ARO Liquidation (AROP) 10-K 4 Apr 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Mar. 20, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AEROPOSTALE INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001168213	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--02-01	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,166,849,465
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	78,498,190	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	1-Feb-14	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$106,517	$231,501
Merchandise inventory	172,311	155,463
Income taxes receivable	50,388	7,691
Prepaid rent	21,116	19,692
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,289	25,593
Total current assets	376,621	439,940
Fixtures, equipment and improvements, net	235,401	262,778
Goodwill	13,919	13,919
Intangible assets, net	14,661	15,413
Other assets	7,039	8,794
TOTAL ASSETS	647,641	740,844
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	138,245	89,991
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	102,116	113,515
Total current liabilities	240,361	203,506
Non-current liabilities	126,588	126,974
Commitments and contingent liabilities	'	'
Stockholders’ Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000 shares authorized; 78,616 and 78,279 shares issued	786	783
Additional paid-in capital	231,202	216,067
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,183	190
Retained earnings	51,493	193,324
Treasury stock at cost; 118 and 0 shares	-1,606	0
Total stockholders’ equity	280,692	410,364
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$647,641	$740,844

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Stockholders’ Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	78,616	78,279
Treasury stock, shares at cost	118	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	$2,090,902	$2,386,178	$2,342,260
Cost of sales (includes certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses)	1,733,539	1,796,821	1,733,916
Gross profit	357,363	589,357	608,344
Selling, general and administrative expenses	542,569	529,846	494,829
(Loss) income from operations	-185,206	59,511	113,515
Interest expense, net	913	485	417
(Loss) income before income taxes	-186,119	59,026	113,098
Income tax (benefit) provision	-44,288	24,103	43,583
Net (loss) income	($141,831)	$34,923	$69,515
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	($1.81)	$0.44	$0.86
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	($1.81)	$0.43	$0.85
Weighted average basic shares	78,455	80,069	81,208
Weighted average diluted shares	78,455	80,494	81,811

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($141,831)	$34,923	$69,515
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'
Pension liability, net of income taxes of $1,215, $345 and $443, respectively	534	817	-535
Foreign currency translation adjustment (See Note 4)	-1,907	212	139
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,373	1,029	-396
Comprehensive (loss) income	($143,204)	$35,952	$69,119

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax on pension liability	$1,215	$345	$443

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock, at Cost	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
BALANCE at Jan. 29, 2011	$432,637	$907	$195,401	($152,992)	($443)	$389,764
BALANCE (in shares) at Jan. 29, 2011	'	90,692	'	-6,112	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	69,515	'	'	'	'	69,515
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	110	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	1,486	3	1,483	'	'	'
Pension liability	-535	'	'	'	-535	'
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	453	'	453	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-4,163	'	'	-4,163	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-100,118	'	'	-100,118	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock (in shares)	'	'	'	3	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	36	'	-44	80	'	'
Stock-based compensation	9,377	'	9,377	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	139	'	'	'	139	'
Vesting of stock (in shares)	'	457	'	-157	'	'
Vesting of stock	-3,556	3	'	-3,559	'	'
BALANCE at Jan. 28, 2012	409,434	913	206,670	-256,589	-839	459,279
BALANCE (in shares) at Jan. 28, 2012	'	91,259	'	-10,429	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	34,923	'	'	'	'	34,923
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	50	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	724	'	724	'	'	'
Pension liability	817	'	'	'	817	'
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	617	'	617	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-3,000	'	'	-3,000	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-40,842	'	'	-40,842	'	'
Stock-based compensation	8,056	'	8,056	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	212	'	'	'	212	'
Vesting of stock (in shares)	'	566	'	-167	'	'
Vesting of stock	-3,577	6	'	-3,583	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock (in shares)	'	-13,596	'	13,596	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock	0	-136	'	301,014	'	-300,878
BALANCE at Feb. 02, 2013	410,364	783	216,067	0	190	193,324
BALANCE (in shares) at Feb. 02, 2013	'	78,279	'	0	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	-141,831	'	'	'	'	-141,831
Stock options exercised (in shares)	21	21	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	219	'	219	'	'	'
Pension liability	534	'	'	'	534	'
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-1,404	'	-1,404	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	16,320	'	16,320	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,907	'	'	'	-1,907	'
Vesting of stock (in shares)	'	316	'	-118	'	'
Vesting of stock	-1,603	3	'	-1,606	'	'
BALANCE at Feb. 01, 2014	$280,692	$786	$231,202	($1,606)	($1,183)	$51,493
BALANCE (in shares) at Feb. 01, 2014	'	78,616	'	-118	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax on pension liability	$1,215	$345	$443

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($141,831)	$34,923	$69,515
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	63,634	65,593	65,113
Asset impairment charges	46,070	32,633	16,036
Stock-based compensation	18,078	8,056	9,413
Amortization of tenant allowances	-13,499	-13,118	-12,932
Amortization of deferred rent expense	2,427	4,314	5,775
Amortization of intangible assets	752	187	0
Pension expense	2,945	2,376	1,889
Deferred income taxes	-1,760	-8,860	9,679
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	-617	-453
Other	397	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Merchandise inventory	-17,944	11,256	-7,095
Prepaid taxes and other assets	-43,715	-4,645	-14,219
Accounts payable	48,909	-13,430	512
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-2,836	26,143	-13,932
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-38,373	144,811	129,301
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc.	-381	-25,175	0
Capital expenditures	-84,089	-72,309	-73,323
Net cash used in investing activities	-84,470	-97,484	-73,323
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,606	-40,842	-100,118
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	219	724	1,486
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	617	453
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,387	-39,501	-98,179
Effect of exchange rate changes	-754	-37	360
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-124,984	7,789	-41,841
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	231,501	223,712	265,553
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	106,517	231,501	223,712
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:	'	'	'
Income taxes paid	12,836	21,009	49,964
Accruals related to purchases of property and equipment	2,460	2,030	1,397
Contingent and additional consideration liability related to GoJane acquisition	$0	$7,400	$0

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization
	References to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means Aéropostale, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. We are a primarily mall-based, specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through our Aéropostale stores and 4 to 12 year-old kids through our P.S. from Aéropostale stores.  As of February 1, 2014, we operated 949 Aéropostale stores, consisting of 871 stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, 78 stores in Canada, as well as 151 P.S. from Aéropostale stores in 31 states and Puerto Rico.  In addition, pursuant to various licensing agreements, our licensees operated 95 Aéropostale locations and one Aéropostale and P.S. from Aéropostale combination location in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America as of February 1, 2014.
	In November 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of online women's fashion footwear and apparel retailer GoJane.com, Inc. (“GoJane”). Based in Ontario, California, GoJane focuses primarily on fashion footwear, with a select offering of contemporary apparel and other accessories. See Note 2 for additional information on the acquisition of GoJane.
	Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”). The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aéropostale, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Fiscal Year
	Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. Fiscal 2013 was the 52-week period ended February 1, 2014, fiscal 2012 was the 53-week period ended February 2, 2013 and fiscal 2011 was the 52-week period ended January 28, 2012. Fiscal 2014 will be the 52-week period ending January 31, 2015.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated.
	The most significant estimates made by management include those made in the areas of merchandise inventory valuation, the supplemental executive retirement plan, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, impairment analysis of goodwill and intangible assets and income taxes. Management periodically evaluates estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for continued reasonableness. Appropriate adjustments, if any, to the estimates used are made prospectively based on such periodic evaluations.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. We invest our excess cash in demand deposits and money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents.  We have established guidelines that relate to credit quality, diversification and maturity and that limit exposure to any one issuer of securities.
	During fiscal 2013 and 2012, we sourced approximately 83% and 84%, respectively, of our merchandise from our top five merchandise vendors.  The loss of any of these sources could adversely impact our ability to operate our business.
	Seasonality
	Our business is highly seasonal, and historically we have realized a significant portion of our sales and cash flow in the second half of the fiscal year, attributable to the impact of the back-to-school selling season in the third quarter and the holiday selling season in the fourth quarter. Additionally, working capital requirements fluctuate during the year, increasing in mid-summer in anticipation of the third and fourth quarters.
	Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions
	The financial statements of our Canadian subsidiary have been translated into United States dollars by translating balance sheet accounts at the year-end exchange rate and statement of operations accounts at the average exchange rates for the year. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reflected in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to a permanent investment in our subsidiary in Canada.  The balance of the unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income was income of $0.8 million as of February 1, 2014 compared to $2.7 million as of February 2, 2013.  Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are charged or credited to earnings as incurred.
	Cash Equivalents
	We include credit card receivables and all short-term investments that qualify as cash equivalents with an original maturity of three months or less in cash and cash equivalents.
	Fair Value Measurements
	We follow the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) as it relates to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Our non-financial assets, which include fixtures, equipment and improvements and intangible assets, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an impairment test is required and we are required to evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial asset be recorded at fair value (See Note 3 for a further discussion).
	We currently have one financial liability measured at fair value. See Note 2 for fair value measurements related to GoJane liabilities. ASC 820 prioritizes inputs used in measuring fair value into a hierarchy of three levels: Level 1—quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2—inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3—unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables (included in other current assets), and accounts payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities. Cash and cash equivalents include money market investments valued as Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy of $82.4 million as of February 1, 2014 and $176.3 million as of February 2, 2013.
	Merchandise Inventory
	Merchandise inventory consists of finished goods and is valued utilizing the cost method at the lower of cost or market determined on a weighted average basis. Merchandise inventory includes warehousing, freight, merchandise and design costs as an inventory product cost. We make certain assumptions regarding future demand and net realizable selling price in order to assess that our inventory is recorded properly at the lower of cost or market. These assumptions are based on both historical experience and current information. We recorded adjustments to reduce the carrying value of inventory and increase cost of sales for lower of cost or market of $27.6 million as of February 1, 2014 and $15.0 million as of February 2, 2013.
	Vendor Rebates
	We receive vendor rebates from certain merchandise suppliers. The vendor rebates are earned as we receive merchandise from the suppliers and are computed at an agreed upon percentage of the purchase amount. Vendor rebates are recorded as a reduction of merchandise inventory, and are then recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the related inventory is sold. Vendor rebates recorded as a reduction of the carrying value of merchandise inventory were $0.9 million as of February 1, 2014 and $1.6 million as of February 2, 2013. Vendor rebates recorded as a reduction of cost of sales were $9.7 million for fiscal 2013, $10.1 million for fiscal 2012, and $13.0 million for fiscal 2011.
	Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements
	Fixtures, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Fixtures and equipment	10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful lives or lease term
	Computer equipment	5 years
	Software	3 years
	Goodwill and intangible assets
	We estimate and record intangible assets, which primarily consists of tradenames and customer relationships at fair value at the acquisition date.  The fair value of these intangible assets is estimated based on management's assessment, considering independent third party appraisals, as warranted.   Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration for an acquired entity over the fair value amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.
	Goodwill and trademarks with an indefinite life are not amortized, but instead are assessed for impairment annually based on comparisons of their respective fair values to their carrying values. Additionally, goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets at the beginning of the fourth quarter each fiscal year.
	The Company determines fair value through multiple valuation techniques, including income and market approaches. If the carrying value of the assets and liabilities exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would calculate the implied fair value of its reporting unit goodwill as compared with the carrying value of its reporting unit goodwill to determine the appropriate impairment charge. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting unit using widely accepted valuation techniques. These techniques use a variety of assumptions including projected market conditions, discount rates and future cash flows. The impairment analysis requires judgments and estimates of future revenues, gross margin rates, expenses and the weighted average cost of capital.  We base these estimates upon our past and expected future performance.  We believe our estimates are appropriate in light of current market conditions.  However, actual results may differ materially from those estimated which could result in impairments of goodwill and intangible assets in future periods, and could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life: seven years for customer relationships and three years for the e-commerce software platform.  Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment periodically whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  Amortization expense related to such assets is classified in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Evaluation for Long-Lived Asset Impairment
	We periodically evaluate the need to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”).  Long-lived assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired. In evaluating an asset for recoverability, we estimate the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the cumulative undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the cash flows are then discounted at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital and compared to the carrying value of the assets. The result is a write down of the asset to fair value by recording an impairment charge.  The estimation of fair value is measured by discounting expected future cash flows.   The recoverability assessment related to store-level assets requires judgments and estimates of future revenues, gross margin rates, store expenses and the weighted average cost of capital.  We base these estimates upon our past and expected future performance.  We believe our estimates are appropriate in light of current market conditions.  However, actual results may differ materially from those estimated which could result in additional impairments of store long-lived assets in future periods, and could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements (See Note 3 for a further discussion).
	Pre-Opening Expenses
	New store pre-opening costs are expensed as they are incurred.
	Leases
	Our store operating leases typically provide for fixed non-contingent rent escalations. Rent payments under our store leases typically commence when the store opens.  These leases include a pre-opening period that allows us to take possession of the property to fixture and merchandise the store. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of each individual underlying lease, commencing when we take possession of the property (see Note 13 for further information regarding leases).
	In addition, most store leases require us to pay additional rent based on specified percentages of sales, after we achieve specified annual sales thresholds. We use store sales trends to estimate and record liabilities for these additional rent obligations during interim periods. Most of our store leases entitle us to receive tenant allowances from our landlords. We record these tenant allowances as a deferred rent liability, which we amortize as a reduction of rent expense over the non-cancelable term of each underlying lease.
	Revenue Recognition
	Sales revenue is recognized at the “point of sale” in our stores, and at the time our e-commerce customers take possession of merchandise. Allowances for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the periods in which the related sales are recognized.  Also included in sales revenue is shipping revenue from our e-commerce customers.  Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included in accrued expenses on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Revenue from international licensing arrangements is recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement, generally based upon the greater of the contractually earned or guaranteed minimum royalty levels.  We recorded revenue related to international licensing arrangements in net sales of $21.5 million in fiscal 2013, $7.2 million in fiscal 2012 and $4.0 million in fiscal 2011. Additionally, we recorded net sales related to gift card breakage income of $5.8 million in fiscal 2013, $3.7 million in fiscal 2012 and $5.6 million in fiscal 2011 (see Note 6).
	We have a loyalty rewards program for our customers in the P.S. from Aéropostale stores. Accordingly, we have recorded a deferred sales liability within accrued expenses in connection with this program. The amount recorded was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
	Gift Cards
	We sell gift cards to our customers in our retail stores, through our websites, and through select third parties. We do not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards and our gift cards do not have an expiration date.  Revenue is not recorded on the purchase of gift cards.  A current liability is recorded upon purchase, and revenue is recognized when the gift card or store credits are redeemed for merchandise.  We also recognize breakage income for the portion of gift cards estimated to be unredeemed.  We have relieved our legal obligation to escheat the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdiction.  We therefore determined that the likelihood of certain gift cards being redeemed by the customer was remote, based upon historical redemption patterns of gift cards.  For those gift cards that we determined redemption to be remote, we reversed our liability and recorded gift card breakage income in net sales.
	Cost of Sales
	Cost of sales includes costs related to merchandise sold, including inventory valuation adjustments, distribution and warehousing, freight from the distribution center to the stores, shipping and handling costs, payroll for our design, buying and merchandising departments and occupancy costs. Occupancy costs include rent, contingent rents, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and amortization and impairment charges.
	Cost of sales for fiscal 2011 includes a pre-tax benefit of $8.7 million resulting from the resolution of a dispute with one of our sourcing agents, related to prior period allowances recorded in the second quarter.  Of this benefit, $8.0 million relates to fiscal years 2007 through 2010 and was not material to any individual prior period.
	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, or “SG&A”, include costs related to selling expenses, store management and corporate expenses such as payroll and employee benefits, marketing expenses, employment taxes, information technology maintenance costs and expenses, insurance and legal expenses, e-commerce transaction related expenses, store pre-opening costs and other corporate level expenses. Store pre-opening costs include store level payroll, grand opening event marketing, travel, supplies and other store pre-opening expenses.
	Self-Insurance
	We self-insure our workers compensation claims and our employee medical benefits. The recorded liabilities for these obligations are calculated primarily using historical experience and current information. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims and estimated claims incurred but not yet reported.  Self-insurance liabilities were $5.2 million at February 1, 2014 and $5.1 million at February 2, 2013.  We paid workers compensation claims of $0.9 million in fiscal 2013, $1.0 million in fiscal 2012 and $0.8 million in fiscal 2011.  In addition, we paid employee medical claims of $16.2 million in fiscal 2013, $14.1 million in fiscal 2012 and $13.8 million in fiscal 2011.
	Retirement Benefit Plans
	Our retirement benefit plan costs are accounted for using actuarial valuations required by FASB ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”).  ASC 715 requires an entity to recognize the funded status of its defined pension plans on the balance sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, within other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (see Note 11 for a further discussion).
	Marketing Costs
	Marketing costs, which include e-commerce, print, radio and other media advertising, are expensed at the point of first broadcast or distribution, and were $22.4 million in fiscal 2013, $17.5 million in fiscal 2012, and $11.8 million in fiscal 2011.
	Stock-Based Compensation
We follow the provisions from the FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Under such guidance, all forms of share-based payment to employees and directors, including stock options, must be treated as compensation and recognized in the statements of operations (see Note 10 for a further discussion).
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”).  Under ASC 740, income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequence of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established using statutory tax rates and are adjusted for tax rate changes.
ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and requires companies to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is not “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded.  Interest and penalties, if any, are recorded within the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the related liability for uncertain tax contingency liabilities.
A valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In determining the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, forecasted future earnings, taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, tax planning strategies and other relevant factors.  The need for and the amount of valuation allowances can change in future periods if operating results and projections change significantly.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the current period presentation, specifically we separately presented prepaid rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013.
Recent Accounting Developments
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Income Taxes ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"). ASU 2013-02 contains new requirements related to the presentation and disclosure of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income. These requirements provide financial statement users with a more comprehensive view of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income. This ASU is effective for the Company's fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition_of_GoJanecom_Inc

Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc.	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc.	'
	Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc.
	On November 13, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of online women's fashion footwear and apparel retailer GoJane.com, Inc. ("GoJane"). Based in Ontario, California, GoJane focuses primarily on fashion footwear, with a select offering of contemporary apparel and other accessories. We believe this strategic acquisition of GoJane allows us to expand into new fashion categories online. We also believe that we will be able to utilize and leverage our existing infrastructure to develop and grow the GoJane business.
	The financial results of GoJane were included in our consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date. We have not presented separate financial results or the pro forma results of operations for periods prior to the acquisition because GoJane's results of operations were not material to our consolidated results for either fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.
	Purchase Price
	Under the terms of the agreement, we acquired the net assets in exchange for a purchase price of up to $33.6 million. The purchase price consisted of $25.2 million in cash paid from cash on hand. The purchase price also included an additional $0.4 million for the final working capital adjustment paid during the first quarter of 2013.
	The purchase price also includes contingent cash payments of up to an aggregate of $8.0 million if certain financial metrics are achieved by the GoJane business during the five year period beginning on the acquisition date (the "GJ Performance Plan"). These performance payments are not contingent upon continuous employment by the two individual stockholders. The GJ Performance Plan liability is measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the contingent payments as of the acquisition date was estimated to be $7.0 million. This was based on a weighted average expected achievement probability and a discount rate over the expected payment stream. Each quarter, we remeasure the GJ Performance Plan liability at fair value.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the GJ Performance Plan measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
			February 1,			February 2,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period		$	7,019		$	—
	Accretion of interest expense		397			—
	Fair value of GJ Performance Plan on date of acquisition		—			7,019
	Balance at end of period		$	7,416		$	7,019
	Of the $7.4 million liability as of February 1, 2014, $1.6 million is included in accrued expenses and the balance is included in non-current liabilities.
	Net Assets Acquired
	Total consideration of $32.6 million was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, as follows, with the remaining unallocated purchase price recorded to goodwill (in thousands):
	Total cash consideration		$	25,556
	Assets acquired:
	Inventory		2,961
	Other assets		162
	Intangible assets:
	Trademarks		11,400
	Customer relationships		3,400
	E-commerce software platform		800
	Total assets acquired		$	18,723
	Liabilities assumed		(67		)
	Contingent consideration recognized		(7,019		)
	Net assets acquired		$	11,637
	Goodwill		$	13,919
	We estimated the fair values of the acquired intangible assets based on discounted cash flow models using estimates and assumptions regarding future operations and cash flows. We determined that the trademarks have an indefinite life and will not be amortized. These trademarks are tested annually for impairment along with the goodwill recorded for the purchase. The customer relationships are being amortized over their estimated useful life of seven years on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern of expected economic benefit. The e-commerce software platform is being amortized over its estimated useful life of three years on a straight-line basis.
	Goodwill is equal to the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired, and represents benefits from the acquisition that are not attributable to individually identified and separately recognized assets. Those benefits include the expected opportunity to expand into new fashion categories online, and to leverage our existing infrastructure to develop and grow the GoJane business. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. All goodwill is related to the GoJane reporting unit.
	We evaluate all indefinite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we performed our annual impairment test for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. No impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets resulted from any of these tests. There are no cumulative goodwill impairment charges recorded to date.
	Other Consideration
	Also, in connection with the GoJane acquisition, we granted shares of our non-vested common stock ("Restricted Shares") to the two individual stockholders of GoJane. If the aggregate dollar value of the Restricted Shares on the vesting date is less than $8.0 million, then we shall pay to the two individual stockholders an amount in cash equal to the difference between $8.0 million and the fair market value of the Restricted Shares on the vesting date. As of February 1, 2014 and during fiscal 2013, we recorded additional compensation expense and a corresponding liability of $1.5 million based on the Company's stock price as of February 1, 2014.
	Acquisition related costs were not material for any period presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
			1-Feb-14
	Description		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization		Net
			(In thousands)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships		$	3,400		$	607	$	2,793
	E-commerce software platform		800			332		468
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		4,200			939		3,261
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Trademarks		11,400			—		11,400
	Total intangible assets		$	15,600		$	939	$	14,661
			2-Feb-13
	Description		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization		Net
			(In thousands)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships		$	3,400		$	121	$	3,279
	E-commerce software platform		800			66		734
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		4,200			187		4,013
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Trademarks		11,400			—		11,400
	Total intangible assets		$	15,600		$	187	$	15,413
	Amortization
	We recognized amortization expense on intangible assets of $0.8 million in fiscal 2013 and $0.2 million in fiscal 2012. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets primarily over the following weighted-average periods: customer relationships - seven years; and e-commerce software platform - three years. In addition, the weighted-average life of all finite-lived intangibles assets is six years. Based on the amount of intangible assets subject to amortization as of February 1, 2014, the expected amortization for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
		Amortization Expense
		(In thousands)
	Fiscal 2014	$	752
Fiscal 2015	686
Fiscal 2016	486
Fiscal 2017	486
Fiscal 2018	486
Thereafter	365
Total	$	3,261

Store_Asset_Impairment_Charges

Store Asset Impairment Charges	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Store Asset Impairment Charges	'
	Store Asset Impairment Charges
	We recorded store asset impairment charges of $46.1 million in fiscal 2013 primarily for 230 stores. We recorded store asset impairment charges of $32.6 million in fiscal 2012 for 119 stores and $16.0 million in fiscal 2011 for 39 stores.  These charges were included in cost of sales.  These amounts included the write-down of long-lived assets at stores that were assessed for impairment because of (a) changes in circumstances that indicated the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable, or (b) management’s intention to relocate or close stores.  Impairment charges were primarily related to revenues and/or gross margins not meeting targeted levels at the respective stores as a result of macroeconomic conditions, location related conditions and other factors that are negatively impacting the sales and cash flows of these locations.
	Long-lived assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for purposes of calculating impairment using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 1.  The fair value of long-lived assets is determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future discounted cash flows.  We estimate future cash flows based on our experience, current trends and local market conditions. Based upon future results of operations at the store level, additional impairment charges may be recorded in future periods if loss trends continue and/or the current cash flow projections are not achieved.
	The table below sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair value of long-lived assets for which an impairment was recognized during the year (in thousands):
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)				Total Losses
								Total Fair Value
	February 1, 2014:
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	—	$	—	$	11,687	$	11,687	$	46,070
	February 2, 2013:
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	—	$	—	$	4,237	$	4,237	$	32,633
	January 28, 2012:
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	—	$	—	$	979	$	979	$	16,036
	In accordance with the provisions of the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of ASC 360, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of $57.8 million were written down to their fair value, resulting in an impairment charge of $46.1 million, which was included in the statement of operations for fiscal 2013. For fiscal 2012, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of $36.8 million were written down to their fair value, resulting in an impairment charge of $32.6 million, which was included in the statement of operations. For fiscal 2011, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of $17.0 million were written down to their fair value, resulting in an impairment charge of $16.0 million, which was included in the statement of operations.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders’ Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	Stockholders Rights Plan
	On November 25, 2013, the Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”), as set forth in the Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”), dated as of November 26, 2013, by and between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC as Rights Agent (the “Rights Agent”).
	The Rights Plan is not intended to prevent an acquisition of the Company on terms that the Board of Directors considers favorable to, and in the best interests of, all stockholders. Rather, the Rights Plan aims to provide stockholders with adequate time to fully assess a takeover bid, and, if appropriate, allow the Board of Directors time to explore alternatives to maximize stockholder value.
	Under the terms of the Rights Plan, one preferred stock purchase right (a "Right") will be distributed for each share of common stock held by stockholders of record on December 9, 2013. Under certain circumstances, each Right will entitle stockholders to buy one one-thousandth of a share of newly-created Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $40.00. The Rights will initially trade together with the Company's common stock and will not be exercisable. Subject to limited exceptions, if a person or group acquires 10% or more of the outstanding common stock (15% or more in the case of a passive institutional investor) of the Company (including in the form of synthetic ownership through derivative positions), each Right (other than those held by that person or group) will become exercisable and entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's then-current exercise price, a number of shares of preferred stock having a market value at that time of twice the Right's exercise price. If the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction that has not been approved by the Board of Directors after the Rights become exercisable, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's then-current exercise price, a number of shares of the acquiring company's common stock having a market value at that time of twice the Right's exercise price.
	The Rights will expire upon the close of business on the earliest to occur of (i) November 26, 2014, (ii) the date on which the rights are redeemed or exchanged by the Company in accordance with the Rights Agreement and (iii) the date of the Company’s 2014 annual meeting of stockholders if requisite stockholder approval of the Rights Agreement is not obtained at such meeting.
	On March 13, 2014, the Company entered into an Amendment to that certain Rights Agreement, dated as of November 26, 2013, by and between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (the “Amendment”). The Amendment modifies the defined term “Existing Holder” so as to include Lemur LLC and its affiliates and associates (including Sycamore) as an Existing Holder.
	Stock Repurchase Program
	We have the ability to repurchase our common stock under a stock repurchase program, which was announced on December 9, 2003. The repurchase program may be modified or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time and there is no expiration date for the program. The extent and timing of repurchases will depend upon general business and market conditions, stock prices, opening and closing of the stock trading window, and liquidity and capital resource requirements going forward. During fiscal 2013, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase program.  During fiscal 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 3.0 million shares for $40.8 million and 4.2 million shares for $100.1 million, respectively. Under the program to date, we have repurchased 60.1 million shares of our common stock for $1.0 billion.  As of February 1, 2014, we have approximately $104.4 million of repurchase authorization remaining under our $1.15 billion share repurchase program.
	In addition to the above program, we withheld 0.1 million shares for minimum statutory withholding taxes of $1.6 million related to the vesting of stock awards during fiscal 2013.
	Retirement of Treasury Stock
	In January 2013, we retired 13.6 million shares of our treasury stock. These shares remain as authorized stock; however they are now considered unissued. In accordance with ASC Topic 505, “Equity” (“ASC 505”), the treasury stock retirement resulted in a reduction of the following on our consolidated balance sheet: common stock by $0.1 million, treasury stock by $301.0 million and retained earnings by $300.9 million. There was no effect on total stockholders' equity position as a result of the retirement.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
		February 1,				February 2,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension liability, net of tax	$	(2,007	)		$	(2,541	)
	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment 1	824				2,731
	Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(1,183	)		$	190
	1 Foreign currency translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to a permanent investment in our subsidiary in Canada.
	The changes in components in accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal 2013 are as follows:
		1-Feb-14
		Pension Liability				Foreign Currency Translation			Total
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance at February 3, 2013	$	(2,541	)		$	2,731		$	190
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—				(1,907		)	(1,907		)
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,749				—			1,749
	Tax effect on pension liability	(1,215		)		—			(1,215		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	534				(1,907		)	(1,373		)
	Ending balance at February 1, 2014	$	(2,007	)		$	824		$	(1,183	)
	The details related to the reclassifications out of accumulated comprehensive loss are as follows:
			1-Feb-14
			(In thousands)
	Amortization of defined benefit plan items:
	Net loss		$	849		1
	Amortization of loss		276			1
	Amortization of prior service cost		74			1
	Settlement loss		577			1
	Total before tax		$	1,776
	Other before tax		(27		)
			1,749
	Tax expense		(1,215		)
	Net of tax		$	534
	1 These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 11 for additional details).

Fixtures_Equipment_and_Improve

Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements	'
	Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements
	Fixtures, equipment and improvements consist of the following (in thousands):
		February 1, 2014		February 2, 2013
	Leasehold improvements	$	316,581	$	324,386
	Fixtures and equipment	144,767		145,060
	Computer equipment and software	127,773		111,022
	Construction in progress	3,615		2,593
		592,736		583,061
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	357,335		320,283
		$	235,401	$	262,778
	Depreciation and amortization expense related to fixtures, equipment and improvements was $63.6 million in fiscal 2013, $65.6 million in fiscal 2012, and $65.1 million in fiscal 2011.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
		February 1,		February 2,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Accrued gift cards	$	27,783	$	29,630
	Accrued compensation	16,939		15,808
	Accrued rent	6,574		11,101
	Accrued income taxes	681		13,078
	Current portion of SERP liability	—		2,146
	Other	50,139		41,752
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	102,116	$	113,515

Noncurrent_Liabilities_Notes

Non-current Liabilities (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Non-current Liabilities	'
	Non-current Liabilities
	Non-current liabilities consist of the following:
		February 1,		February 2,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred rent	$	46,831	$	44,875
	Deferred tenant allowance	51,189		56,096
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities	14,339		13,454
	Uncertain tax contingency liabilities	3,702		2,740
	Other	10,527		9,809
	Total non-current liabilities	$	126,588	$	126,974

