Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 28, 2018	Jun. 08, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 28, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	BNED
Entity Registrant Name	Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001634117
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,916,616
Entity Public Float			$ 301

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Sales:
Product sales and other	$ 1,984,472	$ 1,641,881	$ 1,581,104
Rental income	219,145	232,481	226,925
Total sales	2,203,617	1,874,362	1,808,029
Product and other cost of sales	1,522,687	1,281,043	1,224,927
Rental cost of sales	123,697	134,258	128,403
Total cost of sales	1,646,384	1,415,301	1,353,330
Gross profit	557,233	459,061	454,699
Selling and administrative expenses	433,746	380,793	374,171
Depreciation and amortization expense	65,586	53,318	52,690
Impairment loss (non-cash)	313,130	0	11,987
Restructuring and other charges	5,429	1,790	8,830
Transaction costs	2,045	9,605	2,398
Operating income	(262,703)	13,555	4,623
Interest expense, net	10,306	3,464	1,872
Income before income taxes	(273,009)	10,091	2,751
Income tax expense	(20,443)	4,730	2,667
Net income (loss)	$ (252,566)	$ 5,361	$ 84
Earnings per share of common stock
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (5.40)	$ 0.12	$ 0.00
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (5.40)	$ 0.11	$ 0.00
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	46,763	46,317	46,238
Diluted	46,763	46,763	46,479

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 16,126	$ 19,003
Receivables, net	100,060	86,040
Merchandise inventories, net	446,169	434,064
Textbook rental inventories	47,779	52,826
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,237	10,698
Total current assets	619,371	602,631
Property and equipment, net	111,287	116,613
Intangible assets, net	219,129	209,885
Goodwill	49,282	329,467
Other noncurrent assets	40,142	41,236
Total assets	1,039,211	1,299,832
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	187,909	192,742
Accrued liabilities	125,556	120,478
Short-term Debt	100,000	100,000
Total current liabilities	413,465	413,220
Long-term deferred taxes, net	2,106	16,871
Other long-term liabilities	59,277	96,433
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	96,400	59,600
Total liabilities	571,248	586,124
Commitments and contingencies
Parent company investment	0	0
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value	501	494
Additional paid-in capital	717,323	708,871
Retained earnings	(220,203)	32,363
Treasury stock, at cost	(29,658)	(28,020)
Total stocholders' equity	467,963	713,708
Total liabilities and Parent Company equity	$ 1,039,211	$ 1,299,832

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,032,000	49,372,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	46,916,616	46,517,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (252,566)	$ 5,361	$ 84
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	65,586	53,318	52,690
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,502	792	488
Impairment loss (non-cash)	313,130	0	11,987
Deferred taxes	(14,765)	(11,961)	(11,868)
Stock-based compensation expense	8,459	9,366	6,670
Changes in other long-term liabilities	(36,823)	14,235	5,892
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net	(24,481)	(3,125)	17,140
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	60,042	67,986	83,083
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(42,809)	(34,670)	(50,790)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	(58,259)	(186,720)	(17,843)
Changes in other noncurrent assets	1,036	(3,048)	(111)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(100,032)	(224,438)	(68,744)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net changes in Barnes & Noble, Inc. Investment	0	0	6,423
Proceeds from borrowings on Credit Facility	674,500	312,700	60,600
Repayments of borrowings on Credit Facility	(637,700)	(153,100)	(60,600)
Payments of deferred financing costs	0	(2,912)	(3,251)
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	(1,638)	(9,405)	(18,615)
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities	35,162	147,283	(28,289)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,828)	(9,169)	(13,950)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	16,869	21,697	30,866
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net	(13,670)	(6,407)	25,732
Merchandise inventories	(12,105)	6,197	(15,323)
Textbook rental inventories	5,047	(4,150)	(210)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(38)	(2,093)	(2,206)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(3,715)	3,328	9,147
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net	(24,481)	(3,125)	17,140
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	8,035	2,082	1,145
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)	$ 25,549	$ 1,473	$ 13,934

Consolidated Statement of Equity Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	48,645,000
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 486
Additional Paid-in Capital	699,513
Retained Earnings	$ 27,002
Treasury Stock, Shares	1,890,000
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (18,615)
Total Equity	708,386
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	5,361
Stock-based compensation expense	9,366			$ 9,366
Vested equity awards, shares		727,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures	$ 0	$ 8		(8)
Common stock repurchased, shares	688,948,000		689,000
Common stock repurchased, value	$ (6,718)		$ (6,718)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards	276,292		276,000
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards, value	$ (2,687)		$ (2,687)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	49,372,000
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 494
Additional Paid-in Capital	708,871
Retained Earnings	32,363
Parent Company Investment	$ 0
Treasury Stock, Shares	2,855,000
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (28,020)
Total Equity	713,708
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(252,566)
Stock-based compensation expense	8,459			8,459
Vested equity awards, shares		660,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures	$ 0	$ 7		$ (7)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards	260,531		260,000
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards, value	$ (1,638)		$ (1,638)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,032,000
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 501
Additional Paid-in Capital	717,323
Retained Earnings	(220,203)
Parent Company Investment	$ 0
Treasury Stock, Shares	3,115,000
Treasury Stock, Value	$ (29,658)
Total Equity	$ 467,963

Organization (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 college and university campuses and K-12 institutions across the United States, one of the largest textbook wholesalers and inventory management hardware and software providers, and a leading provider of digital education services. Through our Barnes & Noble College (“BNC”) and MBS Textbook Exchange (“MBS”) subsidiaries, we operate 1,444 physical and virtual bookstores and serve more than 6 million students, delivering essential educational content and tools within a dynamic retail environment. Additionally, through our Student Brands subsidiary and associated websites, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business, we offer services to approximately 100,000 subscribers, by offering student assistance through the writing process and journey.

The strengths of our business, as discussed below, includes our ability to compete by developing new products and solutions to meet market needs, our large footprint with direct access to students and faculty, our well-established, deep relationships with partners and stable, long-term contracts and our well-recognized brands. We expect to continue to grow our business by introducing scalable and advanced digital solutions focused largely on the student, increasing market share with new accounts, and expanding our strategic opportunities through acquisitions and partnerships.

As demand for new, enhanced, and more affordable products and services increase in the rapidly changing education landscape, we strive to evolve our business model and enhance our solutions. 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. 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.

Technology-enabled learning is a rapid growth area in the higher education industry, as a growing number of students are enrolling in online services to complement print and digital course materials and classroom activities. We continue to enhance our digital content and services in an efficient, low-cost/high-value manner to complement our course materials business. The implementation of our core digital strategy relies on our direct access to students from our bookstore operations, where we can attach our existing and future suite of digital products and services both online and in our stores.

We are ready to meet the digital demand with our virtual bookstore and e-commerce solutions. We focus on providing affordable solutions, such as our First Day™ inclusive access program, in which course materials, including e-content, are offered at a reduced price through a course materials fee, and delivered to students digitally on or before the first day of class. Additionally, our LoudCloud Courseware™, is a turnkey solution for colleges and universities that offers advanced, affordable learning materials built on a high-quality foundation of OER and enhanced with digital content that includes videos, activities and auto-graded practice assessments that faculty can easily customize to align with class objectives. LoudCloud Courseware™ significantly reduces course material costs for students and enables easier implementation for faculty.

We offer our Student Brands solutions focused on providing students assistance through the writing process and journey. We offer these online solutions to students via internet search engine optimization ("SEO"), as well as by marketing directly to students in our BNC and MBS physical and virtual bookstore footprint.

We believe that our strategic actions over the last three years, including the acquisitions of LoudCloud Systems, Inc. ("LoudCloud"), MBS and Student Brands, respectively, and ongoing development of courseware, have substantially enhanced our competitive position. Fiscal 2018 was a transformational period in which we began to leverage our newly-expanded customer base and distribution channels to broaden our reach to students and deepen our institutional partnerships. We continue to focus on providing product and service offerings designed to address the most pressing issues in higher education, including affordable and accessible course materials and products designed to drive and improve student outcomes.

Effective in the fourth quarter of Fiscal year 2018, we have three reportable segments: BNC, MBS, and Digital Student Solutions ("DSS"), as described below. Prior to the fourth quarter of Fiscal year 2018, BNC and MBS were previously our only reportable segments. For additional information related to our strategies, operations and segments, see Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1. Segment Reporting.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements reflect our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods reported.

Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. The fiscal year periods for each of the last three fiscal years consisted of the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 ("Fiscal 2018"), 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 ("Fiscal 2017"), and 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016 ("Fiscal 2016").

For our retail operations (BNC and MBS Direct), sales are generally highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, when students generally purchase and rent textbooks, and lowest in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. Sales attributable to our MBS Wholesale business are generally highest in our first, second and third quarter, as it sells textbooks for retail distribution. Student Brands' sale and operating profit are realized relatively consistently throughout the year.

Our quarterly results also may fluctuate depending on the timing of the start of the various school’s semesters, as well as shifts in fiscal calendar dates. These shifts in timing may affect the comparability of our results across periods.

Consolidation

Fiscal 2018

For our Fiscal 2018 (52 weeks ended April 28, 2018), the results of operations for the entire 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 reflected in our consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis. On August 3, 2017, we acquired Student Brands ("Student Brands"). The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 include the financial results of Student Brands from the acquisition date, August 3, 2017, to April 28, 2018. Subsequent to the acquisition, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Student Brands and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal 2017

For our Fiscal 2017 (52 weeks ended April 29, 2017), the results of operations for the entire 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 reflected in our consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis. On February 27, 2017, we acquired MBS. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 include the financial results of MBS from the acquisition date, February 27, 2017, to April 29, 2017. Subsequent to the acquisition, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBS and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal 2016

On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation ("Spin-Off") from Barnes & Noble, Inc., at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. For the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (first quarter of Fiscal 2016), our consolidated financial statements are presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Our consolidated financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Subsequent to the Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. on August 2, 2015, the results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis for the 39 weeks ended April 30, 2016 (i.e. second, third and fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016) which includes direct costs incurred with Barnes & Noble, Inc. under various agreements. For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.

Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Effective in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, we have three reportable segments: BNC, MBS, and DSS, as described in Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1. Segment Reporting. Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, BNC and MBS were previously our only reportable segments.

Our consolidated financial statements reflect the following reclassifications for consistency with the current year presentation: 1) Cost of Sales expenses primarily related to facility costs and insurance related to corporate services have been reclassified to Selling and Administrative Expenses; and 2) For our digital rental products, we have reclassified Rental Income to Product Sales and Other, and have reclassified Rental Cost of Sales to Product and Other Cost of Sales, with no impact to Gross Margin. Digital rental revenue and digital rental cost of sales are recognized at the time of delivery and are not deferred over the rental period.

Prior periods presented reflect the segment presentation and reclassifications.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all short-term, highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash of $742 is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 28, 2018. Restricted cash of $1,996 and $698 is included in prepaid and other current assets and other noncurrent assets, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet as of April 29, 2017. We generally do not control these accounts and these funds are amounts held for future scheduled distributions related to acquisitions. Such funds are invested principally in money market funds.

Accounts Receivable

Receivables represent customer, private and public institutional and government billings (colleges, universities and other financial aid providers), credit/debit card receivables, advances for book buybacks, advertising and other receivables due within one year. Components of accounts receivables are as follows:



	As of
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Trade accounts	$	67,634	$	58,460
Advances for book buybacks	9,554		12,779
Credit/debit card receivables	3,824		3,737
Other receivables	19,048		11,064
Total receivables, net	$	100,060	$	86,040

Accounts receivable are presented on our consolidated balance sheets net of allowances. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of collectability based on historical trends, the financial condition of our customers and an evaluation of economic conditions. We write-off uncollectible trade receivables once collection efforts have been exhausted and record bad debt expenses related to textbook rentals that are not returned and we are unable to successfully charge the customer. Allowance for doubtful accounts were $2,083, and $2,259 for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017, respectively.

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. There were no LIFO adjustments in Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016.

For the 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.

The products that we sell originate from a wide variety of domestic and international vendors. BNC's four largest suppliers, excluding MBS, accounted for approximately 40.5% of our merchandise purchased during the twelve month period ended April 28, 2018. For MBS, the four largest suppliers, excluding BNC, accounted for approximately 39.9% of merchandise purchases during the twelve month period ended April 28, 2018.

Textbook Rental Inventories

Physical textbooks out on rent are categorized as textbook rental inventories. At the time a rental transaction is consummated, the book is removed from merchandise inventories and moved to textbook rental inventories at cost. The cost of the book is amortized down to its estimated residual value over the rental period. The related amortization expense is included in cost of goods sold. At the end of the rental period, upon return, the book is removed from textbook rental inventories and recorded in merchandise inventories at its amortized cost.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, however major maintenance and remodeling costs are capitalized if they extend the useful life of the asset. We had $46,531, $41,224, and$42,213 of depreciation expense for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively. Components of property and equipment are as follows:



		As of
	Useful Life	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Property and equipment:
Leasehold improvements	(a)	$	148,413	$	144,260
Machinery, equipment and display fixtures	3 - 5	237,823		235,153
Computer hardware and capitalized software costs	(b)	123,575		100,749
Office furniture and other	2 - 7	54,991		52,339
Construction in progress		6,546		18,551
Total property and equipment		571,348		551,052
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		460,061		434,439
Total property and equipment, net		$	111,287	$	116,613


(a)	Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of lease term or the useful life of the improvements, ranging from one to 15 years.


