Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - 6 months ended Oct. 31, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock at Cost
Balance at May. 02, 2015	$ 1,189,358	$ 98	$ 1,927,997	$ (16,533)	$ 357,512	$ (1,079,716)
Net loss	(74,100)				(74,100)
Exercise of 59 common stock options	607	1	606
Stock options and restricted stock tax benefits	1,708		1,708
Stock-based compensation expense	8,632		8,632
Accretive dividend on preferred stockholders and membership interests	(4,204)				(4,204)
Inducement fee paid upon conversion of Series J preferred stock	(3,657)				(3,657)
Cash dividends declared	(23,359)				(23,359)
Accrued dividends for long-term incentive awards	(190)				(190)
Treasury stock acquired, 121 shares	(2,087)					(2,087)
Dividend to preferred shareholders paid in shares	(1,783)		1,783		(1,783)
Common shares issued upon conversion of Series J preferred stock	200,262	12	200,250
Cash settlement of equity award	(8,022)		(8,022)
Separation of B&N Education	(702,522)		(401,258)		(301,264)
Balance at Oct. 31, 2015	$ 582,426	$ 111	$ 1,731,696	$ (16,533)	$ (51,045)	$ (1,081,803)