Revolving_Credit_Facility

Revolving Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Revolving Credit Facility	'
	Revolving Credit Facility
	In September 2011, we entered into an amended and restated revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility originally provided for a revolving credit line up to $175.0 million. The Credit Facility is available for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility is scheduled to expire on September 22, 2016, and is guaranteed by all of our domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). No amounts were outstanding during fiscal 2013 or as of February 1, 2014 under the Credit Facility. Management has no reason at this time to believe that the participating institutions will be unable to fulfill their obligations to provide financing in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement in the event of our election to draw funds in the foreseeable future.
	On February 21, 2014, the Company, certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including GoJane LLC, the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the ratable benefit of the Credit Parties (in such capacity, the “Agent”), entered into a Joinder and First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Amendment to Certain Other Loan Documents (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment amended the Credit Facility, among other things, to increase from $175.0 million to $230.0 million the aggregate amount of loans and other extensions of credit available to the Borrower under the Credit Facility by (i) the addition of a $30.0 million first-in, last-out revolving loan facility based on the appraised value of certain intellectual property of the Company, and (ii) an increase in the Company’s existing revolving credit facility by $25.0 million, from $175.0 million to $200.0 million (which continues to include a $40.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit). In addition, the accordion feature of the Credit Facility, under which the Company may request an increase in the commitments of the Lenders thereunder from time to time, was reduced from $75.0 million to $50.0 million. GoJane, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, also joined the credit facility as a new guarantor.
	Loans under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by the Guarantors. Upon the occurrence of a Suspension Event (which is defined in the Credit Facility as an event of default or any occurrence, circumstance or state of facts which would become and event of default after notice, or lapse of time, or both) or, in certain circumstances, a Cash Dominion Event (which is defined in the Credit Facility as either any event of default or failure to maintain availability in an amount greater than 12.5% of the lesser of the borrowing base and facility commitment), our ability to borrow funds, make investments, pay dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock may be limited, among other limitations. Direct borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a margin over either LIBOR or at the Prime Rate (as each such term is defined in the Credit Facility).
	The Credit Facility also contains covenants that, subject to specified exceptions, restrict our ability to, among other things:
	•	incur additional debt or encumber assets of the Company;
	•	merge with or acquire other companies, liquidate or dissolve;
	•	sell, transfer, lease or dispose of assets; and
	•	make loans or guarantees.
	Events of default under the Credit Facility include, subject to grace periods and notice provisions in certain circumstances, failure to pay principal amounts when due, breaches of covenants, misrepresentation, default on leases or other indebtedness, excess uninsured casualty loss, excess uninsured judgment or restraint of business, failure to maintain specified availability levels, business failure or application for bankruptcy, institution of legal process or proceedings under federal, state or civil statutes, legal challenges to loan documents and a change in control. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the Lenders may cease making loans, terminate the Credit Facility and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable, and the Agent may, and at the request of will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due thereunder and requiring that all such amounts be immediately paid in full as well as possession and sale of all assets that have been used as collateral.
	The Company is subject to certain restrictions and a financial covenant requiring the maintenance of minimum availability levels based upon the lesser of 10% of: the borrowing base or commitments, as defined in the Credit Facility.
	Availability under the Credit Facility is based on a borrowing base consisting of merchandise inventory, certain intellectual property and receivables.
	During fiscal 2013 and as of February 1, 2014, we had no outstanding balances under the Credit Facility. In June 2012, Bank of America, N.A. issued a stand-by letter of credit. As of February 1, 2014, the outstanding letter of credit was $0.2 million and expires on June 30, 2014. We do not have any other stand-by or commercial letters of credit as of February 1, 2014 under the Credit Facility.
	As of February 1, 2014, we are not aware of any instances of noncompliance with any financial covenants.

Loss_Earnings_Per_Share

(Loss) Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	(Loss) Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
		Fiscal Year Ended
		February 1,			February 2,		January 28, 2012
		2014			2013
	Net (loss) income	$	(141,831	)	$	34,923	$	69,515
	Weighted average basic shares	78,455			80,069		81,208
	Impact of dilutive securities	—			425		603
	Weighted average diluted shares	78,455			80,494		81,811
	Basic (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.81	)	$	0.44	$	0.86
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.81	)	$	0.43	$	0.85
	All options to purchase shares, in addition to restricted and performance shares, were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive during fiscal 2013. Options to purchase 400,086 shares during the fiscal 2012 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the common shares, and therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive. Similarly, options to purchase 315,977 shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share during the fiscal 2011.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification  (“ASC”) Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), all forms of share-based payment to employees and directors, including stock options, must be treated as compensation and recognized in the statement of operations. As of February 1, 2014, a total of 1,273,238 shares were available for future grant under our plans compared to a total of 2,601,401 shares as of February 2, 2013.
	On December 13, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Aéropostale, Inc. adopted an amendment to the Aéropostale Second Amended and Restated 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan”) to provide for grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Plan and a form of RSU award agreement (the “Award Agreement”) to evidence grants of RSUs under the Plan.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Beginning in fiscal 2013, certain of our employees have been awarded restricted stock units, pursuant to restricted stock unit agreements. The restricted stock units awarded to employees cliff vest at varying times up to approximately three years of continuous service. Certain shares awarded may also vest upon meeting retirement at age 65 or early retirement provisions of completing ten years of service and attaining age 55 if the affected employee meets such conditions and retires. All restricted stock units immediately vests upon a change in control of the Company.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock units outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	—		$	—
	Granted	230		9.05
	Vested	—		—
	Cancelled	—		—
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	230		$	9.05
	Total compensation expense is being amortized over the shorter of the achievement of retirement or early retirement status, or the vesting period.  Compensation expense related to restricted shares activity was $1.2 million for fiscal 2013. As of February 1, 2014, there was $0.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of two years.  The total fair value of units vested was zero during fiscal 2013.
	Restricted Shares
	Certain of our employees and all of our directors have been awarded non-vested stock (restricted shares), pursuant to non-vested stock agreements. The restricted shares awarded to employees generally cliff vest after up to three years of continuous service.  Beginning in November 2012, certain shares awarded after such date may also vest upon meeting retirement at age 65 or early retirement provisions of completing ten years of service and attaining age 55 if the affected employee meets such conditions and retires. All restricted shares immediately vest upon a change in control of the Company.  Grants of restricted shares awarded to directors vest in full after one year.
	The following table summarizes non-vested shares of stock outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	1,542		$	17.76
	Granted	976		13.47
	Vested	(316	)	25.02
	Cancelled	(346	)	14.8
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	1,856		$	14.82
	Total compensation expense is being amortized over the shorter of the achievement of retirement or early retirement status, or the vesting period.  Compensation expense related to restricted shares activity was $13.0 million for fiscal 2013, $8.0 million for fiscal 2012 and $9.2 million for fiscal 2011. As of February 1, 2014, there was $12.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted shares awards that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of one year.  The total fair value of shares vested was $7.9 million during fiscal 2013, $7.1 million during fiscal 2012 and $7.9 million during fiscal 2011.
	In connection with the GoJane acquisition, we granted restricted shares to the two individual stockholders of GoJane, with compensation expense recognized over the three year cliff vesting period (see Note 2 for a further discussion regarding this acquisition). If the aggregate dollar value of the restricted shares on the vesting date is less than $8.0 million, then we shall pay to the two individual stockholders an amount in cash equal to the difference between $8.0 million and the fair market value of the restricted shares on the vesting date. As of February 1, 2014 and during fiscal 2013, we recorded additional compensation expense and a corresponding liability of $1.5 million based on the Company's stock price as of February 1, 2014.
	On October 31, 2013, we entered into Restricted Stock Award Rescission Agreements with certain executives to rescind 229,760 aggregate shares of restricted stock granted on March 29, 2013 under the Aéropostale, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The rescission did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements for any period presented and we recorded $1.0 million of compensation cost during the third quarter of 2013 as a result of rescinding such restricted stock awards.
	Performance Shares
	Certain of our executives have been awarded performance shares, pursuant to performance shares agreements. The performance shares cliff vest at the end of three years of continuous service. The shares awarded during fiscal 2013 are contingent upon meeting various separate performance conditions based upon consolidated earnings targets and market conditions based upon total shareholder return targets. All performance shares immediately vest upon a change in control of the Company (as communicated to the executives awarded performance shares). Compensation cost for the performance shares with performance conditions is periodically reviewed and adjusted based upon the probability of achieving certain performance targets. If the probability of achieving targets changes, compensation cost will be adjusted in the period that the probability of achievement changes. The fair value of performance based awards is based upon the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. For market based awards, the effect of the market conditions is reflected in the fair value of the awards on the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. This model estimates the fair value of the market based award based upon the following assumptions: expected term of 3 years, risk-free interest rate of 0%, expected dividend yield of 0% and expected weighted-average volatility of 53%. Compensation expense for market based awards is recognized over the vesting period regardless of whether the market conditions are expected to be achieved.
	The following table summarizes performance shares of stock outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Performance-based					Market-based
		Performance Shares					Performance Shares
		Shares		Weighted Average			Shares			Weighted Average
				Grant-Date Fair Value						Grant-Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)					(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	—		$	—		—			$	—
	Granted	124		13.6			399			20
	Vested	—		—			—			—
	Cancelled	(124	)	(13.60		)	(8	)		19.18
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	—		$	—		391			$	20.01
	Total compensation expense is being amortized over the vesting period. Compensation expense related to the market-based performance shares which we granted during fiscal 2013 was $2.1 million. We did not recognize compensation expense related to performance-based performance shares during fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012 based on our determination of the likelihood of achieving the performance conditions associated with the respective shares. Compensation expense for performance-based performance shares was $0.4 million for fiscal 2011.
	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted-average years expected to be recognized related to performance share awards outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Performance-based			Market-based
		Performance Shares			Performance Shares
	Total unrecognized compensation (in millions)	$	—		$	5.7
	Weighted-average years expected to be recognized over (years)	0			2
	Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights ("CSARs")
	In conjunction with the execution of the employment agreement with our CEO on May 3, 2013 (see Note 13), we granted him an award of CSARs, with an award date value of $5.6 million. The number of CSARs granted was determined in accordance with the agreement by dividing $5.6 million by the Black Scholes value of the closing price of a share of the Company's common stock on the award date. As of February 1, 2014, our expected volatility was 53%, expected term was 3.7 years, risk-free interest rate was 0.97% and expected forfeiture rate was 0%. The CSARs are currently being treated as a liability based award. The CSARs have a term of seven years and will vest in equal 1/3 increments over three years. Additionally, we may, in our sole discretion, at any time during the term, exchange a CSAR for another form of equity which is of equal value to the CSAR at the time of the exchange. During fiscal 2013, we recorded $0.3 million of expense related to this incentive award. As of February 1, 2014, there was $0.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to CSARs that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of two years.
	Stock Options
	We have stock option plans under which we may grant qualified and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of our common stock to executives, consultants, directors, or other key employees.  Stock options may not be granted at less than the fair market value at the date of grant. Stock options generally vest over four years on a pro-rata basis and expire after eight years. All outstanding stock options immediately vest upon (i) a change in control of the company (as defined in the plan) and (ii) termination of the employee within one year of such change of control.
	We did not grant any options during fiscal 2013. We granted 10,000 options during fiscal 2012 and 10,000 options during fiscal 2011. The fair value of options granted in prior years was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires certain assumptions, including estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected term”), the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the expected term and the number of options that will ultimately not complete their vesting requirements (“forfeitures”). Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
	We elected to adopt the simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC Pool and consolidated statements of cash flows of the tax effects of employee and director share-based awards that were outstanding.
	The effects of applying the provisions of ASC 718 and the results obtained through the use of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are not necessarily indicative of future values.
	The following table summarizes stock option transactions for common stock during fiscal 2013:
		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(In thousands)					(In years)		(In millions)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	530		$	15.99
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(21	)	10.48
	Cancelled1	(132	)	15.09
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	377		$	16.61		1.35		$	—
Options vested as of February 1, 2014 and expected to vest2	377		$	16.61		1.35		$	—
Exercisable as of February 1, 2014	367		$	16.61		1.23		$	—
1 The number of options cancelled includes approximately 84,000 expired shares.
2 The number of options expected to vest takes into consideration estimated expected forfeitures.
We recognized less than $0.1 million in compensation expense related to stock options during fiscal 2013, less than $0.1 million during fiscal 2012 and $(0.2) million during fiscal 2011. For fiscal 2013, the intrinsic value of options exercised was zero compared to less than $0.1 million for fiscal 2012 and $0.4 million for fiscal 2011.
The following table summarizes information regarding non-vested outstanding stock options as of February 1, 2014:
			Weighted Average
	Shares		Grant-Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Non-vested as of February 3, 2013	15		$	6.41
Granted	—		—
Vested	(5	)	6.41
Cancelled	—		—
Non-vested as of February 1, 2014	10		$	6.41
As of February 1, 2014, there was less than $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options that we expect will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of two years.

Retirement_Benefit_Plans

Retirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	Retirement Benefit Plans
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities consisted of the following:
		February 1, 2014				February 2, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”)	$	10,551			$	12,637
	Other retirement plan liabilities	3,788				2,963
	Total	14,339				15,600
	Less amount classified in accrued expenses related to SERP	—				2,146
	Long-term retirement benefit plan liabilities	$	14,339			$	13,454
	401(k) Plan
	We maintain a qualified, defined contribution retirement plan with a 401(k) salary deferral feature that covers substantially all of our employees who meet certain requirements.  Under the terms of the plan, employees may contribute, subject to statutory limitations, up to 100% of gross earnings and historically, including fiscal 2013, we have provided a matching contribution of 50% of the first 5% of gross earnings contributed by the participants.  We also have the option to make additional contributions or to suspend the employer contribution at any time. The employer's matching contributions vest over a five-year service period with 20% vesting after two years and 50% vesting after year three.  Vesting increases thereafter at a rate of 25% per year so that participants will be fully vested after five years of service. We have suspended the Company's matching contribution under the plan for fiscal 2014. Contribution expense was $1.8 million in fiscal 2013, $1.5 million in fiscal 2012 and $1.3 million in fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2011, we established separate defined contribution plans for eligible employees in both Canada and Puerto Rico who meet certain requirements. Contribution expense for these plans was not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented.
	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
	We maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, or SERP. This plan is a non-qualified defined benefit plan for certain executives.  The plan is non-contributory and not funded and provides benefits based on years of service and compensation during employment.  Participants are fully vested upon entrance in the plan. Pension expense is determined using the projected unit credit cost method to estimate the total benefits ultimately payable to officers and this cost is allocated to service periods.  The actuarial assumptions used to calculate pension costs are reviewed annually. We expect to make contributions to the SERP when the participants cease employment with us. The amount of cash contributions we are required to make to the plans could increase or decrease depending on when employees make retirement elections and other factors which are not in the control of the Company. Our expected cash contributions to the plans are equal to the expected benefit payments.
	During September 2013, we made a payment of approximately $2.2 million to our former President from our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). Such amount was paid from our cash flows from operations. In connection with this payment, during fiscal 2013, we recorded a charge of $0.6 million of the net actuarial loss (the "settlement loss") as a charge in SG&A, with a corresponding amount recorded to relieve accumulated other comprehensive loss included in our stockholder’s equity ($0.4 million, net of tax). This accounting treatment is in accordance with settlement accounting guidance under the provisions of ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits".
	The following information about the SERP is provided below (in thousands):
			February 1,				February 2,
			2014				2013
	CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period		$	12,637			$	11,601
	Service cost		524				725
	Interest cost		434				458
	Plan amendments		—				—
	Actuarial gain		(849		)		(147		)
	Benefits paid		—				—
	Settlements		(2,195		)		—
	Special termination benefits		—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of period		$	10,551			$	12,637
	CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		—				—
	Employer contributions		2,195				—
	Benefits paid		—				—
	Settlements		(2,195		)		—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period		$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of period		$	(10,551	)		$	(12,637	)
	AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
	Noncurrent assets		$	—			$	—
	Current liabilities		—				(2,146		)
	Noncurrent liabilities		(10,551		)		(10,491		)
			$	(10,551	)		$	(12,637	)
	AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
	Net loss		$	2,560			$	4,262
	Prior service cost		463				537
	Total		$	3,023			$	4,799
	INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH AN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS:
	Projected benefit obligation		$	10,551			$	12,637
	Accumulated benefit obligation		5,903				7,769
	Fair value of plan assets		—				—
	Pension expense includes the following components (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013				2012			2011
	COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST:
	Service cost		$	524			$	725		$	584
	Interest cost		434				458			497
	Expected return on plan assets		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost		74				74			74
	Amortization of net loss		276				278			208
	Net periodic benefit cost		1,308				1,535			$	1,363
	Settlement loss		577				—			501
	Total benefit cost		$	1,885			$	1,535		$	1,864
	OTHER CHANGES IN PLAN ASSETS AND BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS RECOGNIZED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
	Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	(849	)		$	(147	)	$	2,298
	Prior service cost		—				—			—
Amortization of net loss		(276		)		(278		)	(208		)
Amortization of prior service cost		(74		)		(74		)	(74		)
Settlement loss		(577		)		—			(501		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(1,776	)		$	(499	)	$	1,515
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income		$	109			$	1,036		$	3,379
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED:
Discount rate to determine benefit obligations		3.85		%		3.5		%	3.95		%
Discount rate to determine net periodic pension cost		3.72		%		3.95		%	5.13		%
Rate of compensation increase1		4.5		%		4.5		%	4.5		%
1 Rate of compensation is used for determining the benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost.
The estimated net loss of $0.1 million and prior service cost of $0.1 million for the defined benefit pension plan will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year. The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the other postretirement plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The discount rates were determined by matching a published set of zero coupon yields and associated durations to expected plan benefit payment streams to obtain an implicit internal rate of return.
Other Retirement Plan Liabilities
We have a long-term incentive deferred compensation plan established for the purpose of providing long-term incentives to a select group of management. The plan is a non-qualified, non-contributory defined contribution plan and is not funded. Participants in this plan include all employees designated by us as Vice President, or other higher-ranking positions that are not participants in the SERP. We record annual monetary credits to each participant's account based on compensation levels and years as a participant in the plan. Annual interest credits are applied to the balance of each participant's account based upon established benchmarks. Each annual credit is subject to a three-year cliff-vesting schedule, and participants' accounts will be fully vested upon retirement after completing five years of service and attaining age 55. The liability related to this plan was $3.6 million as of February 1, 2014 and $2.8 million as of February 2, 2013. Compensation expense related to this plan was not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented.
We maintain a postretirement benefit plan for certain executives that provides retiree medical and dental benefits. The plan is an other post-employment benefit plan, or OPEB, and is not funded. Pension expense and the liability related to this plan were not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Domestic and foreign pretax (loss) income is as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013				2012				2011
	Domestic		$	(154,148	)		$	78,550			$	121,799
	Foreign		(31,971		)		(19,524		)		(8,701		)
	Total (loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes		$	(186,119	)		$	59,026			$	113,098
	The (benefit) provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal		$	(45,615	)		$	32,740			$	28,543
	State and local		2,035				1,930				4,604
	Foreign		1,052				(1,707		)		757
			$	(42,528	)		$	32,963			$	33,904
	Deferred:
	Federal		$	(5,981	)		$	(5,234	)		$	9,622
	State and local		1,707				(1,556		)		2,782
	Foreign		2,514				(2,070		)		(2,725		)
			$	(1,760	)		$	(8,860	)		$	9,679
			$	(44,288	)		$	24,103			$	43,583
	Reconciliation of the U.S. statutory tax rate with our effective tax rate is summarized as follows:
			Fiscal
			2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	(Decrease) increase in tax resulting from:
	Foreign income taxes		(4.2	)%		4.5	%		0.6	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit, before valuation allowance		4.1	%		(1.7	)%		3.9	%
	State income tax valuation allowance		(5.9	)%		0.1	%		1.2	%
	Federal income tax valuation allowance		(4.8	)%		—	%		—	%
	Other		(0.4	)%		2.9	%		(2.2	)%
	Effective rate		23.8	%		40.8	%		38.5	%
	The components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
			1-Feb-14				2-Feb-13
	Current:
	Inventory		$	(7,094	)		$	(6,171	)
	Unredeemed gift cards		3,620				2,803
	Accrued compensation		1,930				1,826
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities		—				868
	Other		1,681				690
	Net current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		$	137			$	16
	Valuation allowance		(42		)		—
	Net current deferred tax assets		$	95			$	16
	Non-current:
	Furniture, equipment and improvements		$	433			$	(20,823	)
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities		5,624				5,411
	Stock-based compensation		7,423				6,119
	Deferred rent and tenant allowances		10,354				10,014
	Net operating loss carry-forwards (“NOL’s”)		15,083				4,059
	Other		(2,222		)		1,381
	Net non-current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		36,695				6,161
	Valuation allowance		(31,883		)		(1,328		)
	Net non-current deferred tax assets		$	4,812			$	4,833
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	4,907			$	4,849
	As of February 1, 2014, we had an aggregate of approximately $357.8 million of U.S. federal, state, and Canadian NOL’s that will expire between 2018 and 2034.  As of February 1, 2014, we recorded income taxes receivable of $50.4 million primarily for the portion of the NOL's available to carry back. We also recorded deferred tax assets of $15.1 million, before valuation allowance, for the portion of the NOL's available to carry forward. As of February 1, 2014, we recorded a valuation allowance of $12.7 million against certain of these deferred tax assets related to the NOL carry forwards.  We also recorded a valuation allowance of $19.2 million against other U.S. federal, state and Canadian net deferred tax assets due to losses incurred through fiscal 2013 and projections of future operating results. Subsequent recognition of these deferred tax assets that were previously reduced by the valuation allowance would result in an income tax benefit in the period of such recognition.
	We have not recognized any United States (“U.S.”) tax expense on undistributed foreign earnings as they are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States.  There were no significant undistributed earnings at February 1, 2014.
	We follow the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in income taxes. Uncertain tax position liabilities, inclusive of interest and penalty, were $9.9 million as of February 1, 2014, $2.7 million as of February 2, 2013 and $3.9 million as of January 28, 2012.  Reversal of these liabilities, along with reversal of related deferred tax assets, would favorably impact our effective tax rate.
	The amount of unrecognized tax benefits relating to our tax positions is subject to change based on future events including, but not limited to, the settlements of ongoing audits and/or the expiration of applicable statues of limitations. Although the outcomes and timing of such events are highly uncertain, we anticipate that the balance of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and related deferred tax assets will not significantly change during the next twelve months. However, changes in the occurrence, expected outcomes and timing of those events could cause our current estimate to change materially in the future. Our portion of gross unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective tax rate, including interest and penalties, is $9.9 million. Of this amount, $6.2 million was recorded as a direct reduction of the related deferred tax assets.
	We recognize interest and, if applicable, penalties, which could be assessed, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.  Interest and penalties recorded in fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 were not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We had liabilities for accrued interest and penalties of $1.2 million as of February 1, 2014 and $0.8 million as of February 2, 2013.
	Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions (excluding interest and penalties), which are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
		Unrecognized
		Tax Benefits
		(In thousands)
Balance at January 29, 2011	$	3,228
Increases due to tax positions related to prior years	165
Decreases due to tax positions related to prior years	(6		)
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	(347		)
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	(227		)
Balance at January 28, 2012	$	2,813
Increases due to tax positions related to prior years	96
Decreases due to tax positions related to prior years	(38		)
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	(991		)
Balance at February 2, 2013	$	1,880
Increases due to tax positions related to prior years	730
Increases due to tax positions related to current year	6,158
Increases due to settlements with taxing authorities	56
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	(195		)
Decreases due to tax positions related to prior years	(9		)
Balance at February 1, 2014	$	8,620
We file U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rico federal, various state and provincial income tax returns.  The IRS concluded an audit of our 2009-2010 federal filings in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, which resulted in no change to the tax returns as filed. Certain tax returns remain open for examination generally for our 2008 through 2012 tax years by various taxing authorities.  However, certain states may keep their statute open for six to ten years.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	'
	Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
	Leases — We are committed under non-cancellable leases for our entire store, distribution centers and office space locations, which generally provide for minimum rent plus additional increases in real estate taxes and certain operating expenses.  Certain leases also require contingent rent based on sales.
	The aggregate minimum annual real estate rent commitments as of February 1, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Due in Fiscal Year	Total
	2014	$	148,765
	2015	136,534
	2016	119,423
	2017	110,245
	2018	102,564
	Thereafter	330,580
	Total	$	948,111
	Additionally, as of February 1, 2014, we were committed to equipment leases in aggregate of $6.9 million through fiscal 2015.
	Rental expense consists of the following (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013		2012		2011
	Minimum rentals for stores		$	145,454	$	138,126	$	130,414
	Contingent rentals		9,925		16,399		18,770
	Office space rentals		6,399		5,459		5,017
	Distribution centers rentals		3,229		3,229		3,229
	Equipment rentals		4,035		4,347		3,683
	Employment Agreements — On May 3, 2013 (the "Effective Date”), we entered into an employment agreement with Thomas P. Johnson, our Chief Executive Officer that is in effect for three years from the Effective Date. Under terms of the contract, Mr. Johnson is entitled to an annual base salary and if certain earnings based targets are met, an annual incentive bonus. In accordance with this agreement, Mr. Johnson received a long-term incentive award consisting of an award of performance shares, and an award of CSARs (see Note 10 for a further discussion). Total contractual employment commitments were $2.2 million as of February 1, 2014.
	Additionally, we have contingent bonus compensation agreements with certain of our employees. The bonuses become payable if the individual is employed by us on the future payment date. The amount of conditional bonuses that may be paid is $1.0 million during fiscal 2014 and $0.5 million during fiscal 2015.
	Legal Proceedings - In October 2011, Aéropostale, Inc. and senior executive officers Thomas P. Johnson and Marc D. Miller were named as defendants in an action amended in February 2012, City of Providence v. Aéropostale, Inc., et al., No. 11-7132, a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the federal securities laws.  The lawsuit was filed in New York federal court on behalf of purchasers of Aéropostale securities between March 11, 2011 and August 18, 2011.  The lawsuit alleges that the defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business and prospects and failed to disclose that Aéropostale was experiencing declining demand for its women's fashion division and increasing inventory.  A motion to dismiss was denied on March 25, 2013.  Aéropostale and the plaintiffs have entered into a settlement agreement resolving the claims made in this action, without any admission of liability, for the amount of $15 million, all of which will be funded with insurance proceeds. The agreement remains subject to notice to the class and final court approval.
	Also in October 2011, current and former Aéropostale directors and/or senior executive officers Julian R. Geiger, Ronald R. Beegle, Robert B. Chavez, Michael J. Cunningham, Evelyn Dilsaver, John Haugh, Karin Hirtler-Garvey, John D. Howard, Thomas P. Johnson, and David B. Vermylen were named as defendants in Bell v. Geiger, et al., No. 652931/2011, a shareholder derivative lawsuit filed in New York state court seeking relief derivatively on behalf of Aéropostale.  The action alleged that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Aéropostale between February 3, 2011 and August 3, 2011 by failing to establish and maintain internal controls that would have prevented the Company from disseminating allegedly false and misleading and inaccurate statements and other information to shareholders, and to manage and oversee the Company.  As a result, plaintiff alleged that the defendants exposed the Company to potential liability in the federal securities class action lawsuit described above.
	In February 2012, current and former Aéropostale directors and/or senior executive officers Mindy Meads, Bodil Arlander, Julian Geiger, Karin Hirtler-Garvey, Ronald Beegle, Robert Chavez, Michael Cunningham, Evelyn Dilsaver, John Haugh, John Howard, Thomas Johnson, Arthur Rubinfeld, and David Vermylen were named as defendants in The Booth Family Trust v. Meads, et al., No. 650594/2012, a shareholder derivative lawsuit filed in New York state court, seeking relief derivatively on behalf of Aéropostale.  As in Bell, this action alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Aéropostale by failing to establish and maintain internal controls that would have prevented the Company from disseminating allegedly false and misleading and inaccurate statements and other information to shareholders, and to manage and oversee the Company.  As a result, and as in Bell, plaintiff alleges that the defendants have exposed the Company to losses and damages, including civil liability from the securities class action suit described above.
	On April 24, 2012, the New York Supreme Court, New York County, issued an Order consolidating and staying the Bell and Booth actions pending a ruling on the motion to dismiss filed in the City of Providence federal securities class action. Following denial of the motion to dismiss in the federal securities class action, plaintiff filed an amended complaint in the consolidated Bell/Booth action. Defendants have moved to dismiss that complaint. A hearing on the motion to dismiss the Bell/Booth action occurred in January 2014 and at that hearing the court granted the Defendants motion to dismiss the complaint. Subsequent to the court's decision, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal, which notice of appeal has since been withdrawn. In the opinion of our management, dispositions of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	During February 2014, we settled litigations related to California wage and hour matters. Accordingly, we have recorded liabilities of $4.4 million as of February 1, 2014 related to these settlements.
	We are also party to various litigation matters and proceedings in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of our management, dispositions of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Guarantees - In August 2011, we entered into a new three-year sourcing agreement with one of our sourcing agents. The sourcing agreement may be terminated at any time during the term by mutual agreement of the parties and provided that appropriate notice is given in accordance with the agreement. In connection with the sourcing agreement, we have a guaranteed minimum product purchase commitment of $350.0 million that is measured over any consecutive two-year period during the term of the agreement. If we purchase less than this amount over the two-year measurement period, then we will be obligated to pay the contracted commission on the shortfall from the guaranteed minimum. We met all contractual minimum product purchase commitments as of February 1, 2014. In addition, if we were to cancel purchase orders with this sourcing agent, we may have to reimburse the agent for costs and expenses, if any, that it had incurred. We have not issued any other third party guarantees or commercial commitments as of February 1, 2014.
	In June 2012, Bank of America, N.A. issued a stand-by letter of credit. As of February 1, 2014, the outstanding letter of credit was $0.2 million and expires on June 30, 2014. We do not have any other stand-by or commercial letters of credit as of February 1, 2014.
	We have various product license agreements that obligate us to pay the licensee at least the guaranteed minimum royalty amount based on sales of their products.
	Executive Severance Plan
	On November 12, 2013, we adopted a Change of Control Severance Plan (“the Plan”), which entitles certain executive level employees to receive certain payments upon a termination of employment after a change of control (as defined in the Plan) of the Company. The adoption of the Plan did not have any impact on the consolidated financial statements for any periods presented.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial information (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended
			May 4,			August 3,			November 2,			February 1,
			2013 (1)			2013 (2)			2013 (3)			2014 (4)
	Fiscal 2013
	Net sales		$	452,273		$	454,034		$	514,588		$	670,007
	Gross profit		101,435			81,171			87,889			86,868
	Net loss		(12,168		)	(33,734		)	(25,623		)	(70,306		)
	Basic loss per share		(0.16		)	(0.43		)	(0.33		)	(0.90		)
	Diluted loss per share		(0.16		)	(0.43		)	(0.33		)	(0.90		)
			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			14 Weeks Ended
			April 28,			July 28,			October 27,			February 2,
			2012			2012			2012			2013 (5)
	Fiscal 2012
	Net sales		$	497,214		$	485,337		$	605,918		$	797,709
	Gross profit		139,012			122,770			169,007			158,568
	Net income (loss)		10,576			71			24,947			(671		)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share		0.13			0			0.31			(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share		0.13			0			0.31			(0.01		)
	-1	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 of $0.6 million ($0.3 million after tax, or no impact on diluted share).
	-2	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 of $8.0 million ($5.2 million after tax, or $0.07 per diluted share).
	-3	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 of $5.1 million ($2.8 million after tax, or $0.04 per diluted share).
	-4	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 of $32.4 million ($21.3 million after tax, or $0.27 per diluted share). Income tax benefit for the same period included the establishment of reserves against net deferred tax assets of $20.0 million after tax, or $0.25 per diluted share.
	-5	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 of $32.6 million ($19.7 million after tax, or $0.25 per diluted share).