(b)	System costs are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives, from the date the systems become operational. Purchased software is generally amortized over a period of between 2 - 5 years.

Other Long-Lived Assets

Our other long-lived assets include property and equipment and amortizable intangibles. We had $219,129 and $209,885 of amortizable intangible assets, net of amortization, as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. These amortizable intangible assets relate primarily to our customer and bookstore relationships with our colleges and university clients, and technology acquired. For additional information related to amortizable intangibles, see Note 9. Supplementary Information - Intangible Assets.

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and consider market participants in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. During the third quarter of Fiscal 2018, in conjunction with the annual goodwill impairment test noted below, we evaluated certain of our long-lived assets for impairment.

We evaluated long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest asset group level at which individual cash flows can be identified. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compared the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying amount of the assets to the school contract combined store level’s fair value based on its estimated discounted future cash flows. If required, an impairment loss is recorded for that portion of the asset’s carrying value in excess of fair value. Based on the results of the tests, an impairment loss calculation was not required as the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset group exceeded the carrying amount of the asset group. Impairment losses related to school contracts included in selling and administrative expenses totaled $0, $23, and $59 during Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively.

In Fiscal 2016, we implemented a plan to restructure our digital operations. As a result of this restructuring, we recorded a non-cash impairment loss of $11,987. For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Impairment Loss (non-cash) and Restructuring and Other Charges.

Goodwill

The costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired are carried as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In the second quarter of Fiscal 2018, we adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. 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.

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm, as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2018. We completed the impairment evaluation process to compare the fair value of our reporting units to their respective carrying values.

Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including: the identification of reporting units; assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units; assignment of goodwill to reporting units; and the determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. 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.

We estimated the fair value of our reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income approach and the market approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Inherent in our preparation of cash flow projections are assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our operating results, business plans, expected growth rates, cost of capital and tax rates. We also make certain forecasts about future economic conditions, interest rates, market data, and other observable trends, such as comparable store sales trends, recent changes in publisher relationships, and development of innovative digital products and services in the rapidly changing education landscape. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business’s ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on market multiples of cash flows and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit and considering a reasonable control premium.

The fair value of the MBS reporting unit exceeded its carrying value; therefore, no goodwill impairment was recognized for the MBS reporting unit. The carrying value of the BNC reporting unit, as defined prior to our segment reporting changes in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, exceeded its fair value and we recorded a goodwill impairment (non-cash impairment loss) of $313,130, representing the full goodwill within the BNC reporting unit. As of April 28, 2018, we had $49,282, $0 and $0 of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet remaining related to our MBS, BNC, and DSS reporting units, respectively. As of April 29, 2017, we had $48,118 and $281,349 of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet remaining related to our MBS and BNC reporting units, respectively.

For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Goodwill. Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates for a discussion of key assumptions used in our testing.

Revenue Recognition 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 and virtual bookstores is recognized upon receipt of our products by our customers. Revenue from the sale of physical textbooks from our wholesale 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 the start of the rental period. 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.

Other revenue includes revenue from 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, insurance, 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 merchandising, field support, finance, employee relations, benefits, training, and information technology for store operations, as well as operating costs related to our subscription-based services.

Stock-Based Compensation

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2018, we granted awards in accordance with the Barnes & Noble Education Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). Types of equity awards that can be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan include options, restricted stock ("RS"), restricted stock units ("RSU"), performance shares ("PS") and performance share units ("PSU"). We have not granted options under the Equity Incentive Plan. See Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 13. Stock-Based Compensation for a further discussion of our stock-based incentive plan.

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.

Advertising Costs

The costs of advertising are expensed as incurred during the year pursuant to ASC No. 720-35, Advertising Costs. Advertising costs charged to selling and administrative expenses were $10,635, $7,437, and $8,614 during Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and local income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. We regularly review deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance, if determined to be necessary. For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 14. Income Taxes.

As of April 28, 2018, other long-term liabilities includes $40,425 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 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. At the end of the most recent tax year, inventory levels within our BNC segment declined as compared to the prior year resulting in approximately $13,369 of the LIFO reserve becoming currently payable. Given recent trends relating to the pricing and rental of textbooks, management believes that an additional portion of the remaining long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve could be payable within the next twelve months. 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.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share represent net earnings to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of our stock based compensation. See Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6. Equity and Earnings Per Share for further information regarding the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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. The Company has begun to identify and collect relevant data for its leases and is evaluating the changes needed to its processes and internal controls as a result of the new guidance. We are currently evaluating this standard to determine the impact of adoption on our 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 have completed 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 included an evaluation of the impact that the guidance will have on our accounting for marketing revenue and other income streams. We evaluated the guidance for our software license revenue, digital product offerings and subscription-based services. We do not have loyalty programs or gift cards. We plan to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. We believe the adoption of the guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, other than the additional disclosure requirements.

Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 4. Acquisitions

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 and writing help, all centered on 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. The Student Brands operations were included in the BNC segment until the segment change effective the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, and are now included in the DSS reporting segment. The final purchase price allocation was 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. Refer to Note 1. Organization 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 third quarter of Fiscal 2018, 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 estimated 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	13,045
Total liabilities	$	57,227
Net assets to be acquired	$	138,580
Goodwill	$	49,282

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

The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 include the financial results of MBS from the acquisition date, February 27, 2017, to April 29, 2017, including sales of $34,091 and net loss of $(2,630). As the acquisition was material to our consolidated financial statements, the following represents the pro forma consolidated income statement as if MBS had been included in the consolidated results for the entire fiscal year for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016:



Pro forma consolidated income statement
	52 weeks ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Sales	$	2,247,825	$	2,216,628
Net income	$	32,055	$	25,022

These amounts have been calculated after applying our accounting policies and adjusting the results of MBS to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets had been applied on May 3, 2015, and includes the elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions, together with the consequential tax effects.

Promoversity

In June 2016, we completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Promoversity, a custom merchandise supplier and e-commerce storefront solution serving the collegiate bookstore business and its customers. The acquisition enables us to customize our e-commerce offerings and drive on-campus apparel sales. The acquisition purchase price was $1,417, including working capital, and was financed with cash from operations. The purchase price was allocated primarily as follows: $741 intangible assets (with a 5 year amortization period), $441 goodwill, $221 net current assets, and $500 future performance-based obligations. 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.

LoudCloud Systems, Inc.

In March 2016, we completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of LoudCloud Systems, Inc. (“LoudCloud”). LoudCloud will be a foundational asset for our digital and learning services. LoudCloud is a sophisticated digital platform and analytics provider with a proven product and existing clients in higher education, the for-profit sector and K-12 markets. LoudCloud currently has product capabilities that include a competency based courseware platform, a learning analytics platform and services, an eReading product, and a learning management system ("LMS"). Its software captures and analyzes key behavioral and performance metrics from students, allowing educators to monitor and improve student success.

The acquisition of LoudCloud closed on March 4, 2016 for a purchase price of $17,843, including working capital, and was financed completely with cash from operations. The purchase price was allocated primarily as follows: $10,600 intellectual property, $1,300 other intangible assets, $1,003 deferred revenue and $6,838 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.

Segment Reporting (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Segment Reporting

Note 5. Segment Reporting

Prior to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, we had two reportable segments: BNC and MBS. In connection with our focus on developing digital solutions, during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, the Company realigned its business into the following three reportable segments: BNC, MBS and DSS. Additionally, unallocated shared-service costs, which include various corporate level expenses and other governance functions, are presented as “Corporate Services”.

We identified our segments in accordance with 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. The following summarizes the three segments, with additional information in each respective subsequent segment discussion.

BNC

The BNC Segment is comprised of the operations of BNC which operates 768 physical campus bookstores, the majority of which also have school-branded e-commerce sites operated by BNC and which offers students access to affordable course materials and affinity products, including emblematic apparel and gifts. BNC also offers its First Day™ inclusive access program, in which course materials, including e-content, are offered at a reduced price through a course materials fee, and delivered to students digitally on or before the first day of class. Additionally, the BNC segment offers a suite of digital content, software, and services to colleges and universities, through our LoudCloud platform, such as predictive analytics, a variety of open educational resources courseware, and a competency-based learning platform. For additional information about this segments operations, see Part I - Item 1. Business - BNC Segment.

MBS

The MBS Segment is comprised of MBS's two highly integrated businesses: MBS Direct which operates 676 virtual bookstores for college and university campuses, and K-12 schools, and MBS Wholesale which is one of the largest textbook wholesalers in the country. MBS Wholesale's business centrally sources and sells new and used textbooks to more than 3,500 physical college bookstores, including BNC’s 768 campus bookstores. MBS Wholesale sells hardware and a software suite of applications that provides inventory management and point-of-sale solutions to approximately 430 college bookstores. For additional information about this segments operations, see Part I - Item 1. Business Segment - MBS Segment.

DSS

The Digital Student Solutions ("DSS") segment includes direct-to-student product and service offerings to assist students to study more effectively and improve academic performance, thus enabling them to gain the valuable skills necessary to succeed after college. DSS is comprised of the operations of Student Brands, LLC, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business, with approximately 100,000 subscribers across its digital properties, as well as tutoring and test prep services offered through our partnership with The Princeton Review. We currently offer these online student services directly to students, and increasingly will be leveraging our BNC and MBS physical and virtual bookstore footprint to market directly to students where we serve as the campus bookstore. We continue to aggressively expand our ecosystem of products and services through our own internal development, as well as by partnering with other companies to provide a complete hub of products and services designed to improve student success and outcomes. For additional information about this segments operations, see Part I - Item 1. Business Segment - Digital Student Solutions Segment.

Corporate Services

Corporate Services represent unallocated shared-service costs which include corporate level expenses and other governance functions, including executive functions, such as accounting, legal, treasury, information technology, and human resources.

Eliminations

Subsequent to the acquisition of MBS on February 27, 2017, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBS and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The eliminations are primarily related to the following intercompany activities:


•	The sales eliminations represent the elimination of MBS sales to BNC and the elimination of BNC commissions earned from MBS, and


•	The 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.

Summarized financial information for our reportable segments is reported below:



	52 weeks ended			52 weeks ended			52 weeks ended
	April 28, 2018 ^(a)			April 29, 2017 ^(b)			April 30, 2016
Sales:
BNC	$	1,816,083		$	1,845,561		$	1,808,029
MBS	459,529			34,091			—
DSS	15,762			—			—
Elimination	(87,757		)	(5,290		)	—
Total Sales	$	2,203,617		$	1,874,362		$	1,808,029

Gross Profit
BNC	$	441,209		$	454,950		$	454,699
MBS	101,345			4,748			—
DSS	15,403			—			—
Elimination	(724		)	(637		)	—
Total Gross Profit	$	557,233		$	459,061		$	454,699

Depreciation and Amortization
BNC	$	53,737		$	52,067		$	52,564
MBS	6,406			1,059			—
DSS	5,253			—			—
Corporate Services	190			192			126
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	65,586		$	53,318		$	52,690

Operating (Loss) Income
BNC ^(c)	$	(279,375	)	$	53,674		$	45,042
MBS	44,920			(11,595		)	—
DSS	226			—			—
Corporate Services	(27,750		)	(27,887		)	(40,419		)
Elimination	(724		)	(637		)	—
Total Operating (Loss) Income ^(c)	$	(262,703	)	$	13,555		$	4,623

The following is a reconciliation of segment Operating Income to consolidated Income Before Income Taxes
Total Operating (Loss) Income	$	(262,703	)	$	13,555		$	4,623
Interest Expense, net	(10,306		)	(3,464		)	(1,872		)
Total (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes	$	(273,009	)	$	10,091		$	2,751


(a)	We acquired Student Brands, LLC on August 3, 2017. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 include the financial results of Student Brands from the acquisition date, August 3, 2017, to April 28, 2018.


(b)	We acquired MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC on February 27, 2017. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 include the financial results of MBS from the acquisition date, February 27, 2017, to April 29, 2017.


(c)	In Fiscal 2018, we recorded a goodwill impairment (non-cash impairment loss) of $313,100 based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment test. For additional information, see Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Goodwill.

Our international operations are not material and the majority of the revenue and total assets are within the United States.



	As of
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Total Assets
BNC (includes goodwill of $0 and $281,349, respectively)	$	443,541	$	838,680
MBS (includes goodwill of $49,282 and $48,118, respectively)	287,507		251,028
DSS (includes goodwill of $0 for both periods)	36,743		—
Corporate Services	271,420		210,124
Total Assets	$	1,039,211	$	1,299,832



	52 weeks ended		52 weeks ended		52 weeks ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Capital Expenditures
BNC	$	37,476	$	34,435	$	50,324
MBS	2,681		218		—
DSS	2,620		—		—
Corporate Services	32		17		466
Total Capital Expenditures	$	42,809	$	34,670	$	50,790

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Equity and Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Note 6. Equity and Earnings Per Share

Equity

On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, Inc. at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble, Inc. does not own any equity interest in us.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of April 28, 2018, 46,916,616 shares of our Common Stock and 0 shares of our preferred stock were issued and outstanding. Our Common Stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “BNED”.

The holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Holders of shares of our Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. The holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, subject to the prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. The holders of our Common Stock do not have preemptive rights or preferential rights to subscribe for shares of our capital stock.

In Fiscal 2016, 2,409,345 shares of Common Stock were reserved for future grants, in accordance with the Barnes & Noble Education Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). In Fiscal 2017, shareholders approved an amendment to the Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance by an additional 4,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, for an aggregate total of 6,409,345 shares. See Note 13. Stock-Based Compensation.

Share Repurchases

On December 14, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $50,000, in the aggregate, of our outstanding Common Stock. The stock repurchase program is carried out at the direction of management (which includes a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The stock repurchase program may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. During the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018, we did not purchase shares under the stock repurchase program. During the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017, we repurchased 688,948 shares for approximately $6,718 at a weighted average cost per share of $10.10. During the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016, we repurchased 1,715,269 shares for approximately $16,612 at a weighted average cost per share of $9.95. As of April 28, 2018, approximately $26,669 remains available under the stock repurchase program.

During the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018, April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, we also repurchased 260,531 shares, 276,292 shares and 174,511 shares of our Common Stock in connection with employee tax withholding obligations for vested stock awards, respectively.

Dividends

We paid no dividends to common stockholders during Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016. We do not intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

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 Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, average shares of 2,494,799, 375,457 and 411,274 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation using the two-class method as their inclusion would have been antidilutive, respectively.

The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation:



(shares in thousands)	Fiscal 2018			Fiscal 2017			Fiscal 2016
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net (loss) income	$	(252,566	)	$	5,361		$	84
Less allocation of earnings to participating securities	—			(3		)	—
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders	$	(252,566	)	$	5,358		$	84

Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders	$	(252,566	)	$	5,358		$	84
Allocation of earnings to participating securities	—			3			—
Less diluted allocation of earnings to participating securities	—			(3		)	—
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders	$	(252,566	)	$	5,358		$	84

Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock	46,763			46,317			46,238

Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock	46,763			46,317			46,238
Average dilutive restricted stock units	—			389			227
Average dilutive performance shares	—			40			—
Average dilutive restricted shares	—			17			—
Average dilutive performance share units	—			—			—
Average dilutive options	—			—			14
Diluted weighted average shares of Common Stock	46,763			46,763			46,479

(Loss) Earnings per share of Common Stock:
Basic	$	(5.40	)	$	0.12		$	—
Diluted	$	(5.40	)	$	0.11		$	—

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Credit Facility (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Credit Facility

Note 8. Credit Facility

Until August 3, 2015, we were party to an amended and restated credit facility with Barnes & Noble, Inc., as the lead borrower, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, dated as of April 29, 2011 (as amended and modified to date, the “B&N Credit Facility”). All outstanding debt under the B&N Credit Facility was recorded on Barnes & Noble, Inc.'s balance sheet as of August 1, 2015.

On August 3, 2015, we and certain of our subsidiaries, from time to time party thereto, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, from time to time party thereto, under which the lenders committed to provide us with a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of $400,000 (the “BNED Credit Facility”). Proceeds from the BNED Credit Facility are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. are the joint lead arrangers for the BNED Credit Facility.

We and certain of our subsidiaries (collectively, the “Loan Parties”) will be permitted to borrow under the BNED Credit Facility. The BNED Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the inventory, accounts receivable and related assets of the borrowers under the BNED Credit Facility, but excluding the equity interests in us and our subsidiaries, intellectual property, equipment and certain other property. We have the option to request an increase in commitments under the BNED 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.

As of April 28, 2018 we had outstanding borrowings of $96,400 and $100,000 under the BNED Credit Facility and FILO Facility, respectively. As of April 29, 2017, we had outstanding borrowings of $59,600 and $100,000 under the BNED Credit Facility and FILO Facility, respectively.

During the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018, we borrowed $674,500 and repaid $637,700 under the BNED Credit Facility and FILO Facility, and had a net total of $196,400 of outstanding borrowings as of April 28, 2018. As of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, we issued $4,759 and $4,298 in letters of credit under the BNED Credit Facility, respectively. During Fiscal 2017, we borrowed $312,700 and repaid $153,100 under the BNED Credit Facility. During Fiscal 2016, we borrowed and repaid $60,600 under the BNED Credit Facility.

During Fiscal 2017 we incurred debt issuance costs totaling $2,912 related to the FILO Facility. During Fiscal 2016, we incurred debt issuance costs totaling $3,251 related to the BNED Credit Facility. The debt issuance costs have been deferred and are presented as an asset which is subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the credit agreement.

Interest under the BNED Credit Facility accrues, at our election, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is determined by reference to the level of excess availability under the BNED Credit Facility. Loans will initially bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum, in the case of LIBOR borrowings, or at the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum, in the alternative, and thereafter the interest rate will fluctuate between LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum and LIBOR plus 1.750% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 0.750% per annum), based upon the excess availability under the BNED Credit Facility at such time.

Loans under the FILO Facility will bear interest at a rate equal to the LIBOR rate, plus 3.000%. The FILO Facility will be available solely during the draw period each year, from April 1 through July 31. We are required to borrow 100% of the aggregate commitments under the FILO Facility on April 1 of each year, and the loans must be repaid in full (including interest and fees) on July 31 of each year. The Commitments under the FILO Facility will decrease from $100,000 to $75,000 on August 1, 2018, from $75,000 to $50,000 on August 1, 2019 and from $50,000 to $25,000 on August 1, 2020. We will pay a commitment fee of 0.375% on the daily unused portion of the FILO Facility.

The Credit Agreement contains customary negative covenants, which limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments or specified payments and merge or acquire assets, among other things. In addition, if excess availability under the BNED Credit Facility were to fall below certain specified levels, certain additional covenants (including fixed charge coverage ratio requirements) would be triggered, and the lenders would have the right to assume dominion and control over the Loan Parties’ cash.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, material breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, default on other material indebtedness, customary ERISA events of default, bankruptcy and insolvency, material judgments, invalidity of liens on collateral, change of control or cessation of business. The Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and representations and warranties. We are in compliance with all covenants, representations and warranties under the Credit Agreement as of April 28, 2018.

We believe that our future cash from operations, access to borrowings under the BNED Credit Facility, FILO Facility and short-term vendor financing will provide adequate resources to fund our operating and financing needs for the foreseeable future. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to, the economy and the outlook for and pace of sustainable growth in our markets, the levels at which we maintain inventory, the number and timing of new store openings, and any potential acquisitions of other brands or companies including digital properties. To the extent that available funds are insufficient to fund our future activities, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private financing of debt or equity. Our access to, and the availability of, financing in the future will be impacted by many factors, including the liquidity of the overall capital markets and the current state of the economy. There can be no assurances that we will have access to capital markets on acceptable terms.

Supplementary Information Supplementary Information (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Supplementary Information [Text Block]

Note 9. Supplementary Information

Impairment Loss (non-cash)

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2018. 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. We estimated the fair value of our reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income approach and the market approach. Based on the results of the test, the carrying value of the BNC reporting unit, as defined before the segment change in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, exceeded its fair value and we recorded a goodwill impairment (non-cash impairment loss) of $313,130. For information, see Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.

In Fiscal 2016, we implemented a plan to restructure our digital operations. As a result of this restructuring, we recorded a non-cash impairment loss of $11,987 related to all of the capitalized content costs for the Yuzu^®eTextbook platform ($8,987) based on the probability of recoverability of the capitalized content costs, and recorded a non-recurring other than temporary loss related to an investment held at cost ($3,000), whose fair value has been reduced to $0 based on the financial projections of the investment.

Restructuring and Other Charges

Restructuring

Additionally, we announced a reduction in staff and closure of the facilities in Mountain View, California, and Redmond, Washington that support the Yuzu^® eTextbook platform. We recorded restructuring costs of $8,830 in Fiscal 2016 comprised of $3,216 in employee related costs (including severance and retention), facility exit costs of $5,046 and $568 related to specific contracts. We recorded restructuring costs of $1,790 in Fiscal 2017 primarily comprised of employee related costs (including severance and retention). We completed the restructuring in Fiscal 2017.

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 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018, 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.

Intangible Assets

For information about additions to the gross carrying amounts of intangible assets, see Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 4. Acquisitions. Amortizable intangible assets as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017 are as follows:



		As of April 28, 2018
Amortizable intangible assets	Remaining Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Customer relationships	1 - 16	$	272,419	$	(89,767	)	$	182,652
Content	4	14,500		(2,175		)	12,325
Technology	2 - 8	20,100		(4,080		)	16,020
Other ^(a)	1 - 9	10,853		(2,721		)	8,132
		$	317,872	$	(98,743	)	$	219,129


a)	Other consists of recognized intangibles for non-compete agreements, trade names, subscriber lists and favorable leasehold interests.



		As of April 29, 2017
Amortizable intangible assets	Remaining Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Customer relationships	4 - 17	$	270,619	$	(77,640	)	$	192,979
Technology	3 - 9	12,100		(1,320		)	10,780
Other ^(a)	1 - 10	6,853		(727		)	6,126
		$	289,572	$	(79,687	)	$	209,885


a)	Other consists of recognized intangibles for non-compete agreements, trade names and favorable leasehold interests.

All amortizable intangible assets are being amortized over their useful life on a straight-line basis.



Aggregate Amortization Expense:
For the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018	$	19,056
For the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017	$	12,095
For the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016	$	10,477



Estimated Amortization Expense: (Fiscal Year)
2019	$	20,731
2020	$	19,917
2021	$	18,098
2022	$	17,449
2023	$	14,047
After 2023	$	128,887

Goodwill

The following table details the changes in carrying value of goodwill (including foreign currency translation):



Balance at April 30, 2016	$	280,911
Goodwill related to acquisitions	48,556
Balance at April 29, 2017	$	329,467
Goodwill related to Student Brands acquisition	31,782
Goodwill related to MBS measurement period adjustment	1,163
Impairment loss (non-cash) ^(a)	(313,130		)
Balance at April 29, 2018	$	49,282


(a)	See Impairment Loss (non-cash) discussion above.

For additional information of goodwill by acquisition, see Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 4. Acquisitions. As of April 28, 2018, goodwill of approximately $80,629 was deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions [Text Block]

Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions

Our History with Barnes & Noble, Inc.

We completed the Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. on August 2, 2015, at which time Barnes & Noble distributed all of its equity interest in us, consisting of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, to Barnes & Noble’s stockholders on a pro rata basis (the “Distribution”). Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble does not own any equity interest in us. On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company.

Allocation of General Corporate Expenses from Barnes & Noble, Inc. (Prior to Spin-Off)

The results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (first quarter of Fiscal 2016) (period presented prior to the Spin-Off referred to as the "stand-alone period") reflected in our consolidated financial statements is presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Our consolidated financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. Our consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Barnes & Noble corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to us. All intercompany transactions between us and Barnes & Noble have been included in our consolidated financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in our consolidated financial statements at the time the Spin-Off became effective. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions was reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flow as a financing activity and in our consolidated balance sheets as “Parent company investment.”

The consolidated financial statements for the stand-alone period include an allocation for certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble, including, but not limited to, executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, procurement, information technology and other shared services. These expenses have been allocated to us on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of consolidated sales, headcount, tangible assets or other measures considered to be a reasonable reflection of the historical utilization levels of these services. Following the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015, we began to perform these functions using our own resources or contracted services, certain of which may be provided by Barnes & Noble, Inc. during a transitional period pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement.

Direct Costs Incurred Related to On-going Agreements with Barnes & Noble (Subsequent to the Spin-Off)

The Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. occurred on August 2, 2015 and therefore, the results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis for the Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and the 39 weeks ended April 30, 2016 (i.e. the second, third and fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016, periods after the Spin-Off) which includes direct costs incurred with Barnes & Noble, Inc. under various agreements.

In connection with the separation from Barnes & Noble, we entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Barnes & Noble on July 14, 2015 and several other ancillary agreements on August 2, 2015. These agreements govern the relationship between the parties after the separation and allocate 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 majority of the ancillary agreements related to certain transition services, employee matters and tax matters have expired or we no longer require such services.

These perpetual agreements include the following:


•	a Separation and Distribution Agreement that set forth Barnes & Noble’s and our agreements regarding the principal actions that both parties took in connection with the Spin-Off and aspects of our relationship following the Spin-Off. The term of the agreement is perpetual after the Distribution date; and


•	a Trademark License Agreement pursuant to which Barnes & Noble grants us an exclusive license in certain licensed trademarks and a non-exclusive license in other licensed trademarks. The term of the agreement is perpetual after the Distribution date.

Summary of Transactions with Barnes & Noble

During Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and the 39 weeks ended April 30, 2016 (i.e. the second, third and fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016, periods after the Spin-Off), we were billed $25,936, $29,173 and $22,673, respectively, for purchases of inventory and direct costs incurred under the agreements discussed above which are included as cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

During the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (i.e. the first quarter of Fiscal 2016, period presented prior to the Spin-Off), we were allocated $13,321 of general corporate expenses incurred by Barnes & Noble, Inc. and purchases of inventory which are included as cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. For information related to allocated stock-based compensation expense, see Note 13. Stock-Based Compensation.

