SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2024 USD ($) Number	Jun. 10, 2024 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2024 USD ($)
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	$ 171,606		$ 0
Number of operating segments | Number	2
Number of reportable segments | Number	2
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Merchandise inventories		$ 336,741
Textbook rental inventories		$ 9,835
Restricted cash	$ 17,300
Revenue, Description of Payment Terms	payment terms are generally 30 days and do not extend beyond one year.
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. | Maximum
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Rental periods duration	1 year
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Restricted cash	$ 14,900
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Restricted cash	$ 2,400