Barnes & Noble Education (BNED) 10-Q 5 Dec 17 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 28, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	BNED
Entity Registrant Name	Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,634,117
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,914,248

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Sales:
Product sales and other	$ 817,825	$ 697,927	$ 1,152,327	$ 915,663
Rental income	69,036	72,744	90,245	94,245
Total sales	886,861	770,671	1,242,572	1,009,908
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross		770,671		1,009,908
Product and other cost of sales	628,839	554,498	906,580	732,492
Rental cost of sales	41,464	44,659	54,721	58,489
Total cost of sales	670,303	599,157	961,301	790,981
Gross profit	216,558	171,514	281,271	218,927
Selling and administrative expenses	115,148	101,123	214,558	185,060
Depreciation and amortization expense	16,704	12,987	31,721	25,908
Restructuring and other charges	193	0	5,429	1,790
Transaction costs	1,257	644	1,846	2,171
Operating (loss) income	83,256	56,760	27,717	3,998
Interest expense, net	1,836	630	4,874	1,296
Income (loss) before taxes	81,420	56,130	22,843	2,702
Income tax expense (benefit)	33,025	26,841	9,231	1,329
Net (loss) income	$ 48,395	$ 29,289	$ 13,612	$ 1,373
(Loss) Earnings per share of common stock
Basic	$ 1.04	$ 0.63	$ 0.29	$ 0.03
Diluted	$ 1.03	$ 0.63	$ 0.29	$ 0.03
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	46,705	46,170	46,611	46,259
Diluted	47,006	46,593	47,144	46,652

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 28, 2017	Apr. 29, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,028,000	49,372,000	48,972,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	46,914,000	46,517,000	46,276,000
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 17,494	$ 19,003	$ 176,578
Receivables, net	153,646	86,040	93,250
Merchandise inventories, net	515,574	434,064	401,338
Textbook rental inventories	78,062	52,826	86,704
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,352	10,698	8,083
Total current assets	778,128	602,631	765,953
Net property and equipment	115,318	116,613	108,499
Intangible assets, net	229,498	209,885	194,562
Goodwill	362,412	329,467	281,350
Other noncurrent assets	41,885	41,236	38,226
Total assets	1,527,241	1,299,832	1,388,590
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	458,833	192,742	439,746
Accrued liabilities	184,283	120,478	140,779
Short-term Debt	0	100,000	0
Total current liabilities	643,116	413,220	580,525
Long-term deferred taxes, net	16,187	16,871	25,743
Other long-term liabilities	96,294	96,433	75,962
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	41,800	59,600	0
Liabilities	797,397	586,124	682,230
Commitments and contingencies	0	0	0
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	0	0	0
Common Stock, Value, Outstanding	500	494	490
Additional Paid in Capital	713,018	708,871	703,966
Retained Earnings	45,975	32,363	28,375
Treasury Stock, Value	(29,649)	(28,020)	(26,471)
Total Equity	729,844	713,708	706,360
Total liabilities and Parent Company equity	$ 1,527,241	$ 1,299,832	$ 1,388,590

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ 13,612	$ 1,373
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	31,721	25,908
Amortization of deferred financing costs	751	325
Deferred taxes	(684)	(4,122)
Stock-based compensation expense	4,153	4,458
Change in other long-term liabilities	(426)	582
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net	150,493	150,805
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	199,620	179,329
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(22,422)	(17,470)
Payments to Acquire Businesses	(58,259)	(917)
Net increase in other noncurrent assets	(1,018)	(5,076)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(81,699)	(23,463)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings on Credit Facility	225,400	47,400
Repayments of borrowings on Credit Facility	(343,200)	(47,400)
Purchase of treasury shares	(1,629)	(7,856)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(119,429)	(7,856)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1,508)	148,010
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net	(67,256)	(41,794)
Merchandise inventories	(81,510)	(88,591)
Textbook rental inventories	(25,236)	(38,944)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,157)	(1,532)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	326,652	321,666
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net	150,493	150,805
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 20,189	$ 178,876

Consolidated Statement of Equit

Consolidated Statement of Equity Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	48,645
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 486
Additional Paid in Capital	699,513
Retained Earnings	$ 27,002
Treasury Stock, Shares	1,890
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (18,615)
Total Equity	708,386
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	1,373
Stock-based compensation expense	4,457			$ 4,457
Vested equity awards, shares		327
Vested equity awards, value	0	$ 4		(4)
Common stock repurchased, shares			689
Common stock repurchased, value	(6,718)		$ 6,718
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards			117
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards, value	$ (1,138)		$ 1,138
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	48,972
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 490
Additional Paid in Capital	703,966
Retained Earnings	$ 28,375
Treasury Stock, Shares	2,696
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (26,471)
Total Equity	$ 706,360
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	49,372
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 494
Additional Paid in Capital	708,871
Retained Earnings	$ 32,363
Treasury Stock, Shares	2,855
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (28,020)
Total Equity	713,708
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	13,612
Stock-based compensation expense	4,153			4,153
Vested equity awards, shares		656
Vested equity awards, value		$ 6		$ (6)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards			259
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards, value	$ (1,629)		$ 1,629
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,028
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 500
Additional Paid in Capital	713,018
Retained Earnings	$ 45,975
Treasury Stock, Shares	3,114
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (29,649)
Total Equity	$ 729,844

Organization (Notes)

