Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of other current liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of other long-term liabilities Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Skip Hop [Member] Skip Hop [Member] Skip Hop [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Less cash acquired at acquisition Cash Acquired from Acquisition Goodwill Goodwill Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Postretirement Benefit Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Long Term Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Change in projected benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Plan participants' contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Benefit obligation at end of period Change in plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Fair value of plan assets at end of year Contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Gift Card Liability, Current Gift Card Liability, Current Contract with Customer, Refund Liability, Current Contract with Customer, Refund Liability, Current Contract with Customer Private label credit card Contract with Customer Private label credit card Contract with Customer Private label credit card Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Segment Reporting [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Baby [Member] Baby [Member] Baby [Member] Playclothes [Member] Playclothes [Member] Playclothes [Member] Sleepwear [Member] Sleepwear [Member] Sleepwear [Member] Other Products [Member] Other Products [Member] Other Products [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock; par value (USD per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock; shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock; issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock; outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, voting; par value (USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, voting; shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock voting; shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock voting; shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES International International [Member] International segment. Canada CANADA Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Long-lived assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net International Long-Lived Assets, Percent of Total Long-Lived Assets International Long-Lived Assets, Percent of Total Long-Lived Assets International Long-Lived Assets, Percent of Total Long-Lived Assets Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Bond Funds [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Real Estate Investments [Member] Real Estate Investment [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculation, Description Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate, Percent Change Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate, Percent Change Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Effect of 0.25% increase on projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Point Twenty Five Percentage Point Increase on Projected Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Point Twenty Five Percentage Point Increase on Projected Benefit Obligation Target allocation for plan assets in equity securities (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Expected long-term rate of return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months Expected contribution and benefit payment, five years subsequent to 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Accounting Policies [Abstract] Cooperative advertising arrangements, fair value Cooperative advertising arrangements, fair value The fair value as of the balance sheet date of cooperative advertising arrangements included in sales, general and administrative expense. Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Retail Segment [Member] Retail Segment [Member] Carter's retail segment. Wholesale Segment [Member] Wholesale Segment [Member] Carter's wholesale segment. Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] 5130 Wholesale, Apparel, Piece Goods and Notions [Member] 5130 Wholesale, Apparel, Piece Goods and Notions [Member] 5600 Retail, Apparel and Accessory Stores [Member] 5600 Retail, Apparel and Accessory Stores [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Royalties receivable [Member] Royalties receivable [Member] Amount of money due from a third parties for use of the Company's intangible assets. Tenant allowances and other receivables [Member] Tenant allowances and other receivables [Member] Amounts due from property owners for tenant allowance and other receivables due from third parties. Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Accounts receivable, gross Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Equity [Abstract] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Stock repurchase, additional authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program Additional Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program Additional Authorized Amount Stock repurchase, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Remaining capacity under authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchased and retired Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Average price of repurchased and retired shares Treasury Stock Acquired Average Cost Per Shares The cumulative cost of shares repurchased divided by the cumulative number of shares repurchased. Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Schedule of segment information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Inventory, net, by segment Inventory, net, by segment [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances, which is attributed to the reportable segment. Consolidated Net Sales by Product Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Property, plant, and equipment, net, by geographic area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Business Combinations [Abstract] Mexican Licensee [Member] Operacion Eficaz, S.A. de C.V [Member] Operacion Eficaz, S.A. de C.V [Member] Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Expected Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted average fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax rate reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Statutory federal income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Impact of foreign operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Settlement of uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Percent Benefit from stock-based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Percent Imposition of transition tax on foreign subsidiaries Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Percent Revaluation of deferred taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Revaluation of Deferred Tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Revaluation of Deferred Tax Total Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Remeasurement of certain deferred income tax Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Current net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Accounts receivable allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Accrued liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Equity-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Deferred employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Deferred rent Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities Depreciation The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of depreciation expense and the basis of depreciation expense computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements Tradename and licensing agreements Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Noncurrent Net deferred tax asset (liability) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Intangible asset impairment Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Interest paid in cash Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Income taxes paid in cash Income Taxes Paid, Net Property, plant and equipment additions Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Secured revolving credit facility Debt Instrument, Face Amount Indefinite intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Provision for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Federal statutory tax rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Net deferred tax liability Net deferred tax liability [Table Text Block] A tabular disclosure of net deferred tax liability as classified on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Unrecognized tax benefits Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block] Accrued Employee Benefits Accrued Employee Benefits, Current Accrued and Deferred rent Accrued Rent, Current Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued Income Taxes, Current Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Dividend declared and paid per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Leases [Abstract] Operating Lease, Cost Operating Lease, Cost Variable Lease, Cost Variable Lease, Cost Lease, Cost Lease, Cost Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating Lease, Liability Operating Lease, Liability Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Unrealized gain (loss) on OshKosh defined benefit and postretirement plans, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Percentage of total net sales International Sales, Percentage Of Total Net Sales International Sales, Percentage Of Total Net Sales Deferred lease incentives Incentive from Lessor Debt Disclosure [Abstract] LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term Debt [Text Block] PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] FISCAL YEAR Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] INVENTORIES Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] INTERNAL-USE SOFTWARE Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] VALUATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBILE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] IMPAIRMENT OF OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue [Policy Text Block] COST OF GOODS SOLD Cost of Goods and Service [Policy Text Block] ACCOUNTING FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] ROYALTIES AND LICENSE FEES Revenue Recognition, Services, Royalty Fees [Policy Text Block] ADVERTISING EXPENSES Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] OPEN MARKET REPURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block] EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] FACILITY CLOSURE AND OFFICE CONSOLIDATION Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block] LEASES AND DEFERRED RENT Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] SEASONALITY Seasonality Policy [Policy Text Block] Seasonality Policy [Policy Text Block] RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Skip Hop Goodwill [Member] Skip Hop Goodwill [Member] Skip Hop Goodwill [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Retail [Member] Retail [Member] Wholesale [Member] Wholesale [Member] Wholesale segment. Wholesale, Retail and International Segment [Member] Wholesale, Retail and International Segment [Member] Wholesale, Retail and International Segment [Member] International Segment [Member] International Segment [Member] International Segment. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] H. W. Carter and Sons Tradenames [Member] Other Tradenames [Member] Other Tradenames [Member] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Sourcing Initiative Sourcing Initiative [Member] Sourcing Initiative [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Insurance Recoveries Insurance Recoveries Percentage of total net sales Percentage Of Total Net Sales The percentage of net product revenue to total net revenue from the sale of goods for the reporting period. Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Operating income as percentage of segment net sales Operating income as percentage of segment net sales The percentage of segment's operating income to total net sales from the sale of goods as of period end. Corporate expenses Corporate Expenses Corporate expenses generally include expenses related to incentive compensation , stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, building occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting, and audit fees during the reporting period. Corporate expense as a percentage of segment net sales Corporate expense as a percentage of segment net sales Corporate expense as a percentage of segment net sales Restructuring Costs Restructuring Costs Provisions for special employee compensation Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation (Recoveries of) provisions for doubtful accounts receivable from customers Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames Amortization of Intangible Assets Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Acquisition-related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Severance Costs Severance Costs THE COMPANY Nature of Operations [Text Block] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Performance-based restricted stock awards to the CEO Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards to the CEO [Member] Performance-based restricted stock awarded to the CEO. Time-based restricted stock [Member] Time-based restricted stock [Member] Time-based restricted stock [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Unrecognized compensation cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Restricted Stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Shares outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted-average grant-date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share) Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Foreign currency contracts [Abstract] Foreign currency contracts [Abstract] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Canada, Dollars Canada, Dollars Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Secured revolving credit facility Senior notes Senior Notes [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Marketable Securities Marketable Securities Gain (Loss) on Investments Gain (Loss) on Investments Investment Owned, Foreign Currency Contract, Current Value Investment Owned, Foreign Currency Contract, Current Value Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term debt, BS Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Unrecognized income tax benefits [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on fiscal year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions for prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Ending Balance Impact of recognized tax benefit on effective tax rate, if recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Tax reserve for which statute of limitations is expected to expire Tax Reserve Statue Of Limitation Expected To Expire Tax reserve for which statute of limitations is expected to expire. Other Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Tax Expense (Benefit) Interest accrued for uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of redemption price applicable where redemption occurs Schedule of Redemption Price [Table Text Block] Schedule of Redemption Price [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Accounts Receivable Reserves Accounts receivable reserves [Table Text Block] A schedule of allowance and reserve accounts including their beginning and ending balances, as well as a reconciliation by type of activity during the period. Alternatively, disclosure of the required information may be within the footnotes to the financial statements or a supplemental schedule to the financial statements. Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, current year change Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, ending balance Cumulative translation adjustment, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative translation adjustment, current year change Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Cumulative translation adjustment, ending balance Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance Pension/post-retirement liability adjustments, tax benefit Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Unrealized gain (loss) on OshKosh defined benefit plan, net of (tax) or tax benefit of ($230), $80, and $140 for the fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plans, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plans, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized (loss) gain on Carter's post-retirement benefit obligation, net of (tax) or tax benefit of $150, ($70), and $70 for fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Expected benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans for the next ten fiscal years Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Cover page. Document Type Document Type Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic number of common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic net income per common share: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Income allocated to participating securities Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic Earnings allocated (not distributed) to