Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 3,877	$ 3,640	$ 4,003
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(217)	(346)	(321)
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	448	(1,266)	1,292
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge	23	5	83
Comprehensive income, net of tax	4,131	2,033	5,057
Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	75	111	108
Total comprehensive income attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	$ 4,056	$ 1,922	$ 4,949