Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Inventory, Lower of Cost or Market Value Adjustment	$ 9.0	$ 6.8
Inventory, Shrink	$ 18.2	$ 15.0

The amount of the valuation account as of the balance sheet date which reduces the carrying amount of inventory to net realizable value and takes into consideration such factors as market value, excessive quantities based on expected sales, and obsolescence.

No definition available.

Name:	expr_InventoryLowerOfCostOrMarketValueAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	expr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant