2.2.0.7 false Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) 0130 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) true false In Thousands false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 3 Operating activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income. false 4 Net income 2 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 53609000 53609 false false false 2 true true false false 109698000 109698 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A7 -Appendix A Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 10, 15 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30 false 5 Loss from discontinued operations 2 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false true false false 41287000 41287 false false false 2 false true false false 24083000 24083 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group apportioned to the parent that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes after deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 28 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph b(2) true 6 Income from continuing operations 2 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 94896000 94896 false false false 2 false true false false 133781000 133781 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the reporting entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items and cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 28 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph b(1) true 7 Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: 2 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 8 Depreciation and amortization 3 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 110247000 110247 false false false 2 false true false false 102616000 102616 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. No authoritative reference available. false 9 Share-based compensation 3 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 21929000 21929 false false false 2 false true false false 18985000 18985 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 10 Provision for deferred income taxes 3 us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 5222000 5222 false false false 2 false true false false -24765000 -24765 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section I -Subsection 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 289 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 false 11 Tax benefit from share-based payments 3 us-gaap_TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 12848000 12848 false false false 2 false true false false 8880000 8880 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified stock options) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from non-qualified stock options recognized on the income statement. This element increases net cash provided by operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A132 false 12 Excess tax benefit from share-based payments 3 us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -4265000 -4265 false false false 2 false true false false -2729000 -2729 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element reduces net cash provided by operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A96 false 13 Foreign currency transaction loss 3 us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 44000 44 false false false 2 false true false false 6537000 6537 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains and losses on transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations. (Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting entity's financial statements. For certain entities, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.) Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 false 14 Net impairment loss recognized in earnings 3 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfInvestments us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1248000 1248 false false false 2 false true false false 225000 225 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the investment. The amount is charged to income if the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 16 false 15 Realized loss on sale of investment securities 3 us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 24426000 24426 false false false 2 false true false false 2749000 2749 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net realized gain or loss on investments sold during the period, which, for cash flow reporting, is a component of proceeds from investing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 16 Changes in assets and liabilities: 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 17 Merchandise inventory 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRetailRelatedInventories us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -89988000 -89988 false false false 2 false true false false -128156000 -128156 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the book value of merchandise inventory held by a retailer, wholesaler, or distributor for future sale; includes packaging and other supplies used to store, transport, or present merchandise inventory. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 18 Accounts receivable 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -7454000 -7454 false false false 2 false true false false -5080000 -5080 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 19 Prepaid expenses and other 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -4879000 -4879 false false false 2 false true false false 8580000 8580 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the amount of outstanding money paid in advance for goods or services that bring economic benefits for future periods. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 20 Other assets, net 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -677000 -677 false false false 2 false true false false -1317000 -1317 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in other operating assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 21 Accounts payable 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 40326000 40326 false false false 2 false true false false 50025000 50025 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations due within one year (or one business cycle). This may include trade payables, amounts due to related parties, royalties payable, and other obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 22 Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates 4 aeo_IncreaseDecreaseInUnredeemedGiftCardsAndGiftCertificates aeo false credit duration Increase (decrease) in unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -18916000 -18916 false false false 2 false true false false -23028000 -23028 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Increase (decrease) in unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates. No authoritative reference available. false 23 Deferred lease credits 4 aeo_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLeaseCredits aeo false debit duration Increase (decrease) in deferred lease credits. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -2868000 -2868 false false false 2 false true false false 8748000 8748 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Increase (decrease) in deferred lease credits. No authoritative reference available. false 24 Accrued compensation and payroll taxes 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -24379000 -24379 false false false 2 false true false false -5161000 -5161 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of pension, postretirement, workers' compensation, and other similar obligations and liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 25 Accrued income and other taxes 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -13647000 -13647 false false false 2 false true false false 12342000 12342 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the period in the amount of cash payments due to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 26 Accrued liabilities 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 2336000 2336 false false false 2 false true false false 1622000 1622 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in other expenses incurred but not yet paid. This element should be used when there is no other more specific or appropriate element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 true 27 Total adjustments 2 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 51553000 51553 false false false 2 false true false false 31073000 31073 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The sum of adjustments which are added to or deducted from net income or loss, including the portion attributable to noncontrolling interest, to reflect cash provided by or used in operating activities, in accordance with the indirect cash flow method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 true 28 Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 146449000 146449 false false false 2 false true false false 164854000 164854 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 29 Investing activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 30 Capital expenditures 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -65363000 -65363 false false false 2 false true false false -105955000 -105955 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 31 Sale of available-for-sale securities 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 177472000 177472 false false false 2 false true false false 77014000 77014 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the sale of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph b false 32 Other investing activities 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false true false false -1849000 -1849 false false false 2 false true false false -1108000 -1108 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 true 33 Net cash provided by (used for) by investing activities from continuing operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 110260000 110260 false false false 2 false true false false -30049000 -30049 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 34 Financing activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 35 Payments on capital leases 2 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1774000 -1774 false false false 2 false true false false -1337000 -1337 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow for the obligation for lease meeting the criteria for capitalization (with maturities exceeding one year or beyond the operating cycle of the entity, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26, 31 false 36 Repayment of notes payable 2 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -30000000 -30000 false false false 2 false true false false -25000000 -25000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow for a borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b false 37 Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -192268000 -192268 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a false 38 Repurchase of common stock from employees 2 aeo_RepurchaseOfCommonStockAsPartOfPubliclyAnnouncedPrograms aeo false credit duration Repurchase of common stock from employees. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -18024000 -18024 false false false 2 false true false false -230000 -230 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Repurchase of common stock from employees. No authoritative reference available. false 39 Net proceeds from stock options exercised 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 5762000 5762 false false false 2 false true false false 8736000 8736 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a false 40 Excess tax benefit from share-based payments 2 us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 4265000 4265 false false false 2 false true false false 2729000 2729 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element represents the cash inflow reported in the enterprise's financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 00-15 -Paragraph 3 false 41 Cash used to net settle equity awards 2 aeo_CashUsedToNetSettleEquityAwards aeo false credit duration Cash used to net settle equity awards. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -6434000 -6434 false false false 2 false true false false -1414000 -1414 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash used to net settle equity awards. No authoritative reference available. false 42 Cash dividends paid 2 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false true false false -64659000 -64659 false false false 2 false true false false -62117000 -62117 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a true 43 Net cash used for financing activities from continuing operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -303132000 -303132 false false false 2 false true false false -78633000 -78633 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 44 Effect of exchange rates changes on cash 1 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 1553000 1553 false false false 2 false true false false 2846000 2846 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 25 true 45 Cash flows from discontinued operations 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInDiscontinuedOperationsAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 46 Net cash used for operating activities 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -18309000 -18309 false false false 2 false true false false -19458000 -19458 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the operating activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in operating activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 47 Net cash used for investing activities 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -6000 -6 false false false 2 false true false false -299000 -299 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the investing activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in investing activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 48 Net cash used for financing activities 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the financing activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in financing activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 49 Effect of exchange rate on cash 2 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances in discontinuing operations held in foreign currencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 25 true 50 Net cash used for discontinued operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -18315000 -18315 false false false 2 false true false false -19757000 -19757 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Net change in cash associated with the entity's discontinued operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 51 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -63185000 -63185 false false false 2 false true false false 39261000 39261 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 52 Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false true false false 693960000 693960 false false false 2 false true false false 473342000 473342 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 53 Cash and cash equivalents - end of period 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 630775000 630775 false false false 2 false true false false 512603000 512603 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph f false 56 Cash paid during the period for interest 2 us-gaap_InterestPaid us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 191000 191 false false false 2 true true false false 1778000 1778 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed; includes amount of interest capitalized Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 false 2 54 false Thousands UnKnown UnKnown false true