Postretirement_Obligations_Cha

Postretirement Obligations - Changes in the benefit obligation under Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			42 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in the benefit obligation under Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	'	$18,000	$88,000	'
SERP Agreements	'	'	'	'
Changes in the benefit obligation under Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement	'	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	150,000	732,000	'	'
Interest cost	'	18,000	'	'
Benefit payments	-150,000	-600,000	-4,166,000	-3,960,000
Benefit obligation at end of year	'	150,000	732,000	150,000
Less: current portion included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities	'	-150,000	'	-150,000
Non-current benefit obligation at end of year	'	'	'	'

Postretirement_Obligations_Add

Postretirement Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				42 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
			SERP Agreements	SERP Agreements	SERP Agreements	SERP Agreements	SERP Agreements	SERP Agreements	SERP Agreements	SERP Agreements
							Mr. Matthias	Mr. Matthias	Mr. Matthias	Mr. Matthias
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual retainer paid under Agreement	'	$200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
SERP Agreement benefits paid to former CEO	'	'	150,000	600,000	4,166,000	3,960,000	4,166,000	150,000	600,000	750,000
Company received a distribution of the remaining assets	$1,504,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
	Age
Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service of employees under savings plan	'6 months	'	'
Minimum age of employees under savings plan	18	'	'
Contribution made by employees	20.00%	'	'
Contributions made by company	$121,000	$39,000	$146,000
Cumulative plan forfeitures applied against company matching contribution	$12,000	$100,000	'
Discretionary contributions to the plan	'6 years	'	'

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Quarterly financial results	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$128,250	$141,886	$134,859	$135,264	$128,487	$138,847	$137,792	$136,350	$540,259	$541,476	$545,394
Gross profit	69,525	77,288	72,980	71,168	71,588	75,756	73,761	69,606	290,961	290,711	296,897
Net income	$5,633	$8,591	$5,877	$3,842	$5,189	$6,941	$4,979	$2,263	$23,943	$19,372	$22,988
Net income per share—Basic	$0.42	$0.65	$0.44	$0.29	$0.39	$0.53	$0.38	$0.17	$1.80	$1.48	$1.79
Net income per share—Diluted	$0.42	$0.64	$0.44	$0.29	$0.39	$0.52	$0.38	$0.17	$1.78	$1.46	$1.75

Segment_and_Enterprise_Wide_Di2

Segment and Enterprise Wide Disclosures - Operations by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$128,250	$141,886	$134,859	$135,264	$128,487	$138,847	$137,792	$136,350	$540,259	$541,476	$545,394
United States | Reportable Geographical Components	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	512,585	514,779	520,023
Long-Lived Assets, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	53,992	'	'	'	51,449	'	'	'	53,992	51,449	'
Foreign | Reportable Geographical Components	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,674	26,697	25,371
Long-Lived Assets, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	$1,799	'	'	'	$976	'	'	'	$1,799	$976	'

Segment_and_Enterprise_Wide_Di3

Segment and Enterprise Wide Disclosures - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
	Customer
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of customer who represented more than 10% of net sales	0	'	'
Percentage of contribution by the customer	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

Interest_Expense_Net_Detail

Interest Expense, Net (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Interest expense, net	'	'	'
Interest expense	$557	$1,256	$2,266
Interest income	-25	-41	-33
Interest expense, net	$532	$1,215	$2,233

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - (Detail) (Product return reserve, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Product return reserve	'	'	'
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$2,225	$2,083	$1,469
Additions charged to costs and expenses	477	142	614
Deductions and reclassifications	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	$2,702	$2,225	$2,083

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cost value of estimated product returns	$1,160	$919	$853