Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) 10-Q 4 Dec 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	1,018,840
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--02-03
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Oct. 28, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		68,101,770

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Net sales	$ 859,112	$ 821,734	$ 2,299,532	$ 2,290,377
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization	332,485	310,995	913,085	876,810
Gross profit	526,627	510,739	1,386,447	1,413,567
Stores and distribution expense	375,944	386,609	1,105,168	1,138,644
Marketing, general and administrative expense	124,533	105,307	343,779	331,473
Asset impairment	3,480	0	10,345	6,356
Other operating income, net	(70)	(822)	(4,555)	(16,835)
Operating income (loss)	22,740	19,645	(68,290)	(46,071)
Interest expense, net	4,571	4,609	12,780	13,856
Income (loss) before taxes	18,169	15,036	(81,070)	(59,927)
Income tax expense (benefit)	7,553	6,762	(16,062)	(17,540)
Net income (loss)	10,616	8,274	(65,008)	(42,387)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	541	393	2,108	2,448
Net income (loss) attributable to A&F	$ 10,075	$ 7,881	$ (67,116)	$ (44,835)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F
Basic	$ 0.15	$ 0.12	$ (0.98)	$ (0.66)
Diluted	$ 0.15	$ 0.12	$ (0.98)	$ (0.66)
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic	68,512	67,975	68,347	67,848
Diluted	69,425	68,277	68,347	67,848
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	$ (3,496)	$ (12,194)	$ 21,183	$ 870
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax	5,518	3,937	(9,230)	557
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,022	(8,257)	11,953	1,427
Comprehensive income (loss)	12,638	17	(53,055)	(40,960)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	541	393	2,108	2,448
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A&F	$ 12,097	$ (376)	$ (55,163)	$ (43,408)

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 28, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$ 459,293	$ 547,189
Receivables	78,554	93,384
Inventories, net	570,484	399,795
Other current assets	68,903	98,932
Total current assets	1,177,234	1,139,300
Property and equipment, net	767,930	824,738
Other assets	352,737	331,719
Total assets	2,297,901	2,295,757
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	248,963	187,017
Accrued expenses	292,479	273,044
Short-term portion of deferred lease credits	19,314	20,076
Income taxes payable	6,189	5,863
Total current liabilities	566,945	486,000
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term portion of deferred lease credits	74,782	76,321
Long-term portion of borrowings, net	263,910	262,992
Leasehold financing obligations	48,082	46,397
Other liabilities	174,023	172,008
Total long-term liabilities	560,797	557,718
Stockholders’ equity
Class A Common Stock - $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued at each of October 28, 2017 and January 28, 2017	1,033	1,033
Paid-in capital	389,384	396,590
Retained earnings	2,361,055	2,474,703
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(109,349)	(121,302)
Treasury stock, at average cost: 35,184 and 35,542 shares at October 28, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively	(1,481,363)	(1,507,589)
Total Abercrombie & Fitch Co. stockholders’ equity	1,160,760	1,243,435
Noncontrolling interests	9,399	8,604
Total stockholders’ equity	1,170,159	1,252,039
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,297,901	$ 2,295,757

Condensed Consolidated Balance4

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Oct. 28, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017
Stockholders’ equity
Treasury Stock, at Average Cost (in shares)	35,184,000	35,542,000
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 Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Operating activities
Net loss	$ (65,008)	$ (42,387)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	146,147	146,666
Asset impairment	10,345	6,356
Loss on disposal	5,624	1,914
Amortization of deferred lease credits	(16,510)	(18,601)
Benefit from deferred income taxes	(15,597)	(26,103)
Share-based compensation	15,774	16,691
Changes in assets and liabilities
Inventories, net	(167,546)	(91,375)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	73,214	9,533
Lessor construction allowances	12,954	4,976
Income taxes	93	(6,463)
Long-term lease deposits	(421)	23,653
Other assets	40,706	(4,544)
Other liabilities	(10,036)	1,776
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,739	22,092
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(86,300)	(96,814)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	203	4,098
Net cash used for investing activities	(86,097)	(92,716)
Financing activities
Dividends paid	(40,776)	(40,526)
Other financing activities	(2,423)	(4,840)
Net cash used for financing activities	(43,199)	(45,366)
Effect of exchange rates on cash	11,661	(2,868)
Net decrease in cash and equivalents	(87,896)	(118,858)
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	547,189	588,578
Cash and equivalents, end of period	459,293	469,720
Significant non-cash investing activities
Change in accrual for construction in progress	(10,445)	(12,453)
Supplemental information
Cash paid for interest	9,849	11,538
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$ (14,921)	$ 20,516