Organization (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Organization	Note 1. Organization Description of Business Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (“BNED”) is one of the largest contract operators of physical and virtual bookstores for higher education and K-12 institutions across the United States, one of the largest textbook wholesalers, and a leading provider of digital education services. Through its Barnes & Noble College (“BNC”) and MBS Textbook Exchange (“MBS”) subsidiaries, Barnes & Noble Education operates 1,483 physical and virtual bookstores and serves more than 6 million students, delivering essential educational content and tools within a dynamic retail environment. We have two reportable segments: BNC and MBS. BNC operates 777 physical campus bookstores as of October 28, 2017, the majority of which also have school-branded e-commerce sites operated by BNC. Our campus stores are a social and academic hub through which students can access affordable course materials and affinity products, including new and used print and digital textbooks, which are available for sale or rent, emblematic apparel and gifts, trade books, computer products, school and dorm supplies, café offerings, convenience food and beverages, and graduation products. BNC product offerings also include a suite of digital content, software, and services through our LoudCloud platform, such as predictive analytics, a variety of open educational resources ("OER") courseware, and competency-based learning solutions and a learning management system. Additionally, through Student Brands, LLC, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business, BNC offers services focused on study tools, writing help, and literary research, all centered around assisting students with the writing process. Our MBS subsidiary operates two highly integrated businesses. The MBS Direct business is the largest contract operator of virtual bookstores for college and university campuses and private/parochial K-12 schools. MBS Direct operates 706 virtual bookstores as of October 28, 2017, offering new and used print and digital textbooks, which are available for sale or rent. Additionally, MBS Direct sells textbooks directly to students through textbooks.com SM , one of the largest e-commerce sites for new and used textbooks. MBS Wholesale is one of the largest textbook wholesalers in the country, providing a comprehensive selection of new and used textbooks at a low cost of supply to more than 3,700 physical bookstores (as of April 29, 2017), including BNC’s 777 campus bookstores. Educational institutions increasingly are outsourcing bookstore operations, investing in data-driven analytical tools, and offering students more affordable options for textbooks and other learning tools. Given these continuing trends, we are well-positioned to capture new market share and partner with an increasing number of schools across the country. As demand for new, improved, and more affordable products and services increase in the rapidly changing education landscape, we are working to evolve our business model and enhance our solutions. We aim to be an even stronger partner for schools and meet customer needs by expanding our physical and virtual bookstore service capabilities, courseware offerings and digital platform services. We believe that our recent strategic actions, including the acquisition of LoudCloud, Promoversity, MBS, and Student Brands and development of courseware, have substantially enhanced our competitive position. We continue to aggressively innovate and collaborate with our partners to provide solutions that extend well beyond course materials sourcing and sales to include new digital services that support successful student outcomes. On August 3, 2017, we acquired Student Brands, LLC ("Student Brands"). Student Brands operates multiple direct-to-student businesses focused on Study Tools, Writing Help, and Literary Research, all centered around assisting students with the writing process. Student Brands has a substantial and growing community of online learners, with over 20 million unique monthly users across its digital properties, which include123HelpMe.com, Bartleby.com and StudyMode.com in the United States and TrabalhosFeitos.com, Etudier.com and Monografias.com in Brazil, France and Mexico, respectively. Student Brands utilizes deep data analytics and artificial intelligence to drive its content management system, the Content Brain. The Content Brain sifts through millions of pieces of content and provides the best answer for virtually any assignment a student is tackling. Student Brands generates revenue predominantly through its subscription-based services and digital advertisements. Growth Drivers The primary factors that we expect will enable us to grow our business are as follows: • Increasing market share with new accounts. • Adapting our merchandising strategy and product and service offerings. • Providing a scalable and leading digital product and solution set. • Expanding strategic opportunities through acquisitions and partnerships. For additional information related to the growth drivers for our business, see Part I - Item 1. Business - Overview - Growth Drivers in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2017.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation Our condensed consolidated financial statements reflect our condensed 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 unaudited condensed 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. These condensed consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP. The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 and include the financial results of MBS (which was acquired on February 27, 2017) and Student Brands (which was acquired on August 3, 2017). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016 exclude the financial results of MBS and Student Brands. Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. Our retail business (BNC and MBS Direct) sales are generally highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase textbooks for the upcoming semesters, and lowest in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. Sales attributable to the MBS wholesale business are generally highest in our first, second and third quarter as it sells textbooks for retail distribution, which somewhat offsets the decreased first quarter sales attributable to our retail business. MBS has significantly lower operating profit or operating loss realized during the fourth quarter. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 are not indicative of the results expected for the 52 weeks ending April 28, 2018 (Fiscal 2018). 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market value of our inventory, which is all purchased finished goods, is determined based on its estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price less normally predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on our history of liquidating non-returnable inventory. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method for our BNC segment and last-in first out, or “LIFO”, method for our MBS segment. Our textbook inventories, for BNC and MBS, and trade book inventories are valued using the LIFO method and the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of our inventories. For our BNC segment, 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. 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. 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. Revenue from the sale of physical textbooks from our wholesale and virtual bookstores is recognized at the time of shipment. Additional revenue is recognized for shipping charges billed to customers. 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. We offer a buyout option to allow the purchase of a rented physical textbook 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. Revenue from the rental of digital textbooks is recognized at the 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 primarily record digital textbook rental sales on a net basis in accordance with ASC 605-45-45, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent . We provide direct-to-student subscription-based writing services. Subscription revenue is deferred and recognized over the service period. The majority of subscriptions sold are one month in duration. 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. Cost of Sales Our cost of sales primarily include costs such as merchandise costs, textbook rental amortization, warehouse costs related to inventory management and order fulfillment, certain payroll costs, and management service agreement costs, including rent expense, related to our college and university contracts and other facility related expenses. 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 our digital platform and subscription-based services. Goodwill The costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired are carried as goodwill in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of October 28, 2017 , we had $362,412 of goodwill. 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 completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2017. 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 1 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 Fiscal 2017 annual goodwill impairment test, the excess fair value over carrying value was approximately 5% . 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. For additional information related to key assumptions used in our testing, refer to Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2017. As disclosed in Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements, we have elected to early adopt the guidance of ASU 2017-04 for our forthcoming Fiscal 2018 annual goodwill impairment test. Subsequent to the early adoption of ASU 2017-04, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test has been eliminated and, if required, an impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Income Taxes As of October 28, 2017, other long-term liabilities includes $77,051 related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve. The LIFO reserve is impacted by changes in the consumer price index ("CPI") and inventory levels. Given recent trends relating to the pricing and rental of textbooks, management believes that a portion of the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve could be payable within the next twelve months. The LIFO reserve is dependent on the inventory levels at the end of our tax year (on or about January 31st) which is in the middle of our second largest selling cycle. We are unable to predict future trends for CPI and inventory levels, therefore it is difficult to project with reasonable certainty how much of this liability will become payable within the next twelve months.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) to simplify the test for Goodwill Impairment. The revised guidance eliminates the existing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test which required an entity to compute the implied fair value of its goodwill at the testing date in order to measure the amount of the impairment charge when the fair value of the reporting unit failed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. Under the revised guidance, an entity would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of Fiscal 2021 and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We have elected to early adopt this standard in the second quarter of Fiscal 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-01") to increase transparency and comparability by providing additional information to users of financial statements regarding an entity's leasing activities. The revised guidance seeks to achieve this objective by requiring reporting entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for substantially all lease arrangements. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis beginning with the earliest period presented. We are currently evaluating this standard to determine the impact of adoption on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) . The standard provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required. In 2016, the FASB issued final amendments to clarify the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations and the accounting for licenses of intellectual property. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , which effectively delayed the adoption date by one year. We are required to adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The new standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period (full retrospective method) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at the date of initial adoption (modified retrospective method). We are in the process of analyzing the impacts of the guidance across all of our revenue streams. This includes reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the guidance. The majority of our revenue is generated from sales of finished products, which will continue to be recognized when control is transferred to the customer. Our assessment includes an evaluation of the impact that the guidance will have on our accounting for marketing revenue and other income streams. We are evaluating the guidance for our software license revenue, which is currently not material and is recognized over time, but may be recognized at a point in time under the new guidance. We are continuing to evaluate our revenue streams related to our digital product offerings and subscription-based services. We do not have loyalty programs or gift cards. While our assessment of the impacts of the guidance is still in process, we believe the adoption of the guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements, other than the additional disclosure requirements. We plan to adopt the standard in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective method.

