Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012 segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number Of Operating Segments	3
B&N College [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Stores	641
B&N Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Stores	691