Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 15, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	BOOKS A MILLION INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000891919
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,442,042
Entity Public Float			$ 11.5