Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013		Nov. 01, 2014		Oct. 26, 2013		May 03, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,687,820		$ 1,734,159		$ 2,924,267		$ 3,063,661
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Depreciation and amortization	49,463		53,684		99,732		108,683
Operating Profit/(Loss)	18,360		21,985		(2,358)		(41,959)
Capital Expenditures	39,680		41,850		72,803		70,137
Total Assets	3,835,753	[1]	4,078,418	[1]	3,835,753	[1]	4,078,418	[1]	3,537,449
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	73.00%	[2]	72.00%	[2]	71.00%	[2]	69.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	4.00%	[3]	7.00%	[3]	5.00%	[3]	9.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	23.00%	[4]	21.00%	[4]	24.00%	[4]	22.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	2,260,961	[1]	2,310,315	[1]	2,260,961	[1]	2,310,315	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,404,844	[1]	1,408,765	[1]	1,404,844	[1]	1,408,765	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	169,948	[1]	359,338	[1]	169,948	[1]	359,338	[1]
Operating Segments | B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	888,159		921,023		1,842,966		1,929,225
Depreciation and amortization	26,968		31,994		54,372		64,218
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(1,619)		4,581		37,117		37,118
Capital Expenditures	19,376		22,733		35,284		34,379
Operating Segments | B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	751,276		737,533		977,370		963,555
Depreciation and amortization	12,509		11,735		25,053		23,376
Operating Profit/(Loss)	67,569		72,582		23,022		41,846
Capital Expenditures	15,340		13,991		24,605		21,075
Operating Segments | Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	63,866		108,733		133,893		261,870
Depreciation and amortization	9,986		9,955		20,307		21,089
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(47,590)		(55,178)		(62,497)		(120,923)
Capital Expenditures	4,964		5,126		12,914		14,683
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (15,481)		$ (33,130)		$ (29,962)		$ (90,989)

[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.