Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012		Oct. 29, 2011		Oct. 27, 2012		Oct. 29, 2011		Apr. 28, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,884,532		$ 1,891,961		$ 3,338,039		$ 3,310,365
Depreciation and amortization	57,613		57,755		115,648		113,427
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Operating Profit/(Loss)	7,138		(1,723)		(47,064)		(80,955)
Capital Expenditures	40,496		48,891		66,953		75,516
Total Assets	4,431,025	[1]	4,108,052	[1]	4,431,025	[1]	4,108,052	[1]	3,765,249
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	70.00%	[2]	71.00%	[2]	66.00%	[2]	66.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	11.00%	[3]	11.00%	[3]	14.00%	[3]	15.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	19.00%	[4]	18.00%	[4]	20.00%	[4]	19.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	996,028		1,025,802		2,115,415		2,123,054
Depreciation and amortization	38,982		40,558		79,922		80,044
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(10,595)		(26,469)		23,027		(26,259)
Capital Expenditures	13,250		27,157		22,866		39,547
Total Assets	2,449,730	[1]	2,193,596	[1]	2,449,730	[1]	2,193,596	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	773,007		769,650		993,725		990,144
Depreciation and amortization	11,859		11,426		23,574		22,275
Operating Profit/(Loss)	75,928		81,365		50,181		58,312
Capital Expenditures	13,989		12,464		23,522		21,397
Total Assets	1,334,895	[1]	1,398,592	[1]	1,334,895	[1]	1,398,592	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	160,347		151,847		352,322		343,259
Depreciation and amortization	6,772		5,771		12,152		11,108
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(58,195)		(56,619)		(120,272)		(113,008)
Capital Expenditures	13,257		9,270		20,565		14,572
Total Assets	646,400	[1]	515,864	[1]	646,400	[1]	515,864	[1]
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (44,850)	[5]	$ (55,338)	[5]	$ (123,423)	[5]	$ (146,092)	[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.