As of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, amounts due to Barnes & Noble, Inc. for book purchases and direct costs incurred under the agreements discussed above were $7,759 and $8,041 and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, respectively.

All intercompany transactions between us and Barnes & Noble have been included in our consolidated financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in our consolidated financial statements at the time the Spin-Off is recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flow as a financing activity and in the consolidated balance sheets as “Parent company investment.”

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transctions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11. Related Party Transactions MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC 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 substantial shares of our common stock, and other members of the Riggio family. See Note 4. Acquisitions. Prior to the acquisition, 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. Prior to the acquisition on February 27, 2017, total purchases from MBS were $92,956 (amount prior to returns which occurred subsequent to the February 27, 2017 acquisition date) and $57,981 for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively. Additionally, the Supply Agreement provided that we could sell to MBS certain textbooks that we could not 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 fulfilled on our behalf. Prior to the acquisition on February 27, 2017, MBS paid us $7,376 and $5,009 related to these commissions in Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively. In addition, the Supply Agreement contains restrictive covenants that limited our ability to become a used textbook wholesaler and that place certain limitations on MBS’s business activities. We also previously entered into an agreement with MBS pursuant to which MBS purchased books from us, which have no resale value for a flat rate per box. Prior to the acquisition on February 27, 2017, total sales to MBS under this program were $339 and $574, for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively. Subsequent to the acquisition, the 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. Rent payments to MBS Realty Partners L.P. were approximately $1,380 in Fiscal 2018 and $230 from the acquisition date, February 27, 2017, to April 29, 2017. See Note 4. Acquisitions.

Employees' Defined Contribution Plan (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Employees' Defined Contribution Plan

Note 12. Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor defined contribution plans for the benefit of substantially all of the employees of BNC and DSS. MBS maintains a profit sharing plan covering substantially all full-time employees of MBS. For all plans, we are responsible to fund the employer contributions directly. Total employee benefit expense for these plans was $7,196, $4,828, and $4,375 during Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

Note 13. Stock-Based Compensation

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, we reserved 2,409,345 shares of our Common Stock for future grants in accordance with the Barnes & Noble Education Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). Additionally, during the second quarter of Fiscal 2017 shareholders approved an amendment to the Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance by an additional 4,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, for an aggregate total of 6,409,345 shares.

Types of equity awards that can be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan include options, restricted stock ("RS"), restricted stock units ("RSU"), performance shares ("PS") and performance share units ("PSU"). We have not granted options under the Equity Incentive Plan.

A RS award is an award of common stock that is subject to certain restrictions during a specified period. Restricted stock awards are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the restricted shares vest. Shares of unvested restricted stock have the same voting rights as common stock, are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon (although payment may be deferred until the shares have vested) and are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. Restricted stock awards will have a minimum vesting period of one year.

A RSU is a grant valued in terms of our common stock, but no stock is issued at the time of grant. Each restricted stock unit may be redeemed for one share of our common stock once vested. Restricted stock units are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the units except in very limited circumstances and with the consent of the compensation committee. Shares associated with unvested restricted stock units have no voting rights but are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon (although payment may be deferred until the units have vested). Restricted stock units generally vest over a period of three years, but will have a minimum vesting period of one year.

PS awards and PSU awards were granted to employees. Each PS and PSU may be redeemed for one share of our common stock once vested and are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the PS or PSU awards except in very limited circumstances and with the consent of the compensation committee. Shares of unvested PSU awards have no voting rights but are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon (although payment may be deferred until the shares or units, as the case may be, have vested). The PS and PSU awards 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 PS will vest based on company performance during Fiscal 2017 - Fiscal 2018 with one additional year of time-based vesting. 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 PS and PSU awards that will vest range from 0%-150% of the target award based on actual performance.

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.

Stock-Based Compensation Activity

The following table presents a summary of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units activity related to our current Equity Incentive Plan:



	Restricted Stock Awards				Restricted Stock Units				Performance Shares				Performance Share Units
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, August 2, 2015	—		$	—	—		$	—	—		$	—	—	$	—
Granted (a)	73,352		$	13.08	1,681,552		$	10.12	—		$	—	—	$	—
Vested	(27,272	)	$	13.19	(431,106	)	$	7.29	—		$	—	—	$	—
Forfeited	—		$	—	(8,979	)	$	9.92	—		$	—	—	$	—
Balance, April 30, 2016	46,080		$	13.02	1,241,467		$	11.10	—		$	—	—	$	—
Granted	12,371		$	9.70	1,207,070		$	9.70	406,078		$	9.52	—	$	—
Vested	(46,080	)	$	13.02	(680,489	)	$	9.72	—		$	—	—	$	—
Forfeited	—		$	—	(36,425	)	$	9.69	—		$	—	—	$	—
Balance, April 29, 2017	12,371		$	9.70	1,731,623		$	10.70	406,078		$	9.52	—	$	—
Granted	19,704		$	6.09	1,640,926		$	5.88	—		$	—	537,756	$	7.90
Vested	(12,371	)	$	9.70	(697,370	)	$	10.93	—		$	—	—	$	—
Forfeited (b)	—		$	—	(355,055	)	$	9.04	(120,142	)	$	9.52	—	$	—
Balance, April 28, 2018	19,704		$	6.09	2,320,124		$	7.47	285,936		$	9.52	537,756	$	7.90


(a)	Restricted Stock Units include the 877,426 converted RSU shares issued during Fiscal 2016 related to our spin-off from Barnes & Noble, Inc.


(b)	The PS and PSUs forfeitures reflect a cumulative adjustment to reflect changes to the expected level of achievement of the respective grants.

Total fair value of shares of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that vested since the inception of Equity Incentive Plan was $1,080 and $17,384, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

We recognized stock-based compensation expense for equity-based awards in selling and administrative expenses as follows:



	Fiscal 2018			Fiscal 2017		Fiscal 2016
Restricted Stock Expense	$	120		$	280	$	840
Restricted Stock Units Expense^(a)	8,370			8,431		5,710
Performance Shares Expense^(b)	(218		)	655		—
Performance Share Units Expense^(b)	187			—		—
Stock Option Expense	—			—		120
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	$	8,459		$	9,366	$	6,670


(a)	The stock-based compensation expense for the RSUs reflect the forfeiture adjustment for unvested shares related to the CEO transition. See Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Restructuring and Other Charges of this Form 10-K for additional information.


(b)	The PS and PSUs expenses reflect a cumulative adjustment to reflect changes to the expected level of achievement of the respective grants.

In the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (periods presented prior to the Spin-Off), Barnes & Noble allocated stock compensation expense to us, including stock option expense related to stock options, which includes stock compensation expense related to our employees, as well as an allocation from Barnes & Noble for our pro-rated share of corporate employees.

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards as of April 28, 2018 was $12,284 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.87 years.

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 14. Income Taxes

Our operating results have been included in the consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns of Barnes & Noble for all periods ending on or before the consummation of the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015. Amounts presented in these consolidated financial statements related to income taxes have been determined on a separate tax return basis as it relates to those periods. Amounts presented in these consolidated financial statements related to income taxes for periods ending after the consummation of the Spin-Off are presented on a consolidated basis as we became a separate consolidated entity.

For Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, we had no material revenue or expense in jurisdictions outside the United States.

Impact of U.S. Tax Reform

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Legislation") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Legislation reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, among other provisions. As of April 28, 2018, we had not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, as described below, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax in accordance with SAB 118, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (SAB 118). These amounts are provisional and subject to change within the measurement period proscribed by SAB 118 which is not to extend beyond one year from the enactment date. The most significant impact of the legislation for the Company was a $20,425 reduction of the value of our net deferred (which represents future tax liabilities) and long-term tax liabilities as a result of lowering the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. We have provisionally recorded a liability associated with the one-time transition tax, however, such amount is not material.

Income tax (benefits) provisions for Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 are as follows:



	Fiscal 2018			Fiscal 2017			Fiscal 2016
Current:
Federal ^(a)	$	(8,089	)	$	14,872		$	13,019
State	2,410			1,819			1,783
Total current	(5,679		)	16,691			14,802
Deferred:
Federal ^(a)	(13,250		)	(9,238		)	(9,922		)
State	(1,514		)	(2,723		)	(2,213		)
Total deferred	(14,764		)	(11,961		)	(12,135		)
Total	$	(20,443	)	$	4,730		$	2,667


(a)	Income tax benefit caused largely by the revaluation due to the change in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% as described above.

Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate is as follows:



	Fiscal 2018		Fiscal 2017		Fiscal 2016
Federal statutory income tax rate ^(a)	34.1	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(0.3	)	(5.8	)	(15.2	)
Valuation allowances	—		—		50.6
Permanent book / tax differences	(0.7	)	25.5		31.1
Goodwill impairment	(34.2	)	—		—
Provisional remeasurement due to Tax Legislation	7.5		—		—
Credits	0.2		(5.5	)	(5.4	)
Other, net	0.9		(2.3	)	0.8
Effective income tax rate	7.5	%	46.9	%	96.9	%


(a)	Due to the Tax Legislation, we applied a U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 33.9% for earnings between April 30, 2017 and January 27, 2018, and 21% for earnings between January 28, 2018 and April 28, 2018. The result is an effective statutory rate of 34.1%.

The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2018 is significantly lower as compared to the comparable prior year periods due to the tax benefit of Tax Legislation, which lowered the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The combined benefit of our pre-tax book loss, plus the reduced U.S. income tax rate was partially offset by permanent differences, which includes the nondeductible portion of the goodwill impairment.

As expected, nondeductible compensation expense for Fiscal 2018 was significantly lower compared to the prior fiscal year as components of our executive compensation program qualified 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. These benefits did not impact the current fiscal year and the Company does not expect any similar non-recurring tax benefits associated with the Spin-Off to impact our effective tax rate in future fiscal years and nondeductible compensation expense may increase because of changes to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

One percentage point on our Fiscal 2018 effective tax rate is approximately $2,700. The permanent book / tax differences are principally comprised of non-deductible compensation, non-deductible meals and entertainment costs, and federal income tax credits.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 to provide guidance that changed the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. The guidance required, among other things, the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled, thus eliminating additional paid-in capital pools. We early adopted this standard during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016 as permitted. Prior to Fiscal 2016, we had no windfall benefits. There was no material impact upon adoption of this guidance since the recognition of income tax effects of awards was not materially different than amounts that had previously been recorded in our financial statements.

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred taxes are recorded based on differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities and available tax loss and credit carryforwards.

The significant components of our deferred taxes consisted of the following:



	As of
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Estimated accrued liabilities	$	9,375		$	13,047
Inventory	8,256			16,969
Stock-based compensation	1,374			1,780
Insurance liability	474			881
Lease transactions	1,095			1,826
Property and equipment	2,803			8,728
Tax credits	220			206
Goodwill	9,105			—
Net operating losses	5,834			4,916
Other	4,356			5,106
Gross deferred tax assets	42,892			53,459
Valuation allowance	(932		)	(1,392		)
Net deferred tax assets	41,960			52,067
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible asset amortization	(44,066		)	(68,938		)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(44,066		)	(68,938		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(2,106	)	$	(16,871	)

As of April 28, 2018, we had $97 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



Balance at May 2, 2015	$	215
Additions for tax positions of the current period	21
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	—
Reductions due to settlements	—
Other reductions for tax positions of prior periods	(215		)
Balance at April 30, 2016	$	21
Additions for tax positions of the current period	40
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	25
Reductions due to settlements	—
Other reductions for tax positions of prior periods	—
Balance at April 29, 2017	$	86
Additions for tax positions of the current period	25
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	2
Reductions due to settlements	—
Other reductions for tax positions of prior periods	(16		)
Balance at April 28, 2018	$	97

We do not believe that it is reasonably possible that these unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next twelve months.

Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, we had accrued $5 and $3, respectively, for net interest and penalties. The change in the amount accrued for net interest and penalties includes $2 in additions for net interest and penalties recognized in income tax expense in our Fiscal 2018 consolidated statement of operations.

In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considered whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets would be realized. In evaluating the Company’s ability to utilize its deferred tax assets, it considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining future taxable income on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $932 and $1,392 for April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. The decrease in the valuation allowance during Fiscal 2018 is due to the reduction of the U.S. income tax rate.

At April 28, 2018, and based on its tax year ended January 2018, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) of approximately $99,604 that are available to offset taxable income in its respective taxing jurisdiction beginning in the current period and that expire beginning in 2030. The Company had net state tax credit carryforwards totaling $278, which expire beginning in 2021.

As of April 28, 2018, the Company has recorded $200 of foreign withholding tax related to repatriations of earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries. If additional earnings in these foreign subsidiaries were repatriated in the future, additional income and withholding tax expense would be incurred. Additional income and withholding tax expense on any future repatriated earnings is estimated to be less than $100.

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in jurisdictions of each state having an income tax. The tax years that remain subject to examination are primarily from Fiscal 2013 and forward. Some earlier years remain open for a small minority of states. Pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreements referenced in Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions, we retain income tax liability for periods prior to the Spin-Off only for returns filed on a stand-alone basis.