Acquisitions Acquisition (Notes

Acquisitions Acquisition (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4. Acquisitions Student Brands, LLC On August 3, 2017, we acquired 100% of the equity interests of Student Brands. Student Brands operates multiple direct-to-student businesses focused on Study Tools, Writing Help, and Literary Research, all centered around assisting students with the writing process. We completed the purchase for cash consideration of $61,997 , including cash acquired of $4,626 , and the transaction was funded from cash on-hand and availability under our existing Credit Agreement. We are still in the process of valuing the assets acquired and liabilities assumed; thus, allocation of the acquisition consideration is subject to change and considered preliminary. The preliminary purchase price was allocated primarily as follows: $28,300 intangible assets, $1,593 acquired working capital and $31,782 goodwill. This acquisition is not material to our consolidated financial statements and therefore, disclosure of pro forma financial information has not been presented. The results of operations reflect the period of ownership of the acquired business. Identified intangible assets include the following: Type of Intangible Amount Estimated Useful Life Content $ 14,500 5 Technology 8,000 5 Non-Compete Agreements 4,000 3 Subscriber List 1,800 2 Total Intangibles: $ 28,300 MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC On February 27, 2017, we completed the purchase of all issued and outstanding units of MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC. MBS operates two highly integrated businesses. The MBS Direct business is the largest contract operator of virtual bookstores, operating 706 virtual bookstores for college and university campuses and private/parochial K-12 schools as of October 28, 2017. MBS Wholesale is one of the largest textbook wholesalers in the country, providing a comprehensive selection of new and used textbooks at a low cost of supply to more than 3,700 physical bookstores (as of April 29, 2017), including BNC’s 777 campus bookstores. Refer to Note 1. Organization of this Form 10-Q for additional information about MBS. We acquired 100% of the equity interests of MBS for cash consideration of $187,862 , including cash and restricted cash acquired of $1,171 , and the acquisition was financed with cash from operations as well as proceeds from our existing credit facility. During the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2017, we finalized the valuation and recorded adjustments to the acquired liabilities which resulted in an increase to goodwill of $1,163 . These adjustments were related to a final reconciliation of the pre-acquisition tax liability due to the seller of $888 under the purchase agreement, as well as a net $275 increase in other long-term liabilities. The following is a summary of consideration paid for the acquisition: Cash paid to Seller or escrow $ 165,499 Consideration to Seller for pre-closing costs 4,657 Cash paid for Seller closing costs 4,044 Contract purchase price $ 174,200 Consideration for payment to settle Seller's outstanding short-term borrowings 24,437 Consideration for reimbursement of pre-acquisition tax liability to Seller 15,556 Less: Consideration to Seller for pre-closing costs (4,657 ) Less: Consideration for settlement of pre-existing payable to Seller (21,674 ) Total value of consideration transferred $ 187,862 The following is a summary of the fair values of the net assets acquired: Total consideration transferred $ 187,862 Cash and cash equivalents $ 472 Accounts receivable, net 28,177 Merchandise inventory 128,431 Property and equipment 12,403 Intangible assets 21,576 Prepaid and other assets 4,748 Total assets $ 195,807 Accounts payable $ 35,383 Accrued expenses 8,799 Other long-term liabilities 13,044 Total liabilities $ 57,226 Net assets acquired $ 138,581 Goodwill $ 49,281 Identified intangible assets include the following: Type of Intangible Amount Estimated Useful Life Favorable Lease $ 1,076 6.5 Trade Name 3,500 10 Technology 1,500 3 Book Store Relationship 13,000 13 Direct Customer Relationship 2,000 15 Non-Compete Agreements 500 3 Total Intangibles: $ 21,576

