Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014		Jul. 27, 2013		May 03, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,236,447		$ 1,329,502
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%
Depreciation and amortization	50,269		54,999
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(20,718)		(63,944)
Capital Expenditures	33,123		28,287
Total Assets	3,748,654	[1]	3,927,214	[1]	3,537,449
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	68.00%	[2]	65.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	7.00%	[3]	13.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	25.00%	[4]	22.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	2,171,570	[1]	2,167,480	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,423,412	[1]	1,339,495	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	153,672	[1]	420,239	[1]
Operating Segments | B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	954,807		1,008,202
Depreciation and amortization	27,404		32,224
Operating Profit/(Loss)	38,736		32,537
Capital Expenditures	15,908		11,647
Operating Segments | B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	226,094		226,022
Depreciation and amortization	12,544		11,641
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(44,547)		(30,736)
Capital Expenditures	9,265		7,083
Operating Segments | Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	70,027		153,138
Depreciation and amortization	10,321		11,134
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(14,907)		(65,745)
Capital Expenditures	7,950		9,557
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (14,481)		$ (57,860)

[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.