v3.7.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2017
Apr. 21, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name CARTERS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001060822  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-30  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   48,390,342