CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,695	$ 45,856
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation adjustment	233	45
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax	81	28
Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities arising during the period, net of tax	(304)	(504)
Net pension amortization and net actuarial loss	476	245
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	486	(186)
Total comprehensive income before allocation to noncontrolling interests	5,181	45,670
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(143)	(349)
Comprehensive income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	$ 5,038	$ 45,321