Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	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