Segment_Information_Notes

Segment Information (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”), establishes standards for reporting information about a company’s operating segments. Previous to fiscal 2013, we had one aggregated reportable segment. We now have two reportable segments: a) retail stores and e-commerce; and b) international licensing. As a result, prior year segment information has been recasted to conform to the current year presentation. These reportable segments were identified based on how our business is managed and evaluated. The reportable segments represent the Company’s activities for which separate financial information is available and which is utilized on a regular basis by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to evaluate performance and allocate resources. The retail stores and e-commerce segment includes Aeropostale U.S., Aeropostale Canada, P.S. from Aeropostale and GoJane. In identifying our reportable segments, the Company considers economic characteristics, as well as products, customers, sales growth potential and long-term profitability. The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are consistent with those described in Note 1. All intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue.
	The following tables provide summary financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):
		Fiscal
		2013				2012				2011
	Net sales:
	Retail stores and e-commerce	$	2,069,430			$	2,379,008			$	2,338,258
	International licensing	21,472				7,170				4,002
	Total net sales	$	2,090,902			$	2,386,178			$	2,342,260
		Fiscal
		2013				2012				2011
	(Loss) income from operations:
	Retail stores and e-commerce 1	$	(153,466	)		$	85,859			$	118,088
	International licensing	20,035				6,285				2,763
	Other 2	$	(51,775	)		$	(32,633	)		$	(7,336	)
	Total (loss) income from operations	$	(185,206	)		$	59,511			$	113,515
	1 Such amounts include all corporate overhead and shared service function costs and we have not allocated a portion of these costs to international licensing in this presentation.
	2 Other items include store asset impairment charges in each fiscal year (See Note 3), litigation settlement charges in fiscal 2013 of $4.4 million (See Note 13), income from the settlement with a sourcing agent in fiscal 2011 of $8.7 million (See Note 1) and other income (charges) that are not included in the segment income (loss) from operations reviewed by the CODM.
	Depreciation expense and capital expenditures have not been separately disclosed as the amounts primarily relate to the retail stores and e-commerce segment. Such amounts are not material for the international licensing segment.
		February 1,				February 2,
		2014				2013
	Total assets:
	Retail stores and e-commerce	$	637,927			$	734,361
	International licensing	9,714				6,483
	Total assets	$	647,641			$	740,844
	The following tables present summarized geographical information (in thousands):
		Fiscal
		2013				2012				2011
	Net sales:
	United States 1	$	1,973,775			$	2,250,915			$	2,214,176
	Canada	117,127				135,263				128,084
	Total net sales	$	2,090,902			$	2,386,178			$	2,342,260
	1 Amounts represent sales from U.S. and Puerto Rico retail stores, as well as e-commerce sales, that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries and international licensing revenue.
	Long-lived assets include net fixtures, equipment and improvements. Amounts as of February 2, 2013 have been corrected to exclude goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 280.
		February 1,				February 2,
		2014				2013
	Long-lived assets, net:
	United States	$	225,778			$	239,812
	Canada	9,623				22,966
	Total long-lived assets, net	$	235,401			$	262,778
	Our consolidated net sales mix by merchandise category for our retail stores and e-commerce segment was as follows:
		Fiscal
	Merchandise Categories	2013			2012			2011
	Young Women’s	65	%		64	%		66	%
	Young Men’s	35	%		36	%		34	%
	Total Merchandise Sales	100	%		100	%		100	%

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	Amended Revolving Credit Facility
	On February 21, 2014, the Credit Facility was amended, among other things, to increase from $175.0 million to $230.0 million the aggregate amount of loans and other extensions of credit available to the Borrower under the Credit Facility (see Note 8 for a further discussion).
	Commitment Letter
	On March 13, 2014, Aéropostale, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a Commitment Letter with Sycamore Partners, on behalf of one or more of its managed investment funds (“Sycamore”), and TSAM Holdings, Limited (d/b/a MGF Sourcing, Limited) to provide senior secured term loan credit facilities (the “Term Loan”) in an aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million, consisting of a five-year $100.0 million tranche A facility (committed facility subject to customary condition precedents) (such facility, the “Tranche A Facility”) and a ten-year $50.0 million tranche B facility (uncommitted facility to be agreed) (such facility, the “Tranche B Facility”). The Tranche A Facility will accrue 10% interest per annum, including that up to 5% of the interest per annum can be paid-in-kind during the first three years and up to 2% can be paid-in-kind thereafter. The Tranche B facility will not bear interest. The Term Loan will be secured by (i) a second priority security interest in all assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries that are pledged already for the benefit of the Company’s existing revolving credit facility lenders, and (ii) a first priority security interest in the Company’s, and certain of its subsidiaries’, remaining assets. The loan documentation relating to the Term Loan will include representations, covenants and events of defaults that are substantially consistent with the Company’s existing revolving credit facility. The Tranche A facility will have no annual scheduled amortization requirements. It is currently contemplated that the Tranche B facility will be structurally linked to the sourcing agreement described below and will provide for the proportionate offset of annual scheduled amortization payments based on the amount of the annual merchandise purchases under the sourcing arrangement. The proceeds of the Term Loan will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Company. Availability of the Tranche A Facility is subject to the Company and Sycamore entering into a Stock Purchase and Investor Rights Agreement and the satisfaction of other conditions precedent customary for a financing of this type, including entering into an intercreditor agreement with the collateral agent for the Company’s existing revolving credit facility.
	Upon consummation of the Term Loan, the Company will issue to Sycamore shares of Convertible Series B Preferred Stock of the Company (the “Series B Preferred”), that will be convertible into 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) as of the date of closing of the Term Loan. The shares of Series B Preferred will be convertible into Common Stock at a conversion price of $7.25. The Series B Preferred will not be entitled to any payments of distributions or dividends by the Company. It is contemplated that the Series B Preferred will have other customary terms and conditions, including customary anti-dilution protections.
	In addition, it is contemplated that at closing, Sycamore will receive the right to (i) designate up to two directors (each a “Sycamore Director”) and (ii) designate, jointly with the Company, an independent director agreeable to both parties, to the Company’s Board of Directors. The right to designate one of the two Sycamore Directors will terminate when Sycamore and its affiliates (collectively, the “Purchaser Group”) no longer beneficially own a number of shares of Series B Preferred and Common Stock that equates to at least 66.7% of the aggregate number of shares of Series B Preferred and Common Stock beneficially owned by the Purchaser Group on the date of closing. All rights of the Purchaser Group to designate any directors to the Company’s Board of Directors will terminate when it no longer beneficially owns a number of shares of Series B Preferred and Common Stock that equates to at least 33.3% of the aggregate number of shares of Series B Preferred and Common Stock beneficially owned by the Purchaser Group on the date of closing. Furthermore, it is contemplated that at closing, Sycamore will receive customary pre-emptive rights and registration rights and will agree to be bound by a customary standstill provision.
	The Company also agreed that as part of funding the Tranche B Term Loan, the Company will enter into a Sourcing Agreement with TSAM (Delaware) LLC (d/b/a MGF Sourcing), an affiliate of Sycamore (the “Agent”). Subject to terms to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Agent, the Company will be obligated to purchase at least $240 million of merchandise from the Agent each year until the tenth anniversary of the full start-up of the Sourcing Agreement.
	The Commitment Letter includes customary conditions, including the requirement that the parties negotiate and execute definitive documentation. There can be no assurance that the conditions will be satisfied or, if so, when.
	Lease Assignment
	During March 2014, we executed a lease assignment agreement and closed our 34th Street store in New York City. In connection with the lease assignment, we are required to place $2.4 million in an escrow account for the payment of real estate taxes.

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	'
	SCHEDULE II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
		Balance Beginning		Amounts Charged			Write-offs Against		Balance End
	Reserve for Sales Returns:	of Period		to Net (Loss) Income			Reserve		of Period
		(In thousands)
	Year Ended February 1, 2014	$	496	$	(153	)	$	186	$	157
	Year Ended February 2, 2013	$	676	$	334		$	514	$	496
	Year Ended January 28, 2012	$	725	$	662		$	711	$	676
		Balance Beginning		Amounts Charged			Write-offs Against		Balance End
	Valuation Allowance for U.S. federal and state, and Canadian Deferred Tax Assets:	of Period		to Net (Loss) Income			Reserve		of Period
		(In thousands)
	Year Ended February 1, 2014	$	1,328	$	30,597		$	—	$	31,925
	Year Ended February 2, 2013	$	1,412	$	(84	)	$	—	$	1,328
	Year Ended January 28, 2012	$	196	$	1,216		$	—	$	1,412

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation	'
	Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”). The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aéropostale, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year	'
	Fiscal Year
	Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. Fiscal 2013 was the 52-week period ended February 1, 2014, fiscal 2012 was the 53-week period ended February 2, 2013 and fiscal 2011 was the 52-week period ended January 28, 2012. Fiscal 2014 will be the 52-week period ending January 31, 2015.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated.
	The most significant estimates made by management include those made in the areas of merchandise inventory valuation, the supplemental executive retirement plan, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, impairment analysis of goodwill and intangible assets and income taxes. Management periodically evaluates estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for continued reasonableness. Appropriate adjustments, if any, to the estimates used are made prospectively based on such periodic evaluations.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Seasonality	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. We invest our excess cash in demand deposits and money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents.  We have established guidelines that relate to credit quality, diversification and maturity and that limit exposure to any one issuer of securities.
	During fiscal 2013 and 2012, we sourced approximately 83% and 84%, respectively, of our merchandise from our top five merchandise vendors.  The loss of any of these sources could adversely impact our ability to operate our business.
	Seasonality
	Our business is highly seasonal, and historically we have realized a significant portion of our sales and cash flow in the second half of the fiscal year, attributable to the impact of the back-to-school selling season in the third quarter and the holiday selling season in the fourth quarter. Additionally, working capital requirements fluctuate during the year, increasing in mid-summer in anticipation of the third and fourth quarters.
Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions	'
	Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions
	The financial statements of our Canadian subsidiary have been translated into United States dollars by translating balance sheet accounts at the year-end exchange rate and statement of operations accounts at the average exchange rates for the year. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reflected in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to a permanent investment in our subsidiary in Canada.  The balance of the unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income was income of $0.8 million as of February 1, 2014 compared to $2.7 million as of February 2, 2013.  Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are charged or credited to earnings as incurred.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	We include credit card receivables and all short-term investments that qualify as cash equivalents with an original maturity of three months or less in cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	We follow the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) as it relates to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Our non-financial assets, which include fixtures, equipment and improvements and intangible assets, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an impairment test is required and we are required to evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial asset be recorded at fair value (See Note 3 for a further discussion).
	We currently have one financial liability measured at fair value. See Note 2 for fair value measurements related to GoJane liabilities. ASC 820 prioritizes inputs used in measuring fair value into a hierarchy of three levels: Level 1—quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2—inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3—unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables (included in other current assets), and accounts payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities.
Merchandise Inventory	'
	Merchandise Inventory
	Merchandise inventory consists of finished goods and is valued utilizing the cost method at the lower of cost or market determined on a weighted average basis. Merchandise inventory includes warehousing, freight, merchandise and design costs as an inventory product cost. We make certain assumptions regarding future demand and net realizable selling price in order to assess that our inventory is recorded properly at the lower of cost or market. These assumptions are based on both historical experience and current information.
Vendor Rebates	'
	Vendor Rebates
	We receive vendor rebates from certain merchandise suppliers. The vendor rebates are earned as we receive merchandise from the suppliers and are computed at an agreed upon percentage of the purchase amount. Vendor rebates are recorded as a reduction of merchandise inventory, and are then recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the related inventory is sold.
Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements	'
	Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements
	Fixtures, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Fixtures and equipment	10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful lives or lease term
	Computer equipment	5 years
	Software	3 years
Goodwill and intangible assets	'
	Goodwill and intangible assets
	We estimate and record intangible assets, which primarily consists of tradenames and customer relationships at fair value at the acquisition date.  The fair value of these intangible assets is estimated based on management's assessment, considering independent third party appraisals, as warranted.   Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration for an acquired entity over the fair value amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.
	Goodwill and trademarks with an indefinite life are not amortized, but instead are assessed for impairment annually based on comparisons of their respective fair values to their carrying values. Additionally, goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets at the beginning of the fourth quarter each fiscal year.
	The Company determines fair value through multiple valuation techniques, including income and market approaches. If the carrying value of the assets and liabilities exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would calculate the implied fair value of its reporting unit goodwill as compared with the carrying value of its reporting unit goodwill to determine the appropriate impairment charge. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting unit using widely accepted valuation techniques. These techniques use a variety of assumptions including projected market conditions, discount rates and future cash flows. The impairment analysis requires judgments and estimates of future revenues, gross margin rates, expenses and the weighted average cost of capital.  We base these estimates upon our past and expected future performance.  We believe our estimates are appropriate in light of current market conditions.  However, actual results may differ materially from those estimated which could result in impairments of goodwill and intangible assets in future periods, and could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life: seven years for customer relationships and three years for the e-commerce software platform.  Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment periodically whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  Amortization expense related to such assets is classified in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Evaluation for Long-Lived Asset Impairment	'
	Evaluation for Long-Lived Asset Impairment
	We periodically evaluate the need to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”).  Long-lived assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired. In evaluating an asset for recoverability, we estimate the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the cumulative undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the cash flows are then discounted at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital and compared to the carrying value of the assets. The result is a write down of the asset to fair value by recording an impairment charge.  The estimation of fair value is measured by discounting expected future cash flows.   The recoverability assessment related to store-level assets requires judgments and estimates of future revenues, gross margin rates, store expenses and the weighted average cost of capital.  We base these estimates upon our past and expected future performance.  We believe our estimates are appropriate in light of current market conditions.  However, actual results may differ materially from those estimated which could result in additional impairments of store long-lived assets in future periods, and could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements (See Note 3 for a further discussion).
Pre-Opening Expenses	'
	Pre-Opening Expenses
	New store pre-opening costs are expensed as they are incurred.
Leases	'
	Leases
	Our store operating leases typically provide for fixed non-contingent rent escalations. Rent payments under our store leases typically commence when the store opens.  These leases include a pre-opening period that allows us to take possession of the property to fixture and merchandise the store. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of each individual underlying lease, commencing when we take possession of the property (see Note 13 for further information regarding leases).
	In addition, most store leases require us to pay additional rent based on specified percentages of sales, after we achieve specified annual sales thresholds. We use store sales trends to estimate and record liabilities for these additional rent obligations during interim periods. Most of our store leases entitle us to receive tenant allowances from our landlords. We record these tenant allowances as a deferred rent liability, which we amortize as a reduction of rent expense over the non-cancelable term of each underlying lease.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Sales revenue is recognized at the “point of sale” in our stores, and at the time our e-commerce customers take possession of merchandise. Allowances for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the periods in which the related sales are recognized.  Also included in sales revenue is shipping revenue from our e-commerce customers.  Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included in accrued expenses on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Revenue from international licensing arrangements is recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement, generally based upon the greater of the contractually earned or guaranteed minimum royalty levels.
Gift Cards	'
	Gift Cards
	We sell gift cards to our customers in our retail stores, through our websites, and through select third parties. We do not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards and our gift cards do not have an expiration date.  Revenue is not recorded on the purchase of gift cards.  A current liability is recorded upon purchase, and revenue is recognized when the gift card or store credits are redeemed for merchandise.  We also recognize breakage income for the portion of gift cards estimated to be unredeemed.  We have relieved our legal obligation to escheat the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdiction.  We therefore determined that the likelihood of certain gift cards being redeemed by the customer was remote, based upon historical redemption patterns of gift cards.  For those gift cards that we determined redemption to be remote, we reversed our liability and recorded gift card breakage income in net sales.
Cost of Sales	'
	Cost of Sales
	Cost of sales includes costs related to merchandise sold, including inventory valuation adjustments, distribution and warehousing, freight from the distribution center to the stores, shipping and handling costs, payroll for our design, buying and merchandising departments and occupancy costs. Occupancy costs include rent, contingent rents, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, depreciation and amortization and impairment charges.
	Cost of sales for fiscal 2011 includes a pre-tax benefit of $8.7 million resulting from the resolution of a dispute with one of our sourcing agents, related to prior period allowances recorded in the second quarter.  Of this benefit, $8.0 million relates to fiscal years 2007 through 2010 and was not material to any individual prior period.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'
	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses, or “SG&A”, include costs related to selling expenses, store management and corporate expenses such as payroll and employee benefits, marketing expenses, employment taxes, information technology maintenance costs and expenses, insurance and legal expenses, e-commerce transaction related expenses, store pre-opening costs and other corporate level expenses. Store pre-opening costs include store level payroll, grand opening event marketing, travel, supplies and other store pre-opening expenses.
Self-Insurance	'
	Self-Insurance
	We self-insure our workers compensation claims and our employee medical benefits. The recorded liabilities for these obligations are calculated primarily using historical experience and current information. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims and estimated claims incurred but not yet reported.  Self-insurance liabilities were $5.2 million at February 1, 2014 and $5.1 million at February 2, 2013.  We paid workers compensation claims of $0.9 million in fiscal 2013, $1.0 million in fiscal 2012 and $0.8 million in fiscal 2011.  In addition, we paid employee medical claims of $16.2 million in fiscal 2013, $14.1 million in fiscal 2012 and $13.8 million in fiscal 2011.
Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	Retirement Benefit Plans
	Our retirement benefit plan costs are accounted for using actuarial valuations required by FASB ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”).  ASC 715 requires an entity to recognize the funded status of its defined pension plans on the balance sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, within other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (see Note 11 for a further discussion).
Marketing Costs	'
	Marketing Costs
	Marketing costs, which include e-commerce, print, radio and other media advertising, are expensed at the point of first broadcast or distribution, and were $22.4 million in fiscal 2013, $17.5 million in fiscal 2012, and $11.8 million in fiscal 2011.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	We follow the provisions from the FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Under such guidance, all forms of share-based payment to employees and directors, including stock options, must be treated as compensation and recognized in the statements of operations (see Note 10 for a further discussion).
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”).  Under ASC 740, income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequence of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established using statutory tax rates and are adjusted for tax rate changes.
	ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and requires companies to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is not “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded.  Interest and penalties, if any, are recorded within the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the related liability for uncertain tax contingency liabilities.
	A valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In determining the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, forecasted future earnings, taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, tax planning strategies and other relevant factors.  The need for and the amount of valuation allowances can change in future periods if operating results and projections change significantly.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the current period presentation, specifically we separately presented prepaid rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013.
Recent Accounting Developments	'
	Recent Accounting Developments
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Income Taxes ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"). ASU 2013-02 contains new requirements related to the presentation and disclosure of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income. These requirements provide financial statement users with a more comprehensive view of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive (loss) income. This ASU is effective for the Company's fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Estimated Useful Lives of Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements	'
	Fixtures, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Fixtures and equipment	10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful lives or lease term
	Computer equipment	5 years
	Software	3 years

