Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - 9 months ended Jan. 30, 2016 - 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 income	6,162				6,162
Exercise of 126 common stock options	1,302	1	1,301
Stock options and restricted stock tax benefits	1,216		1,216
Stock-based compensation expense	11,631		11,631
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	(34,811)				(34,811)
Accrued dividends for long-term incentive awards	(326)				(326)
Purchase of treasury stock related to stock-based compensation, 157 shares	(2,440)					(2,440)
Treasury stock repurchase plan, 1,799 shares	(16,489)					(16,489)
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, Inc.	(702,522)		(401,258)		(301,264)
Balance at Jan. 30, 2016	$ 637,460	$ 111	$ 1,734,898	$ (16,533)	$ 17,629	$ (1,098,645)