Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	May 03, 2014	May 04, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (6,002)	$ (3,704)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	52	2
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	52	2
Total comprehensive loss	(5,950)	(3,702)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(424)	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to Books-A-Million	$ (5,526)	$ (3,702)