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
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 of branded apparel and accessories. The Company operates through store and direct-to-consumer operations, as well as through various wholesale, franchise and licensing arrangements. The Company has operations in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include historical financial statements of, and transactions applicable to, the Company and reflect its assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has interests in a United Arab Emirates business venture and in a Kuwait business venture with Majid al Futtaim Fashion L.L.C. (“MAF”), each of which meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these VIEs; therefore, the Company has consolidated the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of these VIEs. Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references herein to “Fiscal 2017 ” and “Fiscal 2016 ” represent the fifty-three week fiscal year ending on February 3, 2018 and the fifty-two week fiscal year ended on January 28, 2017 , respectively. Interim Financial Statements The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of October 28, 2017 , and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 , 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 2016 filed with the SEC on March 27, 2017 . The January 28, 2017 consolidated balance sheet data, included herein, 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 2017 . Recent Accounting Pronouncements The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could affect the Company’s financial statements: Accounting Standards Update (ASU) Description Date of Adoption Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters Standards adopted ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory This update amends ASC 330, Inventory . The new guidance applies to inventory measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. Under this amendment, inventory is to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. January 29, 2017 The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation This update amends ASC 718, Compensation . Under the new guidance, tax benefits and certain tax deficiencies arising from the vesting of share-based payments are to be recognized as income tax benefits or expenses in the statement of operations; whereas, under the previous guidance, such benefits and deficiencies were recorded in additional paid in-capital. The cash flow effects of the tax benefit are to be reported in cash flows from operating activities; whereas, they were previously reported in cash flows from financing activities. This guidance also allows for entities to make a policy election to estimate forfeitures or account for them when they occur. January 29, 2017 As required by the update, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies recognized on share-based compensation expense are reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of the provision for income taxes on a prospective basis. This update resulted in additional non-cash income tax expense of $0.2 million and $10.1 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017, respectively. In addition, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies recognized on share-based compensation expense are now classified as an operating activity on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company has applied this provision on a retrospective basis. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016, net cash provided by operating activities increased by $0.7 million with a corresponding offset to net cash used for financing activities. The Company has elected to maintain its practice of estimating forfeitures when recognizing expense for share-based payment awards rather than accounting for forfeitures when they occur. Based on share-based compensation awards currently outstanding and the price of the Company's Common Stock as of October 28, 2017, the adoption of this guidance would result in non-cash income tax expense of approximately $11 million for Fiscal 2017, $19 million for Fiscal 2018 and $3 million for Fiscal 2019. Standards not yet adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers This update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition . The new 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. February 4, 2018 The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. Based on its preliminary assessment, the Company has determined this guidance will impact the classification and timing of the recognition of gift card breakage. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on store, direct-to-consumer, wholesale, franchise, or license revenues. ASU 2016-02, Leases This update supersedes the leasing requirements in ASC 840, Leases . The new guidance requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key leasing information that depicts the lease rights and obligations of an entity. February 3, 2019* The Company expects that this guidance will result in a material increase in the Company’s long-term assets and long-term liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, and is currently evaluating additional impacts that this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company will not be early adopting this guidance. ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging This update amends ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging . The new guidance simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting for both financial and commodity risks to more accurately present the economic effects of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. Under the new standard, more hedging strategies will be eligible for hedge accounting, including hedges of the benchmark rate component of the contractual coupon cash flows of fixed-rate assets or liabilities and partial-term hedges of fixed-rate assets or liabilities. For cash flow and net investment hedges, the guidance requires a modified retrospective approach while the amended presentation and disclosure guidance requires a prospective approach. February 3, 2019* The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company will not be early adopting this guidance. * Early adoption is permitted.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE	NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE Net income (loss) per basic and diluted share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock. The following table presents weighted-average shares outstanding and anti-dilutive shares: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Shares of common stock issued 103,300 103,300 103,300 103,300 Weighted-average treasury shares (34,788 ) (35,325 ) (34,953 ) (35,452 ) Weighted-average — basic shares 68,512 67,975 68,347 67,848 Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards 913 302 — — Weighted-average — diluted shares 69,425 68,277 68,347 67,848 Anti-dilutive shares (1) 5,181 6,126 5,367 6,209 (1) Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net income (loss) per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
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 these levels of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were as follows: Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of October 28, 2017 (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value) $ — $ 101,962 $ — $ 101,962 Money market funds 25,071 — — 25,071 Derivative financial instruments — 1,256 — 1,256 Total assets $ 25,071 $ 103,218 $ — $ 128,289 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments $ — $ 3,553 $ — $ 3,553 Total liabilities $ — $ 3,553 $ — $ 3,553 Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of January 28, 2017 (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value) $ — $ 99,654 $ — $ 99,654 Money market funds 94,026 — — 94,026 Derivative financial instruments — 6,042 — 6,042 Total assets $ 94,026 $ 105,696 $ — $ 199,722 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments $ — $ 492 $ — $ 492 Total liabilities $ — $ 492 $ — $ 492 The Level 2 assets and liabilities consist of trust-owned life insurance policies and derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign currency exchange forward contracts. The fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts is determined by using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk. Fair value of borrowings: 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 based on market rates for similar types of debt, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs. The carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s borrowings under the term loan facility were as follows: (in thousands) October 28, 2017 January 28, 2017 Gross borrowings outstanding, carrying amount $ 268,250 $ 268,250 Gross borrowings outstanding, fair value $ 266,909 $ 260,551 No borrowings were outstanding under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility as of October 28, 2017 or January 28, 2017 .

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property and equipment, net consisted of: (in thousands) October 28, 2017 January 28, 2017 Property and equipment, at cost $ 2,810,471 $ 2,772,139 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,042,541 ) (1,947,401 ) Property and equipment, net $ 767,930 $ 824,738 Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets might not be recoverable. These include, but are not limited to, material declines in operational performance, a history of losses, an expectation of future losses, adverse market conditions and store closure or relocation decisions. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews for indicators of impairment at the individual store level, the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable. Stores that display an indicator of impairment are subjected to an impairment assessment. The Company’s impairment assessment requires management to make assumptions and judgments related, but not limited, to management’s expectations for future operations and projected cash flows. The key assumptions used in the Company’s undiscounted future cash flow models include sales, gross profit and, to a lesser extent, operating expenses. An impairment loss may be recognized when these undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset group. In the circumstance of impairment, any loss would be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. The key assumptions used in estimating the fair value of impaired assets may include projected cash flows and discount rate. The Company incurred store asset impairment charges of $3.5 million and $10.3 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 , respectively, and $6.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 . There were no asset impairment charges for the thirteen weeks ended October 29, 2016 . The Company had $36.6 million and $35.6 million of construction project assets in property and equipment, net at October 28, 2017 and January 28, 2017 , respectively, related to the construction of buildings in certain lease arrangements where the Company is deemed to be the owner of the construction project.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company’s quarterly tax provision and the estimate of the annual effective tax rate are subject to significant variation due to several factors. These include variability in the pre-tax jurisdictional mix of earnings, changes in how the Company does business including entering into new businesses or geographies, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, 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 be greater at lower levels of pre-tax income (loss). In Fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation,” which resulted in discrete non-cash income tax charges recognized in income tax expense (benefit) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) of $0.2 million and $10.1 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2017 , respectively. Refer to Note 1, “ BASIS OF PRESENTATION--Recent Accounting Pronouncements ” for further discussion regarding the adoption of this standard.

