Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Cover [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Three Entity Address, Address Line Three 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 Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity File Number Entity File Number Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Royalty [Member] Royalty [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Cost of goods sold Cost of Revenue Inventory, Firm Purchase Commitment, Loss Inventory, Firm Purchase Commitment, Loss Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general, and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Intangible asset impairment Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Operating (loss) income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Other expense (income), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt (Loss) income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic net income per common share (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income per common share (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividend declared per common share (USD per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Leases [Abstract] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Operating Lease Initial Term Lessee, Operating Lease Initial Term Lessee, Operating Lease Initial Term Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Extend Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Extend, Term Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Extend, Term 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 Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Option [Member] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Time-based restricted stock [Member] Time-based restricted stock [Member] Time-based restricted stock [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] 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. SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Segments Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Retail Retail [Member] Wholesale Wholesale [Member] Wholesale segment. International International [Member] International 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] Wholesale, Apparel, Piece Goods and Notions [Member] [Member] Wholesale, Apparel, Piece Goods and Notions [Member] [Member] Wholesale, Apparel, Piece Goods and Notions [Member] [Member] Retail, Apparel and Accessory Stores [Member] [Member] Retail, Apparel and Accessory Stores [Member] [Member] Retail, Apparel and Accessory Stores [Member] [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Net sales Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current 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 of allowance for credit losses of $10,620, $6,354, $4,093, respectively Receivables, Net, Current Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Inventory and fabric purchase commitments [Member] Inventory and fabric purchase commitments [Member] Inventory and fabric purchase commitments [Member] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Debt Disclosure [Abstract] LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term Debt [Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Lease Cost and Supplementary Information Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [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] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] United States of America, Dollars United States of America, Dollars Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] 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 Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Debt Instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Available for future borrowing Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Interest rate (as a percentage) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Description of variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Effective interest rate (as a percentage) Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Senior notes, net Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Credit Losses Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance and other termination benefits Employee severance and other benefits termination [Member] Employee severance and other benefits termination [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Wholesale Segment [Member] Wholesale Segment [Member] Carter's wholesale segment. International Segment [Member] International Segment [Member] International Segment. Retail Segment [Member] Retail Segment [Member] Carter's retail segment. 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 Trade Name [Member] Skip Hop Trade Name [Member] Skip Hop Trade Name [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] 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] Other Tradenames [Member] Other Tradenames [Member] Other Tradenames [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] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Carters Trade Name [Member] Carters Trade Name [Member] The rights acquired through registration of a business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof. Oshkosh Trade Name [Member] Oshkosh Trade Name [Member] The rights acquired through registration of a business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] [Line Items] for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite and Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Indefinite and Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Indefinite and Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Weighted-average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension and Post-retirement Liability Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Total accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Tax impact Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Gain (Loss) on Investments Gain (Loss) on Investments FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Anti-dilutive awards excluded from diluted earnings per share computation (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic number of common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of equity awards() Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic net (loss) income per common share (in thousands, except per share data): Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net (loss) income 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 (loss) income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Diluted net (loss) income per common share (in thousands, except per share data): Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Net (loss) income 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 (loss) income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment 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 Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Provisions for excess and obsolete inventory Inventory Write-down Summary of recorded stock-based compensation cost Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Net lease cost Lease, Cost 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 Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Schedule of other current liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURING AND OFFICE CONSOLIDATION Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Contract with Customer, Liability, Unredeemed gift cards, Current Contract with Customer, Liability, Unredeemed gift cards, Current Contract with Customer, Liability, Unredeemed gift cards, Current Unredeemed customer loyalty rewards 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 Total contract liabilities-current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, Gross amount Goodwill, Gross Goodwill impairment Foreign currency impact Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill Goodwill Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Remaining capacity under authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Number of shares repurchased (shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Aggregate cost of shares repurchased Cumulative Stock Repurchased And Retired Value The cumulative value of stock that has been repurchased and retired as of the balance sheet date. Average price per share (USD per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share COMMON STOCK Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] THE COMPANY Nature of Operations [Text Block] Relocation and Recruiting Employee Relocation [Member] Lease exit costs Lease exit costs [Member] Lease exit costs [Member] Other closure costs Other Restructuring [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Gross unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Reserves for unrecognized tax benefits Tax Reserve Statue Of Limitation Expected To Expire Tax reserve for which statute of limitations is expected to expire. Interest accrued on uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Remainder of 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five After 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: Interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] LEASES [Text Block] Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of segment information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [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] Schedule of Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Finished goods inventories, net of inventory reserves of $35,597, $9,283, and $15,535, respectively Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $542,158, $523,848, and $468,251, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Operating lease assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset 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 Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Long-term operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies - Note 14 Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at March 28, 2020, December 28, 2019, and March 30, 2019 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 43,610,725, 43,963,103 and 45,379,827 shares issued and outstanding at March 28, 2020, December 28, 2019, and March 30, 2019, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Secured revolving credit facility [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Balance (in shares) Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period 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 Repurchase of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Cash dividends declared and paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Comprehensive income Reclassification of tax effects Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Balance Balance (in shares) 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2025 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating Costs and Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses 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) 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 Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Domain] Reporting Unit [Domain] Skip Hop [Member] Skip Hop [Member] Skip Hop [Member] Carter's [Member] Carter's [Member] Carter's [Member] Carters Mexico [Member] Carters Mexico [Member] Carters Mexico [Member] Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Less unamortized issuance-related costs for senior notes SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Shares Repurchased and Retired Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) 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 Inventory, Firm Purchase Commitment, Loss Intangible asset impairments Other asset impairments and loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net of recoveries Other Asset Impairment Charges Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain), net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Provisions for (recoveries of) doubtful accounts receivable from customers Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Deferred income taxes (benefit) expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities: 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 (used in) 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 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] Proceeds from senior notes due 2027 Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Payment of senior notes due 2021 Repayments of Senior Debt Premiums paid to extinguish debt Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments on secured revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Withholdings from vestings of restricted stock Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement Proceeds from exercises of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net cash provided by (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, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, end of period