Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	$ 524,146
Balance	547,142	$ 524,146
Components of non-controlling interest
Balance as of the beginning of the period	8,954	7,832	$ 7,140
Net income (loss)	1,711	1,198	1,324
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(595)	(76)	(730)
Change in non-controlling interest			98
Balance as of the end of the period	10,070	8,954	7,832
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	(32,139)	(31,380)	(35,496)
Changes before reclassifications	(6,732)	(4,279)	4,490
Amounts reclassified to net income	4,934	3,630	3,587
Tax effect	(63)	(110)	(3,961)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	(1,861)	(759)	4,116
Balance	(34,000)	(32,139)	(31,380)
Translation adjustment
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	1,517	2,455	4,779
Changes before reclassifications	(1,962)	(938)	(2,324)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	(1,962)	(938)	(2,324)
Balance	(445)	1,517	2,455
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	(560)	(53)	231
Changes before reclassifications	(1,711)	(1,857)	(780)
Amounts reclassified to net income	2,154	1,038	321
Tax effect	(169)	312	175
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	274	(507)	(284)
Balance	(286)	(560)	(53)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	1,605	1,098	474
Changes before reclassifications	(447)	1,033	1,308
Amounts reclassified to net income	(436)	(214)	(300)
Tax effect	336	(312)	(384)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	(547)	507	624
Balance	1,058	1,605	1,098
Net pension amortization and net actuarial loss
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	(34,701)	(34,880)	(40,980)
Changes before reclassifications	(2,612)	(2,517)	6,286
Amounts reclassified to net income	3,216	2,806	3,566
Tax effect	(230)	(110)	(3,752)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	374	179	6,100
Balance	$ (34,327)	$ (34,701)	$ (34,880)