Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	$ 547,142
Balance	589,919	$ 547,142
Components of non-controlling interest
Balance as of the beginning of the period	10,070	8,954	$ 7,832
Net income	1,062	1,711	1,198
Other comprehensive income (loss)	54	(595)	(76)
Balance as of the end of the period	11,186	10,070	8,954
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	(34,000)	(32,139)	(31,380)
Changes before reclassifications	(2,778)	(6,732)	(4,279)
Amounts reclassified to net income	4,879	4,934	3,630
Tax effect	(984)	(63)	(110)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	1,117	(1,861)	(759)
Balance	(32,883)	(34,000)	(32,139)
Translation adjustment
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	(445)	1,517	2,455
Changes before reclassifications	(482)	(1,962)	(938)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	(482)	(1,962)	(938)
Balance	(927)	(445)	1,517
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	(286)	(560)	(53)
Changes before reclassifications	(1,478)	(1,711)	(1,857)
Amounts reclassified to net income	2,060	2,154	1,038
Tax effect	(222)	(169)	312
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	360	274	(507)
Balance	74	(286)	(560)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	1,058	1,605	1,098
Changes before reclassifications	1,592	(447)	1,033
Amounts reclassified to net income	(471)	(436)	(214)
Tax effect	(427)	336	(312)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	694	(547)	507
Balance	1,752	1,058	1,605
Net pension amortization and net actuarial loss
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance	(34,327)	(34,701)	(34,880)
Changes before reclassifications	(2,410)	(2,612)	(2,517)
Amounts reclassified to net income	3,290	3,216	2,806
Tax effect	(335)	(230)	(110)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	545	374	179
Balance	$ (33,782)	$ (34,327)	$ (34,701)