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Network	007010 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) (http://aeropostale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies)
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Reporting Entity [Axis]

0001168213 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Period [Axis]

2011-01-30 - 2012-01-28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aéropostale, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. The 2011 fiscal year ended January 28, 2012, the 2010 fiscal year ended January 29, 2011, and the 2009 fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 were 52 week periods. The 2012 fiscal year ending February 2, 2013 will be a 53 week period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated.

The most significant estimates made by management include those made in the areas of merchandise inventory valuation, the supplemental executive retirement plan, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, and income taxes. Management periodically evaluates estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for continued reasonableness. Appropriate adjustments, if any, to the estimates used are made prospectively based on such periodic evaluations.

Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions

The financial statements of our Canadian subsidiary have been translated into United States dollars by translating balance sheet accounts at the year-end exchange rate and statement of income accounts at the average exchange rates for the year. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reflected in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive loss and are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to a permanent investment in our subsidiary in Canada. The balance of the unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive loss was income of $2.5 million as of January 28, 2012 compared to income of $2.4 million as of January 29, 2011. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are charged or credited to earnings as incurred.

Cash Equivalents

We include credit card receivables and all short-term investments that qualify as cash equivalents with an original maturity of three months or less in cash and cash equivalents.

Fair Value Measurements

We follow the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) as it relates to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. We currently have no financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value. Our non-financial assets, which include fixtures, equipment and improvements, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an impairment test is required and we are required to evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial asset be recorded at fair value. ASC 820 prioritizes inputs used in measuring fair value into a hierarchy of three levels: Level 1-quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2-inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3-unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables (included in other current assets), and accounts payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities.

Merchandise Inventory

Merchandise inventory consists of finished goods and is valued utilizing the cost method at the lower of cost or market determined on a weighted average basis. Merchandise inventory includes warehousing, freight, merchandise and design costs as an inventory product cost. We make certain assumptions regarding future demand and net realizable selling price in order to assess that our inventory is recorded properly at the lower of cost or market. These assumptions are based on both historical experience and current information. We recorded adjustments to reduce the carrying value of inventory and increase cost of sales for lower of cost or market of $14.8 million as of January 28, 2012 and $12.0 million as of January 29, 2011.

Vendor Rebates

We receive vendor rebates from certain merchandise suppliers. The vendor rebates are earned as we receive merchandise from the suppliers and are computed at an agreed upon percentage of the purchase amount. Vendor rebates are recorded as a reduction of merchandise inventory, and are then recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the related inventory is sold. Vendor rebates recorded as a reduction of the carrying value of merchandise inventory were $2.1 million as of January 28, 2012 and $1.8 million as of January 29, 2011. Vendor rebates recorded as a reduction of cost of sales were $13.0 million for fiscal 2011, $10.2 million for fiscal 2010, and $8.8 million for fiscal 2009.

Fixtures, Equipment and Improvements

Fixtures, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Fixtures and equipment	10 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful lives or lease term
Computer equipment	5 years
Software	3 years

Evaluation for Long-Lived Asset Impairment

We periodically evaluate the need to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”). Long-lived assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired. In evaluating an asset for recoverability, we estimate the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, we write the asset down to fair value and we record impairment charges, accordingly. The estimation of fair value is measured by discounting expected future cash flows. The recoverability assessment related to store-level assets requires judgments and estimates of future revenues, gross margin rates, store expenses and the weighted average cost of capital. We base these estimates upon our past and expected future performance. We believe our estimates are appropriate in light of current market conditions. However, actual results may differ materially from those estimated which could result in additional impairments of store long-lived assets in future periods, and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Pre-Opening Expenses

New store pre-opening costs are expensed as they are incurred.

Leases

Our store operating leases typically provide for fixed non-contingent rent escalations. Rent payments under our store leases typically commence when the store opens. These leases include a pre-opening period that allows us to take possession of the property to fixture and merchandise the store. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of each individual underlying lease, commencing when we take possession of the property (see Note 11 for a further discussion).

In addition, our store leases require us to pay additional rent based on specified percentages of sales, after we achieve specified annual sales thresholds. We use store sales trends to estimate and record liabilities for these additional rent obligations during interim periods. Most of our store leases entitle us to receive tenant allowances from our landlords. We record these tenant allowances as a deferred rent liability, which we amortize as a reduction of rent expense over the non-cancelable term of each underlying lease.

Revenue Recognition

Sales revenue is recognized at the “point of sale” in our stores, and at the time our e-commerce customers take possession of merchandise. Allowances for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the periods in which the related sales are recognized. Also included in sales revenue is shipping revenue from our e-commerce customers. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included in accrued expenses on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue from licensing arrangements is recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement, generally based upon the greater of the contractually earned or guaranteed minimum royalty levels. During fiscal 2011, we launched a loyalty rewards program for our P.S. from Aéropostale stores. Accordingly, we have recorded a deferred sales liability within accrued expenses in connection with this program. The amount recorded was not material to the financial statements for any period presented.

