| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Apr. 30, 2016 |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements reflect our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods reported. Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. Our business is highly seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase and rent textbooks for the upcoming semesters. The fiscal year periods for each of the last three fiscal years consisted of the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016 (Fiscal 2016), 52 weeks ended May 2, 2015 (Fiscal 2015), and 53 weeks ended May 3, 2014 (Fiscal 2014). Stand-alone basis financial statements The results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015, Fiscal 2015, Fiscal 2014 (periods presented prior to the Spin-Off), (collectively referred to as the "stand-alone periods") reflected in our consolidated financial statements are presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Our consolidated financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. Our consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Barnes & Noble corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to us. For additional information, see Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions . Consolidated basis financial statements The Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. occurred on August 2, 2015 and therefore, the results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis for the 39 weeks ended April 30, 2016 (i.e. second, third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2016) which includes direct costs incurred with Barnes & Noble under various agreements. Certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble (as described above) will continue to be provided by Barnes & Noble under the Transition Services Agreement. For additional information, see Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions . |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all short-term, highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. |
| Restricted Cash [Policy Text Block] | Restricted Cash As of April 30, 2016, restricted cash of $301 and $1,996 is included in prepaid and other current assets and other noncurrent assets, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. We generally do not control these accounts and these funds are amounts held for future scheduled distributions related to acquisitions. Such funds are invested principally in money market funds. |
| Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounts Receivable Receivables represent customer, private and public institutional and government billings (colleges, universities and other financial aid providers), credit/debit card, advertising and other receivables due within one year as follows: As of April 30, 2016 May 2, 2015 Trade accounts $ 35,578 $ 26,423 Due from affiliate (see Note 10) — 38,241 Credit/debit card receivables 3,253 2,818 Other receivables 12,093 9,069 Total receivables, net $ 50,924 $ 76,551 Accounts receivable are presented on our consolidated balance sheets net of allowances. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of collectability based on historical trends, the financial condition of our customers and an evaluation of economic conditions. We write-off uncollectible trade receivables once collection efforts have been exhausted and record bad debt expenses related to textbook rentals that are not returned and we are unable to successfully charge the customer. Allowance for doubtful accounts were $2,320 and $2,313 as of Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively. |
| Merchandise Inventories | Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method. Our textbook and trade book inventories are valued using the last-in first out, or “LIFO”, method and the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of our inventories. There were no LIFO adjustments in Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 compared to a favorable LIFO adjustment of $7,692 through cost of goods sold in Fiscal 2014. Market value of our inventory is determined based on its estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on our history of liquidating non-returnable inventory. We also estimate and accrue shortage for the period between the last physical count of inventory and the balance sheet date. Shortage rates are estimated and accrued based on historical rates and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends. The products that we sell originate from a wide variety of domestic and international vendors. During Fiscal 2016, our four largest suppliers accounted for approximately 46% of our merchandise purchased. |
| Textbook Rentals Inventories | Textbook Rental Inventories Physical textbooks out on rent are categorized as textbook rental inventories. At the time a rental transaction is consummated, the book is removed from merchandise inventories and moved to textbook rental inventories at cost. The cost of the book is amortized down to its estimated residual value over the rental period. The related amortization expense is included in cost of goods sold. At the end of the rental period, upon return, the book is removed from textbook rental inventories and recorded in merchandise inventories at its amortized cost. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, however major maintenance and remodeling costs are capitalized if they extend the useful life of the asset. We had $42,213 , $40,257 , and $37,720 of depreciation expense for Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 , respectively. Components of property and equipment are as follows: As of Useful Life April 30, 2016 May 2, 2015 Property and equipment: Leasehold improvements (a) $ 142,595 $ 138,307 Display fixtures and equipment 3-5 219,289 206,705 Capitalized software costs (b) 88,937 83,958 Office furniture and other 5-7 46,856 44,740 Construction in Progress 17,302 10,758 Total property and equipment 514,979 484,468 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 403,794 376,911 Total property and equipment, net $ 111,185 $ 107,557 (a) Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the terms of the respective leases, ranging from one to 15 years. (b) System costs are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives, from the date the systems become operational. Purchased software is generally amortized over 3 years. |
| Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Other Long-Lived Assets Our other long-lived assets include property and equipment and amortizable intangibles. We had $199,663 and $198,190 of amortizable intangible assets, net of amortization, as of April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 , respectively. These amortizable intangible assets relate primarily to our customer relationships with our colleges and university clients, and technology acquired. For additional information related to amortizable intangibles, see Note 9. Supplementary Information - Intangible Assets . We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and consider market participants in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets . We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment at the school contract combined store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying amount of the assets to the school contract combined store level’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss calculation is prepared. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying amount of the assets to the school contract combined store level’s fair value based on its estimated discounted future cash flows. If required, an impairment loss is recorded for that portion of the asset’s carrying value in excess of fair value. Impairment losses related to school contracts included in selling and administrative expenses totaled $59 , $7 , and $11 during Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 , respectively. In Fiscal 2016, we implemented a plan to restructure our digital operations. As a result of this restructuring, we recorded a non-cash impairment loss of $11,987 . For additional information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 9. Supplementary Information. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Goodwill The costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired are carried as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 , we had $280,911 and $274,070 of goodwill, respectively. For additional information, see Note 9. Supplementary Information . ASC No. 350-30, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("ASC 350-30"), requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at least annually or earlier if there are impairment indicators. We perform a two-step process for impairment testing of goodwill as required by ASC 350-30. The first step of this test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The second step (if necessary) measures the amount of the impairment. We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the third quarter of fiscal 2016. In performing the valuation, we used cash flows that reflected management’s forecasts and discount rates that included risk adjustments consistent with the current market conditions. Based on the results of the step one testing, fair value of the one reporting unit exceeded its carrying value; therefore, the second step of the impairment test was not required to be performed and no goodwill impairment was recognized. As of the date of our annual goodwill impairment test, the excess fair value over carrying value was approximately 9% . Goodwill is subject to further risk of impairment if comparable store sales decline, store closings accelerate or digital projections fall short of expectations. Additionally, changes in the structure of our business as a result of future reorganizations, acquisitions or divestitures of assets or businesses could result in future impairments of goodwill. Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates for a discussion of key assumptions used in our testing. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue Revenue from sales of our products at physical locations is recognized at the time of sale. Revenue from sales of products ordered through our websites is recognized upon receipt of our products by our customers. Sales taxes collected from our customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of our sales are recognized as revenue on a “net” basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. We do not treat any promotional offers as expenses. We rent both physical and digital textbooks. Revenue from the rental of physical textbooks is deferred and recognized over the rental period commencing at point of sale. Revenue from the rental of digital textbooks is recognized at time of sale. A software feature is embedded within the content of our digital textbooks, such that upon expiration of the rental term the customer is no longer able to access the content. While the digital rental allows the customer to access digital content for a fixed period of time, once the digital content is delivered to the customer our performance obligation is complete. We offer a buyout option to allow the purchase of a rented book at the end of the rental period. We record the buyout purchase when the customer exercises and pays the buyout option price. In these instances, we would accelerate any remaining deferred rental revenue at the point of sale. |
| Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cost of Sales Our cost of sales primarily include costs such as merchandise costs, textbook rental amortization and management service agreement costs, including rent expense, related to our college and university contracts and by other facility related expenses. |
| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Selling and Administrative Expenses Our selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of store payroll and store operating expenses. Selling and administrative expenses also include stock-based compensation and general office expenses, such as executive oversight, merchandising, field support, finance, human resources, benefits, training, legal, and information technology, as well as our investments in digital. |
| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Barnes & Noble’s Equity Plans Prior to Spin-Off Prior to the Spin-Off, certain of our employees were eligible to participate in Barnes & Noble, Inc. equity plans pursuant to which they were granted awards of Barnes & Noble, Inc. common stock. Under these equity plans, our employees were granted restricted stock units, restricted stock and stock options. Barnes & Noble, Inc. recognized stock-based compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. Barnes & Noble, Inc. estimated the forfeiture rates based on its historical experience. The fair market value of restricted stock was determined based on the closing price of Barnes & Noble, Inc.’s common stock on the grant date. Barnes & Noble, Inc. used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value Barnes & Noble, Inc.’s stock options for each stock option award. The equity-based payments recorded by us prior to the Spin-Off included the expense associated with our employees. Current Equity Plans During the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, post Spin-Off, we reserved 2,409,345 shares of our Common Stock for future grants in accordance with the Barnes & Noble Education Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). Types of equity awards that can be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan include options, restricted stock ("RS"), restricted stock units ("RSU") and performance awards. We have not granted options under the Equity Incentive Plan. A restricted stock award is an award of common stock that is subject to certain restrictions during a specified period. Restricted stock awards are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the restricted shares vest. Shares of unvested restricted stock have the same voting rights as common stock, are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon and are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. Restricted stock awards vest over a period of one year. A restricted stock unit is a grant valued in terms of our common stock, but no stock is issued at the time of grant. Each restricted stock unit may be redeemed for one share of our common stock once vested. Restricted stock units are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the units except in very limited circumstances and with the consent of the compensation committee. Shares of unvested restricted stock units have no voting rights but are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon. Restricted stock units vest over a period of three years. Currently, outstanding awards are not based on performance and are based solely on continued service. We recognize compensation expense for awards ratably over the requisite service period of the award. We recognize compensation expense based on the number of awards expected to vest using an estimated average forfeiture rate. We calculate the fair value of stock-based awards based on the closing price on the date the award was granted. |
| Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Advertising Costs The costs of advertising are expensed as incurred during the year pursuant to ASC No. 720-35, Advertising Costs . Advertising costs charged to selling and administrative expenses were $8,193 , $8,614 , and $8,421 during Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 , respectively. |
| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and local income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. We regularly review deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance, if determined to be necessary. For additional information, see Note 14. Income Taxes . |
| Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share | Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per share represent net earnings to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of our stock based compensation. See Note 6. Equity and Earnings Per Share for further information regarding the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share. Earnings Per Share For periods prior to the Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble on August 2, 2015, basic earnings per share and weighted-average basic shares outstanding are based on the number of shares of Barnes & Noble, Inc. common stock outstanding as of the end of the period, adjusted for the distribution ratio of 0.632 shares of our Common Stock for every one share of Barnes & Noble, Inc. common stock held on the record date for the Spin-Off. For periods prior to the Spin-Off, diluted earnings per share and weighted-average diluted shares outstanding reflect potential common shares from Barnes & Noble equity plans in which our employees participated. Certain of our employees held restricted stock units and stock options granted by Barnes & Noble, Inc. which were considered participating securities. Basic EPS is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted EPS is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method and the average market price of our common stock for the year. We include participating securities (unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents) in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. Our participating securities consist solely of unvested restricted stock awards, which have contractual participation rights equivalent to those of stockholders of unrestricted common stock. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an allocation method that calculates earnings per share for common stock and participating securities. During periods of net loss, no effect is given to the participating securities because they do not share in the losses of the Company. During the Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 , no shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation using the two-class method as they were not antidilutive. |
| Reclassifications [Text Block] | As more fully described in Note 3. Recent Accounting Policies , during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17") retrospectively to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amendments in this update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. We early adopted this standard during the fourth quarter of 2016 on a retrospective basis, which resulted in a reclassification of our net current deferred tax asset of $24,358 to the net non-current deferred tax liability in our consolidated balance sheet as of May 2, 2015. |
| Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] | During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we decreased cash and accounts payable by $14,898 for the period ended as of May 2, 2015 as a result of an immaterial balance sheet error correction. This correction was to record outstanding payments and overdraft cash concentration balances as part of cash and cash equivalents account from the previously recorded accounts payable account. Management has assessed both quantitative and qualitative factors discussed in ASC No. 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections and Staff Accounting Bulletin 1.M, Materiality (SAB Topic 1.M) to determine that this misstatement qualifies as an immaterial balance sheet error correction. We concluded that this balance sheet misstatement is not material to an investor as it did not affect pre-tax income, net income, or earnings per share reported in the financial statements for any prior period financial statements. Additionally, this balance sheet misstatement did not affect the debt covenants under our Credit Facility. As more fully described in Note 9. Supplementary Information, during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we increased other long-term liabilities and decreased Parent company investment by $63,459 for the period ended as of May 2, 2015 , as a result of an immaterial balance sheet error correction. |
| Distribution at SpinOff [Policy Text Block] | On July 14, 2015, Barnes & Noble approved the final distribution ratio and declared a pro rata dividend of the outstanding shares of our common stock to Barnes & Noble’s existing stockholders. The pro-rata dividend was made on August 2, 2015 to the Barnes & Noble stockholders of record (as of July 27, 2015). Each Barnes & Noble stockholder of record received a distribution of 0.632 shares of our common stock for each share of Barnes & Noble common stock held on the record date. On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble does not own any equity interest in us. |
| Share Repurchase [Policy Text Block] | Share Repurchases On December 14, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $50,000 , in the aggregate, of our outstanding Common Stock. The stock repurchase program is carried out at the direction of management (which includes a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The stock repurchase program may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. During the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016 , we repurchased 1,715,269 shares for approximately $16,612 at a weighted average cost per share of $9.95 . During the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016 , we also repurchased 174,511 shares of our Common Stock in connection with employee tax withholding obligations for vested stock awards. |
| Dividend [Policy Text Block] | Dividends We paid no dividends to common stockholders during Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 . We do not intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. |
| Fair Values of Financial Instruments | In accordance with ASC No. 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , the fair value of an asset is considered to be the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated knowledgeable and willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable Level 3—Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring us to develop our own assumptions Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued liabilities and accounts payable. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued liabilities and accounts payable approximates their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments, which are all considered Level 1. |
| Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] | As permitted under ASU No. 2015-15, the debt issuance costs have been deferred and are presented as an asset which is subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the credit agreement. |
| Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] | All amortizable intangible assets are being amortized over their useful life on a straight-line basis. |
| Other Long-Term Liabilities | Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of tax liabilities related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve and deferred management service agreement costs related to college and university contracts. We provide for minimum contract expense over the contract terms on a straight-line basis. The excess of such minimum contract expense over actual contract payments (net of school allowances) is reflected in other long-term liabilities and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. |
