Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended							9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012		Jan. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012 B&N Retail [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 B&N Retail [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 B&N College [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 B&N College [Member]	Jan. 28, 2012 B&N.com [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance as of April 30, 2011	$ 524,113		$ 525,220	$ 225,336	$ 225,336	$ 274,070	$ 274,070	$ 24,707
Benefit of excess tax amortization	(3,321)	[1]						(3,321)	[1]
Balance as of January 28, 2012	520,792		525,220	225,336	225,336	274,070	274,070	21,386
Tax basis of goodwill in excess of related basis	$ 96,576

[1] The tax basis of goodwill arising from an acquisition during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2005 exceeded the related basis for financial reporting purposes by approximately $96,576. In accordance with ASC 740-10-30, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company is recognizing the tax benefits of amortizing such excess as a reduction of goodwill as it is realized on the Company's income tax return.