Legal Proceedings (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies

We generally operate our stores pursuant to multi-year school management contracts under which a school designates us to operate the official school bookstore on campus and we provide the school with regular payments that represent a percentage of store sales and, in some cases, include a minimum fixed guaranteed payment. We account for these service agreements under lease accounting. We provide for minimum contract expense over the contract terms on a straight-line basis. The excess of such minimum contract expense over actual contract payments (net of school allowances) is reflected in other long-term liabilities and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The expense related to our college and university contracts, including rent expense, and other facility costs in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows:



	Fiscal 2018		Fiscal 2017		Fiscal 2016
Minimum contract expense	$	170,351	$	165,980	$	140,743
Percentage contract expense	80,630		87,843		101,552
	$	250,981	$	253,823	$	242,295

Our contracts with colleges and universities are typically five years with renewal options and are typically cancelable by either party without penalty with 90 to120 days' notice. Annual projections below are based on current minimum guarantee amounts. In approximately 69% of our contracts with colleges and universities that include minimum guarantees, the minimum guaranteed amounts adjust annually to equal less than the prior year's commission earned.

As of April 28, 2018, future minimum annual obligations required under our contracts with colleges and universities and other facility costs are as follows:



Fiscal Year
2019	$	139,994
2020	130,794
2021	124,379
2022	113,419
2023	105,034
After 2023	192,741
	$	806,361

Purchase obligations, which includes information technology contracts and inventory purchase commitments, as of April 28, 2018 are as follows:



Less Than 1 Year	$	5,201
1-3 Years	1,979
3-5 Years	107
Total	$	7,287

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

Note 17. Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

A summary of quarterly financial information for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 is as follows:



Fiscal 2018 Quarterly Period Ended	July 29, 2017			October 28, 2017 ^(a)		January 27, 2018 ^(b)			April 28, 2018 ^(b)		Fiscal Year 2018
Sales	$	355,711		$	886,861	$	603,391		$	357,654	$	2,203,617
Gross profit	$	65,200		$	216,700	$	146,999		$	128,334	$	557,233
Net (loss) income	$	(34,783	)	$	48,395	$	(283,235	)	$	17,057	$	(252,566	)
Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.75	)	$	1.04	$	(6.04	)	$	0.36	$	(5.40	)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.75	)	$	1.03	$	(6.04	)	$	0.36	$	(5.40	)



Fiscal 2017 Quarterly Period Ended	July 30, 2016			October 29, 2016		January 28, 2017		April 29, 2017 ^(c)		Fiscal Year 2017
Sales	$	239,237		$	770,671	$	521,624	$	342,830	$	1,874,362
Gross profit	$	47,833		$	171,954	$	116,249	$	123,025	$	459,061
Net (loss) income	$	(27,916	)	$	29,289	$	3,761	$	227	$	5,361
Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.60	)	$	0.63	$	0.08	$	—	$	0.12
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.60	)	$	0.63	$	0.08	$	—	$	0.11


(a)	We acquired Student Brands, LLC on August 3, 2017. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 include the financial results of Student Brands from the acquisition date, August 3, 2017, to April 28, 2018.

(b)

The net (loss) income for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2018 reflects a 14,100 income tax benefit that should have been recorded during the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018 in connection with the tax deductible portion of the $313,130 goodwill impairment. This amount is deemed an immaterial error correction as it relates to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements and amounts recorded as of and for the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 appropriately reflect this item.


(c)	We acquired MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC on February 27, 2017. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 include the financial results of MBS from the acquisition date, February 27, 2017, to April 29, 2017.

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.

Receivables Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands)

For the 52 week periods ended April 28, 2018, April 29, 2017, and April 30, 2016:



	Balance at beginning of period		Charge (recovery) to costs and expenses		Write-offs			Balance at end of period
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
April 28, 2018	$	2,259	$	3,518	$	(3,694	)	$	2,083
April 29, 2017	$	2,320	$	3,459	$	(3,520	)	$	2,259
April 30, 2016	$	2,313	$	4,000	$	(3,993	)	$	2,320

	Balance at beginning of period		Addition Charged to Costs		Deductions			Balance at end of period
Sales Returns Reserves
April 28, 2018	$	6,817	$	170,469	$	(172,057	)	$	5,229
April 29, 2017	$	757	$	155,486	$	(149,426	)	$	6,817
April 30, 2016	$	679	$	130,421	$	(130,343	)	$	757

All other schedules are omitted because the conditions requiring their filing do not exist, or because the required information is provided in the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements reflect our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods reported.

Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. The fiscal year periods for each of the last three fiscal years consisted of the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 ("Fiscal 2018"), 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 ("Fiscal 2017"), and 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016 ("Fiscal 2016").

For our retail operations (BNC and MBS Direct), sales are generally highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, when students generally purchase and rent textbooks, and lowest in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. Sales attributable to our MBS Wholesale business are generally highest in our first, second and third quarter, as it sells textbooks for retail distribution. Student Brands' sale and operating profit are realized relatively consistently throughout the year.

Our quarterly results also may fluctuate depending on the timing of the start of the various school’s semesters, as well as shifts in fiscal calendar dates. These shifts in timing may affect the comparability of our results across periods.

Consolidation

Fiscal 2018

For our Fiscal 2018 (52 weeks ended April 28, 2018), the results of operations for the entire 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 reflected in our consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis. On August 3, 2017, we acquired Student Brands ("Student Brands"). The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 include the financial results of Student Brands from the acquisition date, August 3, 2017, to April 28, 2018. Subsequent to the acquisition, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Student Brands and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal 2017

For our Fiscal 2017 (52 weeks ended April 29, 2017), the results of operations for the entire 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 reflected in our consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis. On February 27, 2017, we acquired MBS. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 include the financial results of MBS from the acquisition date, February 27, 2017, to April 29, 2017. Subsequent to the acquisition, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBS and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal 2016

On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation ("Spin-Off") from Barnes & Noble, Inc., at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. For the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (first quarter of Fiscal 2016), our consolidated financial statements are presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Our consolidated financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Subsequent to the Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. on August 2, 2015, the results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis for the 39 weeks ended April 30, 2016 (i.e. second, third and fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016) which includes direct costs incurred with Barnes & Noble, Inc. under various agreements. For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.

Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Effective in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, we have three reportable segments: BNC, MBS, and DSS, as described in Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1. Segment Reporting. Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, BNC and MBS were previously our only reportable segments.

Our consolidated financial statements reflect the following reclassifications for consistency with the current year presentation: 1) Cost of Sales expenses primarily related to facility costs and insurance related to corporate services have been reclassified to Selling and Administrative Expenses; and 2) For our digital rental products, we have reclassified Rental Income to Product Sales and Other, and have reclassified Rental Cost of Sales to Product and Other Cost of Sales, with no impact to Gross Margin. Digital rental revenue and digital rental cost of sales are recognized at the time of delivery and are not deferred over the rental period.

Prior periods presented reflect the segment presentation and reclassifications.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all short-term, highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash of $742 is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 28, 2018. Restricted cash of $1,996 and $698 is included in prepaid and other current assets and other noncurrent assets, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet as of April 29, 2017. We generally do not control these accounts and these funds are amounts held for future scheduled distributions related to acquisitions. Such funds are invested principally in money market funds.

Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable

Receivables represent customer, private and public institutional and government billings (colleges, universities and other financial aid providers), credit/debit card receivables, advances for book buybacks, advertising and other receivables due within one year. Components of accounts receivables are as follows:



	As of
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Trade accounts	$	67,634	$	58,460
Advances for book buybacks	9,554		12,779
Credit/debit card receivables	3,824		3,737
Other receivables	19,048		11,064
Total receivables, net	$	100,060	$	86,040

Accounts receivable are presented on our consolidated balance sheets net of allowances. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of collectability based on historical trends, the financial condition of our customers and an evaluation of economic conditions. We write-off uncollectible trade receivables once collection efforts have been exhausted and record bad debt expenses related to textbook rentals that are not returned and we are unable to successfully charge the customer. Allowance for doubtful accounts were $2,083, and $2,259 for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017, respectively.

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. There were no LIFO adjustments in Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016.

For the 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.

The products that we sell originate from a wide variety of domestic and international vendors. BNC's four largest suppliers, excluding MBS, accounted for approximately 40.5% of our merchandise purchased during the twelve month period ended April 28, 2018. For MBS, the four largest suppliers, excluding BNC, accounted for approximately 39.9% of merchandise purchases during the twelve month period ended April 28, 2018.

Textbook Rentals Inventories

Textbook Rental Inventories

Physical textbooks out on rent are categorized as textbook rental inventories. At the time a rental transaction is consummated, the book is removed from merchandise inventories and moved to textbook rental inventories at cost. The cost of the book is amortized down to its estimated residual value over the rental period. The related amortization expense is included in cost of goods sold. At the end of the rental period, upon return, the book is removed from textbook rental inventories and recorded in merchandise inventories at its amortized cost.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, however major maintenance and remodeling costs are capitalized if they extend the useful life of the asset. We had $46,531, $41,224, and$42,213 of depreciation expense for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively. Components of property and equipment are as follows:



		As of
	Useful Life	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Property and equipment:
Leasehold improvements	(a)	$	148,413	$	144,260
Machinery, equipment and display fixtures	3 - 5	237,823		235,153
Computer hardware and capitalized software costs	(b)	123,575		100,749
Office furniture and other	2 - 7	54,991		52,339
Construction in progress		6,546		18,551
Total property and equipment		571,348		551,052
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		460,061		434,439
Total property and equipment, net		$	111,287	$	116,613


(a)	Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of lease term or the useful life of the improvements, ranging from one to 15 years.


(b)	System costs are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives, from the date the systems become operational. Purchased software is generally amortized over a period of between 2 - 5 years.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Long-Lived Assets

Our other long-lived assets include property and equipment and amortizable intangibles. We had $219,129 and $209,885 of amortizable intangible assets, net of amortization, as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. These amortizable intangible assets relate primarily to our customer and bookstore relationships with our colleges and university clients, and technology acquired. For additional information related to amortizable intangibles, see Note 9. Supplementary Information - Intangible Assets.

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and consider market participants in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. During the third quarter of Fiscal 2018, in conjunction with the annual goodwill impairment test noted below, we evaluated certain of our long-lived assets for impairment.

We evaluated long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest asset group level at which individual cash flows can be identified. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compared the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying amount of the assets to the school contract combined store level’s fair value based on its estimated discounted future cash flows. If required, an impairment loss is recorded for that portion of the asset’s carrying value in excess of fair value. Based on the results of the tests, an impairment loss calculation was not required as the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset group exceeded the carrying amount of the asset group. Impairment losses related to school contracts included in selling and administrative expenses totaled $0, $23, and $59 during Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively.

In Fiscal 2016, we implemented a plan to restructure our digital operations. As a result of this restructuring, we recorded a non-cash impairment loss of $11,987. For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Impairment Loss (non-cash) and Restructuring and Other Charges.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

The costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired are carried as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In the second quarter of Fiscal 2018, we adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. 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.

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm, as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2018. We completed the impairment evaluation process to compare the fair value of our reporting units to their respective carrying values.

Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including: the identification of reporting units; assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units; assignment of goodwill to reporting units; and the determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. 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.

We estimated the fair value of our reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income approach and the market approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Inherent in our preparation of cash flow projections are assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our operating results, business plans, expected growth rates, cost of capital and tax rates. We also make certain forecasts about future economic conditions, interest rates, market data, and other observable trends, such as comparable store sales trends, recent changes in publisher relationships, and development of innovative digital products and services in the rapidly changing education landscape. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business’s ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on market multiples of cash flows and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit and considering a reasonable control premium.

The fair value of the MBS reporting unit exceeded its carrying value; therefore, no goodwill impairment was recognized for the MBS reporting unit. The carrying value of the BNC reporting unit, as defined prior to our segment reporting changes in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, exceeded its fair value and we recorded a goodwill impairment (non-cash impairment loss) of $313,130, representing the full goodwill within the BNC reporting unit. As of April 28, 2018, we had $49,282, $0 and $0 of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet remaining related to our MBS, BNC, and DSS reporting units, respectively. As of April 29, 2017, we had $48,118 and $281,349 of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet remaining related to our MBS and BNC reporting units, respectively.

For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Goodwill. Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates for a discussion of key assumptions used in our testing.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

Revenue from sales of our products at physical locations is recognized at the time of sale. Revenue from sales of products ordered through our websites and virtual bookstores is recognized upon receipt of our products by our customers. Revenue from the sale of physical textbooks from our wholesale 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 the start of the rental period. 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.

Other revenue includes revenue from 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, insurance, 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 merchandising, field support, finance, employee relations, benefits, training, and information technology for store operations, as well as operating costs related to our subscription-based services.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

The costs of advertising are expensed as incurred during the year pursuant to ASC No. 720-35, Advertising Costs. Advertising costs charged to selling and administrative expenses were $10,635, $7,437, and $8,614 during Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and local income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. We regularly review deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance, if determined to be necessary. For additional information, see Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 14. Income Taxes.

