Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012		Jul. 30, 2011		Apr. 28, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,453,507		$ 1,418,404
Depreciation and Amortization	58,035		55,671
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(54,202)		(79,231)
Capital Expenditures	26,457		26,625
Total Assets	4,044,684	[1]	3,971,657	[1]	3,765,249
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	62.00%	[2]	61.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	18.00%	[3]	20.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	20.00%	[4]	19.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,119,387		1,097,252
Depreciation and Amortization	40,940		39,485
Operating Profit/(Loss)	33,621		211
Capital Expenditures	9,616		12,390
Total Assets	2,242,167	[1]	2,005,773	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	220,718		220,494
Depreciation and Amortization	11,715		10,849
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(25,747)		(23,053)
Capital Expenditures	9,533		8,933
Total Assets	1,385,414	[1]	1,506,871	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	191,975		191,412
Depreciation and Amortization	5,380		5,337
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(62,076)		(56,389)
Capital Expenditures	7,308		5,302
Total Assets	417,103	[1]	459,013	[1]
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (78,573)	[5]	$ (90,754)	[5]

[1] Excludes intercompany balances.

[2] Includes tangible books, music, movies, rentals and newsstand.

[3] Includes NOOK®, related accessories, eContent and warranties.

[4] Includes toys & games, café products, college apparel, gifts and miscellaneous other.

[5] Represents the elimination of intercompany sales from NOOK to Barnes & Noble Retail and Barnes & Noble College on a sell through basis.