Segment Reporting (Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2011
Sales	$ 1,418,404	$ 1,395,842
Depreciation and Amortization	55,671	56,905
Operating Profit (Loss)	(79,231)	(87,613)
Capital Expenditures	26,625	21,424
Total Assets	3,971,657	4,059,854	3,596,466
B&N Retail [Member]
Sales	1,000,565	1,026,269
Depreciation and Amortization	37,936	39,403
Operating Profit (Loss)	7,582	(13,879)
Capital Expenditures	10,009	9,864
Total Assets	2,422,983	2,493,130
B&N College [Member]
Sales	219,791	224,861
Depreciation and Amortization	10,849	10,568
Operating Profit (Loss)	(21,652)	(20,102)
Capital Expenditures	8,933	7,177
Total Assets	1,288,644	1,300,344
B&N.com [Member]
Sales	198,048	144,712
Depreciation and Amortization	6,886	6,934
Operating Profit (Loss)	(65,161)	(53,632)
Capital Expenditures	7,683	4,383
Total Assets	$ 260,030	$ 266,380