As of April 28, 2018, other long-term liabilities includes $40,425 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 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. At the end of the most recent tax year, inventory levels within our BNC segment declined as compared to the prior year resulting in approximately $13,369 of the LIFO reserve becoming currently payable. Given recent trends relating to the pricing and rental of textbooks, management believes that an additional portion of the remaining long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve could be payable within the next twelve months. 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.

Our operating results have been included in the consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns of Barnes & Noble for all periods ending on or before the consummation of the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015. Amounts presented in these consolidated financial statements related to income taxes have been determined on a separate tax return basis as it relates to those periods. Amounts presented in these consolidated financial statements related to income taxes for periods ending after the consummation of the Spin-Off are presented on a consolidated basis as we became a separate consolidated entity.

For Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, we had no material revenue or expense in jurisdictions outside the United States.

Impact of U.S. Tax Reform

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Legislation") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Legislation reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, among other provisions. As of April 28, 2018, we had not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, as described below, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax in accordance with SAB 118, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (SAB 118). These amounts are provisional and subject to change within the measurement period proscribed by SAB 118 which is not to extend beyond one year from the enactment date. The most significant impact of the legislation for the Company was a $20,425 reduction of the value of our net deferred (which represents future tax liabilities) and long-term tax liabilities as a result of lowering the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. We have provisionally recorded a liability associated with the one-time transition tax, however, such amount is not material.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Prior to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, we had two reportable segments: BNC and MBS. In connection with our focus on developing digital solutions, during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, the Company realigned its business into the following three reportable segments: BNC, MBS and DSS. Additionally, unallocated shared-service costs, which include various corporate level expenses and other governance functions, are presented as “Corporate Services”.

We identified our segments in accordance with 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. The following summarizes the three segments, with additional information in each respective subsequent segment discussion.

BNC

The BNC Segment is comprised of the operations of BNC which operates 768 physical campus bookstores, the majority of which also have school-branded e-commerce sites operated by BNC and which offers students access to affordable course materials and affinity products, including emblematic apparel and gifts. BNC also offers its First Day™ inclusive access program, in which course materials, including e-content, are offered at a reduced price through a course materials fee, and delivered to students digitally on or before the first day of class. Additionally, the BNC segment offers a suite of digital content, software, and services to colleges and universities, through our LoudCloud platform, such as predictive analytics, a variety of open educational resources courseware, and a competency-based learning platform. For additional information about this segments operations, see Part I - Item 1. Business - BNC Segment.

MBS

The MBS Segment is comprised of MBS's two highly integrated businesses: MBS Direct which operates 676 virtual bookstores for college and university campuses, and K-12 schools, and MBS Wholesale which is one of the largest textbook wholesalers in the country. MBS Wholesale's business centrally sources and sells new and used textbooks to more than 3,500 physical college bookstores, including BNC’s 768 campus bookstores. MBS Wholesale sells hardware and a software suite of applications that provides inventory management and point-of-sale solutions to approximately 430 college bookstores. For additional information about this segments operations, see Part I - Item 1. Business Segment - MBS Segment.

DSS

The Digital Student Solutions ("DSS") segment includes direct-to-student product and service offerings to assist students to study more effectively and improve academic performance, thus enabling them to gain the valuable skills necessary to succeed after college. DSS is comprised of the operations of Student Brands, LLC, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business, with approximately 100,000 subscribers across its digital properties, as well as tutoring and test prep services offered through our partnership with The Princeton Review. We currently offer these online student services directly to students, and increasingly will be leveraging our BNC and MBS physical and virtual bookstore footprint to market directly to students where we serve as the campus bookstore. We continue to aggressively expand our ecosystem of products and services through our own internal development, as well as by partnering with other companies to provide a complete hub of products and services designed to improve student success and outcomes. For additional information about this segments operations, see Part I - Item 1. Business Segment - Digital Student Solutions Segment.

Corporate Services

Corporate Services represent unallocated shared-service costs which include corporate level expenses and other governance functions, including executive functions, such as accounting, legal, treasury, information technology, and human resources.

Eliminations

Subsequent to the acquisition of MBS on February 27, 2017, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBS and all material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The eliminations are primarily related to the following intercompany activities:


•	The sales eliminations represent the elimination of MBS sales to BNC and the elimination of BNC commissions earned from MBS, and


•	The 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.

Share Repurchase [Policy Text Block]

Share Repurchases

On December 14, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $50,000, in the aggregate, of our outstanding Common Stock. The stock repurchase program is carried out at the direction of management (which includes a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The stock repurchase program may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes.

Dividend [Policy Text Block]

Dividends

We paid no dividends to common stockholders during Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016. We do not intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share represent net earnings to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of our stock based compensation. See Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6. Equity and Earnings Per Share for further information regarding the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common 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. During the Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, average shares of 2,494,799, 375,457 and 411,274 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation using the two-class method as their inclusion would have been antidilutive, respectively.

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.

Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The debt issuance costs have been deferred and are presented as an asset which is subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the credit agreement.

Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]

All amortizable intangible assets are being amortized over their useful life on a straight-line basis.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, we reserved 2,409,345 shares of our Common Stock for future grants in accordance with the Barnes & Noble Education Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). Additionally, during the second quarter of Fiscal 2017 shareholders approved an amendment to the Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance by an additional 4,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, for an aggregate total of 6,409,345 shares.

Types of equity awards that can be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan include options, restricted stock ("RS"), restricted stock units ("RSU"), performance shares ("PS") and performance share units ("PSU"). We have not granted options under the Equity Incentive Plan.

A RS award is an award of common stock that is subject to certain restrictions during a specified period. Restricted stock awards are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the restricted shares vest. Shares of unvested restricted stock have the same voting rights as common stock, are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon (although payment may be deferred until the shares have vested) and are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. Restricted stock awards will have a minimum vesting period of one year.

A RSU is a grant valued in terms of our common stock, but no stock is issued at the time of grant. Each restricted stock unit may be redeemed for one share of our common stock once vested. Restricted stock units are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the units except in very limited circumstances and with the consent of the compensation committee. Shares associated with unvested restricted stock units have no voting rights but are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon (although payment may be deferred until the units have vested). Restricted stock units generally vest over a period of three years, but will have a minimum vesting period of one year.

PS awards and PSU awards were granted to employees. Each PS and PSU may be redeemed for one share of our common stock once vested and are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. The grantee cannot transfer the PS or PSU awards except in very limited circumstances and with the consent of the compensation committee. Shares of unvested PSU awards have no voting rights but are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions thereon (although payment may be deferred until the shares or units, as the case may be, have vested). The PS and PSU awards 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 PS will vest based on company performance during Fiscal 2017 - Fiscal 2018 with one additional year of time-based vesting. 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 PS and PSU awards that will vest range from 0%-150% of the target award based on actual performance.

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.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We generally operate our stores pursuant to multi-year school management contracts under which a school designates us to operate the official school bookstore on campus and we provide the school with regular payments that represent a percentage of store sales and, in some cases, include a minimum fixed guaranteed payment. We account for these service agreements under lease accounting. We provide for minimum contract expense over the contract terms on a straight-line basis. The excess of such minimum contract expense over actual contract payments (net of school allowances) is reflected in other long-term liabilities and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block]

Receivables represent customer, private and public institutional and government billings (colleges, universities and other financial aid providers), credit/debit card receivables, advances for book buybacks, advertising and other receivables due within one year. Components of accounts receivables are as follows:



	As of
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Trade accounts	$	67,634	$	58,460
Advances for book buybacks	9,554		12,779
Credit/debit card receivables	3,824		3,737
Other receivables	19,048		11,064
Total receivables, net	$	100,060	$	86,040

Property and Equipment [Table Text Block]

Components of property and equipment are as follows:



		As of
	Useful Life	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Property and equipment:
Leasehold improvements	(a)	$	148,413	$	144,260
Machinery, equipment and display fixtures	3 - 5	237,823		235,153
Computer hardware and capitalized software costs	(b)	123,575		100,749
Office furniture and other	2 - 7	54,991		52,339
Construction in progress		6,546		18,551
Total property and equipment		571,348		551,052
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		460,061		434,439
Total property and equipment, net		$	111,287	$	116,613


(a)	Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of lease term or the useful life of the improvements, ranging from one to 15 years.


(b)	System costs are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives, from the date the systems become operational. Purchased software is generally amortized over a period of between 2 - 5 years.

Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Apr. 29, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

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 estimated 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	13,045
Total liabilities	$	57,227
Net assets to be acquired	$	138,580
Goodwill	$	49,282

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
Content	$	14,500	5
Technology	8,000		5
Non-Compete Agreements	4,000		3
Subscriber List	1,800		2
Total Intangibles:	$	28,300

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

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

As the acquisition was material to our consolidated financial statements, the following represents the pro forma consolidated income statement as if MBS had been included in the consolidated results for the entire fiscal year for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016:



Pro forma consolidated income statement
	52 weeks ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Sales	$	2,247,825	$	2,216,628
Net income	$	32,055	$	25,022

Segment Reporting Segment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]



	52 weeks ended			52 weeks ended			52 weeks ended
	April 28, 2018 ^(a)			April 29, 2017 ^(b)			April 30, 2016
Sales:
BNC	$	1,816,083		$	1,845,561		$	1,808,029
MBS	459,529			34,091			—
DSS	15,762			—			—
Elimination	(87,757		)	(5,290		)	—
Total Sales	$	2,203,617		$	1,874,362		$	1,808,029

Gross Profit
BNC	$	441,209		$	454,950		$	454,699
MBS	101,345			4,748			—
DSS	15,403			—			—
Elimination	(724		)	(637		)	—
Total Gross Profit	$	557,233		$	459,061		$	454,699

Depreciation and Amortization
BNC	$	53,737		$	52,067		$	52,564
MBS	6,406			1,059			—
DSS	5,253			—			—
Corporate Services	190			192			126
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	65,586		$	53,318		$	52,690

Operating (Loss) Income
BNC ^(c)	$	(279,375	)	$	53,674		$	45,042
MBS	44,920			(11,595		)	—
DSS	226			—			—
Corporate Services	(27,750		)	(27,887		)	(40,419		)
Elimination	(724		)	(637		)	—
Total Operating (Loss) Income ^(c)	$	(262,703	)	$	13,555		$	4,623

The following is a reconciliation of segment Operating Income to consolidated Income Before Income Taxes
Total Operating (Loss) Income	$	(262,703	)	$	13,555		$	4,623
Interest Expense, net	(10,306		)	(3,464		)	(1,872		)
Total (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes	$	(273,009	)	$	10,091		$	2,751


(a)	We acquired Student Brands, LLC on August 3, 2017. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018 include the financial results of Student Brands from the acquisition date, August 3, 2017, to April 28, 2018.


(b)	We acquired MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC on February 27, 2017. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017 include the financial results of MBS from the acquisition date, February 27, 2017, to April 29, 2017.


(c)	In Fiscal 2018, we recorded a goodwill impairment (non-cash impairment loss) of $313,100 based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment test. For additional information, see Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Goodwill.

Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]

Our international operations are not material and the majority of the revenue and total assets are within the United States.



	As of
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Total Assets
BNC (includes goodwill of $0 and $281,349, respectively)	$	443,541	$	838,680
MBS (includes goodwill of $49,282 and $48,118, respectively)	287,507		251,028
DSS (includes goodwill of $0 for both periods)	36,743		—
Corporate Services	271,420		210,124
Total Assets	$	1,039,211	$	1,299,832

Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]



	52 weeks ended		52 weeks ended		52 weeks ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Capital Expenditures
BNC	$	37,476	$	34,435	$	50,324
MBS	2,681		218		—
DSS	2,620		—		—
Corporate Services	32		17		466
Total Capital Expenditures	$	42,809	$	34,670	$	50,790

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation:



(shares in thousands)	Fiscal 2018			Fiscal 2017			Fiscal 2016
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net (loss) income	$	(252,566	)	$	5,361		$	84
Less allocation of earnings to participating securities	—			(3		)	—
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders	$	(252,566	)	$	5,358		$	84

Numerator for diluted earnings per share:
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders	$	(252,566	)	$	5,358		$	84
Allocation of earnings to participating securities	—			3			—
Less diluted allocation of earnings to participating securities	—			(3		)	—
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders	$	(252,566	)	$	5,358		$	84

Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock	46,763			46,317			46,238

Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Basic weighted average shares of Common Stock	46,763			46,317			46,238
Average dilutive restricted stock units	—			389			227
Average dilutive performance shares	—			40			—
Average dilutive restricted shares	—			17			—
Average dilutive performance share units	—			—			—
Average dilutive options	—			—			14
Diluted weighted average shares of Common Stock	46,763			46,763			46,479

(Loss) Earnings per share of Common Stock:
Basic	$	(5.40	)	$	0.12		$	—
Diluted	$	(5.40	)	$	0.11		$	—

Supplementary Information Supplementary Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Apr. 29, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

Amortizable intangible assets as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017 are as follows:



		As of April 28, 2018
Amortizable intangible assets	Remaining Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Customer relationships	1 - 16	$	272,419	$	(89,767	)	$	182,652
Content	4	14,500		(2,175		)	12,325
Technology	2 - 8	20,100		(4,080		)	16,020
Other ^(a)	1 - 9	10,853		(2,721		)	8,132
		$	317,872	$	(98,743	)	$	219,129


a)	Other consists of recognized intangibles for non-compete agreements, trade names, subscriber lists and favorable leasehold interests.