Gift Cards

We sell gift cards to our customers in our retail stores, through our websites, and through select third parties. We do not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards and our gift cards do not have an expiration date. Revenue is not recorded on the purchase of gift cards. A current liability is recorded upon purchase, and revenue is recognized when the gift card or store credits are redeemed for merchandise. We also recognize breakage income for the portion of gift cards estimated to be unredeemed. We have relieved our legal obligation to escheat the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdiction. We therefore determined that the likelihood of certain gift cards being redeemed by the customer was remote, based upon historical redemption patterns of gift cards. For those gift cards that we determined redemption to be remote, we reversed our liability and recorded gift card breakage income in net sales. We recorded net sales related to gift card breakage income of $5.6 million in fiscal 2011, $5.8 million in fiscal 2010 and $4.0 million in fiscal 2009 (see Note 5).

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes costs related to merchandise sold, including inventory valuation adjustments, distribution and warehousing, freight from the distribution center to the stores, shipping and handling costs, payroll for our design, buying and merchandising departments, and occupancy costs. Occupancy costs include rent, contingent rent, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs, maintenance, depreciation and amortization and impairment charges.

Cost of sales for fiscal 2011 includes a benefit of $8.7 million resulting from the resolution of a dispute with one of our sourcing agents, related to prior period allowances recorded in the second quarter. Of this benefit, $8.0 million relates to fiscal years 2007 through 2010 and is not material to any individual prior period.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, include costs related to selling expenses, store management and corporate expenses such as payroll and employee benefits, marketing expenses, employment taxes, information technology maintenance costs and expenses, insurance and legal expenses, e-commerce transaction expenses , store pre-opening and other corporate level expenses. Store pre-opening expenses include store level payroll, grand opening event marketing, travel, supplies and other store pre-opening expenses.

Self-Insurance

We self-insure our workers compensation claims and our employee medical benefits. The recorded liabilities for these obligations are calculated primarily using historical experience and current information. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims and estimated claims incurred but not yet reported. Self-insurance liabilities were $4.8 million at January 28, 2012 and $5.1 million at January 29, 2011. We paid workers compensation claims of $0.8 million in fiscal 2011, $0.8 million in fiscal 2010 and $0.7 million in fiscal 2009. In addition, we paid employee medical claims of $13.8 million in fiscal 2011, $13.2 million in fiscal 2010 and $11.8 million in fiscal 2009.

Retirement Benefit Plans

Our retirement benefit plan costs are accounted for using actuarial valuations required by FASB ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”). ASC 715 requires an entity to recognize the funded status of its defined pension plans on the balance sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, within other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes (see Note 9 for a further discussion).

Marketing Costs

Marketing costs, which include e-commerce, print, radio and other media advertising, are expensed at the point of first broadcast or distribution, and were $11.8 million in fiscal 2011, $9.7 million in fiscal 2010, and $8.5 million in fiscal 2009.

Stock-Based Compensation

We follow the provisions from the FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Under such guidance, all forms of share-based payment to employees and directors, including stock options, must be treated as compensation and recognized in the income statement (see Note 8 for a further discussion).

Segment Reporting

FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”), establishes standards for reporting information about a company's operating segments. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. We operate in and report as a single aggregated operating segment, which includes the operations of our Aéropostale retail stores, P.S. from Aéropostale retail stores, our Aéropostale and P.S. from Aéropostale e-commerce sites, and licensing revenue. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue. Licensing revenue was less than 1% of total net sales for each period presented.

The following tables present summarized geographical information (in thousands):

	Fiscal
	2011		2010		2009
Net sales:
United States1	$	2,214,176	$	2,281,421	$	2,141,247
Canada		128,084		119,013		88,858
Total net sales	$	2,342,260	$	2,400,434	$	2,230,105

1 Amounts represent sales from U.S. and Puerto Rico retail stores, as well as e-commerce sales, that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries and licensing revenue.

	January 28, 2012		January 29, 2011
Long-lived assets, net:
United States	$	260,112	$	269,447
Canada		27,281		29,795
Total long-lived assets, net	$	287,393	$	299,242

Our consolidated net sales mix by merchandise category was as follows:

	Fiscal
Merchandise Categories	2011			2010			2009
Young Women's		66	%		69	%		70	%
Young Men's		34			31			30
Total Merchandise Sales		100	%		100	%		100	%

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Under ASC 740, income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequence of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established using statutory tax rates and are adjusted for tax rate changes.

ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity's financial statements and requires companies to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is not “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded. Interest and penalties, if any, are recorded within the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Income and are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the related liability for uncertain tax contingency liabilities.

A valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future earnings, taxable income, and the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Management assesses the need for a valuation allowance based on our current and anticipated results of operations. The need for and the amount of valuation allowances can change in future periods if operating results and projections change significantly.