Segment Reporting (Notes)

Segment Reporting (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Segment Reporting	Note 5. Segment Reporting We identified our segments based on the way our business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses financial performance. Effective with the acquisition of MBS on February 27, 2017, we have determined that we operate two reportable segments: BNC and MBS. Prior to the acquisition of MBS, BNC was our only reportable segment. Our international operations are not material and the majority of the revenue and total assets are within the United States. For a description of the BNC and MBS businesses, refer to Note 1. Organization of this Form 10-Q. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 include the financial results of MBS and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The eliminations are primarily related to the following intercompany activities: • BNC purchases new and used textbooks from MBS for distribution at BNC's physical college bookstores. We eliminate the net sales from MBS and the intercompany profit in ending inventory, and • MBS pays commissions to BNC for certain textbooks its sells to MBS that cannot be returned to suppliers or used in their stores. The commission is based on the volume of textbooks sold to MBS and with respect to the textbook requirements of certain distance learning programs that MBS fulfills on BNC's behalf. Intercompany Eliminations Sales eliminations represent the elimination of MBS sales to BNC and the elimination of BNC commissions earned from MBS. Cost of sales eliminations represent (i) the recognition of intercompany profit for BNC inventory that was purchased from MBS in a prior period that was subsequently sold to external customers during the current period, net of (ii) the elimination of intercompany profit for MBS inventory purchases by BNC that remain in ending inventory at the end of the current period. Gross margin eliminations reflect the net impact of the sales eliminations and cost of sales eliminations. Summarized financial information for our reportable segments is reported below: 13 weeks ended 26 weeks ended October 28, October 29, October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Sales: BNC $ 761,787 $ 770,671 $ 1,011,764 $ 1,009,908 MBS 134,851 — 274,652 — Elimination (9,777 ) — (43,844 ) — Total Sales $ 886,861 $ 770,671 $ 1,242,572 $ 1,009,908 Gross Profit BNC $ 171,725 $ 171,514 $ 220,462 $ 218,927 MBS 33,175 — 60,764 — Elimination 11,658 — 45 — Total Gross Profit $ 216,558 $ 171,514 $ 281,271 $ 218,927 Depreciation and Amortization BNC $ 15,086 $ 12,987 $ 28,468 $ 25,908 MBS 1,618 — 3,253 — Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 16,704 $ 12,987 $ 31,721 $ 25,908 Operating Income BNC (a),(b) $ 55,062 $ 56,760 $ (1,050 ) $ 3,998 MBS 16,536 — 28,722 — Elimination 11,658 — 45 — Total Operating Income $ 83,256 $ 56,760 $ 27,717 $ 3,998 The following is a reconciliation of segment Operating Income to consolidated Income Before Income Taxes: Total Operating Income $ 83,256 $ 56,760 $ 27,717 $ 3,998 Interest Expense, net (1,836 ) (630 ) (4,874 ) (1,296 ) Total Income Before Income Taxes $ 81,420 $ 56,130 $ 22,843 $ 2,702 (a) During the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, we recognized expenses totaling approximately $5,361 related to the resignation of Mr. Max J. Roberts as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the appointment of Mr. Michael P. Huseby to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, both effective as of September 19, 2017. For additional information, refer to Note 9. Supplemental Information - Restructuring and Other Charges of this Form 10-Q . (b) On August 3, 2017, we acquired Student Brands, LLC, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 include the financial results of Student Brands in the BNC segment from the date of acquisition, August 3, 2017, and the condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016 exclude the financial results of Student Brands.

Equity and Earnings Per Share (

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Note 6. Equity and Earnings Per Share Equity 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 may include 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 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock. As of October 28, 2017 , approximately $26,669 remains available under the stock repurchase program. Earnings Per Share 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 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, average shares of 918 and 506 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as their inclusion would have been antidilutive, respectively. The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted loss per share calculation: 13 weeks ended 26 weeks ended October 28, October 29, October 28, October 29, Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 48,395 $ 29,289 $ 13,612 $ 1,373 Less allocation of earnings to participating securities (16 ) (19 ) (4 ) (1 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 48,379 $ 29,270 $ 13,608 $ 1,372 Numerator for diluted earnings per share: Net income available to common shareholders $ 48,379 $ 29,270 $ 13,608 $ 1,372 Allocation of earnings to participating securities 16 19 4 1 Less diluted allocation of earnings to participating securities (16 ) (19 ) (4 ) (1 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 48,379 $ 29,270 $ 13,608 $ 1,372 Denominator for basic earnings per share: Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock 46,705 46,170 46,611 46,259 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock 46,705 46,170 46,611 46,259 Average dilutive restricted stock units 162 364 389 339 Average dilutive performance shares 113 35 127 24 Average dilutive restricted shares 7 24 8 30 Average dilutive performance share units 19 — 9 — Average dilutive options — — — — Diluted weighted average shares of Common Stock 47,006 46,593 47,144 46,652 Earnings per share of Common Stock: Basic $ 1.04 $ 0.63 $ 0.29 $ 0.03 Diluted $ 1.03 $ 0.63 $ 0.29 $ 0.03

Fair Values of Financial Instru

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	Note 7. 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. The fair value of short-term and long-term debt approximates its carrying value.

