Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	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					(63,169)		(63,169)
Total comprehensive loss							(63,169)
Exercise of 56 common stock options		1	677				678
Stock options and restricted stock tax benefits			(1,333)				(1,333)
Stock-based compensation expense			9,376				9,376
Accretive dividend on preferred stock					(262)		(262)
Accrued cash dividends for preferred stockholders					(3,118)		(3,118)
Treasury stock acquired, 117 shares						(1,519)	(1,519)
Balance at Oct. 29, 2011		$ 91	$ 1,331,983	$ (11,630)	$ 495,830	$ (1,055,711)	$ 760,563