Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) 10-Q 8 Jun 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	Jun. 04, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	1018840
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-29
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	2-May-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		69,568,798

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Income Statement [Abstract]
NET SALES	$709,422	$822,428
Cost of goods sold	297,873	310,769
GROSS PROFIT	411,549	511,659
Stores and distribution expense	391,638	417,571
Marketing, general and administrative expense	107,533	123,581
Restructuring (benefit) charge	-1,598	5,633
Asset impairment	6,133	0
Other operating income, net	-1,960	-3,620
OPERATING LOSS	-90,197	-31,506
Interest expense, net	4,639	1,997
LOSS BEFORE TAXES	-94,836	-33,503
Tax benefit	-31,590	-9,832
NET LOSS	-63,246	-23,671
NET LOSS PER SHARE:
BASIC (in dollars per share)	($0.91)	($0.32)
DILUTED (in dollars per share)	($0.91)	($0.32)
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
BASIC (in shares)	69,510	74,483
DILUTED (in shares)	69,510	74,483
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE	$0.20	$0.20
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-15	14,866
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, net of tax	-5,420	-3,129
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-5,435	11,737
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	($68,681)	($11,934)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and equivalents	$383,220	$520,708
Receivables	59,169	52,910
Inventories, net	441,005	460,794
Deferred income taxes, net	44,785	13,986
Other current assets	118,563	116,574
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	1,046,742	1,164,972
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	949,587	967,001
OTHER ASSETS	368,263	373,194
TOTAL ASSETS	2,364,592	2,505,167
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	122,757	141,685
Accrued expenses	279,985	282,736
Short-term portion of deferred lease credits	26,102	26,629
Income taxes payable	6,642	32,804
Short-term portion of borrowings, net	2,017	2,102
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	437,503	485,956
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term portion of deferred lease credits	102,375	106,393
Long-term portion of borrowings, net	290,338	291,310
Leasehold financing obligations	49,765	50,521
Other liabilities	177,311	181,286
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	619,789	629,510
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Class A Common Stock - $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued at each of May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015	1,033	1,033
Paid-in capital	422,713	434,137
Retained earnings	2,473,346	2,550,673
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-89,015	-83,580
Treasury stock, at average cost: 33,743 and 33,948 shares at May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively	-1,500,777	-1,512,562
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	1,307,300	1,389,701
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$2,364,592	$2,505,167

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Treasury Stock, at Average Cost (in shares)	33,743,000	33,948,000
Class A Common Stock
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Class A Common Stock, par value	0.01	0.01
Class A Common Stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Class A Common Stock, shares issued	103,300,000	103,300,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	($63,246)	($23,671)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	53,291	58,897
Asset impairment	6,133	0
Loss on disposal	1,716	1,360
Amortization of deferred lease credits	-7,694	-12,005
Benefit from deferred income taxes	-31,285	-17,189
Share-based compensation	6,855	5,288
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Inventories	19,855	45,461
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-32,909	-45,834
Lessor construction allowances	370	588
Income taxes	-29,495	-47,555
Other assets	-7,977	6,870
Other liabilities	-9,397	-12,350
NET CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-93,783	-40,140
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	-29,917	-37,829
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-29,917	-37,829
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of treasury stock	0	-150,000
Repayments of borrowings	-750	-3,750
Other financing activities	12	-3,273
Dividends paid	-13,871	-14,665
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-14,609	-171,688
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH	821	6,663
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS:	-137,488	-242,994
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Period	520,708	600,116
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	383,220	357,122
SIGNIFICANT NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Change in accrual for construction in progress	8,856	-3,789
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	3,832	1,055
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$34,952	$57,059

