Disclosure - Schedule of Classes of Assets and Liabilities for Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
Carrying amounts of assets included as part of discontinued operations:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ (252,916)
Total current assets	$ 472,618	786,725
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
Total current liabilities	303,613	545,320
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff
Carrying amounts of assets included as part of discontinued operations:
Cash and cash equivalents	59,714	252,916
Receivables, net	38,311	81,978
Merchandise inventories, net	297,425	340,513
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	52,176	87,296
Short-term deferred taxes	24,992	24,022
Total current assets	472,618	786,725
Buildings and leasehold improvements	149,065	145,845
Fixtures and equipment	335,404	325,329
Property and equipment	484,469	471,174
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	376,911	366,915
Net property and equipment	107,558	104,259
Goodwill	274,070	274,070
Intangible assets, net	198,190	203,316
Other noncurrent assets	39,883	36,092
Total assets classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet	1,092,319	1,404,462
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
Accounts payable	170,490	422,900
Accrued liabilities	133,123	122,420
Total current liabilities	303,613	545,320
Long-term deferred taxes	66,916	70,210
Other long-term liabilities	34,093	60,995
Total liabilities classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet	$ 404,622	$ 676,525