Information by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jul. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011	Oct. 30, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 24, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 936,334	$ 895,030	$ 856,875	$ 847,422	$ 883,819	$ 824,650	$ 857,414	$ 849,787	$ 3,535,661	$ 3,415,670	$ 3,237,376
Income before tax									329,812	355,887	339,041
Long-lived assets	1,335,855				1,334,259				1,335,855	1,334,259	1,289,211
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									3,104,047	3,006,984	2,903,407
Income before tax									286,215	316,293	298,061
Long-lived assets	1,192,437				1,195,359				1,192,437	1,195,359	1,179,361
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									431,614	408,686	333,969
Income before tax									43,597	39,594	40,980
Long-lived assets	$ 143,418				$ 138,900				$ 143,418	$ 138,900	$ 109,850