Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (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
Numerator for basic loss per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ 2,233	$ (6,563)	$ (38,747)	$ (63,169)
Preferred stock dividends	(3,942)	(3,118)	(7,883)	(3,118)
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock	(453)	(262)	(769)	(262)
Net loss available to common shareholders	(2,162)	(9,943)	(47,399)	(66,549)
Numerator for diluted loss per share:
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (2,162)	$ (9,943)	$ (47,399)	$ (66,549)
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share:
Basic weighted average common shares	58,168	57,261	58,094	57,207
Basic loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ (0.04)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.82)	$ (1.16)
Diluted loss per common share
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc. available for common shareholders	$ (0.04)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.82)	$ (1.16)