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v3.20.1

Sales Return Reserve (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Feb. 01, 2020 | Feb. 02, 2019 | Feb. 03, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ 4,620 | $ 4,717 | $ 3,639
Returns | (121,513) | (113,805) | (103,393)
Provisions | 122,718 | 113,708 | 104,471
Ending balance | $ 5,825 | $ 4,620 | $ 4,717

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- Definition Sales Return Reserve + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aeo_SalesReturnReserve
Namespace Prefix: | aeo_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Sales Return Reserve Adjustments + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aeo_SalesReturnReserveAdjustments
Namespace Prefix: | aeo_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Sales returns. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aeo_SalesReturns
Namespace Prefix: | aeo_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration