Ann (ANN) 10-Q 22 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ANN INC.
Trading Symbol	ANN
Entity Central Index Key	874214
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-29
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	2-May-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	45,992,699

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$597,726	$590,592
Cost of sales	285,068	275,400
Gross margin	312,658	315,192
Selling, general and administrative expenses	283,712	288,672
Restructuring charges	6,375	17,303
Operating income	22,571	9,217
Interest and investment income/(expense), net	444	-497
Other non-operating income/(expense), net	215	25
Income before income taxes	23,230	8,745
Income tax provision	9,678	3,562
Net income	$13,552	$5,183
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.11
Weighted average shares outstanding	44,974	45,578
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.11
Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution	45,383	46,043

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Net income	$13,552	$5,183
Foreign currency translation adjustment	580	186
Defined benefit pension plan:
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax	580	186
Income tax expense on other comprehensive income items	0	0
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	580	186
Comprehensive income	$14,132	$5,369

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015	3-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash	$176,341	$207,711	$127,691
Accounts receivable	39,007	20,360	29,953
Merchandise inventories	287,690	265,022	282,912
Refundable income taxes	9,267	9,270	7,190
Deferred income taxes	33,039	26,046	32,936
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	71,915	72,489	64,206
Total current assets	617,259	600,898	544,888
Property and equipment, net	413,921	426,729	438,838
Deferred income taxes	17,310	12,119	5,142
Other assets	22,213	21,760	22,168
Total assets	1,070,703	1,061,506	1,011,036
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	117,864	134,031	107,481
Accrued salaries and bonus	23,691	20,268	29,324
Current portion of long-term performance compensation	6,001	5,838	5,109
Accrued tenancy	34,074	36,907	37,137
Gift certificates and merchandise credits redeemable	42,809	49,146	41,801
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	107,844	85,298	82,073
Total current liabilities	332,283	331,488	302,925
Deferred lease costs	146,943	149,658	160,180
Deferred income taxes	0	0	36
Long-term performance compensation, less current portion	7,645	11,601	7,111
Other liabilities	54,256	58,081	56,775
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $.0068 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 82,563,516 shares issued	561	561	561
Additional paid-in capital	745,543	749,711	737,687
Retained earnings	860,804	847,252	784,455
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,125	-5,705	-2,688
Treasury stock, 36,570,817; 36,844,722 and 35,736,212 shares, respectively, at cost	-1,072,207	-1,081,141	-1,036,006
Total stockholders' equity	529,576	510,678	484,009
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,070,703	$1,061,506	$1,011,036

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015	3-May-14
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	82,563,516	82,563,516	82,563,516
Treasury Stock, Shares	36,570,817	36,844,722	35,736,212

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Operating activities:
Net income	$13,552	$5,183
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/(used for) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	-12,095	-2,591
Depreciation and amortization	27,362	28,607
Loss on disposal and write-down of property and equipment	954	232
Stock-based compensation	3,114	3,890
Non-cash interest and other non-cash items	-1,020	131
Tax benefit from exercise/vesting of stock awards	2,495	750
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-18,632	-7,502
Merchandise inventories	-22,508	-43,197
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,103	-2,961
Refundable income taxes	3	62
Other non-current assets	852	-7
Other non-current liabilities	-4,108	-3,607
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-4,925	-30,817
Net cash provided by/(used for) operating activities	-13,853	-51,827
Investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	-827	-1,580
Sales of marketable securities	118	1,118
Purchases of property and equipment	-17,762	-26,259
Net cash used for investing activities	-18,471	-26,721
Financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock pursuant to the Associate Discount Stock Purchase Plan	719	711
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,796	9,369
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,515	1,157
Repurchases of restricted stock	-3,358	-4,536
Repayments of fixed asset financing and capital lease obligations	-824	-929
Change in trade payable program obligation	285	-1,254
Net cash provided by/(used for) financing activities	1,133	4,518
Effect of exchange rate on cash	-179	14
Net increase/(decrease) in cash	-31,370	-74,016
Cash, beginning of period	207,711	201,707
Cash, end of period	$176,341	$127,691

