Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2012

Changes In Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]

Amortizable Intangible Assets

			As of January 28, 2012
	Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Total
Amortizable intangible assets
Customer relationships and other acquired intangible assets		3-25	$	271,938	$	(27,985	)	$	243,953
Author contracts		10		18,461		(16,588	)		1,873
Technology		5-10		5,850		(2,225	)		3,625
Distribution contracts		10		8,325		(4,775	)		3,550
Other		3-10		6,175		(4,424	)		1,751
			$	310,749	$	(55,997	)	$	254,752

Unamortizable Intangible Assets

Unamortizable intangible assets
Trade name	$	293,400
Publishing contracts		21,336
	$	314,736
Total intangible assets	$	569,488

Aggregate Amortization Expense

Aggregate Amortization Expense:
For the 39 weeks ended January 28, 2012	$	12,980
For the 39 weeks ended January 29, 2011	$	10,972

Estimated Amortization Expense

Estimated Amortization Expense:
(12 months ending on or about April 30)
2012	$	18,416
2013	$	19,463
2014	$	17,212
2015	$	13,277
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)		—		—		(3,321	)		(3,321	)
Balance as of January 28, 2012	$	225,336		274,070		21,386			$520,792

(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.