Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Numerator (basic and diluted):
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	$ 4,398	$ 45,536
Income allocated to participating securities	(74)	(883)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 4,324	$ 44,653
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	52,193,000	51,942,000
Add:
Contingent common shares (in shares)	335,000	0
Stock option dilution (in shares)	512,000	501,000
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	53,040,000	52,443,000
Outstanding options to purchase shares (in shares)	400,000	1,100,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 21.55	$ 14.64