Borrowings

Borrowings	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	BORROWINGS Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility On August 7, 2014, A&F, through its subsidiary Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. (“A&F Management”) as the lead borrower (with A&F and certain other subsidiaries as borrowers or guarantors), entered into an asset-based revolving credit agreement. As of October 19, 2017, the Company, through A&F Management, entered into the Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “ABL Second Amendment”), amending and extending the maturity date of the asset-based revolving credit agreement. As amended, the asset-based revolving credit agreement continues to provide for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $400 million (the “Amended ABL Facility”). The Amended ABL Facility is subject to a borrowing base , consisting primarily of U.S. inventory , with a letter of credit sub-limit of $50 million (reduced from $100 million by the ABL Second Amendment) and an accordion feature allowing A&F to increase the revolving commitment by up to $100 million subject to specified conditions. The Amended ABL Facility is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Amended ABL Facility will mature on October 19, 2022 . Obligations under the Amended ABL Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by A&F and certain of its subsidiaries. The Amended ABL Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in certain working capital of the borrowers and guarantors consisting of inventory, accounts receivable and certain other assets. The Amended ABL Facility is also secured by a second-priority security interest in certain property and assets of the borrowers and guarantors, including certain fixed assets, intellectual property, stock of subsidiaries and certain after-acquired material real property. At the Company’s option, borrowings under the Amended ABL Facility will bear interest at either (a) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% per annum, or (b) an alternate base rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50% per annum. The applicable margins with respect to LIBOR loans and base rate loans, including swing line loans, under the Amended ABL Facility are 1.25% and 0.25% per annum, respectively, and are subject to adjustment each fiscal quarter based on average historical availability during the preceding quarter. The Company is also required to pay a fee of 0.25% per annum on undrawn commitments under the Amended ABL Facility. Customary agency fees and letter of credit fees are also payable in respect of the Amended ABL Facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the Amended ABL Facility as of October 28, 2017 . Term Loan Facility A&F, through its subsidiary A&F Management as the borrower (with A&F and certain other subsidiaries as guarantors), also entered into a term loan agreement on August 7, 2014, which provides for a term loan facility of $300 million (the “Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Amended ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The Term Loan Facility has not changed materially from that disclosed in Note 11, “ BORROWINGS, ” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2016 . Representations, Warranties and Covenants The Credit Facilities contain various representations, warranties and restrictive covenants that, among other things and subject to specified exceptions, restrict the ability of A&F and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness (including guarantees), grant liens, make investments, pay dividends or distributions with respect to capital stock, make prepayments on other indebtedness, engage in mergers, dispose of certain assets or change the nature of their business. In addition, availability equal to the greater of 10% of the loan cap or $30 million must be maintained under the Amended ABL Facility. The Credit Facilities do not otherwise contain financial maintenance covenants. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facilities as of October 28, 2017 .

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $5.4 million and $15.8 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 , respectively, and $5.7 million and $16.7 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 , respectively. The Company recognized tax benefits associated with share-based compensation expense of $2.0 million and $6.0 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 , respectively, and $2.2 million and $6.3 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 , respectively. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 : Number of Underlying Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding at January 28, 2017 189,800 $ 76.62 Granted — — Exercised — — Forfeited or expired (88,600 ) 74.74 Outstanding at October 28, 2017 101,200 $ 78.26 $ — 0.3 Stock options exercisable at October 28, 2017 101,200 $ 78.26 $ — 0.3 Stock Appreciation Rights The following table summarizes stock appreciation rights activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 : Number of Underlying Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding at January 28, 2017 4,079,050 $ 47.49 Granted — — Exercised — — Forfeited or expired (982,928 ) 42.85 Outstanding at October 28, 2017 3,096,122 $ 49.09 $ — 2.2 Stock appreciation rights exercisable at October 28, 2017 2,846,623 $ 51.14 $ — 1.7 Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of October 28, 2017 225,010 $ 25.87 $ — 7.2 As of October 28, 2017 , there was $1.5 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 8 months . The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights that vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 was $2.2 million and $4.1 million , respectively. Restricted Stock Units The following table summarizes activity for restricted stock units for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 : Service-based Restricted Stock Units Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Market-based Restricted Stock Units Number of Underlying Shares (1) Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Underlying Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Underlying Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at January 28, 2017 1,915,461 $ 25.47 203,923 $ 22.53 184,892 $ 26.89 Granted 1,673,528 9.89 524,030 9.11 236,872 11.79 Adjustments for performance achievement — — — — — — Vested (676,345 ) 25.92 — — — — Forfeited (293,668 ) 23.00 (37,779 ) 21.75 (37,784 ) 26.14 Unvested at October 28, 2017 2,618,976 $ 15.61 690,174 $ 11.82 383,980 $ 16.50 (1) Includes 730,736 unvested restricted stock units as of October 28, 2017 which are subject to the vesting requirement that the Company must achieve at least $1.00 of GAAP net income attributable to A&F for the fiscal year immediately preceding the vesting date. Holders of these restricted stock units have the opportunity to earn back one or more installments of the award if the cumulative performance requirements are met in a subsequent year. 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 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. For market-based restricted stock units, 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 an 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. Unvested shares related to restricted stock units with performance-based vesting conditions are reflected at 100% of their target vesting amount in the table above. 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 October 28, 2017 , there was $30.1 million , $4.0 million and $3.7 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 15 months , 15 months and 13 months for service-based, performance-based and market-based restricted stock units, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions associated with restricted stock units vesting was $0.2 million and $2.7 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 , respectively, and $0.2 million and $6.6 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 , respectively. Additional information pertaining to restricted stock units for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 follows: (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Service-based restricted stock units: Total grant date fair value of awards granted $ 16,551 $ 28,310 Total grant date fair value of awards vested 17,531 18,337 Performance-based restricted stock units: Total grant date fair value of awards granted $ 4,774 $ 3,334 Total grant date fair value of awards vested — 1,178 Market-based restricted stock units: Total grant date fair value of awards granted $ 2,793 $ 4,023 Total grant date fair value of awards vested — — The weighted-average assumptions used for market-based restricted stock units in the Monte Carlo simulation during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 were as follows: October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Grant date market price $ 11.43 $ 28.06 Fair value $ 11.79 $ 31.01 Assumptions: Price volatility 47 % 45 % Expected term (years) 2.9 2.7 Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.0 % Dividend yield 7.0 % 3.0 % Average volatility of peer companies 35.2 % 34.5 % Average correlation coefficient of peer companies 0.2664 0.3415

