Schedule of Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Oct. 27, 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 26 weeks ended October 27, 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 this indicates a potential impairment of goodwill as of October 27, 2018. The Company has considered, among other factors, the Company's fiscal 2019 forecast, significant improvements in its second quarter comparable store sales and earnings, and improvements in the current retail environment. Based on that evaluation, the Company determined that there have not been any events or circumstances that indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than the carrying value. However, the goodwill of the B&N Retail reporting unit is subject to further risk of impairment if B&N Retail holiday comparable store sales 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.