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Interim Financial Information
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	The results of operations for the 2015 interim period presented in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for Fiscal 2015.
	The January 31, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet has been derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheets of ANN INC. (the “Company”) included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.
	Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As such, the financial information set forth herein should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to prevent the interim financial statements from being misleading.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, “Revenue Recognition,” as well as various other sections of the ASC, such as, but not limited to, ASC 340-20, “Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Capitalized Advertising Costs.” The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes a cohesive set of disclosure requirements that would result in an entity providing users of financial statements with comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial adoption as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets on the balance sheet). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating ASU 2014-09, including the choice of retrospective application upon adoption, and does not currently anticipate it will have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restructuring_Charge_Restructu

Restructuring Charge Restructuring Charge	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Restructuring Charge [Abstract]
Restructuring Charge	Restructuring Charges
	In late 2014, the Company launched a comprehensive Supply Chain assessment, which is focused on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its sourcing capabilities and identifying opportunities to improve profitability with an emphasis on speed, flexibility, improved product sell-through and reduced cost of goods sold. In addition, during the first quarter of Fiscal 2015, the Company initiated an SG&A Optimization program, a broad-based productivity initiative designed to reduce its overall cost structure and enhance operating efficiency and organizational effectiveness. Based on actions taken during the first quarter of Fiscal 2015 in connection with these two initiatives, the Company recorded a $6.4 million restructuring charge (the “2015 Restructuring”) for severance associated with the elimination of approximately 600 full-time field associates, consulting services and other related costs. The Company expects to incur incremental restructuring costs related to these initiatives during the remainder of Fiscal 2015 as it continues its assessment of the opportunities identified; the extent of those costs will vary based on the opportunities it chooses to pursue.
	2	Restructuring Charges (Continued)
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the reserve established in connection with the 2015 Restructuring for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Quarter Ended May 2, 2015
		Severance			Other			Total
		and Related			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 31, 2015	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring charge	3,434			2,941			6,375
	Cash payments	—			(1,223		)	(1,223		)
	Balance at May 2, 2015	$	3,434		$	1,718		$	5,152
	Approximately $3.4 million and $1.7 million of the reserve related to the 2015 Restructuring is included in “Accrued salaries and bonus” and “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities,” respectively, on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 2, 2015.
	During the first quarter of Fiscal 2014, the Company executed an organizational restructuring in support of its omni-channel retail strategy and its strategic growth initiatives (the “2014 Restructuring”). As part of the restructuring, the Company realigned certain functions within its corporate workforce, including its marketing, merchandise planning, procurement and allocation functions, to eliminate redundancy and integrate processes to better support its brands and serve its clients. These actions resulted in the separation of approximately 100 full-time associates. In connection with this effort, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $17.3 million for severance and other costs during the first quarter of Fiscal 2014. No additional charges related to the 2014 Restructuring were recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2015. The Company expects to pay all amounts accrued in connection with the 2014 Restructuring by 2017.
	The following tables present a reconciliation of the reserve established in connection with the 2014 Restructuring for the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
		Quarter Ended May 2, 2015
		Severance			Other			Total
		and Related			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 31, 2015	$	8,326		$	—		$	8,326
	Restructuring charge	—			—			—
	Cash payments	(2,028		)	—			(2,028		)
	Balance at May 2, 2015	$	6,298		$	—		$	6,298
		Quarter Ended May 3, 2014
		Severance			Other			Total
		and Related			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs
		(in thousands)
	Balance at February 1, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring charge	16,742			561			17,303
	Cash payments	(1,251		)	(561		)	(1,812		)
	Reclassification to restructuring reserve (1)	1,867			—			1,867
	Balance at May 3, 2014	$	17,358		$	—		$	17,358
	-1	Prior compensation accruals related to associates separated in connection with the restructuring were reclassified to the restructuring reserve.
	2	Restructuring Charges (Continued)
	As of May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, approximately $2.6 million and $11.5 million of the reserve related to the 2014 Restructuring, respectively, is included in “Accrued salaries and bonus” and approximately $3.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively, is included in “Other liabilities” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the expected timing of the payments.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company follows a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
	•	Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	•	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
	The Company maintains a self-directed, non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured as a rabbi trust for certain executives at the vice-president level and above. Investment assets of the rabbi trust are valued based on quoted market prices or the net asset value at the closing price reported in certain major markets as of the measurement date, which are considered Level 1 inputs. The following tables segregate the rabbi trust assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine fair value at the measurement date:
			May 2,		Quoted Prices		Significant				Significant
			2015		in Active		Other				Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable				Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs				(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
			(in thousands)
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets:
	Equity securities		$	2,753	$	2,753	$	—			$	—
	Equity funds		10,173		10,173		—				—
	Fixed income funds		896		896		—				—
	Total assets		$	13,822	$	13,822	$	—			$	—
			January 31, 2015		Quoted Prices		Significant				Significant
					in Active		Other				Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable				Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs				(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
			(in thousands)
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets:
	Equity securities		$	3,098	$	3,098	$	—			$	—
	Equity funds		7,024		7,024		—		—		—
	Money market funds		1,410		1,410		—				—
	Fixed income funds		911		911		—				—
	Total assets		$	12,443	$	12,443	$	—			$	—
	3	Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
			May 3,		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
			2014		in Active		Other			Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
			(in thousands)
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets:
	Equity securities		$	3,188	$	3,188	$	—		$	—
	Equity funds		7,605		7,605		—			—
	Fixed income funds		806		806		—			—
	Total assets		$	11,599	$	11,599	$	—		$	—
	As of the dates presented, the Company believes that the carrying value of cash, receivables and payables approximates fair value, due to the short maturity of these financial instruments.

