Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Sales	$ 1,884,532	$ 1,891,961	$ 3,338,039	$ 3,310,365
Cost of sales and occupancy	1,404,034	1,420,297	2,443,653	2,451,143
Gross profit	480,498	471,664	894,386	859,222
Selling and administrative expenses	415,747	415,632	825,802	826,750
Depreciation and amortization	57,613	57,755	115,648	113,427
Operating profit (loss)	7,138	(1,723)	(47,064)	(80,955)
Interest expense, net and amortization of deferred financing fees	8,122	8,460	17,064	17,901
Income (Loss) before taxes	(984)	(10,183)	(64,128)	(98,856)
Income taxes	(409)	(3,620)	(22,573)	(35,687)
Net income (loss)	(575)	(6,563)	(41,555)	(63,169)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,808		2,808
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ 2,233	$ (6,563)	$ (38,747)	$ (63,169)
Basic loss per common share
Loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ (0.04)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.82)	$ (1.16)
Diluted loss per common share
Loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ (0.04)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.82)	$ (1.16)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	58,168	57,261	58,094	57,207
Diluted	58,168	57,261	58,094	57,207