Acquisition_of_GoJanecom_Inc_T

Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc. (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the GJ Performance Plan measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
			February 1,			February 2,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period		$	7,019		$	—
	Accretion of interest expense		397			—
	Fair value of GJ Performance Plan on date of acquisition		—			7,019
	Balance at end of period		$	7,416		$	7,019
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	Total consideration of $32.6 million was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, as follows, with the remaining unallocated purchase price recorded to goodwill (in thousands):
	Total cash consideration		$	25,556
	Assets acquired:
	Inventory		2,961
	Other assets		162
	Intangible assets:
	Trademarks		11,400
	Customer relationships		3,400
	E-commerce software platform		800
	Total assets acquired		$	18,723
	Liabilities assumed		(67		)
	Contingent consideration recognized		(7,019		)
	Net assets acquired		$	11,637
	Goodwill		$	13,919
Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	'
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
			1-Feb-14
	Description		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization		Net
			(In thousands)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships		$	3,400		$	607	$	2,793
	E-commerce software platform		800			332		468
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		4,200			939		3,261
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Trademarks		11,400			—		11,400
	Total intangible assets		$	15,600		$	939	$	14,661
			2-Feb-13
	Description		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization		Net
			(In thousands)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships		$	3,400		$	121	$	3,279
	E-commerce software platform		800			66		734
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization		4,200			187		4,013
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
	Trademarks		11,400			—		11,400
	Total intangible assets		$	15,600		$	187	$	15,413
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'
	Based on the amount of intangible assets subject to amortization as of February 1, 2014, the expected amortization for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
		Amortization Expense
		(In thousands)
	Fiscal 2014	$	752
	Fiscal 2015	686
	Fiscal 2016	486
	Fiscal 2017	486
	Fiscal 2018	486
	Thereafter	365
	Total	$	3,261

Store_Asset_Impairment_Charges1

Store Asset Impairment Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Long-Lived Assets Impaired	'
	The table below sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair value of long-lived assets for which an impairment was recognized during the year (in thousands):
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)				Total Losses
								Total Fair Value
	February 1, 2014:
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	—	$	—	$	11,687	$	11,687	$	46,070
	February 2, 2013:
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	—	$	—	$	4,237	$	4,237	$	32,633
	January 28, 2012:
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	—	$	—	$	979	$	979	$	16,036

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
		February 1,				February 2,
		2014				2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension liability, net of tax	$	(2,007	)		$	(2,541	)
	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment 1	824				2,731
	Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(1,183	)		$	190
	1 Foreign currency translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to a permanent investment in our subsidiary in Canada.
Schedule of changes in components in accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The changes in components in accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal 2013 are as follows:
		1-Feb-14
		Pension Liability				Foreign Currency Translation			Total
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance at February 3, 2013	$	(2,541	)		$	2,731		$	190
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	—				(1,907		)	(1,907		)
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,749				—			1,749
	Tax effect on pension liability	(1,215		)		—			(1,215		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	534				(1,907		)	(1,373		)
	Ending balance at February 1, 2014	$	(2,007	)		$	824		$	(1,183	)
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated comprehensive loss	'
	The details related to the reclassifications out of accumulated comprehensive loss are as follows:
			1-Feb-14
			(In thousands)
	Amortization of defined benefit plan items:
	Net loss		$	849		1
	Amortization of loss		276			1
	Amortization of prior service cost		74			1
	Settlement loss		577			1
	Total before tax		$	1,776
	Other before tax		(27		)
			1,749
	Tax expense		(1,215		)
	Net of tax		$	534

Fixtures_Equipment_and_Improve1

Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements	'
	Fixtures, equipment and improvements consist of the following (in thousands):
		February 1, 2014		February 2, 2013
	Leasehold improvements	$	316,581	$	324,386
	Fixtures and equipment	144,767		145,060
	Computer equipment and software	127,773		111,022
	Construction in progress	3,615		2,593
		592,736		583,061
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	357,335		320,283
		$	235,401	$	262,778

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accrued expenses and other current liabilities	'
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
		February 1,		February 2,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Accrued gift cards	$	27,783	$	29,630
	Accrued compensation	16,939		15,808
	Accrued rent	6,574		11,101
	Accrued income taxes	681		13,078
	Current portion of SERP liability	—		2,146
	Other	50,139		41,752
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	102,116	$	113,515

Noncurrent_Liabilities_Tables

Non-current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of non-current liabilities	'
	Non-current liabilities consist of the following:
		February 1,		February 2,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Deferred rent	$	46,831	$	44,875
	Deferred tenant allowance	51,189		56,096
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities	14,339		13,454
	Uncertain tax contingency liabilities	3,702		2,740
	Other	10,527		9,809
	Total non-current liabilities	$	126,588	$	126,974

Loss_Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

(Loss) Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computations of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
		Fiscal Year Ended
		February 1,			February 2,		January 28, 2012
		2014			2013
	Net (loss) income	$	(141,831	)	$	34,923	$	69,515
	Weighted average basic shares	78,455			80,069		81,208
	Impact of dilutive securities	—			425		603
	Weighted average diluted shares	78,455			80,494		81,811
	Basic (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.81	)	$	0.44	$	0.86
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$	(1.81	)	$	0.43	$	0.85

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule restricted stock units outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes restricted stock units outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	—		$	—
	Granted	230		9.05
	Vested	—		—
	Cancelled	—		—
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	230		$	9.05
Summary of non-vested shares of stock outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes non-vested shares of stock outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant-Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	1,542		$	17.76
	Granted	976		13.47
	Vested	(316	)	25.02
	Cancelled	(346	)	14.8
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	1,856		$	14.82
Summary of performance shares of stock outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes performance shares of stock outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Performance-based					Market-based
		Performance Shares					Performance Shares
		Shares		Weighted Average			Shares			Weighted Average
				Grant-Date Fair Value						Grant-Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)					(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	—		$	—		—			$	—
	Granted	124		13.6			399			20
	Vested	—		—			—			—
	Cancelled	(124	)	(13.60		)	(8	)		19.18
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	—		$	—		391			$	20.01
Schedule unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted-average years expected to be recognized related to performance share awards outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted-average years expected to be recognized related to performance share awards outstanding as of February 1, 2014:
		Performance-based			Market-based
		Performance Shares			Performance Shares
	Total unrecognized compensation (in millions)	$	—		$	5.7
	Weighted-average years expected to be recognized over (years)	0			2
Stock options activity table	'
	The following table summarizes stock option transactions for common stock during fiscal 2013:
		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		(In thousands)					(In years)		(In millions)
	Outstanding as of February 3, 2013	530		$	15.99
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(21	)	10.48
	Cancelled1	(132	)	15.09
	Outstanding as of February 1, 2014	377		$	16.61		1.35		$	—
	Options vested as of February 1, 2014 and expected to vest2	377		$	16.61		1.35		$	—
	Exercisable as of February 1, 2014	367		$	16.61		1.23		$	—
	1 The number of options cancelled includes approximately 84,000 expired shares.
	2 The number of options expected to vest takes into consideration estimated expected forfeitures.
Summary of information regarding non-vested outstanding options	'
	The following table summarizes information regarding non-vested outstanding stock options as of February 1, 2014:
				Weighted Average
		Shares		Grant-Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Non-vested as of February 3, 2013	15		$	6.41
	Granted	—		—
	Vested	(5	)	6.41
	Cancelled	—		—
	Non-vested as of February 1, 2014	10		$	6.41

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Table

Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement benefit plan liabilities	'
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities consisted of the following:
		February 1, 2014				February 2, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”)	$	10,551			$	12,637
	Other retirement plan liabilities	3,788				2,963
	Total	14,339				15,600
	Less amount classified in accrued expenses related to SERP	—				2,146
	Long-term retirement benefit plan liabilities	$	14,339			$	13,454
Reconciliation of supplemental executive retirement plan information	'
	The following information about the SERP is provided below (in thousands):
			February 1,				February 2,
			2014				2013
	CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period		$	12,637			$	11,601
	Service cost		524				725
	Interest cost		434				458
	Plan amendments		—				—
	Actuarial gain		(849		)		(147		)
	Benefits paid		—				—
	Settlements		(2,195		)		—
	Special termination benefits		—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of period		$	10,551			$	12,637
	CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		—				—
	Employer contributions		2,195				—
	Benefits paid		—				—
	Settlements		(2,195		)		—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period		$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of period		$	(10,551	)		$	(12,637	)
	AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
	Noncurrent assets		$	—			$	—
	Current liabilities		—				(2,146		)
	Noncurrent liabilities		(10,551		)		(10,491		)
			$	(10,551	)		$	(12,637	)
	AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
	Net loss		$	2,560			$	4,262
	Prior service cost		463				537
	Total		$	3,023			$	4,799
	INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH AN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS:
	Projected benefit obligation		$	10,551			$	12,637
	Accumulated benefit obligation		5,903				7,769
	Fair value of plan assets		—				—
Components of net periodic pension benefit cost	'
	Pension expense includes the following components (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013				2012			2011
	COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST:
	Service cost		$	524			$	725		$	584
	Interest cost		434				458			497
	Expected return on plan assets		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost		74				74			74
	Amortization of net loss		276				278			208
	Net periodic benefit cost		1,308				1,535			$	1,363
	Settlement loss		577				—			501
	Total benefit cost		$	1,885			$	1,535		$	1,864
	OTHER CHANGES IN PLAN ASSETS AND BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS RECOGNIZED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
	Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	(849	)		$	(147	)	$	2,298
	Prior service cost		—				—			—
	Amortization of net loss		(276		)		(278		)	(208		)
	Amortization of prior service cost		(74		)		(74		)	(74		)
	Settlement loss		(577		)		—			(501		)
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(1,776	)		$	(499	)	$	1,515
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income		$	109			$	1,036		$	3,379
	WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED:
	Discount rate to determine benefit obligations		3.85		%		3.5		%	3.95		%
	Discount rate to determine net periodic pension cost		3.72		%		3.95		%	5.13		%
	Rate of compensation increase1		4.5		%		4.5		%	4.5		%
	1 Rate of compensation is used for determining the benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Domestic and Foreign Pretax Income	'
	Domestic and foreign pretax (loss) income is as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013				2012				2011
	Domestic		$	(154,148	)		$	78,550			$	121,799
	Foreign		(31,971		)		(19,524		)		(8,701		)
	Total (loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes		$	(186,119	)		$	59,026			$	113,098
Components of Provision For Income Taxes	'
	The (benefit) provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal		$	(45,615	)		$	32,740			$	28,543
	State and local		2,035				1,930				4,604
	Foreign		1,052				(1,707		)		757
			$	(42,528	)		$	32,963			$	33,904
	Deferred:
	Federal		$	(5,981	)		$	(5,234	)		$	9,622
	State and local		1,707				(1,556		)		2,782
	Foreign		2,514				(2,070		)		(2,725		)
			$	(1,760	)		$	(8,860	)		$	9,679
			$	(44,288	)		$	24,103			$	43,583
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	Reconciliation of the U.S. statutory tax rate with our effective tax rate is summarized as follows:
			Fiscal
			2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	(Decrease) increase in tax resulting from:
	Foreign income taxes		(4.2	)%		4.5	%		0.6	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit, before valuation allowance		4.1	%		(1.7	)%		3.9	%
	State income tax valuation allowance		(5.9	)%		0.1	%		1.2	%
	Federal income tax valuation allowance		(4.8	)%		—	%		—	%
	Other		(0.4	)%		2.9	%		(2.2	)%
	Effective rate		23.8	%		40.8	%		38.5	%
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
			1-Feb-14				2-Feb-13
	Current:
	Inventory		$	(7,094	)		$	(6,171	)
	Unredeemed gift cards		3,620				2,803
	Accrued compensation		1,930				1,826
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities		—				868
	Other		1,681				690
	Net current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		$	137			$	16
	Valuation allowance		(42		)		—
	Net current deferred tax assets		$	95			$	16
	Non-current:
	Furniture, equipment and improvements		$	433			$	(20,823	)
	Retirement benefit plan liabilities		5,624				5,411
	Stock-based compensation		7,423				6,119
	Deferred rent and tenant allowances		10,354				10,014
	Net operating loss carry-forwards (“NOL’s”)		15,083				4,059
	Other		(2,222		)		1,381
	Net non-current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		36,695				6,161
	Valuation allowance		(31,883		)		(1,328		)
	Net non-current deferred tax assets		$	4,812			$	4,833
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	4,907			$	4,849
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation	'
	Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions (excluding interest and penalties), which are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
		Unrecognized
		Tax Benefits
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 29, 2011	$	3,228
	Increases due to tax positions related to prior years	165
	Decreases due to tax positions related to prior years	(6		)
	Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	(347		)
	Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	(227		)
	Balance at January 28, 2012	$	2,813
	Increases due to tax positions related to prior years	96
	Decreases due to tax positions related to prior years	(38		)
	Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	(991		)
	Balance at February 2, 2013	$	1,880
	Increases due to tax positions related to prior years	730
	Increases due to tax positions related to current year	6,158
	Increases due to settlements with taxing authorities	56
	Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	(195		)
	Decreases due to tax positions related to prior years	(9		)
	Balance at February 1, 2014	$	8,620

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Aggregate Minimum Annual Real Estate Rent Commitments	'
	The aggregate minimum annual real estate rent commitments as of February 1, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Due in Fiscal Year	Total
	2014	$	148,765
	2015	136,534
	2016	119,423
	2017	110,245
	2018	102,564
	Thereafter	330,580
	Total	$	948,111
Rental Expense	'
	Rental expense consists of the following (in thousands):
			Fiscal
			2013		2012		2011
	Minimum rentals for stores		$	145,454	$	138,126	$	130,414
	Contingent rentals		9,925		16,399		18,770
	Office space rentals		6,399		5,459		5,017
	Distribution centers rentals		3,229		3,229		3,229
	Equipment rentals		4,035		4,347		3,683

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial information (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended
			May 4,			August 3,			November 2,			February 1,
			2013 (1)			2013 (2)			2013 (3)			2014 (4)
	Fiscal 2013
	Net sales		$	452,273		$	454,034		$	514,588		$	670,007
	Gross profit		101,435			81,171			87,889			86,868
	Net loss		(12,168		)	(33,734		)	(25,623		)	(70,306		)
	Basic loss per share		(0.16		)	(0.43		)	(0.33		)	(0.90		)
	Diluted loss per share		(0.16		)	(0.43		)	(0.33		)	(0.90		)
			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ended			14 Weeks Ended
			April 28,			July 28,			October 27,			February 2,
			2012			2012			2012			2013 (5)
	Fiscal 2012
	Net sales		$	497,214		$	485,337		$	605,918		$	797,709
	Gross profit		139,012			122,770			169,007			158,568
	Net income (loss)		10,576			71			24,947			(671		)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share		0.13			0			0.31			(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share		0.13			0			0.31			(0.01		)
	-1	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 of $0.6 million ($0.3 million after tax, or no impact on diluted share).
	-2	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 of $8.0 million ($5.2 million after tax, or $0.07 per diluted share).
	-3	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 of $5.1 million ($2.8 million after tax, or $0.04 per diluted share).
	-4	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 of $32.4 million ($21.3 million after tax, or $0.27 per diluted share). Income tax benefit for the same period included the establishment of reserves against net deferred tax assets of $20.0 million after tax, or $0.25 per diluted share.
	-5	Cost of sales and gross profit reflect asset impairment charges recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 of $32.6 million ($19.7 million after tax, or $0.25 per diluted share).

