Segment Reporting (Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Apr. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,891,961	$ 1,904,146	$ 3,310,365	$ 3,299,989
Depreciation and Amortization	57,755	56,777	113,427	113,681
Operating Profit (Loss)	(1,723)	(10,479)	(80,955)	(98,092)
Capital Expenditures	48,891	30,025	75,516	51,449
Total Assets	4,108,052	4,019,266	4,108,052	4,019,266	3,596,466
B&N Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	917,576	930,793	1,918,141	1,957,062
Depreciation and Amortization	38,884	39,919	76,821	79,321
Operating Profit (Loss)	(17,867)	(38,654)	(10,286)	(52,535)
Capital Expenditures	20,829	13,756	30,838	23,620
Total Assets	2,541,746	2,518,279	2,541,746	2,518,279
B&N College [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	768,463	796,650	988,254	1,021,512
Depreciation and Amortization	11,426	10,758	22,276	21,326
Operating Profit (Loss)	82,478	84,523	60,826	64,422
Capital Expenditures	12,464	9,191	21,397	16,368
Total Assets	1,319,323	1,260,014	1,319,323	1,260,014
B&N.com [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	205,922	176,703	403,970	321,415
Depreciation and Amortization	7,445	6,100	14,330	13,034
Operating Profit (Loss)	(66,334)	(56,348)	(131,495)	(109,979)
Capital Expenditures	15,598	7,078	23,281	11,461
Total Assets	$ 246,983	$ 240,973	$ 246,983	$ 240,973