Summary of Geographical Information (Detail) (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
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenue	$ 1,117,053	$ 910,374	$ 739,680	$ 708,695	$ 1,028,442	$ 819,419	$ 669,120	$ 603,084	$ 3,475,802		$ 3,120,065		$ 2,945,294
Long-lived assets, net:
United States	483,706				580,161				483,706		580,161
Foreign	75,547				53,302				75,547		53,302
Total long-lived assets, net	559,253				633,463				559,253		633,463
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenue									3,131,464		2,810,560		2,654,778
Foreign
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenue									$ 344,338	[1]	$ 309,506	[1]	$ 290,516	[1]

[1] Amounts represent sales from American Eagle Outfitters and aerie Canadian retail stores, AEO Direct sales that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries and international franchise revenue.