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS The Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and uses derivative instruments, 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. The Company uses derivative instruments, primarily foreign currency exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the foreign currency exchange rate exposure associated with forecasted foreign-currency-denominated intercompany inventory sales to foreign subsidiaries and the related settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated intercompany receivables. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will either increase or decrease the Company’s intercompany 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 foreign currency exchange forward contracts typically have a maximum term of twelve 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 loss (“AOCL”). Substantially all of the unrealized gains or losses related to designated cash flow hedges as of October 28, 2017 will be recognized in cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, 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, the Company's derivative contracts allow net settlements under certain conditions. As of October 28, 2017 , 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 intercompany inventory sales, the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated intercompany accounts receivable, or both: (in thousands) Notional Amount (1) Euro $ 105,638 British pound $ 45,689 Canadian dollar $ 22,851 Japanese yen $ 8,476 (1) Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of October 28, 2017 . 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 foreign currency 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 instruments and the hedged items. As of October 28, 2017 , the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge foreign-currency-denominated net monetary assets/liabilities: (in thousands) Notional Amount (1) Euro $ 23,424 British pound $ 1,313 (1) Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of October 28, 2017 . The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 28, 2017 and January 28, 2017 were as follows: (in thousands) Location October 28, January 28, Location October 28, January 28, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 894 $ 5,920 Accrued expenses $ 3,553 $ 486 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 362 $ 122 Accrued expenses $ — $ 6 Total Other current assets $ 1,256 $ 6,042 Accrued expenses $ 3,553 $ 492 Refer to Note 3, “ FAIR VALUE , ” for further discussion of the determination of the fair value of derivative instruments. The location and amounts of derivative gains and losses for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 (in thousands) Location Gain/(Loss) Gain/(Loss) Gain/(Loss) Gain/(Loss) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other operating income, net $ 634 $ 152 $ 83 $ 295 Effective Portion Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL on Derivative Contracts (1) Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (2) Location of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts Amount of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts (3) Thirteen Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 1,775 $ 4,986 Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ (3,544 ) $ 450 Other operating income, net $ 975 $ 695 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ (10,627 ) $ 3,026 Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ 536 $ 2,551 Other operating income, net $ 2,136 $ 1,308 (1) The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates. (2) The amount represents the reclassification from AOCL into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers. (3) 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 Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 was as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at July 29, 2017 $ (101,448 ) $ (9,923 ) $ (111,371 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (2,451 ) 1,775 (676 ) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) — 3,544 3,544 Tax effect (1,045 ) 199 (846 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (3,496 ) 5,518 2,022 Ending balance at October 28, 2017 $ (104,944 ) $ (4,405 ) $ (109,349 ) Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at January 28, 2017 $ (126,127 ) $ 4,825 $ (121,302 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 22,228 (10,627 ) 11,601 Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) — (536 ) (536 ) Tax effect (1,045 ) 1,933 888 Other comprehensive income (loss) 21,183 (9,230 ) 11,953 Ending balance at October 28, 2017 $ (104,944 ) $ (4,405 ) $ (109,349 ) (1) Amount represents gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 was as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended October 29, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at July 30, 2016 $ (106,132 ) $ 1,197 $ (104,935 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (12,194 ) 4,986 (7,208 ) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) — (450 ) (450 ) Tax effect — (599 ) (599 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (12,194 ) 3,937 (8,257 ) Ending balance at October 29, 2016 $ (118,326 ) $ 5,134 $ (113,192 ) Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 29, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at January 30, 2016 $ (119,196 ) $ 4,577 $ (114,619 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 870 3,026 3,896 Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) — (2,551 ) (2,551 ) Tax effect — 82 82 Other comprehensive income 870 557 1,427 Ending balance at October 29, 2016 $ (118,326 ) $ 5,134 $ (113,192 ) (2) Amount represents gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	SEGMENT REPORTING The Company has two operating segments: (a) Hollister, and (b) Abercrombie, which includes the Company’s Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands. These operating segments have similar economic characteristics, classes 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 and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 . Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Hollister $ 508,086 $ 463,479 $ 1,329,401 $ 1,245,710 Abercrombie 351,026 358,255 970,131 1,044,667 Total $ 859,112 $ 821,734 $ 2,299,532 $ 2,290,377 The following table provides the Company’s net sales by geographic area for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 . Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 United States $ 554,673 $ 531,449 $ 1,434,019 $ 1,435,633 Europe 192,698 187,184 543,578 541,711 Other 111,741 103,101 321,935 313,033 Total $ 859,112 $ 821,734 $ 2,299,532 $ 2,290,377

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	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 estimated liabilities for the outcome of litigation where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts. As of October 28, 2017 , the Company had accrued charges of approximately $15.9 million for certain legal contingencies, which are classified within other current liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Actual liabilities may differ from the amounts recorded, 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. There are certain claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established. The Company is a defendant in two separate class action lawsuits filed by former associates of the Company who are represented by the same counsel. The first lawsuit, filed on September 16, 2013, alleges failure to indemnify business expenses and a series of derivative claims for compelled patronization, inaccurate wage statements, waiting time penalties, minimum wage violations and unfair competition under California state law on behalf of all non-exempt hourly associates at Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie kids, Hollister, and Gilly Hicks stores in California. Four subclasses of associates have since been certified, and the matter is now before the United States (“U.S.”) District Court for the Central District of California. The second lawsuit, filed on December 15, 2015, alleges that associates were required to purchase uniforms without reimbursement in violation of federal law, and laws of the states of New York, Florida and Massachusetts, as well as derivative putative state law claims and seeks to pursue such claims on a class and collective basis. This matter is now before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and is stayed pending mediation. Both matters have been mediated, and the parties have reached a framework for settling both cases on a class-wide basis through a proposed $25.0 million claims-made settlement agreement. The parties continue to negotiate the details of the proposed settlement, and the ultimate settlement amount is dependent upon the actual claims made by members of the classes and is also subject to the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Company incurred a pre-tax charge of $11.1 million within marketing, general and administrative expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) during the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2017 and has a total estimated liability of $13.1 million as of October 28, 2017 related to the proposed settlement. The estimated liability represents what the Company believes to be a reasonable estimate of the loss exposure related to these matters and is included in the accrued charges disclosed above. The ultimate outcome of these matters may differ from the Company’s estimated loss exposure, due to uncertainties regarding final settlement agreement negotiations, actual claims rate experience, and court approvals. The Company may be subject to an incremental loss of as much as $11.9 million , and there can be no absolute assurance that a settlement will be finalized and approved or of the ultimate outcome of the litigation.

