Document and Entity Information
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 28, 2012
May 25, 2012
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name New York & Company, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001211351  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Apr. 28, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --02-02  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   62,392,255
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1