		As of April 29, 2017
Amortizable intangible assets	Remaining Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Customer relationships	4 - 17	$	270,619	$	(77,640	)	$	192,979
Technology	3 - 9	12,100		(1,320		)	10,780
Other ^(a)	1 - 10	6,853		(727		)	6,126
		$	289,572	$	(79,687	)	$	209,885


a)	Other consists of recognized intangibles for non-compete agreements, trade names and favorable leasehold interests.

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]



Aggregate Amortization Expense:
For the 52 weeks ended April 28, 2018	$	19,056
For the 52 weeks ended April 29, 2017	$	12,095
For the 52 weeks ended April 30, 2016	$	10,477

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]



Estimated Amortization Expense: (Fiscal Year)
2019	$	20,731
2020	$	19,917
2021	$	18,098
2022	$	17,449
2023	$	14,047
After 2023	$	128,887

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

The following table details the changes in carrying value of goodwill (including foreign currency translation):



Balance at April 30, 2016	$	280,911
Goodwill related to acquisitions	48,556
Balance at April 29, 2017	$	329,467
Goodwill related to Student Brands acquisition	31,782
Goodwill related to MBS measurement period adjustment	1,163
Impairment loss (non-cash) ^(a)	(313,130		)
Balance at April 29, 2018	$	49,282


(a)	See Impairment Loss (non-cash) discussion above.

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table presents a summary of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units activity related to our current Equity Incentive Plan:



	Restricted Stock Awards				Restricted Stock Units				Performance Shares				Performance Share Units
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, August 2, 2015	—		$	—	—		$	—	—		$	—	—	$	—
Granted (a)	73,352		$	13.08	1,681,552		$	10.12	—		$	—	—	$	—
Vested	(27,272	)	$	13.19	(431,106	)	$	7.29	—		$	—	—	$	—
Forfeited	—		$	—	(8,979	)	$	9.92	—		$	—	—	$	—
Balance, April 30, 2016	46,080		$	13.02	1,241,467		$	11.10	—		$	—	—	$	—
Granted	12,371		$	9.70	1,207,070		$	9.70	406,078		$	9.52	—	$	—
Vested	(46,080	)	$	13.02	(680,489	)	$	9.72	—		$	—	—	$	—
Forfeited	—		$	—	(36,425	)	$	9.69	—		$	—	—	$	—
Balance, April 29, 2017	12,371		$	9.70	1,731,623		$	10.70	406,078		$	9.52	—	$	—
Granted	19,704		$	6.09	1,640,926		$	5.88	—		$	—	537,756	$	7.90
Vested	(12,371	)	$	9.70	(697,370	)	$	10.93	—		$	—	—	$	—
Forfeited (b)	—		$	—	(355,055	)	$	9.04	(120,142	)	$	9.52	—	$	—
Balance, April 28, 2018	19,704		$	6.09	2,320,124		$	7.47	285,936		$	9.52	537,756	$	7.90


(a)	Restricted Stock Units include the 877,426 converted RSU shares issued during Fiscal 2016 related to our spin-off from Barnes & Noble, Inc.


(b)	The PS and PSUs forfeitures reflect a cumulative adjustment to reflect changes to the expected level of achievement of the respective grants.

Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]

We recognized stock-based compensation expense for equity-based awards in selling and administrative expenses as follows:



	Fiscal 2018			Fiscal 2017		Fiscal 2016
Restricted Stock Expense	$	120		$	280	$	840
Restricted Stock Units Expense^(a)	8,370			8,431		5,710
Performance Shares Expense^(b)	(218		)	655		—
Performance Share Units Expense^(b)	187			—		—
Stock Option Expense	—			—		120
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	$	8,459		$	9,366	$	6,670


(a)	The stock-based compensation expense for the RSUs reflect the forfeiture adjustment for unvested shares related to the CEO transition. See Part I - Item 1. Business and Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9. Supplementary Information - Restructuring and Other Charges of this Form 10-K for additional information.


(b)	The PS and PSUs expenses reflect a cumulative adjustment to reflect changes to the expected level of achievement of the respective grants.

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

Income tax (benefits) provisions for Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 are as follows:



	Fiscal 2018			Fiscal 2017			Fiscal 2016
Current:
Federal ^(a)	$	(8,089	)	$	14,872		$	13,019
State	2,410			1,819			1,783
Total current	(5,679		)	16,691			14,802
Deferred:
Federal ^(a)	(13,250		)	(9,238		)	(9,922		)
State	(1,514		)	(2,723		)	(2,213		)
Total deferred	(14,764		)	(11,961		)	(12,135		)
Total	$	(20,443	)	$	4,730		$	2,667


(a)	Income tax benefit caused largely by the revaluation due to the change in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% as described above.

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate is as follows:



	Fiscal 2018		Fiscal 2017		Fiscal 2016
Federal statutory income tax rate ^(a)	34.1	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(0.3	)	(5.8	)	(15.2	)
Valuation allowances	—		—		50.6
Permanent book / tax differences	(0.7	)	25.5		31.1
Goodwill impairment	(34.2	)	—		—
Provisional remeasurement due to Tax Legislation	7.5		—		—
Credits	0.2		(5.5	)	(5.4	)
Other, net	0.9		(2.3	)	0.8
Effective income tax rate	7.5	%	46.9	%	96.9	%


(a)

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

The significant components of our deferred taxes consisted of the following:



	As of
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Estimated accrued liabilities	$	9,375		$	13,047
Inventory	8,256			16,969
Stock-based compensation	1,374			1,780
Insurance liability	474			881
Lease transactions	1,095			1,826
Property and equipment	2,803			8,728
Tax credits	220			206
Goodwill	9,105			—
Net operating losses	5,834			4,916
Other	4,356			5,106
Gross deferred tax assets	42,892			53,459
Valuation allowance	(932		)	(1,392		)
Net deferred tax assets	41,960			52,067
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible asset amortization	(44,066		)	(68,938		)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(44,066		)	(68,938		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(2,106	)	$	(16,871	)

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



Balance at May 2, 2015	$	215
Additions for tax positions of the current period	21
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	—
Reductions due to settlements	—
Other reductions for tax positions of prior periods	(215		)
Balance at April 30, 2016	$	21
Additions for tax positions of the current period	40
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	25
Reductions due to settlements	—
Other reductions for tax positions of prior periods	—
Balance at April 29, 2017	$	86
Additions for tax positions of the current period	25
Additions for tax positions of prior periods	2
Reductions due to settlements	—
Other reductions for tax positions of prior periods	(16		)
Balance at April 28, 2018	$	97

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]

The expense related to our college and university contracts, including rent expense, and other facility costs in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows:



	Fiscal 2018		Fiscal 2017		Fiscal 2016
Minimum contract expense	$	170,351	$	165,980	$	140,743
Percentage contract expense	80,630		87,843		101,552
	$	250,981	$	253,823	$	242,295

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

As of April 28, 2018, future minimum annual obligations required under our contracts with colleges and universities and other facility costs are as follows:



Fiscal Year
2019	$	139,994
2020	130,794
2021	124,379
2022	113,419
2023	105,034
After 2023	192,741
	$	806,361

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block]

Purchase obligations, which includes information technology contracts and inventory purchase commitments, as of April 28, 2018 are as follows:



Less Than 1 Year	$	5,201
1-3 Years	1,979
3-5 Years	107
Total	$	7,287

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Apr. 29, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]



Fiscal 2018 Quarterly Period Ended	July 29, 2017			October 28, 2017 ^(a)		January 27, 2018 ^(b)			April 28, 2018 ^(b)		Fiscal Year 2018
Sales	$	355,711		$	886,861	$	603,391		$	357,654	$	2,203,617
Gross profit	$	65,200		$	216,700	$	146,999		$	128,334	$	557,233
Net (loss) income	$	(34,783	)	$	48,395	$	(283,235	)	$	17,057	$	(252,566	)
Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.75	)	$	1.04	$	(6.04	)	$	0.36	$	(5.40	)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.75	)	$	1.03	$	(6.04	)	$	0.36	$	(5.40	)



Fiscal 2017 Quarterly Period Ended	July 30, 2016			October 29, 2016		January 28, 2017		April 29, 2017 ^(c)		Fiscal Year 2017
Sales	$	239,237		$	770,671	$	521,624	$	342,830	$	1,874,362
Gross profit	$	47,833		$	171,954	$	116,249	$	123,025	$	459,061
Net (loss) income	$	(27,916	)	$	29,289	$	3,761	$	227	$	5,361
Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.60	)	$	0.63	$	0.08	$	—	$	0.12
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income	$	(0.60	)	$	0.63	$	0.08	$	—	$	0.11

Organization Organization (Details)	12 Months Ended
Organization Organization (Details)	Apr. 28, 2018 Person Store segment	Apr. 29, 2017
Number Of Students	6,000,000
Number of Subscribers	100,000
Number of Stores \| Store	1,444
Number of Reportable Segments	3	2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 313,130
Depreciation	46,531	$ 41,224	$ 42,213
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	571,348	551,052
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	460,061	434,439
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	111,287	116,613
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	219,129	209,885
Asset Impairment Charges	0	23	59
Other Nonrecurring Expense	313,130	0	11,987
Goodwill	49,282	329,467	280,911
Marketing and Advertising Expense	10,635	7,437	$ 8,614
Inventory, LIFO Reserve, Effect on Income, Net	40,425
Liabilities, Current	413,465	413,220
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents		1,996
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	742	698
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]
Liabilities, Current	13,369
BNC [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 313,100
Largest Suppliers Percentage	41.00%
Goodwill	$ 0	281,349
DSS [Member]
Goodwill	$ 0
MBS [Member]
Largest Suppliers Percentage	40.00%
Goodwill	$ 49,282	48,118
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	148,413	144,260
Display fixtures and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	237,823	235,153
Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	123,575	100,749
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	54,991	52,339
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 6,546	$ 18,551
Minimum [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Display fixtures and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Maximum [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Maximum [Member] \| Display fixtures and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounts Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Receivables, Net, Current	$ 100,060	$ 86,040
Advances on Inventory Purchases	9,554	12,779
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	2,083	2,259
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Receivables, Net, Current	67,634	58,460
Credit Card Receivable [Member]
Receivables, Net, Current	3,824	3,737
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Receivables, Net, Current	$ 19,048	$ 11,064

Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements (LoudCloud Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Mar. 04, 2016
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 58,259	$ 186,720	$ 17,843
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 48,556
LoudCloud Systems, Inc. [Domain]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired			17,843
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Deferred Revenue				$ 1,003
Goodwill, Acquired During Period			6,838
Intellectual Property [Member] \| LoudCloud Systems, Inc. [Domain]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			10,600
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| LoudCloud Systems, Inc. [Domain]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			$ 1,300

Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements (Promoversity Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 58,259	$ 186,720	$ 17,843
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		48,556
Promoversity [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired		1,417
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 741
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		5 years
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 441
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets		221
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		$ 500

Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements (MBS Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue		$ 2,247,825	$ 2,216,628
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		48,556
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual		34,091
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual		(2,630)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)		$ 32,055	$ 25,022
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	$ 1,163
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred	888
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities	275
MBS [Member]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		100.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$ 187,862
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents		1,171
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred		15,556
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other		(21,674)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other		472
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables		28,177
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory		128,431
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment		12,403
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		21,576
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets		4,748
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets		195,807
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable		35,383
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other		8,799
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other		13,045
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities		57,227
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		138,580
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		49,282
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	$ 1,163
Cash paid to seller or escrow [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		165,499
Consideration to seller for pre-closing costs [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		4,657
Cash paid for seller closing costs [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		4,044
contract purchase price [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		174,200
Payment to settle Seller's outstanding short-term borrowings [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		24,437
Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 1,076
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		6 years 6 months
Trade Names [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 3,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		10 years
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 1,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Book Store Relationship [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 13,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		13 years
Customer Relationships [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 2,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		15 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| MBS [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 500
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years

