Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Jul. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jul. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Operating Segments
Net sales	$ 161,654	$ 135,537	$ 135,261	$ 147,945	$ 163,152	$ 152,135	$ 148,770	$ 156,040	$ 580,397	$ 620,097	$ 581,194
Percentage of consolidated net sales									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating loss									(70,289)	25,000	25,247
Depreciation and amortization expense									17,497	19,371	16,813
Interest income									142	241	337
Interest expense									(181)	(180)	(3,045)
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes									(70,328)	25,061	22,539
Total identifiable assets as of year-end	226,506				330,533				226,506	330,533	368,532
Capital expenditures									20,406	26,486	30,727
Wet Seal [Member]
Operating Segments
Net sales									495,027	526,105	486,959
Percentage of consolidated net sales									85.00%	85.00%	84.00%
Operating loss									(13,086)	55,661	46,429
Depreciation and amortization expense									14,239	15,765	14,245
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes									(13,086)	55,661	46,429
Total identifiable assets as of year-end	182,207				234,405				182,207	234,405	256,427
Capital expenditures									16,027	19,081	18,603
Arden B [Member]
Operating Segments
Net sales									85,370	93,992	94,235
Percentage of consolidated net sales									15.00%	15.00%	16.00%
Operating loss									(7,757)	1,491	8,384
Depreciation and amortization expense									1,639	2,099	1,619
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes									(7,757)	1,491	8,384
Total identifiable assets as of year-end	28,763				38,540				28,763	38,540	44,969
Capital expenditures									1,745	4,442	5,199
Corporate and Unallocated [Member]
Operating Segments
Operating loss									(49,446)	(32,152)	(29,566)
Depreciation and amortization expense									1,619	1,507	949
Interest income									142	241	337
Interest expense									(181)	(180)	(3,045)
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes									(49,485)	(32,091)	(32,274)
Total identifiable assets as of year-end	15,536				57,588				15,536	57,588	67,136
Capital expenditures									$ 2,634	$ 2,963	$ 6,925