Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Oct. 26, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012		Oct. 26, 2013		Oct. 27, 2012		Apr. 27, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,734,159		$ 1,884,532		$ 3,063,661		$ 3,338,039
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Depreciation and amortization	53,684		57,613		108,683		115,648
Operating Profit/(Loss)	21,985		8,929		(41,959)		(43,356)
Capital Expenditures	41,850		40,496		70,137		66,953
Total Assets	4,078,418	[1]	4,495,305	[1]	4,078,418	[1]	4,495,305	[1]	3,732,536
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	72.00%	[2]	72.00%	[2]	69.00%	[2]	69.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	7.00%	[3]	9.00%	[3]	9.00%	[3]	11.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	21.00%	[4]	19.00%	[4]	22.00%	[4]	20.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	921,023		996,028		1,929,225		2,115,415
Depreciation and amortization	31,994		38,982		64,218		79,922
Operating Profit/(Loss)	4,581		(8,803)		37,118		26,735
Capital Expenditures	22,733		13,250		34,379		22,866
Total Assets	2,297,063	[1]	2,449,730	[1]	2,297,063	[1]	2,449,730	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	737,533		773,007		963,555		993,725
Depreciation and amortization	11,735		11,859		23,376		23,574
Operating Profit/(Loss)	72,582		75,928		41,846		50,181
Capital Expenditures	13,991		13,989		21,075		23,522
Total Assets	1,400,514	[1]	1,390,218	[1]	1,400,514	[1]	1,390,218	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	108,733		160,347		261,870		352,322
Depreciation and amortization	9,955		6,772		21,089		12,152
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(55,178)		(58,196)		(120,923)		(120,272)
Capital Expenditures	5,126		13,257		14,683		20,565
Total Assets	380,841	[1]	655,357	[1]	380,841	[1]	655,357	[1]
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (33,130)		$ (44,850)		$ (90,989)		$ (123,423)

[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.