Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Sales	$ 1,891,961	$ 1,904,146	$ 3,310,365	$ 3,299,989
Cost of sales and occupancy	1,420,297	1,454,026	2,451,143	2,498,169
Gross profit	471,664	450,120	859,222	801,820
Selling and administrative expenses	415,632	403,822	826,750	786,231
Depreciation and amortization	57,755	56,777	113,427	113,681
Operating loss	(1,723)	(10,479)	(80,955)	(98,092)
Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees	8,460	12,791	17,901	26,053
Loss before taxes	(10,183)	(23,270)	(98,856)	(124,145)
Income taxes	(3,620)	(10,690)	(35,687)	(49,023)
Net loss	(6,563)	(12,580)	(63,169)	(75,122)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		12		37
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ (6,563)	$ (12,568)	$ (63,169)	$ (75,085)
Basic loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ (0.17)	$ (0.22)	$ (1.16)	$ (1.34)
Diluted loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ (0.17)	$ (0.22)	$ (1.16)	$ (1.34)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	57,261	56,708	57,207	56,239
Diluted	57,261	56,708	57,207	56,239
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.25		$ 0.50