Disclosure - Schedule of Classes of Assets and Liabilities for Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Carrying amounts of assets included as part of discontinued operations:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 174,620
Total current assets	$ 472,618	922,346
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
Total current liabilities	303,613	673,903
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff
Carrying amounts of assets included as part of discontinued operations:
Cash and cash equivalents	59,714	174,620
Receivables, net	38,311	188,477
Merchandise inventories, net	297,425	462,062
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	52,176	73,164
Short-term deferred taxes	24,992	24,023
Total current assets	472,618	922,346
Property and equipment:
Buildings and leasehold improvements	149,065	152,818
Fixtures and equipment	335,404	328,779
Property and equipment	484,469	481,597
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	376,911	376,863
Net property and equipment	107,558	104,734
Goodwill	274,070	274,070
Intangible assets, net	198,190	200,753
Other noncurrent assets	39,883	34,548
Total assets classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet	1,092,319	1,536,451
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
Accounts payable	170,490	484,167
Accrued liabilities	133,123	189,736
Total current liabilities	303,613	673,903
Long-term deferred taxes	66,916	70,209
Other long-term liabilities	34,093	61,859
Total liabilities classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet	$ 404,622	$ 805,971