Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Nov. 01, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (7,055)	$ (7,137)	$ (16,024)	$ (19,972)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(112)	81	(62)	43
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(112)	81	(62)	43
Total comprehensive loss	(7,167)	(7,056)	(16,086)	(19,929)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(164)	(197)	(537)	(218)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Books-A-Million	$ (7,003)	$ (6,859)	$ (15,549)	$ (19,711)