Acquisitions and Strategic Agreements Student Brands (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 48,556
MBS [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 49,282
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		100.00%
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 21,576
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		187,862
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents		1,171
MBS [Member] \| Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 1,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
MBS [Member] \| Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 500
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Student Brands [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 31,782
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 28,300
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets	1,593
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	61,997
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	4,626
Student Brands [Member] \| Media Content [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 14,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Student Brands [Member] \| Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 8,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Student Brands [Member] \| Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 4,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Student Brands [Member] \| Customer Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 1,800
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($) Person Store	Jan. 27, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($) Person Store segment	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other Nonrecurring Expense									$ 313,130
Number of Reportable Segments									3	2
Number of Stores \| Store	1,444								1,444
Revenue, Net	$ 357,654	$ 603,391	$ 886,861	$ 355,711	$ 342,830	$ 521,624	$ 770,671	$ 239,237	$ 2,203,617	$ 1,874,362	$ 1,808,029
Gross Profit	128,334	$ 146,999	$ 216,700	$ 65,200	123,025	$ 116,249	$ 171,954	$ 47,833	557,233	459,061	454,699
Depreciation and amortization expense									65,586	53,318	52,690
Operating Income (Loss)									(262,703)	13,555	4,623
Interest Income (Expense), Net									(10,306)	(3,464)	(1,872)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest									(273,009)	10,091	2,751
Assets	1,039,211				1,299,832				1,039,211	1,299,832
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									(42,809)	(34,670)	(50,790)
Goodwill	$ 49,282				329,467				$ 49,282	329,467	280,911
Number of Subscribers \| Person	100,000								100,000
DSS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross									$ 15,762	0	0
Gross Profit									15,403	0	0
Depreciation and amortization expense									5,253	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)									226	0	0
Assets	$ 36,743				0				36,743	0
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									2,620	0	0
Goodwill	0				0				0	0
BNC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross									1,816,083	1,845,561	1,808,029
Gross Profit									441,209	454,950	454,699
Depreciation and amortization expense									53,737	52,067	52,564
Operating Income (Loss)									(279,375)	53,674	45,042
Assets	443,541				838,680				443,541	838,680
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									37,476	34,435	50,324
Goodwill	0				281,349				0	281,349
MBS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross									459,529	34,091	0
Gross Profit									101,345	4,748	0
Depreciation and amortization expense									6,406	1,059	0
Operating Income (Loss)									44,920	(11,595)	0
Assets	287,507				251,028				287,507	251,028
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									2,681	218	0
Goodwill	48,292				48,118				48,292	48,118
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Gross									(87,757)	(5,290)	0
Gross Profit									(724)	(637)	0
Operating Income (Loss)									(724)	(637)	0
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross Profit										192	126
Depreciation and amortization expense									190
Operating Income (Loss)									(27,750)	(27,887)	(40,419)
Assets	$ 271,420				210,124				271,420	210,124
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									32	17	$ 466
BNC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other Nonrecurring Expense									$ 313,100
Number of Stores \| Store	768								768
Goodwill	$ 0				281,349				$ 0	281,349
MBS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Stores \| Store	676								676
Number of System Customers \| Store	430								430
Number of Wholesale Customers \| Store									3,500
Goodwill	$ 49,282				$ 48,118				$ 49,282	$ 48,118

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Jan. 27, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2017	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 14, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount										2,494,799	375,457	411,274
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000				200,000,000					200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01				$ 0.01					$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000				5,000,000					5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01				$ 0.01					$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	46,916,616				46,517,000					46,916,616	46,517,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0				0					0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized									2,409,345		4,000,000	2,409,345
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized					6,409,345						6,409,345
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount													$ 50,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares											688,948,000	1,715,269,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value											$ 6,718
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 26,669									$ 26,669
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share											$ 10.10	$ 9.95
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation										260,531	276,292	174,511
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 17,057	$ (283,235)	$ 48,395	$ (34,783)	$ 227	$ 3,761	$ 29,289	$ (27,916)		$ (252,566)	$ 5,361	$ 84
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic										0	(3)	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic										(252,566)	5,358	84
Undistributed Earnings, Basic										0	3	0
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted										0	(3)	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted										$ (252,566)	$ 5,358	$ 84
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic										46,763,000	46,317,000	46,238,000
Average dilutive restricted stock units										0	389,000	227,000
Average dilutive performance shares										0	40,000	0
Average dilutive restricted shares										0	17,000	0
Average Dilutive Options										0	0	14,000
Average Dilutive Performance Share Units										0	0	0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted										46,763,000	46,763,000	46,479,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.36	$ (6.04)	$ 1.04	$ (0.75)	$ 0.00	$ 0.08	$ 0.63	$ (0.60)		$ (5.40)	$ 0.12	$ 0.00
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.36	$ (6.04)	$ 1.03	$ (0.75)	$ 0.00	$ 0.08	$ 0.63	$ (0.60)		$ (5.40)	$ 0.11	$ 0.00
Treasury Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares											689,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value											$ 6,718	$ 16,612
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation										260,000	276,000

Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Aug. 03, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	$ 96,400	$ 59,600
Short-term Debt	100,000	100,000
Proceeds from borrowings on Credit Facility	674,500	312,700	$ 60,600
Repayments of borrowings on Credit Facility	637,700	153,100	60,600
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	196,400
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	4,759	4,298
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross		2,912	$ 3,251
New Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility maturity term, in years			5 years
Credit facility, borrowing capacity				$ 400,000
Line Of Credit Potential Increase Amount		100,000
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent	$ 96,400	60
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	Interest under the BNED Credit Facility accrues, at our election, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is determined by reference to the level of excess availability under the BNED Credit Facility. Loans will initially bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum, in the case of LIBOR borrowings, or at the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum, in the alternative, and thereafter the interest rate will fluctuate between LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum and LIBOR plus 1.750% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 0.750% per annum), based upon the excess availability under the BNED Credit Facility at such time.
New Credit Facility [Member] [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, borrowing capacity		100,000
Short-term Debt	$ 100,000	100
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	Loans under the FILO Facility will bear interest at a rate equal to the LIBOR rate, plus 3.000%. The FILO Facility will be available solely during the draw period each year, from April 1 through July 31. We are required to borrow 100% of the aggregate commitments under the FILO Facility on April 1 of each year, and the loans must be repaid in full (including interest and fees) on July 31 of each year. The Commitments under the FILO Facility will decrease from $100,000 to $75,000 on August 1, 2018, from $75,000 to $50,000 on August 1, 2019 and from $50,000 to $25,000 on August 1, 2020. We will pay a commitment fee of 0.375% on the daily unused portion of the FILO Facility.
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit facility, borrowing capacity		$ 500,000

Supplementary Information Supplementary Info - Impairment and Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Other Nonrecurring Expense	$ 313,130	$ 0	$ 11,987
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure			0
Restructuring and other charges	5,429	$ 1,790	8,830
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	5,361
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring and other charges			3,216
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring and other charges			5,046
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring and other charges			568
Yuzu [Member]
Other Nonrecurring Expense			8,987
Flashnotes [Member]
Other Nonrecurring Expense			$ 3,000
Max Roberts [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	4,424
Michael Huseby [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	250
Max Roberts [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	$ 562

Supplementary Information Supplementary Info - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 317,872	$ 289,572
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(98,743)	(79,687)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	219,129	209,885
Amortization of Intangible Assets	19,056	12,095	$ 10,477
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	20,731
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	19,917
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	18,098
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	17,449
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	14,047
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	128,887
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	272,419	270,619
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(89,767)	(77,640)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 182,652	$ 192,979
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year	4 years
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	16 years	17 years
Media Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 14,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,175)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 12,325
Media Content [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Media Content [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 20,100	$ 12,100
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(4,080)	(1,320)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 16,020	$ 10,780
Intellectual Property [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years	3 years
Intellectual Property [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	8 years	9 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 10,853	$ 6,853
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,721)	(727)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 8,132	$ 6,126
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year	1 year
Other Intangible Assets [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	9 years	10 years

Supplementary Information Supplementary Info - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ (313,130)
Goodwill	49,282	$ 329,467	$ 280,911
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		48,556
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	1,163
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	80,629
Student Brands [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	31,782
MBS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	49,282	48,118
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		49,282
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	1,163
BNC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(313,100)
Goodwill	$ 0	$ 281,349

Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions (Details) - Barnes and Noble, Inc [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Direct Costs		$ 22,673	$ 25,936	$ 29,173
Allocation of Expenses	$ 13,321
Accounts Payable			$ 7,759	$ 8,041

Related Party Transactions Related Party (Details) - MBS [Domain] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties			$ 7,376	$ 5,009
Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party			339	574
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party			$ 92,956	$ 57,981
Payments for Rent	$ 230	$ 1,380

Employees' Defined Contribution Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Company contributions, employee benefit expenses	$ 7,196	$ 4,828	$ 4,375

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Aug. 02, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	2,409,345		4,000,000	2,409,345
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized			6,409,345
Share-based Compensation		$ 8,459	$ 9,366	$ 6,670
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 12,284
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year 10 months 14 days
Performance Shares [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		0	406,078	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		285,936	406,078	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period		(120,142)	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 9.52	$ 9.52	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		0.00	9.52	0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		0.00	0.00	0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 9.52	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation		$ (218)	$ 655	$ 0
Performance Share Units [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	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		537,756	0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period		0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 7.90	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		7.90	0.00	0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		0.00	0.00	0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation		$ 187	$ 0	$ 0
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	12,371	73,352
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		19,704	12,371	46,080	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		(12,371)	(46,080)	(27,272)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period		0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 6.09	$ 9.70	$ 13.02	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		6.09	9.70	13.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		9.70	13.02	13.19
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value		$ 1,080
Share-based Compensation		$ 120	$ 280	$ 840
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		1,640,926	1,207,070	1,681,552
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		2,320,124	1,731,623	1,241,467	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		(697,370)	(680,489)	(431,106)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period		(355,055)	(36,425)	(8,979)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 7.47	$ 10.70	$ 11.10	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		5.88	9.70	10.12
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		10.93	9.72	7.29
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 9.04	$ 9.69	$ 9.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value		$ 17,384
Share-based Compensation		8,370	$ 8,431	$ 5,710
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation		$ 0	$ 0	$ 120
Converted Awards [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				877,426

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Jan. 27, 2018	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)			$ (8,089)	$ 14,872	$ 13,019
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)			2,410	1,819	1,783
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			(5,679)	16,691	14,802
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			(13,250)	(9,238)	(9,922)
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			(1,514)	(2,723)	(2,213)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			(14,764)	(11,961)	(12,135)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			$ (20,443)	$ 4,730	$ 2,667
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%	33.90%	34.10%	35.00%	35.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability			$ 20,425
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent			(0.30%)	(5.80%)	(15.20%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent			0.00%	0.00%	50.60%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Other, Percent			(0.70%)	25.50%	31.10%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent			(34.20%)	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent			7.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent			0.20%	(5.50%)	(5.40%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent			0.90%	(2.30%)	0.80%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent			7.50%	46.90%	96.90%
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals	$ 9,375		$ 9,375	$ 13,047
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	8,256		8,256	16,969
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost	1,374		1,374	1,780
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance	474		474	881
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent	1,095		1,095	1,826
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment	2,803		2,803	8,728
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other	220		220	206
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9,105		9,105	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	5,834		5,834	4,916
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	4,356		4,356	5,106
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	42,892		42,892	53,459
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	(932)		(932)	(1,392)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	41,960		41,960	52,067
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	(44,066)		(44,066)	(68,938)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	(44,066)		(44,066)	(68,938)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	(2,106)		(2,106)	(16,871)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	97		97	86	$ 21	$ 215
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions			25	40	21
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions			2	25	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities			0	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions			(16)	0	$ (215)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	5		5	$ 3
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense			2
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings			200
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			100
One percentage point [Domain]
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)			2,700
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	99,604		99,604
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 278		$ 278

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	$ 170,351	$ 165,980	$ 140,743
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals	80,630	87,843	101,552
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$ 250,981	$ 253,823	$ 242,295
Minimum Rent Expense Description	Our contracts with colleges and universities are typically five years with renewal options and are typically cancelable by either party without penalty with 90 to120 days' notice. Annual projections below are based on current minimum guarantee amounts. In approximately 69% of our contracts with colleges and universities that include minimum guarantees, the minimum guaranteed amounts adjust annually to equal less than the prior year's commission earned.
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current	$ 139,994
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	130,794
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	124,379
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	113,419
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	105,034
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	192,741
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	806,361
Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	5,201
Purchase Obligation, Due in Second and Third Year	1,979
Purchase Obligation, Due in Fourth and Fifth Year	107
Purchase Obligation	$ 7,287

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Jan. 27, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2017	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									$ 14,100
Other Nonrecurring Expense									313,130
Revenue, Net	$ 357,654	$ 603,391	$ 886,861	$ 355,711	$ 342,830	$ 521,624	$ 770,671	$ 239,237	2,203,617	$ 1,874,362	$ 1,808,029
Gross Profit	128,334	146,999	216,700	65,200	123,025	116,249	171,954	47,833	557,233	459,061	454,699
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 17,057	$ (283,235)	$ 48,395	$ (34,783)	$ 227	$ 3,761	$ 29,289	$ (27,916)	$ (252,566)	$ 5,361	$ 84
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.36	$ (6.04)	$ 1.04	$ (0.75)	$ 0.00	$ 0.08	$ 0.63	$ (0.60)	$ (5.40)	$ 0.12	$ 0.00
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.36	$ (6.04)	$ 1.03	$ (0.75)	$ 0.00	$ 0.08	$ 0.63	$ (0.60)	$ (5.40)	$ 0.11	$ 0.00

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	$ 3,518	$ 3,459	$ 4,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	(3,694)	(3,520)	(3,993)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	2,083	2,259	2,320	$ 2,313
Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts	170,469	155,486	130,421
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	(172,057)	(149,426)	(130,343)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 5,229	$ 6,817	$ 757	$ 679

Label	Element	Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents	$ 44,816,000