Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jan. 26, 2013		Jan. 28, 2012		Jan. 26, 2013		Jan. 28, 2012		Apr. 28, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,223,945		$ 2,439,124		$ 5,561,984		$ 5,749,489
Depreciation and amortization	55,761		60,273		171,409		173,699
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(294)		89,673		(47,358)		8,719
Capital Expenditures	44,142		47,955		111,095		123,471
Total Assets	4,276,261	[1]	4,189,873	[1]	4,276,261	[1]	4,189,873	[1]	3,765,249
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	64.00%	[2]	61.00%	[2]	67.00%	[2]	66.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	15.00%	[3]	20.00%	[3]	13.00%	[3]	15.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	21.00%	[4]	19.00%	[4]	20.00%	[4]	19.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,505,151		1,677,326		3,620,566		3,800,380
Depreciation and amortization	35,107		42,467		115,029		122,510
Operating Profit/(Loss)	176,850		155,123		199,877		128,865
Capital Expenditures	9,132		29,665		31,998		69,212
Total Assets	2,162,959	[1]	2,013,623	[1]	2,162,959	[1]	2,013,623	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	517,228		525,627		1,510,953		1,515,771
Depreciation and amortization	11,479		11,485		35,053		33,760
Operating Profit/(Loss)	22,434		23,694		72,615		82,006
Capital Expenditures	6,230		8,646		29,752		30,042
Total Assets	1,289,732	[1]	1,526,739	[1]	1,289,732	[1]	1,526,739	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	315,965		426,595		668,287		769,854
Depreciation and amortization	9,175		6,321		21,327		17,429
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(199,578)		(89,144)		(319,850)		(202,152)
Capital Expenditures	28,780		9,644		49,345		24,217
Total Assets	823,570	[1]	649,511	[1]	823,570	[1]	649,511	[1]
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (114,399)	[5]	$ (190,424)	[5]	$ (237,822)	[5]	$ (336,516)	[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.