XML 40 R67.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
12 Months Ended 43 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 72 Months Ended 0 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015
CompensationPlan
Feb. 01, 2014
Feb. 02, 2013
Jan. 31, 2009
Jun. 15, 2005
Jun. 15, 2005
Jun. 08, 1999
May 29, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Share-based compensation $ 16,070,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation $ (6,541,000)us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation $ 66,349,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation          
Share-based compensation, net of tax 9,900,000us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax 4,100,000us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax 40,900,000us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax          
Number of share-based compensation plans 3aeo_NumberOfShareBasedCompensationPlans              
Stock awards 12,372,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation 1,184,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation 76,108,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation          
Shares available for all equity grants 8,900,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant              
Stock options granted 126,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod              
Cancellations of awards 1,048,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod              
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted $ 3.99us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue $ 4.17us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue $ 3.72us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue          
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised 1,300,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue 3,900,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue 57,400,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue          
Net proceeds from stock options exercised 7,305,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised 6,197,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised 76,401,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised          
Tax benefit realized from stock option exercises (500,000)us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions 8,700,000us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions 14,100,000us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions          
2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Shares of common stock granted 400,000aeo_IssuanceOfCommonStockSharesForStockBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
    200,000aeo_IssuanceOfCommonStockSharesForStockBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
       
Authorized shares under the plan prior to amendment         18,400,000aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
18,400,000aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
   
Shares available for all equity grants       31,900,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
       
Stock options granted 17,100,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
    9,100,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
       
Cancellations of awards 13,100,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
             
2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan | Director | Annual | Maximum                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Stock options granted         20,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
/ aeo_PeriodAxis
= aeo_AnnualMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= us-gaap_DirectorMember
     
1999 Stock Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Authorized shares under the plan         33,000,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
33,000,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
   
Maximum number of options that may be granted to any individual           9,000,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
   
Authorized shares under the plan prior to amendment             18,000,000aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
 
Stock options granted           33,200,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
   
Expiration period           10 years    
1999 Stock Incentive Plan | Director | Quarterly                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Stock options granted             1,875us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
/ aeo_PeriodAxis
= aeo_QuarterlyPaymentMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= us-gaap_DirectorMember
 
1999 Stock Incentive Plan | Group 1                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested           33.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
/ aeo_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis
= aeo_Group1Member
   
Vesting period           8 years    
1999 Stock Incentive Plan | Group 2                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested           34.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
/ aeo_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis
= aeo_Group2Member
   
Vesting period           3 years    
1999 Stock Incentive Plan | Group 3                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested           23.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
/ aeo_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis
= aeo_Group3Member
   
Vesting period           5 years    
1999 Stock Incentive Plan | Group 4                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Vesting period           1 year    
2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Authorized shares under the plan               11,500,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
Shares of common stock granted 23,400aeo_IssuanceOfCommonStockSharesForStockBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
             
2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan | Director | In any single calendar year                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Stock awards               300,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= aeo_ScenarioOneMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= us-gaap_DirectorMember
2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan | Director | In the first year a person becomes a non-employee director                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Stock awards               500,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= aeo_ScenarioTwoMember
/ us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis
= us-gaap_DirectorMember
Restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or other full value stock awards | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Maximum number of options that may be granted to any individual 4,000,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_RestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
             
Authorized shares under the plan prior to amendment         6,400,000aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_RestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
6,400,000aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_RestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
   
Restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or other full value stock awards | 2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Maximum number of options that may be granted to any individual               1,500,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_RestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
Stock options, SAR, dividend equivalents, performance awards or other non-full value stock awards | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Maximum number of options that may be granted to any individual 6,000,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockOptionsAndStockSettledStockAppreciationRightsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
             
Authorized shares under the plan prior to amendment         12,000,000aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockOptionsAndStockSettledStockAppreciationRightsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
12,000,000aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockOptionsAndStockSettledStockAppreciationRightsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
   
Stock options, SAR, dividend equivalents, performance awards or other non-full value stock awards | 2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Maximum number of options that may be granted to any individual               4,000,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockOptionsAndStockSettledStockAppreciationRightsMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
Restricted Stock | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Shares granted 10,400,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
    2,900,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
       
Shares cancelled       2,900,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
       
Restricted Stock | 1999 Stock Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Shares granted           6,700,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
   
Shares cancelled           9,700,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_StockIncentivePlanNineteenNinetyNineMember
   
Restricted Stock | 2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Shares granted 46,700us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
             
Employee Stock Option                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Unrecognized compensation expense 400,000us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
             
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average period 2 years 1 month 6 days              
Employee Stock Option | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested 4.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
             
Vesting period 1 year              
Employee Stock Option | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan | Group 1                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested 95.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
/ aeo_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis
= aeo_Group1Member
             
Vesting period 3 years              
Expiration period 10 years              
Employee Stock Option | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan | Group 2                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested 1.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
/ aeo_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAxis
= aeo_Group2Member
             
Vesting period 5 years              
Expiration period 7 years              
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested 62.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
             
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit | 2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested 62.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
             
Time-based restricted stock awards | 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested 38.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_TimeBasedRestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2005PlanMember
             
Vesting period 3 years              
Time-based restricted stock awards | 2014 Stock Award and Incentive Plan                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Percentage of shares vested 38.00%aeo_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_TimeBasedRestrictedStockMember
/ us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis
= aeo_EmployeeStockPlan2014PlanMember
             
Vesting period 3 years              
Time Based Restricted Stock Units                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Shares granted 1,506,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_TimeBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember
             
Vesting period 3 years              
Shares cancelled 417,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_TimeBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember
             
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average period 1 year 10 months 24 days              
Unrecognized compensation expense 16,200,000us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= aeo_TimeBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember
             
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Shares granted 1,314,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
             
Vesting period 3 years              
Shares cancelled 670,000us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
             
Unrecognized compensation expense $ 2,800,000us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions
/ us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
             
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units | Maximum                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average period 3 years              
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units | Minimum                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average period 1 year