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Nature of Business
	Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), through its subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and its subsidiaries are referred to as "Abercrombie & Fitch" or the “Company”), is a specialty retailer that operates stores and direct-to-consumer operations. The Company operates stores in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and direct-to-consumer operations in North America, Europe and Asia that service its brands throughout the world.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the historical financial statements of, and transactions applicable to, the Company and reflect its assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows.
	Fiscal Year
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references herein to “Fiscal 2015” represent the 52-week fiscal year ending on January 30, 2016; and to “Fiscal 2014” represent the 52-week fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.
	Interim Financial Statements
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of May 2, 2015 and for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2014 filed with the SEC on March 30, 2015. The January 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet data were derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to state fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for Fiscal 2015.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of May 2, 2015 and for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 included herein have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and the report of such firm follows the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) for their report on the condensed consolidated financial statements because their report is not a “report” or a “part” of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
	Contingencies
	The Company is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where it deems appropriate to do so under applicable accounting rules. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of claims. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has established accruals for certain matters where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. There are other claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements:
	Standard	Description	Date of	Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
			Adoption
	Standard adopted
	ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs	This standard amends ASC 835 Interest—Imputation of Interest. The amendment provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of debt issuance costs as a direct reduction of a liability when associated with a liability.	1-Feb-15	The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Standards not yet adopted
	ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers	This standard supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)." The new ASC guidance requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.	29-Jan-17	The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard.
	ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period	This standard amends ASC 718 Compensation—Stock Compensation. The amendment provides guidance on the treatment of share-based payment awards with a specific performance target, requiring that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition.	31-Jan-16	The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis	These amendments provide guidance which change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities.	29-Jan-17	The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Net_Loss_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET LOSS PER SHARE	NET LOSS PER SHARE
	Net loss per basic and diluted share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock.
	Weighted-average shares outstanding and anti-dilutive shares:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	2-May-15		3-May-14
	Shares of common stock issued	103,300		103,300
	Treasury shares	(33,790	)	(28,817	)
	Weighted-average — basic shares	69,510		74,483
	Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards	—		—
	Weighted-average — diluted shares	69,510		74,483
	Anti-dilutive shares (1)	12,151		11,400
	(1)	Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net loss per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company issues stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units, including those with service, performance and market vesting conditions. The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $6.9 million and $5.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively. The Company also recognized $2.3 million and $2.0 million in tax benefits related to share-based compensation for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively.
	Stock Options
	The Company did not grant any stock options during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 or May 3, 2014. Below is a summary of stock option activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015:
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate				Weighted-Average
		Underlying			Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value				Remaining
		Shares											Contractual Life
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015	328,100			$	64.64
	Granted	—			—
	Exercised	—			—
	Forfeited or expired	(10,500	)		73.48
	Outstanding at May 2, 2015	317,600			$	64.35			$	124,200			2.4
	Stock options exercisable at May 2, 2015	317,600			$	64.35			$	124,200			2.4
	The intrinsic value of stock options exercised was insignificant during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014. No stock options were exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015.
	As of May 2, 2015, all compensation cost related to currently outstanding stock options had been fully recognized.
	Stock Appreciation Rights
	The following table summarizes stock appreciation rights activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015:
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate				Weighted-Average
		Underlying			Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value				Remaining
		Shares											Contractual Life
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015	8,953,675			$	40.28
	Granted	639,808			22.44
	Exercised	—			—
	Forfeited or expired	(53,500	)		44.82
	Outstanding at May 2, 2015	9,539,983			$	39.06			$	1,099,816			2.9
	Stock appreciation rights exercisable at May 2, 2015	8,330,684			$	40.34			$	1,056,000			1.9
	Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of May 2, 2015	1,056,983			$	30.25			$	36,574			9.3
	The Company estimates the fair value of stock appreciation rights using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for stock appreciation rights granted during the thirteen weeks ended ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, were as follows:
		Executive Officers								All Other Associates
		2-May-15				3-May-14				2-May-15				3-May-14
	Grant date market price	$	22.46			$	38.5			$	22.42			$	38.63
	Exercise price	$	22.46			$	39.64			$	22.42			$	38.84
	Fair value	$	9.11			$	14.4			$	8			$	13.58
	Assumptions:
	Price volatility	49		%		50		%		49		%		50		%
	Expected term (years)	6.1				4.9				4.4				4.1
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5		%		1.8		%		1.2		%		1.4		%
	Dividend yield	1.7		%		1.9		%		1.7		%		1.9		%
	Compensation expense for stock appreciation rights is recognized on a straight-line basis over the awards’ requisite service period, net of forfeitures. As of May 2, 2015, there was $11.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock appreciation rights. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 19 months.
	The total intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 was insignificant. No stock appreciation rights were exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015. The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights that vested during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 was $3.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarizes activity for restricted stock units for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015:
		Service-based Restricted Stock Units							Performance-based Restricted Stock Units							Market-based Restricted Stock Units
		Number of			Weighted-				Number of			Weighted-				Number of	Weighted-
		Underlying			Average Grant				Underlying			Average Grant				Underlying	Average Grant
		Shares			Date Fair Value				Shares			Date Fair Value				Shares	Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 31, 2015	1,566,272			$	37.81			205,420			$	32.05			36,374	$	40.13
	Granted (1)	669,727			20.57				113,331			20.1				113,337	19.04
	Adjustments for performance achievement	—			—				(28,250	)		36.14				—	—
	Vested	(274,231	)		47.38				(48,668	)		38.24				—	—
	Forfeited	(55,265	)		38.47				(4,875	)		36.21				—	—
	Unvested at May 2, 2015	1,906,503			$	30.36			236,958			$	24.49			149,711	$	24.16
	-1	Includes 226,668 shares at 100% of their target vesting amount related to grants of restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions.
	The fair value of both service-based and performance-based restricted stock units is calculated using the market price of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant reduced for anticipated dividend payments on unvested shares. In determining the fair value, the Company does not take into account performance-based vesting requirements. Performance-based vesting requirements are taken into account in determining the number of awards expected to vest. However, for market-based restricted stock units, the fair value is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation with the number of shares that ultimately vest dependent on the Company's total stockholder return measured against the total stockholder return of a select group of peer companies over a three-year period. For any award with performance-based or market-based vesting requirements, the number of shares that ultimately vest can vary from 0% to 200% of target depending on the level of achievement of performance criteria.
	Service-based restricted stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period, net of forfeitures. Performance-based restricted stock units subject to graded vesting are expensed on an accelerated attribution basis, net of forfeitures. Market-based restricted stock units without graded vesting features are expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, net of forfeitures.
	As of May 2, 2015, there was $36.8 million, $4.6 million and $0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to service-based, performance-based and market-based restricted stock units, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 17 months, 16 months and 16 months for service-based, performance-based and market-based restricted stock units, respectively.
	Additional information pertaining to restricted stock units for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 follows:
		2-May-15				3-May-14
	Service-based restricted stock units:
	Total grant date fair value of awards granted	$	13,776			$	14,939
	Total grant date fair value of awards vested	12,993				14,302
	Performance-based restricted stock units:
	Total grant date fair value of awards granted	$	2,278			$	4,470
	Total grant date fair value of awards vested	1,861				515
Market-based restricted stock units:
Total grant date fair value of awards granted	$	2,158			$	3,577
Total grant date fair value of awards vested	—				—
The weighted-average assumptions used for market-based restricted stock units used in the Monte Carlo simulation during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 were as follows:
	2-May-15				3-May-14
Grant date market price	$	22.46			$	38.5
Fair value	$	19.04			$	46.86
Assumptions:
Price volatility	45		%		50		%
Expected term (years)	2.8				2.8
Risk-free interest rate	0.9		%		0.8		%
Dividend yield	3.5		%		2.1		%
Average volatility of peer companies	34		%		37.3		%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies	0.3288				0.3786

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES, NET
	Inventories, net consisted of:
	(in thousands)	May 2, 2015			January 31, 2015
	Inventories	$	496,519		$	484,865
	Less: lower of cost or market reserve	(40,295		)	(12,707		)
	Less: shrink reserve	(15,219		)	(11,364		)
	Inventories, net	$	441,005		$	460,794
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market on a weighted-average cost basis. The Company writes down inventory through a lower of cost or market adjustment, the impact of which is reflected in Cost of Goods Sold on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. This adjustment is based on management's judgment regarding future demand and market conditions and analysis of historical experience. As of May 2, 2015, the lower of cost or market reserve included a write-down of the carrying value of certain inventory to its estimated net realizable value as the Company elected to accelerate the disposition of certain aged merchandise that does not support the Company's prospective brand positioning strategy.
	Additionally, as part of inventory valuation, inventory shrinkage estimates based on historical trends from actual physical inventories are made each period that reduce the inventory value for lost or stolen items. The Company performs physical inventories on a periodic basis and adjusts the shrink reserve accordingly.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE
	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three-level hierarchy. The three levels of inputs to measure fair value are as follows:
	•	Level 1—inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities that are available in active markets that the Company can access at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2—inputs are other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, directly or indirectly.
	•	Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable.
	The lowest level of significant input determines the placement of the entire fair value measurement in the hierarchy. The three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution within it of the Company’s assets and liabilities, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were as follows:
		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of May 2, 2015
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	ASSETS:
	Money market funds	$	23,683	$	—	$	—	$	23,683
	Derivative financial instruments	—		4,838		—		4,838
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	23,683	$	4,838	$	—	$	28,521
	LIABILITIES:
	Derivative financial instruments	—		274		—		274
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	274	$	—	$	274
		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of January 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	ASSETS:
	Money market funds	$	122,047	$	—	$	—	$	122,047
	Derivative financial instruments	—		10,293		—		10,293
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	122,047	$	10,293	$	—	$	132,340
	LIABILITIES:
	Derivative financial instruments	—		—		—		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	The level 2 assets and liabilities consist of derivative financial instruments, primarily forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The fair value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts is determined by using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk.
	Disclosures of Fair Value of Other Assets and Liabilities:
	The Company’s borrowings under the Company's credit facilities are carried at historical cost in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For disclosure purposes, the Company estimated the fair value of borrowings outstanding using discounted cash flow analysis based on market rates obtained from independent third parties for similar types of debt. The inputs used to value the borrowings outstanding are considered to be Level 2 instruments.
	The carrying amount of gross borrowings outstanding under the Company's term loan facility was $298.5 million and $299.3 million as of May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively. The fair value of such borrowings was $292.5 million and $295.1 million as of May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively. No borrowings were outstanding under the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility as of May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively.

Property_and_Equipment_Net

Property and Equipment, Net	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
	Property and equipment, net consisted of:
	(in thousands)	May 2, 2015			January 31, 2015
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	2,786,956		$	2,797,250
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,837,369		)	(1,830,249		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	949,587		$	967,001
	Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of property and equipment, are tested periodically for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Factors used in the evaluation include, but are not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results, and projected cash flows.
	Fair value of the Company's store-related assets is determined at the individual store level, primarily using a discounted cash flow model that utilizes Level 3 inputs. The estimation of future cash flows from operating activities requires significant estimates of factors that include future sales, gross margin performance and operating expenses. In instances where the discounted cash flow analysis indicated a negative value at the store level, the market exit price based on historical experience, and other comparable market data where applicable, was used to determine the fair value by asset type.
	In certain lease arrangements, the Company is involved in the construction of the building. If it is determined that the Company has substantially all of the risks of ownership during construction of the leased property and therefore is deemed to be the owner of the construction project, the Company records an asset for the amount of the total project costs, including the portion funded by the landlord, and an amount related to the value attributed to the pre-existing leased building in Property and Equipment, Net, and a corresponding financing obligation in Leasehold Financing Obligations, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Once construction is complete, if it is determined that the asset does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting treatment, the Company continues to amortize the obligation over the lease term and depreciates the asset over its useful life. The Company had $39.6 million and $40.1 million of construction project assets in Property and Equipment, Net at May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The Company's quarterly tax provision, and the quarterly estimate of the annual effective tax rate, is subject to significant variation due to several factors, including variability in the pre-tax jurisdictional mix of earnings, changes in how the Company does business including entering into new businesses or geographies, foreign currency gains (losses), changes in law, regulations, and administrative practices, relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized, and the impact of discrete items. The impact of these items on the effective tax rate will vary depending on the amount of pre-tax income.
	The effective tax rates for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 were 33.3% and 29.3%, respectively.

Derivatives

Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES	DERIVATIVES
	The Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and uses derivatives, primarily forward contracts, to manage the financial impacts of these exposures. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation and does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
	In order to qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be considered highly effective at offsetting changes in either the hedged item’s cash flows or fair value. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk exposure, and how hedge effectiveness will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. The extent to which a hedging instrument has been, and is expected to continue to be, effective at offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows is assessed and documented at least quarterly. Any hedge ineffectiveness is reported in current period earnings and hedge accounting is discontinued if it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective.
	For derivatives that either do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, all changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”) and recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows affect earnings. The ineffective portion of the derivative gain or loss, as well as changes in the fair value of the derivative’s time value is recognized in current period earnings. The effectiveness of the hedge is assessed based on changes in the fair value attributable to changes in spot prices. The changes in the fair value of the derivative contract related to the changes in the difference between the spot price and the forward price are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are also recognized in current period earnings. If the cash flow hedge relationship is terminated, the derivative gains or losses that are deferred in OCI will be recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows occur. However, for cash flow hedges that are terminated because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur in the original specified time period, or a two-month period thereafter, the derivative gains or losses are immediately recognized in earnings.
	The Company uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales to foreign subsidiaries and the related settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company receivables. Fluctuations in exchange rates will either increase or decrease the Company’s inter-company equivalent cash flows and affect the Company’s U.S. Dollar earnings. Gains or losses on the foreign currency exchange forward contracts that are used to hedge these exposures are expected to partially offset this variability. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed-upon settlement date. These forward contracts typically have a maximum term of 12 months. The sale of the inventory to the Company’s customers will result in the reclassification of related derivative gains and losses that are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI"). Substantially all of the unrealized gains or losses related to designated cash flow hedges as of May 2, 2015 will be recognized in cost of goods sold over the next twelve months.
	The Company presents its derivative assets and derivative liabilities at their gross fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, our master netting and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions.
	As of May 2, 2015, the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge either a portion, or all, of forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales, the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company accounts receivable, or both:
	(in thousands)	Notional Amount(1)
	Euro	$	51,775
	British Pound	$	20,360
	Canadian Dollar	$	11,438
	(1)	Amounts are reported in U.S. Dollar equivalent as of May 2, 2015.
	The Company also uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge certain foreign-currency-denominated net monetary assets/liabilities. Examples of monetary assets/liabilities include cash balances, receivables and payables. Fluctuations in exchange rates result in transaction gains/(losses) being recorded in earnings as U.S. GAAP requires that monetary assets/liabilities be remeasured at the spot exchange rate at quarter-end or upon settlement. The Company has chosen not to apply hedge accounting to these instruments because there are no differences in the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument and the hedged item.
	As of May 2, 2015, the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency forward contracts that were entered into to hedge foreign currency denominated net monetary assets/liabilities:
	(in thousands)	Notional Amount(1)
	Euro	$	14,570
	Canadian Dollar	$	4,876
	British Pound	$	3,786
	(1)	Amounts are reported in U.S. Dollar equivalent as of May 2, 2015.
	The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015 were as follows:
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
	(in thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		May 2,				January 31,			Balance Sheet Location		May 2,				January 31,
				2015				2015					2015				2015
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	4,816			$	10,283		Other liabilities		$	274			$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	22			$	10		Other liabilities		$	—			$	—
	Total	Other current assets		$	4,838			$	10,293		Other liabilities		$	274			$	—
	Refer to Note 5, “FAIR VALUE,” for further discussion of the determination of the fair value of derivatives.
	The location and amounts of derivative gains and losses for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss were as follows:
				Thirteen Weeks Ended
				May 2, 2015				May 3, 2014
	(in thousands)	Location		Gain/(Loss)				Gain/(Loss)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other operating income, net		$	160			$	(688	)
		Effective Portion																	Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Contracts (a)								Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings (b)								Location of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts	Amount of Gain  Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts (c)
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	May 2,				May 3,					May 2,				May 3,					May 2,		May 3,
		2015				2014					2015				2014					2015		2014
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	219			$	(5,025	)		Cost of goods sold	$	6,036			$	(1,434	)		Other operating income, net	$	35	$	3
	(a)	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
	(b)	The amount represents the reclassification from OCI into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.
	(c)	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and, therefore, recognized in earnings.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 was as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Total
	Beginning balance at January 31, 2015	$	13,100		$	(96,680	)	$	(83,580	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	219			(15		)	204
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	(6,036		)	—			(6,036		)
	Tax effect on other comprehensive (loss) income	397			—			397
	Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes	(5,420		)	(15		)	(5,435		)
	Ending balance at May 2, 2015	$	7,680		$	(96,695	)	$	(89,015	)
	(1)	For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015, the loss was reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to the Cost of Goods Sold line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
	The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 was as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Total
	Beginning balance at February 1, 2014	$	(2,166	)	$	(18,751	)	$	(20,917	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(5,025		)	14,866			9,841
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2)	1,434			—			1,434
	Tax effect on other comprehensive (loss) income	462			—			462
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes	(3,129		)	14,866			11,737
	Ending balance at May 3, 2014	$	(5,295	)	$	(3,885	)	$	(9,180	)
	(2)	For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, the gain was reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to the Cost of Goods Sold line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

Gilly_Hicks_Restructuring

Gilly Hicks Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING	GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING
	As previously announced, on November 1, 2013, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s 24 stand-alone Gilly Hicks stores. The Company substantially completed the store closures as planned by the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2014.
	As a result of exiting the Gilly Hicks branded stores, approximately $88.8 million of cumulative pre-tax charges have been incurred to date, including a benefit of $1.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015, primarily related to lease terminations. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2015, the Company's liability related to the Gilly Hicks restructuring decreased from approximately $6.0 million to approximately $3.0 million as a result of the lease termination benefit and cash payments applied against the liability.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	SEGMENT REPORTING
	During the first quarter, the Company substantially completed its transition to a branded organizational structure. In conjunction with the change, the Company determined its brand-based operating segments to be Abercrombie, which includes the Company's Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands, and Hollister. These operating segments have similar economic characteristics, class of consumers, products, and production and distribution methods, and have been aggregated into one reportable segment.
	The following table provides the Company's net sales by operating segment for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014.
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	2-May-15		3-May-14
	Abercrombie	$	339,752	$	386,278
	Hollister	369,670		421,634
	Other (1)	—		14,516
	Total	$	709,422	$	822,428
	(1) Represents net sales from the Company's Gilly Hicks operations. See Note 10, "GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING," for additional information on the Company's exit from Gilly Hicks branded stores.
	The following table provides the Company’s net sales by geographic area for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014.
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	2-May-15		3-May-14
	United States	$	448,889	$	504,396
	Europe	166,084		235,614
	Other	94,449		82,418
	Total	$	709,422	$	822,428