participating securities under the two-class method to the extend that participating securities may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Net income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income per common share: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Income allocated to participating securities Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted Earnings allocated (not distributed) to participating securities under the two-class method to the extend that participating securities may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Net income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share calculations (1) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Current tax provision: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision (benefit): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred provision (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Extend Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Extend Lessee Operating Remaining Lease Term Lessee Operating Remaining Lease Term Lessee Operating Remaining Lease Term ASC 606 Initial Application Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Contract Liabilities Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Foreign Plan Foreign Plan [Member] Domestic Plan Domestic Plan [Member] Defined Contribution Plan Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Minimum age participation for the defined contribution plan (in years) Minimum age participation for the defined contribution plan Minimum age requirement for participation in the defined contribution plan. Minimum service participation for the defined contribution plan (in months) Minimum service participation for the defined contribution plan Minimum service requirement in months for participation in the defined contribution plan. Minimum hours service participation for the defined contribution plan (in hours) Minimum hours service participation for the defined contribution plan Minimum service requirement in hours for participation in the defined contribution plan. Defined contribution plan expense for the fiscal year Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Bridge Loan [Member] Bridge Loan [Member] United States Dollar Credit Facility [Member] United States Dollar Credit Facility [Member] United States Dollar Credit Facility [Member] Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Amended Credit Facility [Member] Amended Credit Facility [Member] Amended Credit Facility [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Debt Covenant, Restricted Time Periods [Axis] Debt Covenant, Restricted Time Periods [Axis] Debt Covenant, Restricted Time Periods [Axis] Debt Covenant, Restricted Time Periods [Domain] Debt Covenant, Restricted Time Periods [Domain] Debt Covenant, Restricted Time Periods [Domain] fiscal quarter of material acquisition [Member] fiscal quarter of material acquisition [Member] fiscal quarter of material acquisition [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] TWCC [Member] The William Carters Company [Member] The William Carters Company [Member] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Available for future borrowing Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Variable interest rate, basis spread (as a percentage) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Line of Credit, Debt Covenants, EBITDAR Terms Line of Credit, Debt Covenants, EBITDAR Terms Line of Credit, Debt Covenants, EBITDAR Terms Debt covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio Debt covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio Debt covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Consolidated leverage ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Consolidated Leverage Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant, Consolidated Leverage Ratio Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Unaudited summarized financial data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Performance-based Awards Increase in the number of shares under the existing plan (in shares) Increase Decrease shares authorized stock compensation plan Increase (decrease) in the number of the duly authorized stock compensation plan. Original number of shares available under the plan (in shares) Original number of shares available under the plan The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested). Stock available under the existing plan (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Available for grant under the Plan (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Intrinsic value of basic stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Weighted- average exercise price per share, Exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Weighted- average exercise price per share, Vested and Expected to Vest (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares outstanding (in shares) UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Table] Royalty [Member] Royalty [Member] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items] Gross profit Gross Profit Net sales Selling, general, and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Operating income Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Operating Lease, Payments Operating Lease, Payments Non-cash transactions to recognize operating assets and liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Lessee Operating Lease Lease Not yet Commenced Liability Incurred Lessee Operating Lease Lease Not yet Commenced Liability Incurred Lessee Operating Lease Lease Not yet Commenced Liability Incurred Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Total other comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Skip Hop Trade Name [Member] Skip Hop Trade Name [Member] Skip Hop Trade Name [Member] Benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASC 606 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Operating lease assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Finished goods inventories Inventory, Net Open Market Repurchases Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] U.S. Large-Cap blend [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] U.S. Large-Cap growth [Member] Equity Funds [Member] U.S. Mid-Cap growth [Member] Fixed Income Funds [Member] U.S. Small-Cap blend [Member] Balanced Funds [Member] International blend [Member] Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Real Estate [Member] Real Estate [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair value of plan assets Summary of recorded stock-based compensation cost Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Assumptions used for grants and summary of stock options and restricted stock activity Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of restricted stock award activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of issued shares of common stock to non-management board members Share-based Compensation Arrangements, Common Stock Issued [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangements, Common Stock Issued [Table Text Block] REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] Carter's Goodwill [Member] Carters Goodwill [Member] Canada Acquisition Goodwill [Member] Canada Acquisition Goodwill [Member] Canada Acquisition Goodwill [Member] Carters Mexico [Member] Carters Mexico [Member] Carters Mexico [Member] Carter's Tradename [Member] Carters Trade Name [Member] The rights acquired through registration of a business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof. Oshkosh Tradename [Member] Oshkosh Trade Name [Member] The rights acquired through registration of a business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof. Other Tradenames [Member] Tradenames [Member] Trade Names [Member] Skip Hop Customer Relationships [Member] Skip Hop Customer Relationships [Member] Skip Hop Customer Relationships [Member] Carters Mexico Customer Relationships [Member] Carters Mexico Customer Relationships [Member] Carters Mexico Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] [Line Items] for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] Weighted-average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Goodwill, Gross amount Goodwill, Gross Goodwill Finite intangible assets, Gross amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite intangible assets, Net amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization of intangible assets Year one Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Year two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Year three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Year four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Year five Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Fixtures, Equipment, and Computers [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Land, Buildings, and Improvements [Member] Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] Marketing Fixtures [Member] Marketing Fixtures [Member] Capitalized costs of marketing fixtures. Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment, net Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other, Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Brands [Axis] Brands [Axis] The company's tradenames. Brands [Domain] Brands [Domain] The company's tradenames. Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Stock Options (Number of shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Stock Options (Weighted-average exercise price) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted- average exercise price per share beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted- average exercise price per share ending balance (in dollars per share) Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Vested and Expected to Vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested and Expected to Vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance (in shares) Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options (in shares) Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation Restricted stock activity Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock activity (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation expense APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Repurchases of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Cash dividends declared and paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Comprehensive income Balance (in shares) Balance ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant, and equipment, net Tradenames, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Customer relationships, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Customer Relationships Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Customer Relationships Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Current operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, net Long-term operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 43,963,103 and 45,629,014 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Wholesale shipping and handling costs Wholesale shipping and handling costs Wholesale shipping and handling costs Five Point Two Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty One [Domain] Five Point Two Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty One [Domain] Five Point Two Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty One [Domain] Five Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty Seven [Domain] Five Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty Seven [Domain] Five Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty Seven [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Triggering Event [Axis] Triggering Event [Axis] Triggering Event [Axis] Triggering Event [Domain] Triggering Event [Domain] [Domain] for Triggering Event [Axis] Changes of Control [Member] Changes of Control [Member] Changes of Control [Member] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Debt Issuance Costs, Net Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Proceeds from senior notes due 2027 Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Redemption price, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Ownership percentage of notes, to declare notes due and payable Debt Instrument, Redemption, Ownership Percentage to Declare Payment Due Ownership percentage of trustee or holders, in principal amount, that would allow the holder to declare notes due and payable. Guarantor subsidiaries percentage of ownership Guarantor subsidiaries percentage of ownership Guarantor subsidiaries percentage of ownership Reconciliation of changes in the projected pension benefit obligation and plan assets Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Components of post retirement benefit expense and pension expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions used in actuarial computations Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Fair value of the Company's pension plan assets by category Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of accumulated post retirement benefit obligation Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Buildings [Member] Building [Member] Retail Store Fixtures, Equipment, and Computers [Member] Computer Software [Member] Software Development [Member] Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Unrecognized deferred tax liability related to undistributed earnings Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries LEASES Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Intangible assets table Schedule Of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Lease, Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] COMMON STOCK Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Director [Member] Director [Member] Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Number of shares issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Fair value per share Aggregate value BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Property, plant, and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Cost of goods sold Cost of Revenue Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Diluted net income per common share Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Geographic Distribution, Foreign [Member] Geographic Distribution, Foreign [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Service cost - benefits attributed to service during the period Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Total net periodic (benefit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Total net periodic cost (benefit) and changes recognized in OCI Total net periodic cost (benefit) and changes recognized in OCI Total net periodic cost (benefit) and changes recognized in OCI Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Amortization of actuarial gain/loss Amortization of actuarial gain/loss Amortization of actuarial gain/loss Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding Schedule Of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding and disclosures pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Tradenames Amortization of Tradenames Adjustment and accretion of contingent considerations Adjustment And Accretion of Contingent Considerations Adjustment And Accretion of Contingent Considerations Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment, net of recoveries Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Loss on extinguishment of debt Deferred income taxes Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Finished goods inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments for (Proceeds from) Previous Acquisition Disposals and recoveries from property, plant, and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payment of senior notes due 2021 Repayments of Senior Debt Premiums paid to extinguish debt Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments on secured revolving credit facility Payments on Secured Revolving Credit Facility Payments on Secured Revolving Credit Facility Repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Proceeds from exercises of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year Time-based awards Time Based Awards [Member] Time Based Awards [Member] Stock awards [Member] Stock Awards [Member] Stock Awards [Member] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Stock-based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition 2019 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2024 and thereafter Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract] Customer concentration risk, gross accounts receivable Concentration Risk, Percentage Number of largest wholesale customers being discussed Number of largest wholesale and mass channel customers discussed The number of largest wholesale customers being discussed. maximum disclosure percentage of net sales maximum disclosure percentage of net sales maximum disclosure percentage of net sales Maximum disclosure percentage for gross accounts receivable Maximum disclosure percentage gross accounts receivable The maximum customer concentration of sales or accounts receivable being separately disclosed, as of the balance sheet date. Income Statement [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Other (income) expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Basic net income per common share