Credit Facility (Notes)

Credit Facility (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Credit Facility	Note 8. Credit Facility On August 3, 2015, we and certain of our subsidiaries, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) under which the lenders committed to provide a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of $400,000 (the “Credit Facility”). The Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the Credit Facility of up to $100,000 subject to certain restrictions. On February 27, 2017, in connection with the acquisition of MBS, we amended the Credit Agreement with our current lenders to add a new $100,000 incremental first in, last out seasonal loan facility (the “FILO Facility”) increasing the maximum availability under the Credit Agreement to $500,000 . For additional information including interest terms and covenant requirements related to the Credit Facility, refer to Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2017. During the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 , we borrowed $225,400 and repaid $343,200 under the Credit Agreement, for a net total of $41,800 of outstanding borrowings as of October 28, 2017 , comprised of outstanding borrowings of $41,800 and $0 under the Credit Facility and FILO Facility, respectively. As of October 28, 2017 , we have issued $4,759 in letters of credit under the Credit Facility.

Supplementary Information (Note

Supplementary Information (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Supplementary info [Abstract]
Supplementary Information [Text Block]	Note 9. Supplementary Information Restructuring and other charges Restructuring In Fiscal 2016, we implemented a plan to restructure our digital education operations which was completed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, and was primarily comprised of costs related to employee matters. We recorded restructuring costs of $68 and $1,790 during the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, respectively. Other Charges On July 19, 2017, Mr. Max J. Roberts resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Mr. Michael P. Huseby was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, both effective as of September 19, 2017. Pursuant to the terms of the Retirement Letter Agreement, Mr. Roberts received an aggregate payment of approximately $4,424 , comprised of salary, bonus and benefits. In addition, the Company paid Mr. Roberts and Mr. Huseby a one-time cash transition payment of approximately $562 and $250 , respectively, at the time of the transition. During the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, we recognized expenses totaling approximately $5,361 , which is comprised of the severance and transition payments. For additional information, see the Form 8-K dated July 19, 2017, filed with the SEC on July 20, 2017.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactio

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions Barnes & Noble Transactions (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions [Text Block]	Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions Our History with Barnes & Noble, Inc. On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, Inc. ("Spin-Off") at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. In connection with the separation from Barnes & Noble, we entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Barnes & Noble which governs the relationship between the parties after the separation and allocates between the parties various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations following the separation, including inventory purchases, employee benefits, intellectual property, information technology, insurance and tax-related assets and liabilities. The agreements also describe Barnes & Noble’s future commitments to provide us with certain transition services following the Spin-Off. For information about our history with Barnes & Noble, Inc., see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2017. Summary of Transactions with Barnes & Noble, Inc. During the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, we were billed $8,195 and $7,928 , respectively, for purchases of inventory and direct costs incurred under the agreements discussed above which are included as cost of sales, and selling and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. During the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, we were billed $15,023 and $16,141 , respectively, for purchases of inventory and direct costs incurred under the agreements discussed above which are included as cost of sales, and selling and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 , amounts due to Barnes & Noble, Inc. for book purchases and direct costs incurred under the agreements discussed above of $9,619 and $8,951 were included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, respectively.

Related Party Transactions Rela

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11. Related Party Transactions Prior to the acquisition of MBS on February 27, 2017, MBS was considered a related-party as it was majority-owned by Leonard Riggio, who is a principal owner holding a substantial percentage of shares of our common stock, and other members of the Riggio family. Prior to the acquisition (as discussed in Note 4. Acquisitions of this Form 10Q), we had a long-term supply agreement (“Supply Agreement”) with MBS, under which and subject to availability and competitive terms and conditions, we purchased new and used printed textbooks for a given academic term from MBS prior to buying them from other suppliers, other than in connection with student buy-back programs. During the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016, total net purchases from MBS were $15,034 and $70,039 , respectively. Additionally, the Supply Agreement provided that we may sell to MBS certain textbooks that we cannot return to suppliers or use in our stores. MBS paid us commissions based on the volume of these textbooks sold to MBS each year and with respect to the textbook requirements of certain distance learning programs that MBS fulfills on our behalf. During the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016, MBS paid us $2,055 and $3,925 , respectively, related to these commissions. In addition, the Supply Agreement contained restrictive covenants that limited our ability to become a used textbook wholesaler and that placed certain limitations on MBS’s business activities. We also previously entered into an agreement with MBS pursuant to which MBS purchased books, which have no resale value for a flat rate per box, from us. During the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016, total sales to MBS under this program were $111 and $165 , respectively. Total outstanding amounts payable to MBS for all arrangements net of any amounts due was $85,054 as of October 29, 2016. Subsequent to the acquisition, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBS and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. MBS leases its main warehouse and distribution facility located in Columbia, Missouri from MBS Realty Partners L.P. which is majority-owned by Leonard Riggio, with the remaining ownership by other sellers of MBS. The lease was originally entered into in 1991 and included a renewal option which extended the lease through September 1, 2023. Based upon a valuation performed as of the acquisition date, the lease was determined to be favorable from a lessee perspective with below market rent. For additional information, see Note 4. Acquisitions of this Form 10Q. Rent payments to MBS Realty Partners L.P. were approximately $345 and $690 during the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, respectively.

Employees Benefit Plan (Notes)