Basis_of_Presentation_Nature_o

Basis of Presentation Nature of Business (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Nature of Business
	Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), through its subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and its subsidiaries are referred to as "Abercrombie & Fitch" or the “Company”), is a specialty retailer that operates stores and direct-to-consumer operations. The Company operates stores in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and direct-to-consumer operations in North America, Europe and Asia that service its brands throughout the world.

Basis_of_Presentation_Principl

Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the historical financial statements of, and transactions applicable to, the Company and reflect its assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows.

Basis_of_Presentation_Fiscal_Y

Basis of Presentation Fiscal Years (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fiscal Year
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references herein to “Fiscal 2015” represent the 52-week fiscal year ending on January 30, 2016; and to “Fiscal 2014” represent the 52-week fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

Basis_of_Presentation_Continge

Basis of Presentation Contingencies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Contingencies
	The Company is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where it deems appropriate to do so under applicable accounting rules. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of claims. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has established accruals for certain matters where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. There are other claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established.

Basis_of_Presentation_Recent_A

Basis of Presentation Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements:
	Standard	Description	Date of	Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
			Adoption
	Standard adopted
	ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs	This standard amends ASC 835 Interest—Imputation of Interest. The amendment provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of debt issuance costs as a direct reduction of a liability when associated with a liability.	1-Feb-15	The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Standards not yet adopted
	ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers	This standard supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)." The new ASC guidance requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.	29-Jan-17	The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard.
	ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period	This standard amends ASC 718 Compensation—Stock Compensation. The amendment provides guidance on the treatment of share-based payment awards with a specific performance target, requiring that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition.	31-Jan-16	The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis	These amendments provide guidance which change the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities.	29-Jan-17	The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Table

Net Loss Per Share (Table)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	Weighted-average shares outstanding and anti-dilutive shares:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	2-May-15		3-May-14
	Shares of common stock issued	103,300		103,300
	Treasury shares	(33,790	)	(28,817	)
	Weighted-average — basic shares	69,510		74,483
	Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards	—		—
	Weighted-average — diluted shares	69,510		74,483
	Anti-dilutive shares (1)	12,151		11,400
	(1)	Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net loss per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	Below is a summary of stock option activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015:
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate				Weighted-Average
		Underlying			Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value				Remaining
		Shares											Contractual Life
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015	328,100			$	64.64
	Granted	—			—
	Exercised	—			—
	Forfeited or expired	(10,500	)		73.48
	Outstanding at May 2, 2015	317,600			$	64.35			$	124,200			2.4
	Stock options exercisable at May 2, 2015	317,600			$	64.35			$	124,200			2.4
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	The following table summarizes stock appreciation rights activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015:
		Number of			Weighted-Average				Aggregate				Weighted-Average
		Underlying			Exercise Price				Intrinsic Value				Remaining
		Shares											Contractual Life
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015	8,953,675			$	40.28
	Granted	639,808			22.44
	Exercised	—			—
	Forfeited or expired	(53,500	)		44.82
	Outstanding at May 2, 2015	9,539,983			$	39.06			$	1,099,816			2.9
	Stock appreciation rights exercisable at May 2, 2015	8,330,684			$	40.34			$	1,056,000			1.9
	Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of May 2, 2015	1,056,983			$	30.25			$	36,574			9.3
Schedule of Weighted-Average Estimated Fair Value and Assumptions of Stock Appreciation Rights	The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for stock appreciation rights granted during the thirteen weeks ended ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, were as follows:
		Executive Officers								All Other Associates
		2-May-15				3-May-14				2-May-15				3-May-14
	Grant date market price	$	22.46			$	38.5			$	22.42			$	38.63
	Exercise price	$	22.46			$	39.64			$	22.42			$	38.84
	Fair value	$	9.11			$	14.4			$	8			$	13.58
	Assumptions:
	Price volatility	49		%		50		%		49		%		50		%
	Expected term (years)	6.1				4.9				4.4				4.1
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5		%		1.8		%		1.2		%		1.4		%
	Dividend yield	1.7		%		1.9		%		1.7		%		1.9		%
Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes activity for restricted stock units for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015:
		Service-based Restricted Stock Units							Performance-based Restricted Stock Units							Market-based Restricted Stock Units
		Number of			Weighted-				Number of			Weighted-				Number of	Weighted-
		Underlying			Average Grant				Underlying			Average Grant				Underlying	Average Grant
		Shares			Date Fair Value				Shares			Date Fair Value				Shares	Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 31, 2015	1,566,272			$	37.81			205,420			$	32.05			36,374	$	40.13
	Granted (1)	669,727			20.57				113,331			20.1				113,337	19.04
	Adjustments for performance achievement	—			—				(28,250	)		36.14				—	—
	Vested	(274,231	)		47.38				(48,668	)		38.24				—	—
	Forfeited	(55,265	)		38.47				(4,875	)		36.21				—	—
	Unvested at May 2, 2015	1,906,503			$	30.36			236,958			$	24.49			149,711	$	24.16
	-1	Includes 226,668 shares at 100% of their target vesting amount related to grants of restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions.
Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Schedule of Weighted-Average Estimated Fair Value and Assumptions of Restricted Stock Units with Market Vesting Conditions	The weighted-average assumptions used for market-based restricted stock units used in the Monte Carlo simulation during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 were as follows:
		2-May-15				3-May-14
	Grant date market price	$	22.46			$	38.5
	Fair value	$	19.04			$	46.86
	Assumptions:
	Price volatility	45		%		50		%
	Expected term (years)	2.8				2.8
	Risk-free interest rate	0.9		%		0.8		%
	Dividend yield	3.5		%		2.1		%
	Average volatility of peer companies	34		%		37.3		%
	Average correlation coefficient of peer companies	0.3288				0.3786