Basis of Presentation Nature of

Basis of Presentation Nature of Business (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Nature of Business [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 of branded apparel and accessories. The Company operates through store and direct-to-consumer operations, as well as through various wholesale, franchise and licensing arrangements. The Company has operations in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Basis of Presentation Principle

Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include historical financial statements of, and transactions applicable to, the Company and reflect its assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has interests in a United Arab Emirates business venture and in a Kuwait business venture with Majid al Futtaim Fashion L.L.C. (“MAF”), each of which meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these VIEs; therefore, the Company has consolidated the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of these VIEs.

Basis of Presentation Fiscal Ye

Basis of Presentation Fiscal Years (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
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 2017 ” and “Fiscal 2016 ” represent the fifty-three week fiscal year ending on February 3, 2018 and the fifty-two week fiscal year ended on January 28, 2017 , respectively.

Contingencies (Policies)

Contingencies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 estimated liabilities for the outcome of litigation where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts. As of October 28, 2017 , the Company had accrued charges of approximately $15.9 million for certain legal contingencies, which are classified within other current liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Actual liabilities may differ from the amounts recorded, 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. There are certain claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established.

Basis of Presentation Recent Ac

Basis of Presentation Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
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 affect the Company’s financial statements: Accounting Standards Update (ASU) Description Date of Adoption Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters Standards adopted ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory This update amends ASC 330, Inventory . The new guidance applies to inventory measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. Under this amendment, inventory is to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. January 29, 2017 The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation This update amends ASC 718, Compensation . Under the new guidance, tax benefits and certain tax deficiencies arising from the vesting of share-based payments are to be recognized as income tax benefits or expenses in the statement of operations; whereas, under the previous guidance, such benefits and deficiencies were recorded in additional paid in-capital. The cash flow effects of the tax benefit are to be reported in cash flows from operating activities; whereas, they were previously reported in cash flows from financing activities. This guidance also allows for entities to make a policy election to estimate forfeitures or account for them when they occur. January 29, 2017 As required by the update, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies recognized on share-based compensation expense are reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of the provision for income taxes on a prospective basis. This update resulted in additional non-cash income tax expense of $0.2 million and $10.1 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017, respectively. In addition, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies recognized on share-based compensation expense are now classified as an operating activity on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company has applied this provision on a retrospective basis. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016, net cash provided by operating activities increased by $0.7 million with a corresponding offset to net cash used for financing activities. The Company has elected to maintain its practice of estimating forfeitures when recognizing expense for share-based payment awards rather than accounting for forfeitures when they occur. Based on share-based compensation awards currently outstanding and the price of the Company's Common Stock as of October 28, 2017, the adoption of this guidance would result in non-cash income tax expense of approximately $11 million for Fiscal 2017, $19 million for Fiscal 2018 and $3 million for Fiscal 2019. Standards not yet adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers This update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition . The new 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. February 4, 2018 The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. Based on its preliminary assessment, the Company has determined this guidance will impact the classification and timing of the recognition of gift card breakage. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on store, direct-to-consumer, wholesale, franchise, or license revenues. ASU 2016-02, Leases This update supersedes the leasing requirements in ASC 840, Leases . The new guidance requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key leasing information that depicts the lease rights and obligations of an entity. February 3, 2019* The Company expects that this guidance will result in a material increase in the Company’s long-term assets and long-term liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, and is currently evaluating additional impacts that this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company will not be early adopting this guidance. ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging This update amends ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging . The new guidance simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting for both financial and commodity risks to more accurately present the economic effects of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. Under the new standard, more hedging strategies will be eligible for hedge accounting, including hedges of the benchmark rate component of the contractual coupon cash flows of fixed-rate assets or liabilities and partial-term hedges of fixed-rate assets or liabilities. For cash flow and net investment hedges, the guidance requires a modified retrospective approach while the amended presentation and disclosure guidance requires a prospective approach. February 3, 2019* The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company will not be early adopting this guidance. * Early adoption is permitted.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The following table presents weighted-average shares outstanding and anti-dilutive shares: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Shares of common stock issued 103,300 103,300 103,300 103,300 Weighted-average treasury shares (34,788 ) (35,325 ) (34,953 ) (35,452 ) Weighted-average — basic shares 68,512 67,975 68,347 67,848 Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards 913 302 — — Weighted-average — diluted shares 69,425 68,277 68,347 67,848 Anti-dilutive shares (1) 5,181 6,126 5,367 6,209 (1) Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net income (loss) per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Company's Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	The three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution within these levels of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were as follows: Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of October 28, 2017 (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value) $ — $ 101,962 $ — $ 101,962 Money market funds 25,071 — — 25,071 Derivative financial instruments — 1,256 — 1,256 Total assets $ 25,071 $ 103,218 $ — $ 128,289 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments $ — $ 3,553 $ — $ 3,553 Total liabilities $ — $ 3,553 $ — $ 3,553 Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of January 28, 2017 (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value) $ — $ 99,654 $ — $ 99,654 Money market funds 94,026 — — 94,026 Derivative financial instruments — 6,042 — 6,042 Total assets $ 94,026 $ 105,696 $ — $ 199,722 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments $ — $ 492 $ — $ 492 Total liabilities $ — $ 492 $ — $ 492
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	The carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s borrowings under the term loan facility were as follows: (in thousands) October 28, 2017 January 28, 2017 Gross borrowings outstanding, carrying amount $ 268,250 $ 268,250 Gross borrowings outstanding, fair value $ 266,909 $ 260,551

