Schedule of Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Jul. 28, 2018	Apr. 27, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Tax basis of goodwill in excess of related basis			$ 96,576
Goodwill impairment	[1]	$ 133,612
B&N Retail
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		$ 133,612

[1] In fiscal 2018, the Company recognized an impairment of its B&N Retail reporting unit goodwill of $133,612. While the Company has initiated a multi-year strategic plan focused on stabilizing sales, improving productivity and reducing expenses, achievement of its long-term goals requires a significant multi-year transformation. During the 13 weeks ended July 28, 2018, the Company experienced comparable store sales and earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization that were lower than planned. The Company has evaluated whether these decreases would indicate there is a potential impairment of goodwill as of July 28, 2018. The Company has considered, among other factors, the Company's fiscal 2019 forecast and the current retail environment. Based on that evaluation, the Company determined that there have been no events or circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value for its reporting units below their carrying value, during the quarter ended July 28, 2018, and an interim impairment test was not necessary as of July 28, 2018. However, the goodwill of the B&N Retail reporting unit is subject to further risk of impairment if B&N Retail comparable store sales continue to decline, the Company's cost reduction plans do not materialize, store closings accelerate, the assumed long-term discount rate increases, or in general the Company does not achieve its forecasted multi-year strategic plan.