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of net sales by segment	'
	The following tables provide summary financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):
		Fiscal
		2013				2012				2011
	Net sales:
	Retail stores and e-commerce	$	2,069,430			$	2,379,008			$	2,338,258
	International licensing	21,472				7,170				4,002
	Total net sales	$	2,090,902			$	2,386,178			$	2,342,260
Schedule of (loss) income from operations by segment	'
		Fiscal
		2013				2012				2011
	(Loss) income from operations:
	Retail stores and e-commerce 1	$	(153,466	)		$	85,859			$	118,088
	International licensing	20,035				6,285				2,763
	Other 2	$	(51,775	)		$	(32,633	)		$	(7,336	)
	Total (loss) income from operations	$	(185,206	)		$	59,511			$	113,515
	1 Such amounts include all corporate overhead and shared service function costs and we have not allocated a portion of these costs to international licensing in this presentation.
	2 Other items include store asset impairment charges in each fiscal year (See Note 3), litigation settlement charges in fiscal 2013 of $4.4 million (See Note 13), income from the settlement with a sourcing agent in fiscal 2011 of $8.7 million (See Note 1) and other income (charges) that are not included in the segment income (loss) from operations reviewed by the CODM.
Schedule of assets by segment	'
	Depreciation expense and capital expenditures have not been separately disclosed as the amounts primarily relate to the retail stores and e-commerce segment. Such amounts are not material for the international licensing segment.
		February 1,				February 2,
		2014				2013
	Total assets:
	Retail stores and e-commerce	$	637,927			$	734,361
	International licensing	9,714				6,483
	Total assets	$	647,641			$	740,844
Schedule of net sales and long-lived assets by geographic information	'
	The following tables present summarized geographical information (in thousands):
		Fiscal
		2013				2012				2011
	Net sales:
	United States 1	$	1,973,775			$	2,250,915			$	2,214,176
	Canada	117,127				135,263				128,084
	Total net sales	$	2,090,902			$	2,386,178			$	2,342,260
	1 Amounts represent sales from U.S. and Puerto Rico retail stores, as well as e-commerce sales, that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries and international licensing revenue.
	Long-lived assets include net fixtures, equipment and improvements. Amounts as of February 2, 2013 have been corrected to exclude goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 280.
		February 1,				February 2,
		2014				2013
	Long-lived assets, net:
	United States	$	225,778			$	239,812
	Canada	9,623				22,966
	Total long-lived assets, net	$	235,401			$	262,778
Schedules of consolidated net sales mix by merchandise category for our retail stores and e-commerce segment	'
	Our consolidated net sales mix by merchandise category for our retail stores and e-commerce segment was as follows:
		Fiscal
	Merchandise Categories	2013			2012			2011
	Young Women’s	65	%		64	%		66	%
	Young Men’s	35	%		36	%		34	%
	Total Merchandise Sales	100	%		100	%		100	%

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Organization	'	'	'
Fiscal year	'P52W	'P53W	'P52W
Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions	'	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency adjustment	$0.80	$2.70	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents at fair value	82.4	176.3	'
Merchandise Inventory	'	'	'
Inventory adjustments	27.6	15	'
Vendor Rebates	'	'	'
Vendor rebates recorded as reduction of merchandise inventory	0.9	1.6	'
Vendor rebates recorded as reduction of cost of sales	9.7	10.1	13
Revenue Recognition	'	'	'
Revenues relating to licensing arrangements in net sales	21.5	7.2	4
Net sales related to gift card breakage income	5.8	3.7	5.6
Cost of Sales	'	'	'
Income from settlement with a sourcing agent	'	'	8.7
Cost of Sales Sold, Resolution Dispute for Prior Period Benefit (Expense)	'	'	8
Self-Insurance	'	'	'
Self-insurance liabilities	5.2	5.1	'
Workers compensation claims paid	0.9	1	0.8
Employee medical claims paid	16.2	14.1	13.8
Marketing Costs	'	'	'
Marketing costs expensed	$22.40	$17.50	$11.80
Aeropostale	'	'	'
Organization	'	'	'
Number of Aeropostale stores	949	'	'
Number of stores in 50 states and Puerto Rico	871	'	'
Number of states with Aeropostale stores	50	'	'
Number of Aeropostale stores in Canada	78	'	'
Number of International Stores	95	'	'
P.S. from Aeropostale	'	'	'
Organization	'	'	'
Number of P.S. from Aeropostale stores	151	'	'
Number of states with P.S. from Aeropostale stores	31	'	'
Aeropostale and P.S. from Aeropostale Combination [Member]	'	'	'
Organization	'	'	'
Number of International Stores	1	'	'
Merchandise vendors	'	'	'
Concentration of Credit Risk	'	'	'
Percentage of merchandise sourced to top five merchandise vendors (in hundredths)	83.00%	84.00%	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014
Fixtures and equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Useful life	'10 years
Leasehold improvements	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Useful life	'Lesser of useful lives or lease term
Computer equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Useful life	'5 years
Software	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Useful life	'3 years

Acquisition_of_GoJanecom_Inc_D

Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc. (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Nov. 13, 2012	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
				GoJane	GoJane	GoJane	GoJane	Customer relationships	E-commerce software platform
				stockholders				GoJane	GoJane
Business Acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consideration transferred	'	'	'	$33,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total cash consideration	'	'	'	25,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Amount recognized for working capital adjustment	'	'	'	400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	'	'	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Duration for contingent consideration	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'
Number of individual stockholders of acquired business	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration recognized	'	'	'	7,019,000	7,416,000	7,019,000	0	'	'
Current liabilities arising from contingencies recognized	'	'	'	'	1,600,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase price fair value	'	'	'	32,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, estimated useful life	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'7 years	'3 years
Business acquisition, contingent consideration, restricted shares	'	'	'	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, contingent consideration, restricted shares, liability	'	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	$752,000	$187,000	$0	'	$800,000	$200,000	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life	'	'	'	'	'6 years	'	'	'	'

Acquisition_of_GoJanecom_Inc_C

Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc. (Contingent Consideration) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Nov. 13, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
				GoJane	GoJane	GoJane	GoJane
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accretion of interest expense	$397	$0	$0	$397	$0	'	'
Contingent consideration recognized	'	'	'	$7,416	$7,019	$7,019	$0

Acquisition_of_GoJanecom_Inc_N

Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc. (Net Assets Acquiried) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Nov. 13, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible assets:	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$13,919	$13,919	'	'
GoJane	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition	'	'	'	'
Total cash consideration	'	'	25,556	'
Assets acquired:	'	'	'	'
Inventory	'	'	2,961	'
Other assets	'	'	162	'
Intangible assets:	'	'	'	'
Total assets acquired	'	'	18,723	'
Liabilities assumed	'	'	-67	'
Contingent consideration recognized	-7,416	-7,019	-7,019	0
Net assets acquired	'	'	11,637	'
Goodwill	'	'	13,919	'
Trademark | GoJane	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets:	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	11,400	'
Customer relationships | GoJane	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets:	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	3,400	'
E-commerce software platform | GoJane	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets:	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	$800	'

Acquisition_of_GoJanecom_Inc_I

Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc. (Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:	'	'
Total intangible assets, net	$14,661	$15,413
GoJane	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization:	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	4,200	4,200
Accumulated Amortization	939	187
Net	3,261	4,013
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:	'	'
Trademarks	11,400	11,400
Total intangible assets, gross	15,600	15,600
Total intangible assets, net	14,661	15,413
GoJane | Customer relationships	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization:	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	3,400	3,400
Accumulated Amortization	607	121
Net	2,793	3,279
GoJane | E-commerce software platform	'	'
Intangible assets subject to amortization:	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	800	800
Accumulated Amortization	332	66
Net	$468	$734

Acquisition_of_GoJanecom_Inc_F

Acquisition of GoJane.com, Inc. (Future Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Fiscal 2014	$752
Fiscal 2015	686
Fiscal 2016	486
Fiscal 2017	486
Fiscal 2018	486
Thereafter	365
Total	$3,261

Store_Asset_Impairment_Charges2

Store Asset Impairment Charges (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
	Stores	Stores		Stores
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets held and used losses	$32,633,000	$46,070,000	$32,633,000	$16,036,000
Number of stores impaired	119	230	'	39
Carrying amount of long-lived assets held and used	$36,800,000	$57,800,000	$36,800,000	$17,000,000

Store_Asset_Impairment_Charges3

Store Asset Impairment Charges (Fair Value of Long-Lived Assets) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 02, 2013

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 28, 2012

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 29, 2011

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 29, 2011

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 29, 2011

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 29, 2011

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-lived assets held and used

'

'

'

'

$11,687

$4,237

$979

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$11,687

$4,237

$979

Long-lived assets held and used losses

$32,633

$46,070

$32,633

$16,036

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012	Nov. 25, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders rights plan, rights distributed for each share of common stock	'	'	'	'	'	1
Stockholders right plan, exercise price	'	'	'	'	'	$40
Stockholders right plan, ownership threshold percent for person or group for double exercise price	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%
Stockholders right plan, ownership threshold percent for passive institutional investor for double exercise price	'	'	'	'	'	15.00%
Number of shares of common stock repurchased during the period (in shares)	'	'	'	3,000,000	4,163,000	'
Total cost of repurchased shares	'	'	'	$40,800,000	$100,100,000	'
Total number of shares repurchased (in shares)	'	'	60,100,000	'	'	'
Total amount paid for common stock repurchased under the plan to date	'	'	1,000,000,000	'	'	'
Amount of remaining authorization under repurchase program	'	104,400,000	'	'	'	'
Total share repurchase authorized	'	1,150,000,000	'	'	'	'
Number of shares withheld for minimum statutory withholding taxes.	'	'	100,000	'	'	'
Shares withheld for minimum statutory withholding taxes associated with vesting of shares	'	'	1,600,000	'	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock (in shares)	13,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Reduction of common stock on balance sheet due to treasury stock retirement	100,000	'	'	'	'	'
Reduction of treasury stock on balance sheet due to treasury stock retirement	301,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Reduction of retained earnings on balance sheet due to treasury stock retirement	$300,900,000	'	'	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Components

Stockholders' Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Pension liability, net of tax	($2,007)	($2,541)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	824	2,731
Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	($1,183)	$190

Stockholders_Equity_Changes_in

Stockholders' Equity (Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance at February 3, 2013	$190,000	'	'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-1,907,000	'	'
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,749,000	'	'
Tax effect on pension liability	-1,215,000	-345,000	-443,000
Ending balance at February 1, 2014	-1,183,000	190,000	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,373,000	1,029,000	-396,000
Pension Liability	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance at February 3, 2013	-2,541,000	'	'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0	'	'
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,749,000	'	'
Ending balance at February 1, 2014	-2,007,000	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	534,000	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance at February 3, 2013	2,731,000	'	'
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-1,907,000	'	'
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	'	'
Tax effect on pension liability	0	'	'
Ending balance at February 1, 2014	824,000	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	($1,907,000)	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Stockholders' Equity (Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax expense	($1,215)	($345)	($443)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other before tax	-27	'	'
Total before tax	1,749	'	'
Net of tax	534	'	'
Pension Liability | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net loss	849	'	'
Amortization of loss	276	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost	74	'	'
Settlement loss	577	'	'
Total before tax	1,776	'	'
Tax expense	($1,215)	'	'

Fixtures_Equipment_and_Improve2

Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Fixtures, equipment and improvements, gross	$592,736	$583,061	'
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	357,335	320,283	'
Fixtures, equipment and improvements, net	235,401	262,778	'
Depreciation and amortization	63,634	65,593	65,113
Leasehold Improvements	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Fixtures, equipment and improvements, gross	316,581	324,386	'
Fixtures and Equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Fixtures, equipment and improvements, gross	144,767	145,060	'
Computer Equipment and Software	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Fixtures, equipment and improvements, gross	127,773	111,022	'
Construction in Progress	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Fixtures, equipment and improvements, gross	$3,615	$2,593	'

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued gift cards	$27,783	$29,630
Accrued compensation	16,939	15,808
Accrued rent	6,574	11,101
Accrued income taxes	681	13,078
Current portion of SERP liability	0	2,146
Other	50,139	41,752
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$102,116	$113,515

Noncurrent_Liabilities_Details

Non-current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred rent	$46,831	$44,875	'
Deferred tenant allowance	51,189	56,096	'
Retirement benefit plan liabilities	14,339	13,454	'
Uncertain tax contingency liabilities	3,702	2,740	3,900
Other	10,527	9,809	'
Total non-current liabilities	$126,588	$126,974	'

Revolving_Credit_Facility_Deta

Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 21, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Cash dominion event, credit availability threshold percentage	'	12.50%
Minimum availability percentage of borrowing or commitments	'	10.00%
Previous Revolving Credit Facility	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	$175
Previous Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	200	175
Total Amended Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	230	'
First-In, Last-Out Revolving Loan Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	30	'
Increase in Existing Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	25	'
Letter of Credit [Member] | Subsequent Event	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	40
Previous Accordion Feature [Member] | Subsequent Event	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	75
Accordion Feature [Member] | Subsequent Event	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	50	'
Bank of America Credit Facility [Member] | Standby Letter of Credit	'	'
Line of Credit Facility	'	'
Outstanding letter of credit	'	$0.20

Loss_Earnings_Per_Share_Detail

(Loss) Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Feb. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Jul. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($70,306)	($25,623)	($33,734)	($12,168)	($671)	$24,947	$71	$10,576	($141,831)	$34,923	$69,515
Weighted average basic shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	78,455,000	80,069,000	81,208,000
Impact of dilutive securities (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	425,000	603,000
Weighted average diluted shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	78,455,000	80,494,000	81,811,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	($0.90)	($0.33)	($0.43)	($0.16)	($0.01)	$0.31	$0	$0.13	($1.81)	$0.44	$0.86
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	($0.90)	($0.33)	($0.43)	($0.16)	($0.01)	$0.31	$0	$0.13	($1.81)	$0.43	$0.85
Options to purchase shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,086	315,977

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 28, 2012

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 28, 2012

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Jan. 28, 2012

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 28, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 13, 2012