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The following tables present a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
		Quarter Ended
		May 2, 2015					May 3, 2014
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic Earnings per Share:	Net		Shares	Per		Net		Shares	Per
		Income			Share		Income			Share
					Amount					Amount
	Net income	$	13,552				$	5,183
	Less net income associated with participating securities	258					102
	Basic earnings per share	$	13,294	44,974	$	0.3	$	5,081	45,578	$	0.11
	Diluted Earnings per Share:
	Net income	$	13,552				$	5,183
	Less net income associated with participating securities	256					101
	Effect of dilutive securities			409					465
	Diluted earnings per share	$	13,296	45,383	$	0.29	$	5,082	46,043	$	0.11
	For the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, non-participating securities (stock options) representing 71,200 and 24,000 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect, since their exercise prices exceeded the average market price of the common shares during those periods.

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans	Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans
	Stock Incentive Plans
	During the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, the Company recognized approximately $3.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense. As of May 2, 2015, there was $1.9 million and $17.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and unvested restricted stock awards, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.1 years and 2.6 years, respectively. Restricted stock award grants and shares underlying the exercise of stock options during the three months ended May 2, 2015 were issued out of treasury stock. In addition, restricted stock awards forfeited, as well as shares returned to cover employee tax withholding obligations related to the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock, were returned to treasury stock.
	5	Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans (Continued)
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Shares			Weighted  Average
					Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at January 31, 2015	1,697,223			$	26.17
	Granted (1)	59,200			41.31
	Exercised	(102,941	)		17.45
	Forfeited or expired	(3,600	)		33.84
	Options outstanding at May 2, 2015	1,649,882			27.24
	Vested and exercisable at May 2, 2015	1,511,080			$	26.29
	Options expected to vest in the future as of May 2, 2015	138,802			$	37.58
	-1	Awards vest annually over a three-year period and expire ten years after the grant date.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted as of the grant date. For the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, the fair value of options granted was estimated using the following weighted average assumptions:
			Quarter Ended
			May 2,			May 3,
			2015			2014
	Expected volatility		36.6	%		47.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.7	%		1.7	%
	Expected life (years)		5.6			5.4
	Dividend yield		—	%		—	%
	The weighted average fair value of options granted during the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 was $15.11 and $16.79 per share, respectively. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock on the date of grant based on the average of its historical common stock volatility and the implied volatility of publicly traded options on its common stock.
	Restricted Stock
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Time - Based						Performance - Based
		Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted
		Shares			Average			Shares			Average
					Grant Date						Grant Date
					Fair Value						Fair Value
	Restricted stock awards at January 31, 2015	647,630			$	34.47		222,063			$	34.08
	Granted	125,000		(1)	41.26			124,800		(2)	41.31
	Vested	(125,265	)		31.82			(84,317	)		32.49
	Forfeited	—			—			(15,075	)		32.49
	Restricted stock awards at May 2, 2015	647,365			36.29			247,471			38.36
	-1	These shares vest in equal installments in each of March 2016, 2017 and 2018.
	-2	These shares vest over a three-year period based on achievement of performance targets set bi-annually for each tranche of the grant. Based on Company performance, grantees may earn 50% to 200% of the shares granted with respect to each tranche. If the Company does not achieve the minimum threshold goal associated with such shares, grantees will not earn any shares with respect to that tranche.
	5	Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans (Continued)
	Long-Term Performance Compensation
	The Company maintains a long-term cash incentive program, the Restricted Cash Program (“RCP”), for vice-presidents and above. Compensation expense under the RCP is charged to the same income statement line item as the base salary earned by participating associates. During the quarter ended May 2, 2015, the Company recognized $2.4 million in compensation expense under the RCP, inclusive of the effect of changes in estimates. During the quarter ended May 3, 2014, compensation expense recognized under the RCP was immaterial, since the expense related to amounts banked under the program was substantially offset by the benefit associated with changes in forfeiture rate estimates, due, in part, to the Company’s 2014 Restructuring. As of May 2, 2015, there was $21.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense under the RCP, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average deferral period of 2.9 years.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulted Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	.	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Foreign Currency Translation			Unrecognized Pension Benefit Costs			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 31, 2015	$	(2,430	)	$	(3,275	)	$	(5,705	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	580			—			580
	Balance at May 2, 2015	$	(1,850	)	$	(3,275	)	$	(5,125	)

