Segment Reporting (Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012	Jan. 29, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,439,124	$ 2,323,780	$ 5,749,490	$ 5,623,768
Depreciation and Amortization	60,273	57,010	173,701	170,691
Operating Profit (Loss)	89,673	113,131	8,719	15,039
Capital Expenditures	47,955	30,623	123,471	82,072
Total Assets	4,189,873	3,996,620	4,189,873	3,996,620	3,596,466
B&N Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,494,050	1,464,457	3,412,191	3,421,519
Depreciation and Amortization	40,590	40,052	117,411	119,372
Operating Profit (Loss)	166,331	137,540	156,047	85,006
Capital Expenditures	26,590	16,634	57,428	40,254
Total Assets	2,603,027	2,431,407	2,603,027	2,431,407
B&N College [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	524,604	539,893	1,512,859	1,561,404
Depreciation and Amortization	11,484	10,821	33,760	32,147
Operating Profit (Loss)	25,214	32,192	86,040	96,614
Capital Expenditures	8,646	8,510	30,043	24,878
Total Assets	1,369,474	1,317,920	1,369,474	1,317,920
B&N.com [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	420,470	319,430	824,440	640,845
Depreciation and Amortization	8,199	6,137	22,530	19,172
Operating Profit (Loss)	(101,872)	(56,601)	(233,368)	(166,581)
Capital Expenditures	12,719	5,479	36,000	16,940
Total Assets	$ 217,372	$ 247,293	$ 217,372	$ 247,293