Feb. 01, 2014

Nov. 13, 2012

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Non-vested stock

Non-vested stock

Non-vested stock

Performance Shares

Performance-Based Performance Shares

Performance-Based Performance Shares

Market-based Performance Shares

Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights (CSARs)

Stock Options

Stock Options

Stock Options

Restricted Stock

GoJane

GoJane

GoJane

stockholders

Non-vested stock

stockholders

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for grant

1,273,238

2,601,401

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'

'3 years

'3 years

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'3 years

'4 years

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

Award term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense

'

'

'

$1.20

$13

$8

$9.20

'

'

$0.40

$2.10

$0.30

$0.10

$0.10

($0.20)

$1

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

0.8

12.1

'

'

'

0

'

5.7

0.9

0.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'2 years

'1 year

'

'

'

'0 years

'

'2 years

'2 years

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of shares vested of other-than-option awards

'

'

'

'

7.9

7.1

7.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of individual stockholders of acquired business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

2

Business acquisition, contingent consideration, restricted shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

'

'

Business acquisition, contingent consideration, restricted shares, liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.5

'

Expiration period, minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'8 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting for previously terminated employee after change in control of Company, period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options, grants in period (in shares)

0

10,000

10,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

230,000

976,000

'

'

'

124,000

'

399,000

5,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'3 years 8 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Risk free interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

0.97%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeiture rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected dividend yield

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected volatility rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

53.00%

'

'

'

53.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of expired shares included in cancelled options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

84,000

'

'

229,760

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of options exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.10

$0.40

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period For Subsequent Grants, Non-vested

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

StockBased_Compensation_Shares

Stock-Based Compensation (Shares of Stock Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013 (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	230
Vested (in shares)	0
Cancelled (in shares)	0
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014 (in shares)	230
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$9.05
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$9.05
Non-vested stock	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013 (in shares)	1,542
Granted (in shares)	976
Vested (in shares)	-316
Cancelled (in shares)	-346
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014 (in shares)	1,856
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$17.76
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$13.47
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$25.02
Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$14.80
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$14.82
Performance-Based Performance Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013 (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	124
Vested (in shares)	0
Cancelled (in shares)	-124
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014 (in shares)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$13.60
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	($13.60)
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Market-based Performance Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013 (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	399
Vested (in shares)	0
Cancelled (in shares)	-8
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014 (in shares)	391
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$20
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$19.18
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$20.01

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Transactions for Common Stock) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding	'	'	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013 (in shares)	530,000	'	'
Granted (in shares)	0	10,000	10,000
Exercised (in shares)	-21,000	'	'
Cancelled (in shares)	-132,000	'	'
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014 (in shares)	377,000	530,000	'
Options vested as of February 1, 2014 and expected to vest (in shares)	377,000	'	'
Exercisable as of February 1, 2014 (in shares)	367,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Outstanding as of February 3, 2013 (usd per share)	$15.99	'	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$0	'	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$10.48	'	'
Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$15.09	'	'
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014 (usd per share)	$16.61	$15.99	'
Options vested as of February 1, 2014 and expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$16.61	'	'
Exercisable as of February 1, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$16.61	'	'
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	'1 year 4 months 6 days	'	'
Options vested as of February 1, 2014 and expected to vest, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	'1 year 4 months 6 days	'	'
Exercisable as of February 1, 2014, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	'1 year 2 months 23 days	'	'
Outstanding as of February 1, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0	'	'
Options vested as of February 1, 2014 and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0	'	'
Exercisable as of February 1, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_NonVes

Stock-Based Compensation (Non-Vested Outstanding Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	'
Non-vested as of February 3, 2013 (in shares)	15
Granted (in shares)	0
Vested (in shares)	-5
Cancelled (in shares)	0
Non-vested as of February 1, 2014 (in shares)	10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Non-vested as of February 3, 2013, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$6.41
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$6.41
Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$0
Non-vested as of February 1, 2014, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$6.41

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Narra

Retirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Jan. 28, 2012

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 01, 2014

Feb. 01, 2014

Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit

Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit

Long-term Incentive Deferred Compensation Plan

Long-term Incentive Deferred Compensation Plan

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of employee gross earnings that may be contributed to plan, maximum

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employer matching contribution

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of employee gross earnings that employer will provide a match for, maximum

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period of matching contribution, maximum

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting percentage after two years

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting percentage after year three

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of vesting increase per year thereafter until fully vested

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period of service in which participants become fully vested upon retirement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

Contribution expense

$1,800,000

$1,500,000

$1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,200,000

$600,000

$400,000

Estimated net loss for the defined benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period for incentive deferred compensation plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

Minimum age of participant becoming fully vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'55 years

'

'

'

'

Other retirement plan liabilities

$14,339,000

$15,600,000

'

$10,551,000

$12,637,000

$3,788,000

$2,963,000

$3,600,000

$2,800,000

'

'

'

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Retir

Retirement Benefit Plans (Retirement Benefit Plan Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Total	$14,339	$15,600
Less amount classified in accrued expenses related to SERP	0	2,146
Long-term retirement benefit plan liabilities	14,339	13,454
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Total	10,551	12,637
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'
Total	$3,788	$2,963

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Recon

Retirement Benefit Plans (Reconciliation of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Information) (Details) (Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$12,637	$11,601	'
Service cost	524	725	584
Interest cost	434	458	497
Plan amendments	0	0	'
Actuarial gain	-849	-147	2,298
Benefits paid	0	0	'
Settlements	-2,195	0	'
Special termination benefits	0	0	'
Benefit obligation at end of period	10,551	12,637	11,601
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	0	'	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0	'
Employer contributions	2,195	0	'
Benefits paid	0	0	'
Settlements	-2,195	0	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Funded status at end of period	-10,551	-12,637	'
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION:	'	'	'
Noncurrent assets	0	0	'
Current liabilities	0	-2,146	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-10,551	-10,491	'
Total amounts recognized in the statement of financial position	-10,551	-12,637	'
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:	'	'	'
Net loss	2,560	4,262	'
Prior service cost	463	537	'
Total	3,023	4,799	'
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH AN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS:	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	10,551	12,637	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	5,903	7,769	'
Fair value of plan assets	$0	$0	'

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Compo

Retirement Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	$524	$725	$584
Interest cost	434	458	497
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	74	74	74
Amortization of net loss	276	278	208
Net periodic benefit cost	1,308	1,535	1,363
Settlement loss	577	0	501
Total benefit cost	1,885	1,535	1,864
OTHER CHANGES IN PLAN ASSETS AND BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS RECOGNIZED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:	'	'	'
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-849	-147	2,298
Prior service cost	0	0	0
Amortization of net loss	-276	-278	-208
Amortization of prior service cost	-74	-74	-74
Settlement loss	-577	0	-501
Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,776	-499	1,515
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income	$109	$1,036	$3,379
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED:	'	'	'
Discount rate to determine benefit obligations	3.85%	3.50%	3.95%
Discount rate to determine net periodic pension cost	3.72%	3.95%	5.13%
Rate of compensation increase1	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss from U.S. federal, state, and Canadian NOL's	$357,800,000	'	'
Income taxes receivable	50,388,000	7,691,000	'
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	15,100,000	'	'
Valuation allowance related to NOL carry forwards	12,700,000	'	'
Valuation allowance	19,200,000	'	'
Uncertain tax contingency liabilities	3,702,000	2,740,000	3,900,000
Portion of gross unrecognized tax benefits that would affect its effective tax rate, including interest and penalties	9,900,000	'	'
Increases due to tax positions related to current year	6,158,000	'	'
Accrued interests and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$1,200,000	$800,000	'
Minimum | State	'	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax examination period	'6 years	'	'
Maximum | State	'	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax examination period	'10 years	'	'

Income_Taxes_Domestic_and_Fore

Income Taxes (Domestic and Foreign Pretax Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic	($154,148)	$78,550	$121,799
Foreign	-31,971	-19,524	-8,701
(Loss) income before income taxes	($186,119)	$59,026	$113,098

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes (Components of Provistion for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	($45,615)	$32,740	$28,543
State and local	2,035	1,930	4,604
Foreign	1,052	-1,707	757
Total current	-42,528	32,963	33,904
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	-5,981	-5,234	9,622
State and local	1,707	-1,556	2,782
Foreign	2,514	-2,070	-2,725
Total deferred	-1,760	-8,860	9,679
Total	($44,288)	$24,103	$43,583

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
(Decrease) increase in tax resulting from:	'	'	'
Foreign income taxes	-4.20%	4.50%	0.60%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit, before valuation allowance	4.10%	-1.70%	3.90%
State income tax valuation allowance	-5.90%	0.10%	1.20%
Federal income tax valuation allowance	-4.80%	0.00%	0.00%
Other	-0.40%	2.90%	-2.20%
Effective rate	23.80%	40.80%	38.50%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current:	'	'
Inventory	($7,094)	($6,171)
Unredeemed gift cards	3,620	2,803
Accrued compensation	1,930	1,826
Retirement benefit plan liabilities	0	868
Other	1,681	690
Net current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	137	16
Valuation allowance	-42	0
Net current deferred tax assets	95	16
Non-current:	'	'
Furniture, equipment and improvements	433	-20,823
Retirement benefit plan liabilities	5,624	5,411
Stock-based compensation	7,423	6,119
Deferred rent and tenant allowances	10,354	10,014
Net operating loss carry-forwards (“NOL’s”)	15,083	4,059
Other	-2,222	1,381
Net non-current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	36,695	6,161
Valuation allowance	-31,883	-1,328
Net non-current deferred tax assets	4,812	4,833
Net deferred income tax assets	$4,907	$4,849

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance beginning	$1,880	$2,813	$3,228
Increases due to tax positions related to prior years	730	96	165
Increases due to tax positions related to current year	6,158	'	'
Decreases due to tax positions related to prior years	-9	-38	-6
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	'	'	-347
Increases due to settlements with taxing authorities	56	'	'
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities	-195	-991	-227
Balance ending	$8,620	$1,880	$2,813

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2011	Feb. 01, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Equipment leases commitment	'	$6.90
Amount of conditional bonuses that may be paid in 2014	'	1
Amount of conditional bonuses that may be paid in 2015	'	0.5
Litigation settlement charges	'	15
Litigation settlement liabilities	'	4.4
Period for sourcing agreement	'3 years	'
Amount of guaranteed minimum product purchase commitment	350	'
Length of measurement period for sourcing agreement	'2 years	'
Chief Executive Officer [Member]	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Period for contractual commitment of employment	'	'3 years
Contractual commitment for employment	'	2.2
Bank of America Credit Facility [Member] | Standby Letter of Credit	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Outstanding letter of credit	'	$0.20

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Aggregate Minimum Annual Real Estate Rent Commitments) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$148,765
2015	136,534
2016	119,423
2017	110,245
2018	102,564
Thereafter	330,580
Total	$948,111

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia4

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Rental Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Minimum rentals for stores	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'	'
Rental Expense	$145,454	$138,126	$130,414
Contingent rentals	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'	'
Rental Expense	9,925	16,399	18,770
Office space rentals	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'	'
Rental Expense	6,399	5,459	5,017
Distribution centers rentals	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'	'
Rental Expense	3,229	3,229	3,229
Equipment rentals	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'	'
Rental Expense	$4,035	$4,347	$3,683

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Feb. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Jul. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$670,007,000	$514,588,000	$454,034,000	$452,273,000	$797,709,000	$605,918,000	$485,337,000	$497,214,000	$2,090,902,000	$2,386,178,000	$2,342,260,000
Gross profit	86,868,000	87,889,000	81,171,000	101,435,000	158,568,000	169,007,000	122,770,000	139,012,000	357,363,000	589,357,000	608,344,000
Net (loss) income	-70,306,000	-25,623,000	-33,734,000	-12,168,000	-671,000	24,947,000	71,000	10,576,000	-141,831,000	34,923,000	69,515,000
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	($0.90)	($0.33)	($0.43)	($0.16)	($0.01)	$0.31	$0	$0.13	($1.81)	$0.44	$0.86
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	($0.90)	($0.33)	($0.43)	($0.16)	($0.01)	$0.31	$0	$0.13	($1.81)	$0.43	$0.85
Asset impairment charges	32,400,000	5,100,000	8,000,000	600,000	32,600,000	'	'	'	46,070,000	32,633,000	16,036,000
Asset impairment charges, after tax	21,300,000	2,800,000	5,200,000	300,000	19,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment charges per share (in dollars per share)	$0.27	$0.04	$0.07	'	$0.25	'	'	'	'	'	'
Benefit from resolution of dispute with sourcing agent, after tax	$20,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Benefit from resolution of dispute with sourcing agent per share (in dollars per share)	$0.25	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	4-May-13	Feb. 02, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012	Jul. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
									segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Total assets	$647,641,000	'	'	'	$740,844,000	'	'	'	$647,641,000	$740,844,000	'
Total net sales	670,007,000	514,588,000	454,034,000	452,273,000	797,709,000	605,918,000	485,337,000	497,214,000	2,090,902,000	2,386,178,000	2,342,260,000
Income from settlement with a sourcing agent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,700,000
Total (loss) income from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-185,206,000	59,511,000	113,515,000
Litigation settlement charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,400,000	'	'
Total long-lived assets, net	235,401,000	'	'	'	262,778,000	'	'	'	235,401,000	262,778,000	'
Total Merchandise Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,973,775,000	2,250,915,000	2,214,176,000
Total long-lived assets, net	225,778,000	'	'	'	239,812,000	'	'	'	225,778,000	239,812,000	'
Canada	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	117,127,000	135,263,000	128,084,000
Total long-lived assets, net	9,623,000	'	'	'	22,966,000	'	'	'	9,623,000	22,966,000	'
Retail stores and e-commerce	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	637,927,000	'	'	'	734,361,000	'	'	'	637,927,000	734,361,000	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,069,430,000	2,379,008,000	2,338,258,000
Total (loss) income from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-153,466,000	85,859,000	118,088,000
International licensing	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	9,714,000	'	'	'	6,483,000	'	'	'	9,714,000	6,483,000	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,472,000	7,170,000	4,002,000
Total (loss) income from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,035,000	6,285,000	2,763,000
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total (loss) income from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($51,775,000)	($32,633,000)	($7,336,000)
Young Women’s	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Merchandise Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	65.00%	64.00%	66.00%
Young Men’s	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Merchandise Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35.00%	36.00%	34.00%

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended						0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2011	Feb. 01, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 21, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 21, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014
		Previous Revolving Credit Facility	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
				Previous Revolving Credit Facility	Previous Revolving Credit Facility	Total Amended Revolving Credit Facility	Commitment Letter	Commitment Letter	Commitment Letter	Commitment Letter	Commitment Letter
							director	One of Two Designations Terminate [Member]	All Designations Terminate [Member]	Tranche A Facility	Tranche B Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	$175	'	$200	$175	$230	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	150	'	'	100	50
Facility term	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'10 years
Interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'
Interest rate, first three years, can be paid-in-kind	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'
Interest rate, after three years, can be paid-in-kind	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.00%	'
Convertible shares percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Conversion price	'	'	'	'	'	'	$7.25	'	'	'	'
Director designation number	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	'
Director designation percentage of shares owned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66.70%	33.30%	'	'
Amount of guaranteed minimum product purchase commitment	350	'	'	'	'	'	240	'	'	'	'
Amount placed in escrow for payment of real estate taxes	'	'	$2.40	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI1

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2014	Feb. 02, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Reserves for Sales Returns	'	'	'
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Period	$496	$676	$725
Amounts Charged to Net Income	-153	334	662
Write-offs Against Reserve	186	514	711
Balance End of Period	157	496	676
Valuation Allowance for State Deferred Tax Assets	'	'	'
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Period	1,328	1,412	196
Amounts Charged to Net Income	30,597	-84	1,216
Write-offs Against Reserve	0	0	0
Balance End of Period	$31,925	$1,328	$1,412