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be determined with certainty, in the Company’s opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or liquidity.

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Event
	On May 17, 2015, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Ascena Retail Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Ascena”), and Avian Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Ascena (“Merger Sub”). The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). The Boards of Directors of both companies, by unanimous vote, approved the Merger Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
	Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, upon the closing of the Merger, which is expected to occur in the second half of 2015, each outstanding share of common stock of the Company (other than shares, if any, held by Ascena, Merger Sub and the Company and shares with respect to which appraisal rights have been properly demanded in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law) will be converted into the right to receive (i) $37.34 in cash and (ii) 0.68 of a share of Ascena common stock, par value $0.01 per share, with cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of Ascena common stock.
	8	Subsequent Event (Continued)
	Completion of the Merger is subject to various closing conditions, including: approval by the Company’s stockholders of the Merger; the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended; the absence of any governmental order prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) declaring effective the Form S-4 to be filed by Ascena with respect to the shares of Ascena common stock to be issued in the Merger; the shares of Ascena common stock to be issued in the Merger being approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market; the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each party (subject to certain materiality standards) and the material compliance by each party with its obligations under the Merger Agreement. Consummation of the Merger is not subject to a financing condition and does not require approval by Ascena stockholders.
	The Merger Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including, among others, covenants providing for each of the parties to conduct its business in the ordinary course during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the closing and to use reasonable best efforts to obtain required government approvals, subject to certain exceptions. The Merger Agreement also includes covenants requiring the Company (1) not to solicit, or enter into discussions with third parties relating to, alternative business combination transactions during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the closing, subject to fulfillment of certain fiduciary requirements of the Company’s Board and (2) to call and hold a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders to approve the Merger and, subject to certain exceptions, not to withdraw, amend or modify in a manner adverse to Ascena the recommendation of the Company’s Board that the Company’s stockholders approve the Merger.
	The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights, including the right of either party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger does not occur by February 17, 2016, the right of the Company to terminate the Merger Agreement to accept a superior proposal for an alternative business combination (as long as the Company complies with certain notice and other requirements under the Merger Agreement) and the right of Ascena to terminate due to a change of recommendation by the Company’s Board. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement by the Company or Ascena upon specified conditions, a termination fee of $48,270,000 may be payable by the Company. In addition, upon a termination of the Merger Agreement for the failure to obtain the approval of the Company’s stockholders, the Company may be required to reimburse Ascena for up to $5 million in expenses related to the Merger Agreement.
	Ascena has obtained a commitment letter from Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Guggenheim Securities (the “Lenders”) for the purpose of financing the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders to provide financing under the commitment letter are subject to certain conditions.
	For further information on the Merger and the Merger Agreement, please refer to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on May 18, 2015 and the Merger Agreement and other documents filed as exhibits thereto. The foregoing description of the Merger does not purport to be complete, is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Merger Agreement.

