Dispositions and Reserves related to Former Operations (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010	Jan. 29, 2011	Dec. 08, 2010	Apr. 30, 2011 Marmaxx Segment [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 A.J. Wright [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 A.J. Wright [Member]	May 01, 2010 A.J. Wright [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 BJ's Wholesale Club [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Bob's Store [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Home Goods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Segment Profit or Loss		$ 491,917,000	$ 579,060,000				$ 49,000	$ (49,291,000)	$ 9,786,000
Conversion costs and grand re-opening cost						17,000,000		20,000,000				3,000,000
Severance and termination benefits related to AJ Wright Consolidation								11,000,000
Number of leases on which company is liable										13	7
Disposition Additional (Textual)
Number of A.J. Wright stores converted into T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or Home Goods stores					90
Number of A.J. Wright stores closed					72
Number of A.J. Wright distribution centers closed					2
Increase in reserve for lease related obligations of former operations classified as discontinued operations	$ 33,000,000
Former operations reserve to be paid				three to five years