Lease Termination and Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 26, 2011	Nov. 27, 2010	Nov. 26, 2011	Nov. 27, 2010
Lease termination and impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges	$ 11,540	$ 17,003	$ 43,748	$ 56,820
Revenues and operating losses of closed stores or stores approved for closure
Revenues	6,312,584	6,202,353	18,974,468	18,758,441
Loss before income taxes	(51,013)	(80,684)	(206,788)	(341,377)
Depreciation and amortization			333,381	378,998
Impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges	1,439	751	2,829	3,197
Number of stores	18	19	45	42
Number of distribution centers		1		1
Total number of locations	18	20	45	43
Facility and equipment lease exit charges
Lease termination and impairment charges
Lease termination and impairment charges	10,101	16,252	40,919	53,623
Number of stores	2	11	13	31
Total number of locations	2	11	13	31
Closed store and distribution center charges
Balance-beginning of period	390,161	395,098	405,350	412,654
Provision for present value of noncancellable lease payments of closed stores	2,282	5,076	5,453	21,707
Changes in assumptions about future sublease income, terminations and changes in interest rates	1,157	4,922	16,378	13,288
Interest accretion	6,341	6,326	19,912	19,661
Cash payments, net of sublease income	(24,381)	(23,977)	(71,533)	(79,865)
Balance-end of period	375,560	387,445	375,560	387,445
Closed stores or stores approved for closure
Revenues and operating losses of closed stores or stores approved for closure
Revenues	25,719	64,802	103,605	234,434
Operating expenses	30,525	72,752	117,005	263,647
Gain from sale of assets	(4,327)	(4,365)	(10,137)	(9,818)
Other expenses	799	506	575	2,279
Loss before income taxes	(1,278)	(4,091)	(3,838)	(21,674)
Depreciation and amortization	226	878	991	3,048
Inventory liquidation charges	$ 714	$ 825	$ 1,173	$ 3,145