Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Numerator (basic and diluted):
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	$ 6,619	$ 7,870	$ 11,017	$ 53,406
Income allocated to participating securities	(88)	(150)	(166)	(1,026)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 6,531	$ 7,720	$ 10,851	$ 52,380
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	52,356,000	52,055,000	52,274,000	51,999,000
Add:
Contingent common shares (in shares)	366,000	0	366,000	0
Stock option dilution (in shares)	546,000	420,000	529,000	459,000
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	53,268,000	52,475,000	53,169,000	52,458,000
Outstanding options to purchase shares (in shares)	200,000	1,100,000	200,000	1,100,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.74	$ 14.16	$ 20.74	$ 14.16