Basis_of_Presentation_Accounti

Basis of Presentation Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Text Block [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, “Revenue Recognition,” as well as various other sections of the ASC, such as, but not limited to, ASC 340-20, “Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Capitalized Advertising Costs.” The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes a cohesive set of disclosure requirements that would result in an entity providing users of financial statements with comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial adoption as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets on the balance sheet). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating ASU 2014-09, including the choice of retrospective application upon adoption, and does not currently anticipate it will have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restructuring_Charge_Tables

Restructuring Charge (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Restructuring Charge [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a reconciliation of the reserve established in connection with the 2015 Restructuring for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Quarter Ended May 2, 2015
		Severance			Other			Total
		and Related			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 31, 2015	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring charge	3,434			2,941			6,375
	Cash payments	—			(1,223		)	(1,223		)
	Balance at May 2, 2015	$	3,434		$	1,718		$	5,152
	Approximately $3.4 million and $1.7 million of the reserve related to the 2015 Restructuring is included in “Accrued salaries and bonus” and “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities,” respectively, on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 2, 2015.
	During the first quarter of Fiscal 2014, the Company executed an organizational restructuring in support of its omni-channel retail strategy and its strategic growth initiatives (the “2014 Restructuring”). As part of the restructuring, the Company realigned certain functions within its corporate workforce, including its marketing, merchandise planning, procurement and allocation functions, to eliminate redundancy and integrate processes to better support its brands and serve its clients. These actions resulted in the separation of approximately 100 full-time associates. In connection with this effort, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $17.3 million for severance and other costs during the first quarter of Fiscal 2014. No additional charges related to the 2014 Restructuring were recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2015. The Company expects to pay all amounts accrued in connection with the 2014 Restructuring by 2017.
	The following tables present a reconciliation of the reserve established in connection with the 2014 Restructuring for the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
		Quarter Ended May 2, 2015
		Severance			Other			Total
		and Related			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 31, 2015	$	8,326		$	—		$	8,326
	Restructuring charge	—			—			—
	Cash payments	(2,028		)	—			(2,028		)
	Balance at May 2, 2015	$	6,298		$	—		$	6,298
		Quarter Ended May 3, 2014
		Severance			Other			Total
		and Related			Restructuring
		Costs			Costs
		(in thousands)
	Balance at February 1, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring charge	16,742			561			17,303
	Cash payments	(1,251		)	(561		)	(1,812		)
	Reclassification to restructuring reserve (1)	1,867			—			1,867
	Balance at May 3, 2014	$	17,358		$	—		$	17,358
	-1	Prior compensation accruals related to associates separated in connection with the restructuring were reclassified to the restructuring reserve.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The Company maintains a self-directed, non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured as a rabbi trust for certain executives at the vice-president level and above. Investment assets of the rabbi trust are valued based on quoted market prices or the net asset value at the closing price reported in certain major markets as of the measurement date, which are considered Level 1 inputs. The following tables segregate the rabbi trust assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine fair value at the measurement date:
			May 2,		Quoted Prices		Significant				Significant
			2015		in Active		Other				Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable				Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs				(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
			(in thousands)
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets:
	Equity securities		$	2,753	$	2,753	$	—			$	—
	Equity funds		10,173		10,173		—				—
	Fixed income funds		896		896		—				—
	Total assets		$	13,822	$	13,822	$	—			$	—
			January 31, 2015		Quoted Prices		Significant				Significant
					in Active		Other				Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable				Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs				(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
			(in thousands)
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets:
	Equity securities		$	3,098	$	3,098	$	—			$	—
	Equity funds		7,024		7,024		—		—		—
	Money market funds		1,410		1,410		—				—
	Fixed income funds		911		911		—				—
	Total assets		$	12,443	$	12,443	$	—			$	—
	3	Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
			May 3,		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
			2014		in Active		Other			Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)		(Level 2)
			(in thousands)
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets:
	Equity securities		$	3,188	$	3,188	$	—		$	—
	Equity funds		7,605		7,605		—			—
	Fixed income funds		806		806		—			—
	Total assets		$	11,599	$	11,599	$	—		$	—

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reconciliations of Basic and Diluted Share Calculations	The following tables present a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
		Quarter Ended
		May 2, 2015					May 3, 2014
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic Earnings per Share:	Net		Shares	Per		Net		Shares	Per
		Income			Share		Income			Share
					Amount					Amount
	Net income	$	13,552				$	5,183
	Less net income associated with participating securities	258					102
	Basic earnings per share	$	13,294	44,974	$	0.3	$	5,081	45,578	$	0.11
	Diluted Earnings per Share:
	Net income	$	13,552				$	5,183
	Less net income associated with participating securities	256					101
	Effect of dilutive securities			409					465
	Diluted earnings per share	$	13,296	45,383	$	0.29	$	5,082	46,043	$	0.11

