Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Operations
Sales	$ 1,418,404	$ 1,395,842
Cost of sales and occupancy	1,030,846	1,044,142
Gross profit	387,558	351,700
Selling and administrative expenses	411,118	382,408
Depreciation and amortization	55,671	56,905
Operating loss	(79,231)	(87,613)
Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees	9,442	13,263
Loss before taxes	(88,673)	(100,876)
Income taxes	(32,067)	(38,333)
Net loss	(56,606)	(62,543)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		25
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ (56,606)	$ (62,518)
Basic loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ (0.99)	$ (1.12)
Diluted loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ (0.99)	$ (1.12)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	57,153	55,770
Diluted	57,153	55,770
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.25