Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 2,908us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ (8,363)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(186)	104
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	(186)	104
Total comprehensive income (loss)	2,722	(8,259)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(630)	(779)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Books-A-Million	$ 3,352us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ (7,480)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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