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat1

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Shares			Weighted  Average
					Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at January 31, 2015	1,697,223			$	26.17
	Granted (1)	59,200			41.31
	Exercised	(102,941	)		17.45
	Forfeited or expired	(3,600	)		33.84
	Options outstanding at May 2, 2015	1,649,882			27.24
	Vested and exercisable at May 2, 2015	1,511,080			$	26.29
	Options expected to vest in the future as of May 2, 2015	138,802			$	37.58
	-1	Awards vest annually over a three-year period and expire ten years after the grant date.
Weighted-Average Assumptions	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted as of the grant date. For the quarters ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, the fair value of options granted was estimated using the following weighted average assumptions:
			Quarter Ended
			May 2,			May 3,
			2015			2014
	Expected volatility		36.6	%		47.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.7	%		1.7	%
	Expected life (years)		5.6			5.4
	Dividend yield		—	%		—	%
Restricted Stock
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Time - Based						Performance - Based
		Number of			Weighted			Number of			Weighted
		Shares			Average			Shares			Average
					Grant Date						Grant Date
					Fair Value						Fair Value
	Restricted stock awards at January 31, 2015	647,630			$	34.47		222,063			$	34.08
	Granted	125,000		(1)	41.26			124,800		(2)	41.31
	Vested	(125,265	)		31.82			(84,317	)		32.49
	Forfeited	—			—			(15,075	)		32.49
	Restricted stock awards at May 2, 2015	647,365			36.29			247,471			38.36
	-1	These shares vest in equal installments in each of March 2016, 2017 and 2018.
	-2	These shares vest over a three-year period based on achievement of performance targets set bi-annually for each tranche of the grant. Based on Company performance, grantees may earn 50% to 200% of the shares granted with respect to each tranche. If the Company does not achieve the minimum threshold goal associated with such shares, grantees will not earn any shares with respect to that tranche.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Compehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) for the quarter ended May 2, 2015:
		Foreign Currency Translation			Unrecognized Pension Benefit Costs			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 31, 2015	$	(2,430	)	$	(3,275	)	$	(5,705	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	580			—			580
	Balance at May 2, 2015	$	(1,850	)	$	(3,275	)	$	(5,125	)

Restructuring_Charge_Details

Restructuring Charge (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14		Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of full time associated separated	600	100
Restructuring charges	$6,375	$17,303
Long-term Restructuring Reserve
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	3,700	5,900
2015 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	6,375
Cash payments	-1,223
Restructuring Reserve	5,152			0
2015 Restructuring [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	3,434
Cash payments	0
Restructuring Reserve	3,434			0
2015 Restructuring [Member] | Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	2,941
Cash payments	-1,223
Restructuring Reserve	1,718			0
2014 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	17,303
Cash payments	-2,028	-1,812
Reclassification to restructuring reserve		1,867	[1]
Restructuring Reserve	6,298	17,358		8,326	0
2014 Restructuring [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	16,742
Cash payments	-2,028	-1,251
Reclassification to restructuring reserve		1,867	[1]
Restructuring Reserve	6,298	17,358		8,326	0
2014 Restructuring [Member] | Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	561
Cash payments	0	-561
Reclassification to restructuring reserve		0
Restructuring Reserve	0	0		0	0
2014 Restructuring [Member] | Short-term Restructuring Reserve
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$2,600	$11,500
[1]	Prior compensation accruals related to associates separated in connection with the restructuring were reclassified to the restructuring reserve.

Fair_Value_Measurments_Financi

Fair Value Measurments - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	2-May-15	Jan. 31, 2015	3-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$13,822	$12,443	$11,599
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	13,822	12,443	11,599
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	2,753	3,098	3,188
Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	2,753	3,098	3,188
Equity Securities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Equity Securities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Fixed Income Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	896	911	806
Fixed Income Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	896	911	806
Fixed Income Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Fixed Income Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		1,410
Money Market Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		1,410
Money Market Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Equity Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	10,173	7,024	7,605
Equity Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	10,173	7,024	7,605
Equity Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Equity Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$0	$0	$0

Net_Income_Per_Share_Additiona

Net Income Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Nonparticipating Securities - Stock Options)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
Nonparticipating Securities - Stock Options
Earnings Per Share Disclosure
Antidilutive securities excluded from the computations of earnings per share	71,200	24,000