Employees Benefit Plan (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Employees' Defined Contribution Plan	Note 12. Employee Benefit Plans BNC BNC has a defined contribution plan for its employees ("Savings Plan"). BNC is responsible for employer contributions to the Savings Plan and to fund the contributions directly. Total contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for this plan was $998 and $991 during the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 , respectively, and $2,209 and $2,240 during the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, respectively. MBS MBS maintains a defined contribution and profit sharing plan ("Profit Sharing Plan") covering substantially all full-time employees of MBS. MBS transfers employee contributions to the account balances of their employees and is responsible to fund the employer contributions directly. Total employee benefit expenses for the Profit Sharing Plan was $767 and $1,555 during the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 13. Stock-Based Compensation We recognize compensation expense for awards ratably over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three years. 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. During the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, we granted the following awards: • 537,756 performance share units ("PSU") awards to employees that will only vest based upon the achievement of pre-established performance goals related to Adjusted EBITDA and new business achieved measured over a period of time. The PSU awards will vest based on company performance during Fiscal 2018 - Fiscal 2019 with one additional year of time-based vesting. The number of PSU awards that will vest range from 0%-150% of the target award based on actual performance. • 1,562,110 RSU awards were granted to employees with a three year vesting period in accordance with the Equity Incentive Plan; • 78,816 RSU awards and 19,704 RS awards were granted to the current Board of Directors ("BOD") members for annual compensation with a one year vesting period in accordance with the Equity Incentive Plan. We recognized stock-based compensation expense for equity-based awards in selling and administrative expenses as follows: 13 weeks ended 26 weeks ended October 28, October 29, October 28, October 29, Restricted stock expense $ 30 $ 70 $ 60 $ 220 Restricted stock units expense (a) 2,140 2,282 4,040 3,878 Performance shares expense (b) (265 ) 216 (333 ) 360 Performance share units expense (b) 268 — 386 — Stock-based compensation expense $ 2,173 $ 2,568 $ 4,153 $ 4,458 (a) The stock-based compensation expense for the restricted stock units reflect the forfeiture adjustment for unvested shares related to the CEO transition. See Note 9. Supplementary Information - Restructuring and Other Charges of this Form 10-Q for additional information. (b) The performance shares and performance share units expenses reflect a cumulative adjustment to reflect changes to the expected level of achievement of the respective grants. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards as of October 28, 2017 was $20,137 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Note

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 14. Income Taxes We recorded an income tax expense of $33,025 on pre-tax income of $81,420 during the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2017 , which represented an effective income tax rate of 40.6% and an income tax expense of $26,841 on pre-tax income of $56,130 during the 13 weeks ended October 29, 2016 , which represented an effective income tax rate of 47.8% . We recorded an income tax expense of $9,231 on pre-tax income of $22,843 during the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, which represented an effective income tax rate of 40.4% and an income tax expense of $1,329 on pre-tax income of $2,702 during the 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016, which represented an effective income tax rate of 49.2% Management expects nondeductible compensation expense for the current fiscal year to be significantly lower compared to the prior fiscal year as components of our executive compensation program now qualify as deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, our income tax provision for the preceding two fiscal years reflected certain non-recurring tax benefits arising from the Spin-Off. Management does not expect any similar non-recurring tax benefits associated with the Spin-Off to impact our effective tax rate either in the current fiscal year or in future fiscal years.

Legal Proceedings (Notes)

Legal Proceedings (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Legal Proceedings	Note 15. Legal Proceedings We are involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Our condensed consolidated financial statements reflect our condensed 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 unaudited condensed 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. These condensed consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP. The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 and include the financial results of MBS (which was acquired on February 27, 2017) and Student Brands (which was acquired on August 3, 2017). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016 exclude the financial results of MBS and Student Brands. Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. Our retail business (BNC and MBS Direct) sales are generally highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase textbooks for the upcoming semesters, and lowest in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. Sales attributable to the MBS wholesale business are generally highest in our first, second and third quarter as it sells textbooks for retail distribution, which somewhat offsets the decreased first quarter sales attributable to our retail business. MBS has significantly lower operating profit or operating loss realized during the fourth quarter. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 are not indicative of the results expected for the 52 weeks ending April 28, 2018 (Fiscal 2018).
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 condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Merchandise Inventories	Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market value of our inventory, which is all purchased finished goods, is determined based on its estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price less normally predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on our history of liquidating non-returnable inventory. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method for our BNC segment and last-in first out, or “LIFO”, method for our MBS segment. Our textbook inventories, for BNC and MBS, and trade book inventories are valued using the LIFO method and the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of our inventories. For our BNC segment, 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.
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.
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. Revenue from the sale of physical textbooks from our wholesale and virtual bookstores is recognized at the time of shipment. Additional revenue is recognized for shipping charges billed to customers. 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. We offer a buyout option to allow the purchase of a rented physical textbook 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. Revenue from the rental of digital textbooks is recognized at the 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 primarily record digital textbook rental sales on a net basis in accordance with ASC 605-45-45, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent . We provide direct-to-student subscription-based writing services. Subscription revenue is deferred and recognized over the service period. The majority of subscriptions sold are one month in duration. 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.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Sales Our cost of sales primarily include costs such as merchandise costs, textbook rental amortization, warehouse costs related to inventory management and order fulfillment, certain payroll costs, and management service agreement costs, including rent expense, related to our college and university contracts and 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 our digital platform and subscription-based services.
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 condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of October 28, 2017 , we had $362,412 of goodwill. 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 completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2017. 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 1 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 Fiscal 2017 annual goodwill impairment test, the excess fair value over carrying value was approximately 5% . 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. For additional information related to key assumptions used in our testing, refer to Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2017.
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 may include 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.
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. The fair value of short-term and long-term debt approximates its carrying value.
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings Per Share 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.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	We recognize compensation expense for awards ratably over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three years. 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.

