Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Sales	$ 2,439,124	$ 2,323,780	$ 5,749,490	$ 5,623,768
Cost of sales and occupancy	1,786,308	1,710,108	4,237,451	4,208,276
Gross profit	652,816	613,672	1,512,039	1,415,492
Selling and administrative expenses	502,870	443,531	1,329,619	1,229,762
Depreciation and amortization	60,273	57,010	173,701	170,691
Operating profit	89,673	113,131	8,719	15,039
Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees	8,773	13,639	26,675	39,693
Income (loss) before taxes	80,900	99,492	(17,956)	(24,654)
Income taxes	28,869	38,909	(6,818)	(10,114)
Net income (loss)	52,031	60,583	(11,138)	(14,540)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests				37
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ 52,031	$ 60,583	$ (11,138)	$ (14,503)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ 0.78	$ 1.01	$ (0.33)	$ (0.26)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ 0.71	$ 1.00	$ (0.33)	$ (0.26)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	57,371	56,894	57,261	56,457
Diluted	69,447	57,036	57,261	56,457
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.25		$ 0.75