Disclosure - Schedule of Classes of Assets and Liabilities for Discontinued Operations (Detail) $ in Thousands	Aug. 01, 2015 USD ($)
Carrying amounts of assets included as part of discontinued operations:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 16,029
Total current assets	833,519
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
Total current liabilities	699,032
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	16,029
Receivables, net	35,460
Merchandise inventories, net	766,768
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,262
Total current assets	833,519
Property and equipment:
Buildings and leasehold improvements	154,524
Fixtures and equipment	341,708
Property and equipment	496,232
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	387,449
Net property and equipment	108,783
Goodwill	274,070
Intangible assets, net	195,627
Other non-current assets	44,738
Total assets classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet	1,456,737
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
Accounts payable	601,240
Accrued liabilities	97,792
Total current liabilities	699,032
Long-term deferred taxes	42,001
Other long-term liabilities	34,405
Total liabilities classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet	$ 775,438