CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Jan. 03, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 258,106	$ 237,822	$ 194,670
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,962	(14,189)	(7,845)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,627	(13,330)	(12,955)
Comprehensive income	259,733	224,492	181,715
Unrealized (loss) gain on OshKosh defined benefit plan, net of tax of $400, ($470), $2,920 for the fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively	(666)	803	(4,963)
Unrealized gain (loss) on Carter's post-retirement benefit obligation, net of (tax) or tax benefit of ($200), ($30), $91 for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively	$ 331	$ 56	$ (147)