Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 29, 2011

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]

Amortizable Intangible Assets

		As of October 29, 2011
Amortizable intangible assets	Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets	3-25	$	271,938	$	(23,514	)	$	248,424
Author contracts	10		18,461		(16,127	)		2,334
Technology	5-10		5,850		(2,025	)		3,825
Distribution contracts	10		8,325		(4,618	)		3,707
Other	3-10		6,139		(4,201	)		1,938
		$	310,713	$	(50,485	)	$	260,228

Unamortizable Intangible Assets

Unamortizable intangible assets
Trade name	$	293,400
Publishing contracts		21,336
	$	314,736
Total intangible assets	$	574,964

Aggregate Amortization Expense

Aggregate Amortization Expense:
For the 26 weeks ended October 29, 2011	$	7,467
For the 26 weeks ended October 30, 2010	$	7,286

Estimated Amortization Expense

Estimated Amortization Expense:
(12 months ending on or about April 30)
2012	$	18,414
2013	$	19,461
2014	$	17,210
2015	$	13,276
2016	$	11,241

Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Segment

	B&N Retail		B&N College		B&N.com			Total Company
Balance as of April 30, 2011	$	225,336		274,070		24,707		$	524,113
Benefit of excess tax amortization (a)		—		—		(2,214	)		(2,214	)
Balance as of October 29, 2011	$	225,336		274,070		22,493		$	521,899

(a) The tax basis of goodwill arising from an acquisition during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2005 exceeded the related basis for financial reporting purposes by approximately $96,576. In accordance with ASC 740-10-30, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company is recognizing the tax benefits of amortizing such excess as a reduction of goodwill as it is realized on the Company's income tax return.