Net_Income_Per_Share_Reconcili

Net Income Per Share - Reconciliations of Basic and Diluted Share Calculations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Earnings Per Share Disclosure
Net income	$13,552	$5,183
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Weighted average shares outstanding	44,974	45,578
Effect of dilutive securities (shares)	409	465
Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	45,383	46,043
Basic Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.11
Diluted Earnings per Share
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.11
Earnings Per Share, Basic. [Member]
Earnings Per Share Disclosure
Net income	13,552	5,183
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	258	102
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	13,294	5,081
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Earnings Per Share Disclosure
Net income	13,552	5,183
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted	256	101
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$13,296	$5,082

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat2

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$3,114,000	$3,890,000
Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost, unvested	1,900,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, unvested, remaining weighted-average vesting period (in years)	2 years 1 month 6 days
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost, unvested	$17,400,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, unvested, remaining weighted-average vesting period (in years)	2 years 7 months 6 days

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat3

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (dollars per share)	$15.11	$16.79
Stock Options
Options outstanding at beginning of period (shares)	1,697,223
Granted (shares)	59,200
Exercised (shares)	-102,941
Forfeited or expired (shares)	-3,600
Options outstanding at end of period (shares)	1,649,882
Vested and exercisable at end of period (shares)	1,511,080
Options expected to vest in the future as of end of period (shares)	138,802
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at beginning of period (dollars per share)	$26.17
Granted (dollars per share)	$41.31
Exercised (dollars per share)	$17.45
Forfeited or expired (dollars per share)	$33.84
Options outstanding at end of period (dollars per share)	$27.24
Vested and exercisable at end of period (dollars per share)	$26.29
Options expected to vest in the future as of end of period (dollars per share)	$37.58

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat4

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Employee Stock Option)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted annual vesting period	3 years
Options granted expiration period	10 years

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat5

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans - Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15	3-May-14
Disclosure - Weighted-Average Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected volatility	36.60%	47.50%
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	1.70%
Expected life (years)	5 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 4 months 24 days
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat6

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Time-Based Restricted Stock Award
Number of Shares
Balance at beginning of period (shares)	647,630
Granted (shares)	125,000
Vested (shares)	-125,265
Forfeited (shares)	0
Balance at end of period (shares)	647,365
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at beginning of period (dollars per share)	$34.47
Granted ( dollars per share)	$41.26
Vested (dollars per share)	$31.82
Forfeited (dollars per share)	$0
Balance at end of period (dollars per share)	$36.29
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Number of Shares
Balance at beginning of period (shares)	222,063
Granted (shares)	124,800
Vested (shares)	-84,317
Forfeited (shares)	-15,075
Balance at end of period (shares)	247,471
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at beginning of period (dollars per share)	$34.08
Granted ( dollars per share)	$41.31
Vested (dollars per share)	$32.49
Forfeited (dollars per share)	$32.49
Balance at end of period (dollars per share)	$38.36

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat7

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards)	3 Months Ended
	2-May-15
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards annual vesting period	3 years
Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage grantees earn of the value granted with respect to each tranche of the grant	50.00%
Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage grantees earn of the value granted with respect to each tranche of the grant	200.00%

Equity_and_Incentive_Compensat8

Equity and Incentive Compensation Plans Equity and Incentive Compensation - Long Term Performance Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15
Disclosure - Summary of Long Term Performance Compensation [Abstract]
Long-term performance compensation expense	$2.40
Long-term performance compensation expense total compensation not yet recognized	$21.20
Unrecognized compensation cost long-term performance compensation plan remaining weighted average service period (in years)	2 years 10 months 24 days

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2-May-15	3-May-14
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	($5,705)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	580	186
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-5,125	-2,688
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	580	186
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0	0
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	580	186
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	-2,430
Foreign currency translation adjustment	580
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-1,850
Unrecognized Pension Benefit Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning balance	-3,275
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	($3,275)

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 17, 2016	2-May-15
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share Conversion - cash portion for each share of ANN INC. common stock		$37.34
Share Conversion - fractional share of Ascena common stock for each share of ANN INC. common stock		$0.68
Merger Agreement Termination Date	17-Feb-16
Merger Agreement Termination Fee		$48,270,000
Reimbursement Fee for failure to obtain shareholder approval of merger agreement		$5,000,000