Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:
Net loss	$ (41,555)	$ (63,169)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing fees)	118,339	116,098
Stock-based compensation expense	11,207	9,376
Deferred taxes	15,507	(2,050)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		137
Decrease in other long-term liabilities	(17,349)	(29,724)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	96,624	(123,260)
Tikatok impairment charge	1,973
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	184,746	(92,592)
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(66,953)	(75,516)
Net (decrease) increase in other noncurrent assets	30	(5,687)
Other investing activities, net	(4,100)
Acquisition of Borders Group, Inc. intellectual property		(14,528)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(71,023)	(95,731)
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of Preferred Membership interest	291,724
Net increase (decrease) in credit facility	14,200	(38,200)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	2,042	678
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,082)	(1,519)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	198	149
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(3,942)
Net proceeds from issuance of Series J preferred stock		191,419
Net cash flows provided by financing activities	303,140	152,527
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	416,863	(35,796)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	54,131	59,429
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	470,994	23,633
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net	(64,048)	(90,306)
Merchandise inventories	(234,367)	(461,378)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,001)	(18,416)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	397,040	446,840
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	96,624	(123,260)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest paid	13,073	14,006
Income taxes (net of refunds)	2,291	2,552
Non-cash financing activity:
Accrued dividend on redeemable preferred stock	$ 3,942	$ 3,118