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Company's Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	The three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution within it of the Company’s assets and liabilities, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were as follows:
		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of May 2, 2015
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	ASSETS:
	Money market funds	$	23,683	$	—	$	—	$	23,683
	Derivative financial instruments	—		4,838		—		4,838
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	23,683	$	4,838	$	—	$	28,521
	LIABILITIES:
	Derivative financial instruments	—		274		—		274
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	274	$	—	$	274
		Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of January 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	ASSETS:
	Money market funds	$	122,047	$	—	$	—	$	122,047
	Derivative financial instruments	—		10,293		—		10,293
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	122,047	$	10,293	$	—	$	132,340
	LIABILITIES:
	Derivative financial instruments	—		—		—		—
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Property_and_Equipment_Net_Tab

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net consisted of:
	(in thousands)	May 2, 2015			January 31, 2015
	Property and equipment, at cost	$	2,786,956		$	2,797,250
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,837,369		)	(1,830,249		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	949,587		$	967,001

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	As of May 2, 2015, the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge either a portion, or all, of forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales, the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company accounts receivable, or both:
	(in thousands)	Notional Amount(1)
	Euro	$	51,775
	British Pound	$	20,360
	Canadian Dollar	$	11,438
	(1)	Amounts are reported in U.S. Dollar equivalent as of May 2, 2015.
	The Company also uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge certain foreign-currency-denominated net monetary assets/liabilities. Examples of monetary assets/liabilities include cash balances, receivables and payables. Fluctuations in exchange rates result in transaction gains/(losses) being recorded in earnings as U.S. GAAP requires that monetary assets/liabilities be remeasured at the spot exchange rate at quarter-end or upon settlement. The Company has chosen not to apply hedge accounting to these instruments because there are no differences in the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument and the hedged item.
	As of May 2, 2015, the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency forward contracts that were entered into to hedge foreign currency denominated net monetary assets/liabilities:
	(in thousands)	Notional Amount(1)
	Euro	$	14,570
	Canadian Dollar	$	4,876
	British Pound	$	3,786
	(1)	Amounts are reported in U.S. Dollar equivalent as of May 2, 2015.
Location and Amounts of Derivative Fair Values on the Consolidated Balance Sheets	The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015 were as follows:
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
	(in thousands)	Balance Sheet Location		May 2,				January 31,			Balance Sheet Location		May 2,				January 31,
				2015				2015					2015				2015
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	4,816			$	10,283		Other liabilities		$	274			$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	22			$	10		Other liabilities		$	—			$	—
	Total	Other current assets		$	4,838			$	10,293		Other liabilities		$	274			$	—
Location and Amounts of Derivative Gains and Losses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The location and amounts of derivative gains and losses for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss were as follows:
				Thirteen Weeks Ended
				May 2, 2015				May 3, 2014
	(in thousands)	Location		Gain/(Loss)				Gain/(Loss)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	Other operating income, net		$	160			$	(688	)
		Effective Portion																	Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Contracts (a)								Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings (b)								Location of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts	Amount of Gain  Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts (c)
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	May 2,				May 3,					May 2,				May 3,					May 2,		May 3,
		2015				2014					2015				2014					2015		2014
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	219			$	(5,025	)		Cost of goods sold	$	6,036			$	(1,434	)		Other operating income, net	$	35	$	3
	(a)	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
	(b)	The amount represents the reclassification from OCI into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.
	(c)	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and, therefore, recognized in earnings.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 was as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Total
	Beginning balance at January 31, 2015	$	13,100		$	(96,680	)	$	(83,580	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	219			(15		)	204
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	(6,036		)	—			(6,036		)
	Tax effect on other comprehensive (loss) income	397			—			397
	Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes	(5,420		)	(15		)	(5,435		)
	Ending balance at May 2, 2015	$	7,680		$	(96,695	)	$	(89,015	)
	(1)	For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015, the loss was reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to the Cost of Goods Sold line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
	The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 was as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014
	(in thousands)	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Total
	Beginning balance at February 1, 2014	$	(2,166	)	$	(18,751	)	$	(20,917	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(5,025		)	14,866			9,841
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2)	1,434			—			1,434
	Tax effect on other comprehensive (loss) income	462			—			462
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes	(3,129		)	14,866			11,737
	Ending balance at May 3, 2014	$	(5,295	)	$	(3,885	)	$	(9,180	)
	(2)	For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, the gain was reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to the Cost of Goods Sold line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue from External Customers by Operating Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the Company's net sales by operating segment for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014.
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	2-May-15		3-May-14
	Abercrombie	$	339,752	$	386,278
	Hollister	369,670		421,634
	Other (1)	—		14,516
	Total	$	709,422	$	822,428
	(1) Represents net sales from the Company's Gilly Hicks operations. See Note 10, "GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING," for additional information on the Company's exit from Gilly Hicks branded stores.
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the Company’s net sales by geographic area for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014.
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
	(in thousands)	2-May-15		3-May-14
	United States	$	448,889	$	504,396
	Europe	166,084		235,614
	Other	94,449		82,418
	Total	$	709,422	$	822,428

