Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014		Jan. 26, 2013		Jan. 25, 2014		Jan. 26, 2013		Apr. 27, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,995,790		$ 2,223,945		$ 5,059,451		$ 5,561,984
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Depreciation and amortization	54,356		55,761		163,039		171,409
Operating Profit/(Loss)	118,716		3,657		76,757		(39,699)
Capital Expenditures	26,041		44,142		96,178		111,095
Total Assets	4,141,177	[1]	4,340,294	[1]	4,141,177	[1]	4,340,294	[1]	3,732,536
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	67.00%	[2]	64.00%	[2]	68.00%	[2]	67.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	9.00%	[3]	15.00%	[3]	9.00%	[3]	13.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	24.00%	[4]	21.00%	[4]	23.00%	[4]	20.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,410,308		1,505,151		3,339,533		3,620,566
Depreciation and amortization	31,975		35,107		96,193		115,029
Operating Profit/(Loss)	167,639		180,801		204,757		207,536
Capital Expenditures	11,319		9,132		45,699		31,998
Total Assets	2,279,609	[1]	2,295,020	[1]	2,279,609	[1]	2,295,020	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	486,221		517,228		1,449,776		1,510,953
Depreciation and amortization	11,895		11,479		35,271		35,053
Operating Profit/(Loss)	23,354		22,434		65,200		72,615
Capital Expenditures	7,285		6,230		28,359		29,752
Total Assets	1,526,698	[1]	1,360,152	[1]	1,526,698	[1]	1,360,152	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	156,866		315,965		418,736		668,287
Depreciation and amortization	10,486		9,175		31,575		21,327
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(72,277)		(199,578)		(193,200)		(319,850)
Capital Expenditures	7,437		28,780		22,120		49,345
Total Assets	334,870	[1]	685,122	[1]	334,870	[1]	685,122	[1]
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (57,605)		$ (114,399)		$ (148,594)		$ (237,822)

[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.