Sales Return Reserve (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 2,205aeo_SalesReturnReserve	$ 4,481aeo_SalesReturnReserve	$ 2,929aeo_SalesReturnReserve
Returns	(79,813)us-gaap_SalesReturnsGoods	(85,871)us-gaap_SalesReturnsGoods	(86,895)us-gaap_SalesReturnsGoods
Provisions	80,857aeo_SalesReturnReserveAdjustments	83,595aeo_SalesReturnReserveAdjustments	88,447aeo_SalesReturnReserveAdjustments
Ending balance	$ 3,249aeo_SalesReturnReserve	$ 2,205aeo_SalesReturnReserve	$ 4,481aeo_SalesReturnReserve

The aggregate refunds recognized during an accounting period due to goods returned by customers (other than under warranty provisions). Returns are a deduction from gross revenue in arriving at net revenue.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

Name:	us-gaap_SalesReturnsGoods
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration