Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 28, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (47,613)	$ (11,138)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing fees)	175,444	177,735
Stock-based compensation expense	16,930	14,835
Property and equipment impairment charge	3,959	11,586
Deferred taxes	(2,790)	(1,375)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	1,189	2,365
Decrease in other long-term liabilities	(19,785)	(40,356)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	75,090	(36,334)
Tikatok impairment charge	1,973
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	204,397	117,318
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of distribution center		18,000
Purchases of property and equipment	(111,095)	(123,471)
Net increase in other noncurrent assets	(7,121)	(5,712)
Other investing activities, net	(4,100)
Acquisition of Borders Group, Inc. intellectual property		(14,528)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(122,316)	(125,711)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of Preferred Membership interest	380,623
Net proceeds from Microsoft Commercial Agreement financing transaction	27,495
Net decrease in credit facility	(324,200)	(211,500)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	2,290	1,056
Purchase of treasury stock	(1,220)	(1,650)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	326	193
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(7,883)	(3,118)
Net proceeds from issuance of Series J preferred stock		191,380
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	77,431	(23,639)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	159,512	(32,032)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	54,131	59,429
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	213,643	27,397
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Receivables, net	(226,962)	(246,560)
Merchandise inventories	(223,108)	(439,536)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,000	(7,599)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	490,160	657,361
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	75,090	(36,334)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest paid	23,166	25,326
Income taxes (net of refunds)	2,859	2,179
Non-cash financing activity:
Accrued dividend on redeemable preferred stock	$ 3,942	$ 3,963