v3.19.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 29, 2019
Jul. 19, 2019
Document Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, par value $0.01 per share  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 13-3912933  
Trading Symbol CRI  
Entity Registrant Name CARTERS INC  
Entity Address, Address Line One Phipps Tower  
Entity Address, Address Line Two 3438 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1800  
Entity Address, City or Town Atlanta  
Entity Address, State or Province GA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 30326  
City Area Code 678  
Local Phone Number 791-1000  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Central Index Key 0001060822  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-28  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Period End Date Jun. 29, 2019  
Entity File Number 001-31829  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   44,739,223
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Security Exchange Name NYSE