Document and Entity Information Document (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Mar. 19, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	EXPRESS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001483510
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-28
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 28, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q4
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		89,009,552
Entity Public Float			$ 1,425,254,541