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net consisted of: (in thousands) October 28, 2017 January 28, 2017 Property and equipment, at cost $ 2,810,471 $ 2,772,139 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,042,541 ) (1,947,401 ) Property and equipment, net $ 767,930 $ 824,738

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 : Number of Underlying Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding at January 28, 2017 189,800 $ 76.62 Granted — — Exercised — — Forfeited or expired (88,600 ) 74.74 Outstanding at October 28, 2017 101,200 $ 78.26 $ — 0.3 Stock options exercisable at October 28, 2017 101,200 $ 78.26 $ — 0.3
Schedule of Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	The following table summarizes stock appreciation rights activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 : Number of Underlying Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Outstanding at January 28, 2017 4,079,050 $ 47.49 Granted — — Exercised — — Forfeited or expired (982,928 ) 42.85 Outstanding at October 28, 2017 3,096,122 $ 49.09 $ — 2.2 Stock appreciation rights exercisable at October 28, 2017 2,846,623 $ 51.14 $ — 1.7 Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of October 28, 2017 225,010 $ 25.87 $ — 7.2
Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes activity for restricted stock units for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 : Service-based Restricted Stock Units Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Market-based Restricted Stock Units Number of Underlying Shares (1) Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Underlying Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Underlying Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at January 28, 2017 1,915,461 $ 25.47 203,923 $ 22.53 184,892 $ 26.89 Granted 1,673,528 9.89 524,030 9.11 236,872 11.79 Adjustments for performance achievement — — — — — — Vested (676,345 ) 25.92 — — — — Forfeited (293,668 ) 23.00 (37,779 ) 21.75 (37,784 ) 26.14 Unvested at October 28, 2017 2,618,976 $ 15.61 690,174 $ 11.82 383,980 $ 16.50 (1) Includes 730,736 unvested restricted stock units as of October 28, 2017 which are subject to the vesting requirement that the Company must achieve at least $1.00 of GAAP net income attributable to A&F for the fiscal year immediately preceding the vesting date. Holders of these restricted stock units have the opportunity to earn back one or more installments of the award if the cumulative performance requirements are met in a subsequent year.
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 in the Monte Carlo simulation during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 were as follows: October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Grant date market price $ 11.43 $ 28.06 Fair value $ 11.79 $ 31.01 Assumptions: Price volatility 47 % 45 % Expected term (years) 2.9 2.7 Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.0 % Dividend yield 7.0 % 3.0 % Average volatility of peer companies 35.2 % 34.5 % Average correlation coefficient of peer companies 0.2664 0.3415

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	As of October 28, 2017 , 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 intercompany inventory sales, the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated intercompany accounts receivable, or both: (in thousands) Notional Amount (1) Euro $ 105,638 British pound $ 45,689 Canadian dollar $ 22,851 Japanese yen $ 8,476 (1) Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of October 28, 2017 . 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 foreign currency 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 instruments and the hedged items. As of October 28, 2017 , the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge foreign-currency-denominated net monetary assets/liabilities: (in thousands) Notional Amount (1) Euro $ 23,424 British pound $ 1,313 (1) Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of October 28, 2017 .
Location and Amounts of Derivative Fair Values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 28, 2017 and January 28, 2017 were as follows: (in thousands) Location October 28, January 28, Location October 28, January 28, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 894 $ 5,920 Accrued expenses $ 3,553 $ 486 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 362 $ 122 Accrued expenses $ — $ 6 Total Other current assets $ 1,256 $ 6,042 Accrued expenses $ 3,553 $ 492
Location and Amounts of Derivative Gains and Losses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss	The location and amounts of derivative gains and losses for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 (in thousands) Location Gain/(Loss) Gain/(Loss) Gain/(Loss) Gain/(Loss) Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Other operating income, net $ 634 $ 152 $ 83 $ 295 Effective Portion Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL on Derivative Contracts (1) Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (2) Location of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts Amount of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts (3) Thirteen Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ 1,775 $ 4,986 Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ (3,544 ) $ 450 Other operating income, net $ 975 $ 695 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ (10,627 ) $ 3,026 Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ 536 $ 2,551 Other operating income, net $ 2,136 $ 1,308 (1) The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates. (2) The amount represents the reclassification from AOCL into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers. (3) 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 Comprehensi27

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 was as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at July 29, 2017 $ (101,448 ) $ (9,923 ) $ (111,371 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (2,451 ) 1,775 (676 ) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) — 3,544 3,544 Tax effect (1,045 ) 199 (846 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (3,496 ) 5,518 2,022 Ending balance at October 28, 2017 $ (104,944 ) $ (4,405 ) $ (109,349 ) Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2017 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at January 28, 2017 $ (126,127 ) $ 4,825 $ (121,302 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 22,228 (10,627 ) 11,601 Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1) — (536 ) (536 ) Tax effect (1,045 ) 1,933 888 Other comprehensive income (loss) 21,183 (9,230 ) 11,953 Ending balance at October 28, 2017 $ (104,944 ) $ (4,405 ) $ (109,349 ) (1) Amount represents gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 was as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended October 29, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at July 30, 2016 $ (106,132 ) $ 1,197 $ (104,935 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (12,194 ) 4,986 (7,208 ) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) — (450 ) (450 ) Tax effect — (599 ) (599 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (12,194 ) 3,937 (8,257 ) Ending balance at October 29, 2016 $ (118,326 ) $ 5,134 $ (113,192 ) Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 29, 2016 (in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total Beginning balance at January 30, 2016 $ (119,196 ) $ 4,577 $ (114,619 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 870 3,026 3,896 Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2) — (2,551 ) (2,551 ) Tax effect — 82 82 Other comprehensive income 870 557 1,427 Ending balance at October 29, 2016 $ (118,326 ) $ 5,134 $ (113,192 ) (2) Amount represents gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
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 and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 . Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Hollister $ 508,086 $ 463,479 $ 1,329,401 $ 1,245,710 Abercrombie 351,026 358,255 970,131 1,044,667 Total $ 859,112 $ 821,734 $ 2,299,532 $ 2,290,377
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 and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 . Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended (in thousands) October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 United States $ 554,673 $ 531,449 $ 1,434,019 $ 1,435,633 Europe 192,698 187,184 543,578 541,711 Other 111,741 103,101 321,935 313,033 Total $ 859,112 $ 821,734 $ 2,299,532 $ 2,290,377

