Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock At Cost [Member]	Total
Balance at Apr. 30, 2011	$ 90	$ 1,323,263	$ (11,630)	$ 562,379	$ (1,054,192)	$ 819,910
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss				(11,138)		(11,138)
Total comprehensive loss						(11,138)
Exercise of 89 common stock options	1	1,055				1,056
Stock options and restricted stock tax benefits		(1,376)				(1,376)
Stock-based compensation expense		14,835				14,835
Accretive dividend on preferred stock				(578)		(578)
Accrued/paid cash dividends for preferred stockholders				(7,081)		(7,081)
Treasury stock acquired, 127 shares					(1,650)	(1,650)
Balance at Jan. 28, 2012	$ 91	$ 1,337,777	$ (11,630)	$ 543,582	$ (1,055,842)	$ 813,978