Acquisitions Acquisition (Table

Acquisitions Acquisition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Student Brands LLC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Type of Intangible Amount Estimated Useful Life Content $ 14,500 5 Technology 8,000 5 Non-Compete Agreements 4,000 3 Subscriber List 1,800 2 Total Intangibles: $ 28,300
MBS [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of consideration paid for the acquisition: Cash paid to Seller or escrow $ 165,499 Consideration to Seller for pre-closing costs 4,657 Cash paid for Seller closing costs 4,044 Contract purchase price $ 174,200 Consideration for payment to settle Seller's outstanding short-term borrowings 24,437 Consideration for reimbursement of pre-acquisition tax liability to Seller 15,556 Less: Consideration to Seller for pre-closing costs (4,657 ) Less: Consideration for settlement of pre-existing payable to Seller (21,674 ) Total value of consideration transferred $ 187,862
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the fair values of the net assets acquired: Total consideration transferred $ 187,862 Cash and cash equivalents $ 472 Accounts receivable, net 28,177 Merchandise inventory 128,431 Property and equipment 12,403 Intangible assets 21,576 Prepaid and other assets 4,748 Total assets $ 195,807 Accounts payable $ 35,383 Accrued expenses 8,799 Other long-term liabilities 13,044 Total liabilities $ 57,226 Net assets acquired $ 138,581 Goodwill $ 49,281
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Identified intangible assets include the following: Type of Intangible Amount Estimated Useful Life Favorable Lease $ 1,076 6.5 Trade Name 3,500 10 Technology 1,500 3 Book Store Relationship 13,000 13 Direct Customer Relationship 2,000 15 Non-Compete Agreements 500 3 Total Intangibles: $ 21,576

Segment Reporting Segment Repor

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments is reported below: 13 weeks ended 26 weeks ended October 28, October 29, October 28, 2017 October 29, 2016 Sales: BNC $ 761,787 $ 770,671 $ 1,011,764 $ 1,009,908 MBS 134,851 — 274,652 — Elimination (9,777 ) — (43,844 ) — Total Sales $ 886,861 $ 770,671 $ 1,242,572 $ 1,009,908 Gross Profit BNC $ 171,725 $ 171,514 $ 220,462 $ 218,927 MBS 33,175 — 60,764 — Elimination 11,658 — 45 — Total Gross Profit $ 216,558 $ 171,514 $ 281,271 $ 218,927 Depreciation and Amortization BNC $ 15,086 $ 12,987 $ 28,468 $ 25,908 MBS 1,618 — 3,253 — Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 16,704 $ 12,987 $ 31,721 $ 25,908 Operating Income BNC (a),(b) $ 55,062 $ 56,760 $ (1,050 ) $ 3,998 MBS 16,536 — 28,722 — Elimination 11,658 — 45 — Total Operating Income $ 83,256 $ 56,760 $ 27,717 $ 3,998 The following is a reconciliation of segment Operating Income to consolidated Income Before Income Taxes: Total Operating Income $ 83,256 $ 56,760 $ 27,717 $ 3,998 Interest Expense, net (1,836 ) (630 ) (4,874 ) (1,296 ) Total Income Before Income Taxes $ 81,420 $ 56,130 $ 22,843 $ 2,702 (a) During the 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017, we recognized expenses totaling approximately $5,361 related to the resignation of Mr. Max J. Roberts as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the appointment of Mr. Michael P. Huseby to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, both effective as of September 19, 2017. For additional information, refer to Note 9. Supplemental Information - Restructuring and Other Charges of this Form 10-Q . (b) On August 3, 2017, we acquired Student Brands, LLC, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 28, 2017 include the financial results of Student Brands in the BNC segment from the date of acquisition, August 3, 2017, and the condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 29, 2016 exclude the financial results of Student Brands.

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share (

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share	The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted loss per share calculation: 13 weeks ended 26 weeks ended October 28, October 29, October 28, October 29, Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 48,395 $ 29,289 $ 13,612 $ 1,373 Less allocation of earnings to participating securities (16 ) (19 ) (4 ) (1 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 48,379 $ 29,270 $ 13,608 $ 1,372 Numerator for diluted earnings per share: Net income available to common shareholders $ 48,379 $ 29,270 $ 13,608 $ 1,372 Allocation of earnings to participating securities 16 19 4 1 Less diluted allocation of earnings to participating securities (16 ) (19 ) (4 ) (1 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 48,379 $ 29,270 $ 13,608 $ 1,372 Denominator for basic earnings per share: Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock 46,705 46,170 46,611 46,259 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock 46,705 46,170 46,611 46,259 Average dilutive restricted stock units 162 364 389 339 Average dilutive performance shares 113 35 127 24 Average dilutive restricted shares 7 24 8 30 Average dilutive performance share units 19 — 9 — Average dilutive options — — — — Diluted weighted average shares of Common Stock 47,006 46,593 47,144 46,652 Earnings per share of Common Stock: Basic $ 1.04 $ 0.63 $ 0.29 $ 0.03 Diluted $ 1.03 $ 0.63 $ 0.29 $ 0.03

Stock-Based Compensation Stoc25

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	We recognized stock-based compensation expense for equity-based awards in selling and administrative expenses as follows: 13 weeks ended 26 weeks ended October 28, October 29, October 28, October 29, Restricted stock expense $ 30 $ 70 $ 60 $ 220 Restricted stock units expense (a) 2,140 2,282 4,040 3,878 Performance shares expense (b) (265 ) 216 (333 ) 360 Performance share units expense (b) 268 — 386 — Stock-based compensation expense $ 2,173 $ 2,568 $ 4,153 $ 4,458 (a) The stock-based compensation expense for the restricted stock units reflect the forfeiture adjustment for unvested shares related to the CEO transition. See Note 9. Supplementary Information - Restructuring and Other Charges of this Form 10-Q for additional information.

