v3.26.1
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2026
Jan. 31, 2026
Jan. 31, 2025
Nov. 07, 2025
Dec. 29, 2022
Dec. 14, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Dividends paid   $ 5,500,000 $ 11,300,000      
Ownership percentage threshold for shareholder rights plan       9.99%    
Common Stock | Stock Repurchase Program | Maximum            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount         $ 50,000,000  
Common Stock | December 2022 Stock Repurchase Program            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Repurchased shares, average purchase price (in dollars per share) $ 6.3 $ 6.3        
Repurchase of stock (in shares) 1,700 1,700        
Repurchased shares, value $ 10,000 $ 10,000        
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount $ 39,300,000 $ 39,300,000        
Common Stock | Barnes & Noble Education Stock Repurchase Program            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Shares purchased under stock repurchase program 0 0        
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount $ 26,700,000 $ 26,700,000        
Common Stock | Barnes & Noble Education Stock Repurchase Program | Maximum            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount           $ 50,000,000
Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Preferred stock, par value       $ 0.001    
Preferred stock, value       $ 20.58