Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2017	Jan. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,326,740	$ 3,518,680	$ 3,744,030
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization	1,298,172	1,361,137	1,430,460
Gross profit	2,028,568	2,157,543	2,313,570
Stores and distribution expense	1,578,460	1,604,214	1,703,051
Marketing, general and administrative expense	453,202	470,321	458,820
Restructuring (benefit) charge	0	(1,598)	8,431
Asset impairment	7,930	18,209	44,988
Other operating income, net	(26,212)	(6,441)	(15,239)
Operating income	15,188	72,838	113,519
Interest expense, net	18,666	18,248	14,365
(Loss) income before taxes	(3,478)	54,590	99,154
Income tax (benefit) expense	(11,196)	16,031	47,333
Net income	7,718	38,559	51,821
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,762	2,983	0
Net income attributable to A&F	$ 3,956	$ 35,576	$ 51,821
Net income per share attributable to A&F
Basic	$ 0.06	$ 0.52	$ 0.72
Diluted	$ 0.06	$ 0.51	$ 0.71
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic	67,878	68,880	71,785
Diluted	68,284	69,417	72,937
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.80
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	$ (6,931)	$ (22,516)	$ (77,929)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	248	(8,523)	15,266
Other comprehensive loss	(6,683)	(31,039)	(62,663)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,035	7,520	(10,842)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,762	2,983	0
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to A&F	$ (2,727)	$ 4,537	$ (10,842)