Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
Numerator for basic loss per share:
Net loss attributable to Barnes & Noble, Inc.	$ (28,449)	$ (87,022)
Preferred stock dividends	(3,942)	(3,942)
Accretion of dividends on preferred stock	(758)	(758)
Net loss available to common shareholders	(33,149)	(91,722)
Numerator for diluted loss per share:
Net loss available to common shareholders	$ (33,149)	$ (91,722)
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share:
Basic weighted average common shares	59,236	58,768
Loss per common share:
Basic	$ (0.56)	$ (1.56)
Diluted	$ (0.56)	$ (1.56)