CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 03, 2012	Feb. 26, 2011	Feb. 27, 2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (368,571)	$ (555,424)	$ (506,676)
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	440,582	505,546	534,238
Lease termination and impairment charges	100,053	210,893	208,017
LIFO charges	188,722	44,905	88,450
Gain on sale of assets, net	(8,703)	(22,224)	(24,137)
Stock-based compensation expense	15,861	17,336	23,794
Loss on debt modifications and retirements, net	33,576	44,003	993
Proceeds from insured loss			1,380
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Net repayments to accounts receivable securitization			(555,000)
Accounts receivable	(48,781)	(10,955)	118,240
Inventories	(169,935)	35,111	181,542
Accounts payable	146,302	156,116	(194,655)
Other assets and liabilities, net	(62,569)	(29,458)	(201,249)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	266,537	395,849	(325,063)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for property, plant and equipment	(215,004)	(162,287)	(183,858)
Intangible assets acquired	(35,133)	(24,233)	(9,772)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	6,038		7,967
Proceeds from dispositions of assets and investments	22,930	29,843	65,177
Net cash used in investing activities	(221,169)	(156,677)	(120,486)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	822,285	650,000	1,303,307
Net proceeds from (repayments to) revolver	108,000	(52,000)	(758,000)
Principal payments on long-term debt	(848,373)	(779,706)	(174,706)
Change in zero balance cash accounts	(32,838)	(15,657)	86,650
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock	914	226	66
Financing fees for early debt redemption	(11,778)	(19,666)
Deferred financing costs paid	(12,409)	(34,847)	(60,209)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	25,801	(251,650)	397,108
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	71,169	(12,478)	(48,441)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	91,116	103,594	152,035
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 162,285	$ 91,116	$ 103,594