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Details

Net Loss Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15		3-May-14
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding And Anti Dilutive Shares [Abstract]
Shares of common stock issued	103,300		103,300
Treasury shares	-33,790		-28,817
Weighted-average — basic shares	69,510		74,483
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards	0		0
Weighted-average — diluted shares	69,510		74,483
Anti-dilutive shares (1)	12,151	[1]	11,400	[1]
[1]	Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net loss per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	100.00%
Share-based compensation expense	$6,900,000	$5,300,000
Tax benefit recognized related to share-based compensation expense	2,300,000	2,000,000
Stock Appreciation Rights
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	11,300,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition	19 months
Total grant date fair value of awards vested	3,900,000	7,200,000
Service-based restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total grant date fair value of awards granted	13,776,000	14,939,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	36,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition	17 months
Total grant date fair value of awards vested	12,993,000	14,302,000
Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total grant date fair value of awards granted	2,278,000	4,470,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	4,600,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition	16 months
Total grant date fair value of awards vested	1,861,000	515,000
Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total grant date fair value of awards granted	2,158,000	3,577,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	900,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition	16 months
Total grant date fair value of awards vested	$0	$0
Minimum | Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	0.00%
Minimum | Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	0.00%
Maximum | Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	200.00%
Maximum | Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	200.00%

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Stock Option Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Outstanding, Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance	328,100
Granted, Number of Underlying Shares	0
Exercised, Number of Underlying Shares	0
Forfeited or expired, Number of Underlying Shares	-10,500
Outstanding, Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance	317,600
Stock Option Activity, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$64.64
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$0
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$0
Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$73.48
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$64.35
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$124,200
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 5 months
Stock options exercisable, Number of Underlying Shares	317,600
Stock options exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$64.35
Stock options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$124,200
Stock options exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	2 years 5 months

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_1

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights Activity) (Details) (Stock Appreciation Rights, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Stock Appreciation Rights
Number of Underlying Shares Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 31, 2015	8,953,675
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted	639,808
Number of Underlying Shares, Exercised	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited	-53,500
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at May 2, 2015	9,539,983
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$40.28
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$22.44
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired	$44.82
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$39.06
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$1,099,816
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding	2 years 11 months
Number of Underlying shares, Stock appreciation rights exercisable	8,330,684
Number of Underlying Shares, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable	1,056,983
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Stock appreciation rights exercisable	$40.34
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable	$30.25
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Stock appreciation rights exercisable	1,056,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable	$36,574
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Stock appreciation rights exercisable	1 year 11 months
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable	9 years 4 months

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_2

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights Assumptions) (Details) (Stock Appreciation Rights, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
The weighted-average fair value and assumptions (stock appreciation rights)
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$22.44
Executive Officers
The weighted-average fair value and assumptions (stock appreciation rights)
Grant date market price (in dollars per share)	$22.46	$38.50
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	$22.46	$39.64
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$9.11	$14.40
Assumptions:
Price volatility	49.00%	50.00%
Expected term (years)	6 years 1 month	4 years 11 months
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.80%
Dividend yield	1.70%	1.90%
All Other Associates
The weighted-average fair value and assumptions (stock appreciation rights)
Grant date market price (in dollars per share)	$22.42	$38.63
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	$22.42	$38.84
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$8	$13.58
Assumptions:
Price volatility	49.00%	50.00%
Expected term (years)	4 years 5 months	4 years 1 month
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	1.40%
Dividend yield	1.70%	1.90%

ShareBased_Compensation_Restri

Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15		3-May-14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	100.00%
Service-based restricted stock units
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 31, 2015	1,566,272
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted	669,727	[1]
Number of Underlying Shares, Adjustments for performance achievement	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Vested	-274,231
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited	-55,265
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at May 2, 2015	1,906,503
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$37.81
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$20.57
Adjustments for performance achievement, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$47.38
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$38.47
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$30.36
Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 31, 2015	205,420
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted	113,331	[1]
Number of Underlying Shares, Adjustments for performance achievement	-28,250
Number of Underlying Shares, Vested	-48,668
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited	-4,875
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at May 2, 2015	236,958
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$32.05
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$20.10
Adjustments for performance achievement, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$36.14
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$38.24
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$36.21
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$24.49
Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 31, 2015	36,374
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted	113,337	[1]
Number of Underlying Shares, Adjustments for performance achievement	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Vested	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at May 2, 2015	149,711
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$40.13
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$19.04		$46.86
Adjustments for performance achievement, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$24.16
Minimum | Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	0.00%
Minimum | Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	0.00%
Maximum | Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	200.00%
Maximum | Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target percentage of equity awards earned	200.00%
Performance Vesting Conditions
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted	226,668
[1]	Includes 226,668 shares at 100% of their target vesting amount related to grants of restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions.

ShareBased_Compensation_Restri1

Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units Assumptions) (Details) (Market-based restricted stock units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date market price (in dollars per share)	$22.46	$38.50
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$19.04	$46.86
Price volatility	45.00%	50.00%
Expected term (years)	2 years 9 months 18 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Risk-free interest rate	0.90%	0.80%
Dividend yield	3.50%	2.10%
Average volatility of peer companies	34.00%	37.30%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies	0.3288	0.3786

Inventories_Net_Details

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	$496,519	$484,865
Less: lower of cost or market reserve	-40,295	-12,707
Less: shrink reserve	15,219	11,364
Inventories, net	$441,005	$460,794

Fair_Value_Assets_and_Liabilit

Fair Value (Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Borrowings, gross at fair value	$292,500,000	$295,100,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	23,683,000	122,047,000
Derivative financial instruments	4,838,000	10,293,000
Total assets measured at fair value	28,521,000	132,340,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	274,000	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	274,000	0
Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	23,683,000	122,047,000
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	23,683,000	122,047,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	0
Derivative financial instruments	4,838,000	10,293,000
Total assets measured at fair value	4,838,000	10,293,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	274,000	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	274,000	0
Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	0
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Term Loan Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Borrowings, gross at carrying amount	298,500,000	299,300,000
ABL Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Credit facility, amount outstanding	$0	$0

Property_and_Equipment_Net_Det

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$2,786,956	$2,797,250
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-1,837,369	-1,830,249
Property and equipment, net	949,587	967,001
Construction Project Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$39,600	$40,100

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	33.30%	29.30%

Derivatives_Outstanding_Foreig

Derivatives (Outstanding Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts) (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging, Forward Contracts, USD $)	2-May-15
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inter-company Inventory and Accounts Receivables | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$51,775	[1]
Inter-company Inventory and Accounts Receivables | Canada, Dollars
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	11,438	[1]
Inter-company Inventory and Accounts Receivables | United Kingdom, Pounds
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	20,360	[1]
Assets and Liabilities | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	14,570	[1]
Assets and Liabilities | Canada, Dollars
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	4,876	[1]
Assets and Liabilities | United Kingdom, Pounds
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$3,786	[1]
[1]	Amounts are reported in U.S. Dollar equivalent as of May 2, 2015.

Derivatives_Derivative_Fair_Va

Derivatives (Derivative Fair Values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Other Current Assets | Designated As Hedging Instrument
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other current assets	$4,816	$10,283
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Other Current Assets | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other current assets	22	10
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Other Liabilities | Designated As Hedging Instrument
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other liabilities	274	0
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Other Liabilities | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other liabilities	274	0
Other current assets	4,838	10,293
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other liabilities	274	0
Other current assets	$4,838	$10,293

Derivatives_Derivative_Gains_L

Derivatives (Derivative Gains (Losses) on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details) (Foreign currency exchange forward contracts, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15		3-May-14
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Contracts (Effective Portion)	$219	[1]	($5,025)	[1]
Other operating income, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss)	160		-688
Other operating income, net | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	35	[2]	3	[2]
Cost of goods sold | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)	$6,036	[3]	($1,434)	[3]
[1]	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
[2]	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and, therefore, recognized in earnings.
[3]	The amount represents the reclassification from OCI into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.

Derivatives_Details

Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15		3-May-14		Jan. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Additional time period in which forecasted transaction is not expected to occur (in months)	2 months
Length of time inventory sales hedged (in months)	12 months
Period in which remaining unrealized gains or losses on intercompany inventory sales are recognized	12 months
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	219	[1]	($5,025)	[1]
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Other operating income, net | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain Recognized in Earnings, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	35	[2]	3	[2]
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Cost of goods sold | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	6,036	[3]	-1,434	[3]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other current assets	4,838				10,293
Other liabilities	274				0
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other current assets	4,838				10,293
Other liabilities	274				$0
[1]	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
[2]	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and, therefore, recognized in earnings.
[3]	The amount represents the reclassification from OCI into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15		3-May-14
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance at January 31, 2015	($83,580)		($20,917)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	204		9,841
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	-6,036	[1]	1,434	[2]
Tax effect on other comprehensive (loss) income	397		462
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-5,435		11,737
Ending balance at May 2, 2015	-89,015		-9,180
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance at January 31, 2015	13,100		-2,166
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	219		-5,025
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	-6,036	[1]	1,434	[2]
Tax effect on other comprehensive (loss) income	397		462
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-5,420		-3,129
Ending balance at May 2, 2015	7,680		-5,295
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance at January 31, 2015	-96,680		-18,751
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-15		14,866
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	0	[1]	0	[2]
Tax effect on other comprehensive (loss) income	0		0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-15		14,866
Ending balance at May 2, 2015	($96,695)		($3,885)
[1]	For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015, the loss was reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to the Cost of Goods Sold line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
[2]	For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, the gain was reclassified from Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to the Cost of Goods Sold line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

Gilly_Hicks_Restructuring_Deta

Gilly Hicks Restructuring (Details) (Gilly Hicks, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2013
			store
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liability	$3	$6
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores			24
Total charges expected to be incurred	89
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$1.60

Gilly_Hicks_Restructuring_Rest

Gilly Hicks Restructuring (Restructuring Liability) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring (benefit) charge	($1,598,000)	$5,633,000
Gilly Hicks
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liability	$3,000,000		$6,000,000

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo

Segment Reporting (Segment Reporting Information, by Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	1
Net Sales	$709,422	$822,428
Operating Loss	($90,197)	($31,506)

Segment_Reporting_Net_Sales_by

Segment Reporting (Net Sales by Brand) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15		3-May-14
Schedule of Revenue by Brand [Line Items]
Net Sales	$709,422		$822,428
Abercrombie
Schedule of Revenue by Brand [Line Items]
Net Sales	339,752		386,278
Hollister
Schedule of Revenue by Brand [Line Items]
Net Sales	369,670		421,634
Other
Schedule of Revenue by Brand [Line Items]
Net Sales	$0	[1]	$14,516	[1]
[1]	Represents net sales from the Company's Gilly Hicks operations. See Note 10, "GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING," for additional information on the Company's exit from Gilly Hicks branded stores.

Segment_Reporting_Sales_by_Geo

Segment Reporting (Sales by Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Net Sales	$709,422	$822,428
United States
Net Sales	448,889	504,396
Europe
Net Sales	166,084	235,614
Other
Net Sales	$94,449	$82,418