| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 25, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001634117 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 25, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-37499 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-0599018 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 120 Mountainview Blvd. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Basking Ridge |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07920 |
| City Area Code | (908) |
| Local Phone Number | 991-2665 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | BNED |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