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (De

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding And Anti Dilutive Shares [Abstract]
Shares of common stock issued		103,300	103,300	103,300	103,300
Weighted-average treasury shares		(34,788)	(35,325)	(34,953)	(35,452)
Weighted-average — basic shares		68,512	67,975	68,347	67,848
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards		913	302	0	0
Weighted-average — diluted shares		69,425	68,277	68,347	67,848
Anti-dilutive shares (1)	[1]	5,181	6,126	5,367	6,209
[1]	Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net income (loss) per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

Fair Value (Assets and Liabilit

Fair Value (Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, Noncurrent	$ 101,962,000	$ 99,654,000
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	25,071,000	94,026,000
Derivative financial instruments	1,256,000	6,042,000
Total assets	128,289,000	199,722,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	3,553,000	492,000
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	3,553,000	492,000
Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, Noncurrent	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	25,071,000	94,026,000
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Total assets	25,071,000	94,026,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, Noncurrent	101,962,000	99,654,000
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	0
Derivative financial instruments	1,256,000	6,042,000
Total assets	103,218,000	105,696,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	3,553,000	492,000
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	3,553,000	492,000
Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Investments, Noncurrent	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	0
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Term Loan Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gross borrowings outstanding, carrying amount	268,250,000	268,250,000
Gross borrowings outstanding, fair value	266,909,000	260,551,000
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 (De

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jan. 28, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 2,810,471		$ 2,810,471		$ 2,772,139
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,042,541)		(2,042,541)		(1,947,401)
Property and equipment, net	767,930		767,930		824,738
Asset Impairment Charges	3,480	$ 0	10,345	$ 6,356
Construction Project Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 36,600		$ 36,600		$ 35,600

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 28, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities	$ 209	$ 10,126

Borrowings (Details)

Borrowings (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50,000,000
Long-term portion of borrowings, net	$ 263,910,000	$ 262,992,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Minimum ABL Facility [Domain]
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Maximum ABL Facility [Domain]
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Initial Applicable Margin ABL Facility [Domain]
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.25%
Base Rate Initial Applicable Margin ABL Facility [Domain]
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.25%
Term Loan Facility
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 300,000,000
Gross borrowings outstanding, carrying amount	268,250,000	268,250,000
ABL Facility
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Maturity date	Oct. 19, 2022
ABL Facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Schedule of Future Payments of the Term Loan Facility
ABL Facility, covenant terms, minimum percentage of loan cap amount	10.00%
ABL Facility, covenant terms, minimum remaining borrowing capacity	$ 30,000,000
Base Rate Minimum ABL Facility
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.25%
Base Rate Maximum ABL Facility
Long-Term Borrowings [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 5,400	$ 5,700	$ 15,774	$ 16,691
Tax benefit recognized related to share-based compensation expense	2,000	2,200	$ 6,000	6,300
Target percentage of equity awards earned			100.00%
Tax benefit realized from exercise of restricted stock units	200	$ 200	$ 2,700	6,600
Stock Appreciation Rights
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	1,500		$ 1,500
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition			8 months
Total grant date fair value of awards vested			$ 2,200	4,100
Service-based restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	30,100		$ 30,100
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition			15 months
Total grant date fair value of awards granted			$ 16,551	28,310
Total grant date fair value of awards vested			17,531	18,337
Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	4,000		$ 4,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition			15 months
Total grant date fair value of awards granted			$ 4,774	3,334
Total grant date fair value of awards vested			0	1,178
Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	$ 3,700		$ 3,700
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition			13 months
Total grant date fair value of awards granted			$ 2,793	4,023
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%

Share-Based Compensation (Stock

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock Option Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 | shares	189,800
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted | shares	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Exercised | shares	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited or expired | shares	(88,600)
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017 | shares	101,200
Number of Underlying Shares, Stock options exercisable at October 28, 2017 | shares	101,200
Stock Option Activity, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 76.62
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted | $ / shares	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired | $ / shares	74.74
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017 | $ / shares	78.26
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Stock options exercisable | $ / shares	$ 78.26
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding | $	$ 0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Stock options exercisable | $	$ 0
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Outstanding	4 months 3 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Stock options exercisable	4 months 3 days

Share-Based Compensation (Sto36

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Appreciation Rights Activity) (Details) - Stock Appreciation Rights	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock Appreciation Rights Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 | shares	4,079,050
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted | shares	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Exercised | shares	0
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited | shares	(982,928)
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017 | shares	3,096,122
Number of Underlying shares, Stock appreciation rights exercisable | shares	2,846,623
Number of Underlying Shares, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable | shares	225,010
Stock Appreciation Rights, Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 47.49
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted | $ / shares	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired | $ / shares	42.85
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017 | $ / shares	49.09
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Stock appreciation rights exercisable | $ / shares	51.14
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable | $ / shares	$ 25.87
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding | $	$ 0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Stock appreciation rights exercisable | $	0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable | $	$ 0
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Outstanding	2 years 1 month 28 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Stock appreciation rights exercisable	1 year 8 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable	7 years 2 months 21 days

