CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Common Shares [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Non-Controlling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at Apr. 30, 2011	$ 51,909	$ 222,339	$ 105,872	$ (18,804)	$ 2,824	$ 364,140
Comprehensive income
Net income			87,966		942
Unrealized loss on marketable securities arising during the period				(7)
Reclassification adjustment for gain on marketable securities included in net income				(324)
Currency translation adjustment				35	(167)
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge				28
Net pension amortization and net actuarial loss				(12,209)
Total comprehensive income						76,264
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans, net of cancellations	835	4,011	(509)			4,337
Purchases of common stock	(500)	(958)	(3,721)			(5,179)
Stock option and restricted stock expense		5,717	1			5,718
Tax benefit from exercise of options		223				223
Change in noncontrolling interest upon deconsolidation of VIE and other changes in noncontrolling interests					2,312	2,312
Balance at Apr. 28, 2012	52,244	231,332	189,609	(31,281)	5,911	447,815
Comprehensive income
Net income			11,017		510	11,527
Unrealized loss on marketable securities arising during the period				(28)
Reclassification adjustment for gain on marketable securities included in net income				(503)
Currency translation adjustment				944	6	950
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge				102		102
Net pension amortization and net actuarial loss				946
Total comprehensive income						12,994
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans, net of cancellations	472	539	(1,369)			(358)
Purchases of common stock	(300)	(3,607)	(105)			(4,012)
Stock option and restricted stock expense		6,959				6,959
Tax benefit from exercise of options		1,025				1,025
Change in noncontrolling interest upon deconsolidation of VIE and other changes in noncontrolling interests					97	97
Balance at Oct. 27, 2012	$ 52,416	$ 236,248	$ 199,152	$ (29,820)	$ 6,524	$ 464,520