Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Apr. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (63,169)	$ (75,122)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash flows used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing fees)	116,098	118,432
Stock-based compensation expense	9,376	10,374
Deferred taxes	(2,050)	1,319
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	137	643
Decrease in other long-term liabilities	(29,724)	(24,477)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	(123,260)	(114,208)
Net cash flows used in operating activities	(92,592)	(83,039)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(75,516)	(51,449)
Net increase in other noncurrent assets	(34,743)	(37)
Acquisition of Borders Group, Inc. intellectual property	14,528
Purchase of non-controlling interest		(300)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(95,731)	(51,786)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of Series J preferred stock	191,419
Net (decrease) increase in credit facility	(38,200)	116,500
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	678	16,951
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	149	1,586
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,519)	(1,294)
Cash dividend paid to shareholders		(29,720)
Net cash flows provided by financing activities	152,527	104,023
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(35,796)	(30,802)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	59,429	60,965	60,965
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	23,633	30,163	59,429
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net	(90,306)	(78,677)
Merchandise inventories	(461,378)	(391,007)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(18,416)	(21,477)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	446,840	376,953	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	(123,260)	(114,208)
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	14,006	21,293
Income taxes (net of refunds)	2,552	17,859
Supplemental disclosure of subsidiaries acquired:
Assets acquired (net of cash acquired)		1,513
Liabilities assumed (including Seller Notes)		1,213
Cash paid		300
Non-cash financing activity
Accrued dividend on redeemable preferred stock	$ 3,118