Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 27, 2013		Jul. 28, 2012		Apr. 27, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,329,502		$ 1,453,507
Sales by Product Line	100.00%		100.00%
Depreciation and amortization	54,999		58,035
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(63,944)		(52,285)
Capital Expenditures	28,287		26,457
Total Assets	3,927,214	[1]	4,053,887	[1]	3,732,536
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	65.00%	[2]	65.00%	[2]
Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	13.00%	[3]	14.00%	[3]
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales by Product Line	22.00%	[4]	21.00%	[4]
B&N Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,008,202		1,119,387
Depreciation and amortization	32,224		40,940
Operating Profit/(Loss)	32,537		35,538
Capital Expenditures	11,647		9,616
Total Assets	2,140,650	[1]	2,242,167	[1]
B&N College
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	226,022		220,718
Depreciation and amortization	11,641		11,715
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(30,736)		(25,747)
Capital Expenditures	7,083		9,533
Total Assets	1,325,093	[1]	1,385,414	[1]
Nook
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	153,138		191,975
Depreciation and amortization	11,134		5,380
Operating Profit/(Loss)	(65,745)		(62,076)
Capital Expenditures	9,557		7,308
Total Assets	461,471	[1]	426,306	[1]
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (57,860)		$ (78,573)

[1] Excludes intercompany balances.

[2] Includes tangible books, music, movies, rentals and newsstand.

[3] Includes NOOK®, related accessories, eContent and warranties.

[4] Includes toys & games, café products, college apparel, gifts and miscellaneous other.