Organization - Additional Infor

Organization - Additional Information (Detail) Person in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017PersonStore
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Number of Stores	1,483
Number of students covered to build relationships and derive sales | Person	6
BNC [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Number of Stores	777
MBS [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Number of Stores	706
Number of Wholesale Customers	3,700
Student Brands LLC [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Number of Unique Monthly Users | Person	20

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2017	Apr. 29, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Goodwill	$ 362,412,000		$ 329,467,000	$ 281,350,000
Goodwill FV over CV percentage				5.00%
Deferred Tax Asset Current [Member]
Liabilities, Noncurrent		$ 77,051

Acquisitions Acquisition (Detai

Acquisitions Acquisition (Details)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)StoreRate	Apr. 29, 2017USD ($)Rate
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores | Store	1,483
Student Brands LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired | Rate	100.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 61,997,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	4,626,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	28,300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets	1,593,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	31,782,000
MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other		$ 21,674,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred		$ 15,556,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities	$ 275
Number of Stores | Store	706
Number of Wholesale Customers | Store	3,700
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired | Rate		100.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$ 187,862,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents		1,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		21,576,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		49,281,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	$ 1,163
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred	888
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other		472,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables		28,177,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory		128,431,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment		12,403,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets		4,748,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets		195,807,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable		35,383,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other		8,799,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other		13,044,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities		57,226,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		138,581,000
Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 1,076,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		6 years 6 months
Book Store Relationship [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 13,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		13 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 2,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		15 years
Trade Names [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 3,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		10 years
Media Content [Member] | Student Brands LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 14,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Student Brands LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 8,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 1,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Student Brands LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 4,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Customer Lists [Member] | Student Brands LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 1,800,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Cash paid to seller or escrow [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		$ 165,499,000
Consideration to seller for pre-closing costs [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		4,657,000
Cash paid for seller closing costs [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		4,044,000
contract purchase price [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		174,200,000
Payment to settle Seller's outstanding short-term borrowings [Member] | MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		$ 24,437,000
BNC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores | Store	777

Segment Reporting Segment Rep29

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments			2
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense			$ 5,000
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross		$ 770,671		$ 1,009,908
Revenue, Net	$ 886,861	770,671	1,242,572	1,009,908
Gross Profit	216,558	171,514	281,271	218,927
Depreciation and amortization expense	16,704	12,987	31,721	25,908
Operating Income (Loss)	83,256	56,760	27,717	3,998
Interest Income (Expense), Net	(1,836)	(630)	(4,874)	(1,296)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	81,420	56,130	22,843	2,702
BNC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross	761,787		1,011,764
Gross Profit	171,725		220,462
Depreciation and amortization expense	15,086		28,468
Operating Income (Loss)	55,062		(1,050)
MBS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross	134,851	0	274,652	0
Gross Profit	33,175	0	60,764	0
Depreciation and amortization expense	1,618	0	3,253	0
Operating Income (Loss)	16,536	0	28,722	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross	(9,777)	0	(43,844)	0
Gross Profit	11,658	0	45	0
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 11,658	$ 0	$ 45	$ 0

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share -

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Dec. 14, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Average dilutive performance share units	19,000		0		9,000	0
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	918				506
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 48,395		$ 29,289		$ 13,612	$ 1,373
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Diluted
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount							$ 50,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 26,669				$ 26,669
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	46,705,000		46,170,000		46,611,000	46,259,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.04		$ 0.63		$ 0.29	$ 0.03
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.03		$ 0.63		$ 0.29	$ 0.03
Average dilutive restricted stock units	162,000		364,000		389,000	339,000
Average dilutive performance shares	113,000		35,000		127,000	24,000
Average dilutive restricted shares	7,000		24,000		8,000	30,000
Average Dilutive Options	0		0		0	0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	47,006,000		46,593,000		47,144,000	46,652,000
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	$ (16)		$ (19)		$ (4)	$ (1)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	48,379		29,270		13,608	1,372
Undistributed Earnings, Basic	16		19		4	1
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted	$ 16		$ 19		$ (4)	$ (1)

Credit Facility - Additional In

Credit Facility - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Apr. 29, 2017	Feb. 27, 2017	Aug. 03, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Potential Increase Amount					$ 100
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$ 225,400	$ 47,400
Repayments of Lines of Credit	343,200	47,400
Loans Payable to Bank	41,800
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	41,800	0	$ 59,600
Short-term Debt	0	$ 0	$ 100,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	4,759
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 400,000
New Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 500,000
FILO [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 100,000

Supplementary Information (Deta

Supplementary Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Restructuring Charges	$ 193	$ 0	$ 5,429	$ 1,790
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense			5,000
Max Roberts [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense			4,000
Michael Huseby [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense			0
Max Roberts [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense			$ 1,000
Digital Education [Member]
Restructuring Charges	$ 68

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transact33

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions Barnes & Noble Transactions (Details) - Barnes and Noble, Inc [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Direct Costs	$ 8	$ 8	$ 15,023	$ 16,141
Accounts Payable	$ 9,619	$ 8,951	$ 9,619	$ 8,951

Related Party Transactions Re34

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions (Details) - MBS [Domain] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party		$ 15		$ 70,039
Revenue from Related Parties		2		3,925
Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party		0		165
Accounts Payable, Related Parties		$ 85,054		$ 85,054
Payments for Rent	$ 345		$ 1

Employees Benefit Plans - Addit

Employees Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
BNC [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Company contributions, employee benefit expenses	$ 998	$ 991	$ 2,209	$ 2,240
MBS [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Company contributions, employee benefit expenses	$ 1		$ 2

Stock-Based Compensation Stoc36

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation			$ 4,153	$ 4,458
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 20,137		$ 20,137
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			2 years 4 months
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	2,173	$ 2,568	$ 4,153	4,458
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	30	70	60	220
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	2,140	2,282	4,040	3,878
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	(265)	216	(333)	360
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Performance Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 268	$ 0	$ 386	$ 0
Employee Grant [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			1,562,110
Employee Grant [Member] | Performance Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			537,756
BOD Grant [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			19,704
BOD Grant [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			78,816

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 33,025	$ 26,841	$ 9,231	$ 1,329
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 81,420	$ 56,130	$ 22,843	$ 2,702
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	40.60%	47.80%	40.40%	49.20%

Uncategorized Items - bned-2017

Label	Element	Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	bned_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashandRestrictedCashEquivalents	$ 30,866,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	bned_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashandRestrictedCashEquivalents	$ 21,697,000