Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 29, 2011

Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted Loss Per Share

	13 weeks ended						26 weeks ended
	October 29, 2011			October 30, 2010			October 29, 2011			October 30, 2010
Numerator for basic loss per share:
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	(6,563	)		(12,568	)	$	(63,169	)		(75,085	)
Accrual of preferred stock dividends		(3,118	)		—			(3,118	)		—
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock		(262	)		—			(262	)		—
Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(9,943	)		(12,568	)	$	(66,549	)		(75,085	)
Numerator for diluted loss per share:
Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(9,943	)		(12,568	)	$	(66,549	)		(75,085	)
Effect of dilutive options		—			—			—			—
Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(9,943	)		(12,568	)	$	(66,549	)		(75,085	)
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share:
Basic weighted average common shares		57,261			56,708			57,207			56,239
Average dilutive options		—			—			—			—
Diluted weighted average common shares		57,261			56,708			57,207			56,239
Basic loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	(0.17	)		(0.22	)	$	(1.16	)		(1.34	)
Diluted loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$	(0.17	)		(0.22	)	$	(1.16	)		(1.34	)