Share-Based Compensation (Restr

Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options		$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 2.7	$ 6.6
Target percentage of equity awards earned				100.00%
Service-based restricted stock units with $1.00 net income requirement [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017		730,736		730,736
Service-based restricted stock units
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017				1,915,461
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted				1,673,528
Number of Underlying Shares, Adjustments for performance achievement				0
Number of Underlying Shares, Vested				(676,345)
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited				(293,668)
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017	[1]	2,618,976		2,618,976
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017				$ 25.47
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted				9.89
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Adjustments for performance achievement				0
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested				25.92
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited				23
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017		$ 15.61		$ 15.61
Performance-based restricted stock units [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017				203,923
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted				524,030
Number of Underlying Shares, Adjustments for performance achievement				0
Number of Underlying Shares, Vested				0
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited				(37,779)
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017		690,174		690,174
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017				$ 22.53
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted				9.11
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Adjustments for performance achievement				0
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested				0
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited				21.75
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017		$ 11.82		$ 11.82
Market-based restricted stock units [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Number of Underlying Shares
Number of Underlying Shares, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017				184,892
Number of Underlying Shares, Granted				236,872
Number of Underlying Shares, Adjustments for performance achievement				0
Number of Underlying Shares, Vested				0
Number of Underlying Shares, Forfeited				(37,784)
Number of Underlying Shares, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017		383,980		383,980
Restricted Stock Unit Activity, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017				$ 26.89
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted				11.79	$ 31.01
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Adjustments for performance achievement				0
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested				0
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited				26.14
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance at October 28, 2017		$ 16.50		$ 16.50
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%
[1]	(1) Includes 730,736 unvested restricted stock units as of October 28, 2017 which are subject to the vesting requirement that the Company must achieve at least $1.00 of GAAP net income attributable to A&F for the fiscal year immediately preceding the vesting date.

Share-Based Compensation (Res38

Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units Assumptions) (Details) - Market-based restricted stock units [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017$ / shares	Oct. 29, 2016$ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date market price (in dollars per share)	$ 11.43	$ 28.06
Fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 11.79	$ 31.01
Price volatility	47.00%	45.00%
Expected term (years)	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.00%
Dividend yield	7.00%	3.00%
Average volatility of peer companies	35.20%	34.50%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies	0.2664	0.3415

Derivative Instruments (Outstan

Derivative Instruments (Outstanding Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts) (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging - Forward Contracts $ in Thousands	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)
Inter-company Inventory and Accounts Receivables | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 105,638	[1]
Inter-company Inventory and Accounts Receivables | United Kingdom, Pounds
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	45,689	[1]
Inter-company Inventory and Accounts Receivables | Canada, Dollars
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	22,851	[1]
Inter-company Inventory and Accounts Receivables | Japan, Yen
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	8,476	[1]
Assets and Liabilities | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	23,424	[2]
Assets and Liabilities | United Kingdom, Pounds
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,313	[2]
[1]	Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of October 28, 2017.
[2]	Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of October 28, 2017.

Derivative Instruments (Derivat

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Fair Values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 28, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017
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	$ 894	$ 5,920
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	362	122
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Accrued expenses | Designated As Hedging Instrument
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued expenses	3,553	486
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Accrued expenses | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued expenses	0	6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other current assets	1,256	6,042
Accrued expenses	3,553	492
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Other current assets	1,256	6,042
Accrued expenses	$ 3,553	$ 492

Derivative Instruments (Deriv41

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Gains (Losses) on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details) - Foreign currency exchange forward contracts - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Contracts (Effective Portion)	[1]	$ 1,775	$ 4,986	$ (10,627)	$ 3,026
Other operating income, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss)		634	152	83	295
Other operating income, net | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	[2]	975	695	2,136	1,308
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)	[3]	$ (3,544)	$ 450	$ 536	$ 2,551
[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 AOCL into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jan. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
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 OCI, Effective Portion, Net	[1]	$ 1,775	$ 4,986	$ (10,627)	$ 3,026
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts | Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[2]	(3,544)	450	536	2,551
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	[3]	975	$ 695	2,136	$ 1,308
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other current assets		1,256		1,256		$ 6,042
Accrued expenses		3,553		3,553		492
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other current assets		1,256		1,256		6,042
Accrued expenses		$ 3,553		$ 3,553		$ 492
[1]	The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
[2]	The amount represents the reclassification from AOCL into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.
[3]	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 Comprehensi43

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017		Oct. 29, 2016		Oct. 28, 2017		Oct. 29, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (111,371)		$ (104,935)		$ (121,302)		$ (114,619)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(676)		(7,208)		11,601		3,896
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	3,544	[1]	(450)	[2]	(536)	[1]	(2,551)	[2]
Tax effect	(846)		(599)		888		82
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,022		(8,257)		11,953		1,427
Ending balance at October 28, 2017	(109,349)		(113,192)		(109,349)		(113,192)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(101,448)		(106,132)		(126,127)		(119,196)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2,451)		(12,194)		22,228		870
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	0		0		0		0
Tax effect	(1,045)		0		(1,045)		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,496)		(12,194)		21,183		870
Ending balance at October 28, 2017	(104,944)		(118,326)		(104,944)		(118,326)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(9,923)		1,197		4,825		4,577
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,775		4,986		(10,627)		3,026
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)	3,544		(450)		(536)		(2,551)
Tax effect	199		(599)		1,933		82
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,518		3,937		(9,230)		557
Ending balance at October 28, 2017	$ (4,405)		$ 5,134		$ (4,405)		$ 5,134
[1]	Amount represents gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
[2]	Amount represents gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Segment Reporting (Segment Repo

Segment Reporting (Segment Reporting Information, by Segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	2
Number of reportable segments			1
Net Sales	$ 859,112	$ 821,734	$ 2,299,532	$ 2,290,377

Segment Reporting (Net Sales by

Segment Reporting (Net Sales by Brand) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Schedule of Revenue by Brand [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 859,112	$ 821,734	$ 2,299,532	$ 2,290,377
Hollister
Schedule of Revenue by Brand [Line Items]
Net Sales	508,086	463,479	1,329,401	1,245,710
Abercrombie
Schedule of Revenue by Brand [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 351,026	$ 358,255	$ 970,131	$ 1,044,667

Segment Reporting (Sales by Geo

Segment Reporting (Sales by Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Net Sales	$ 859,112	$ 821,734	$ 2,299,532	$ 2,290,377
United States
Net Sales	554,673	531,449	1,434,019	1,435,633
Europe
Net Sales	192,698	187,184	543,578	541,711
Other
Net Sales	$ 111,741	$ 103,101	$ 321,935	$ 313,033

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Proposed Litigation Settlement, Amount	$ 25
Estimated Liability of Settlement Recorded	13.1
Proposed Litigation Settlement, Expense	11.1
Loss Contingency, Potential Incremental Loss Portion Not Accrued	11.9
Accrued legal contingencies	$ 15.9