Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions Accounts Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Feb. 26, 2015	Jan. 22, 2013	Oct. 04, 2012
Microsoft [Member] | NOOK Media LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage						17.60%
Barnes and Noble, Inc [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				100.00%
Direct Costs	$ 9,663
Allocation of Expenses		$ 13,321	$ 24,238
Accounts Payable	$ 10,453		$ 49,367
Barnes and Noble, Inc [Member] | NOOK Media LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage						82.40%
Pearson Plc [Member] | NOOK Media LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage					5.00%
Warrant [Member] | Pearson Plc [Member] | NOOK Media LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage					5.00%