Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Jul. 30, 2011
Estimated life of NOOK, years	2
Annual Fee [Member]
Non-refundable, after first 30 days, annual fee	$ 25.00

Name:

bks_CustomerFeesNonRefundableAfterFirstThirtyDaysRevenueRecognized

Namespace Prefix:

bks

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

debit

Period Type:

duration