Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 01, 2015	Aug. 02, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (5,721)	$ (2,966)	$ (10,974)	$ (8,969)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	46	(2)	74	50
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	46	(2)	74	50
Total comprehensive loss	(5,675)	(2,968)	(10,900)	(8,919)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	88	50	117	(374)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Books-A-Million	$ (5,763)	$ (3,018)	$ (11,017)	$ (8,545)