Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Apr. 27, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	Note 1: Accounting Policies The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of La-Z-Boy Incorporated and its subsidiaries' (individually and collectively, "we," "our" or the "Company") consolidated financial statements. Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of April. Our 2013 and 2012 fiscal years included 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2011 included 53 weeks. The additional week in fiscal 2011 was included in our fourth fiscal quarter. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of La-Z-Boy Incorporated and our majority-owned subsidiaries. The portion of less than wholly-owned subsidiaries is included as non-controlling interest. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, including any related profit on intercompany sales. Additionally, our consolidated financial statements previously included the accounts of certain entities in which we held a controlling interest based on exposure to economic risks and potential rewards (variable interests) for the periods in which we were the primary beneficiary. As of April 28, 2012, we no longer had any such arrangements where we were the primary beneficiary. Use of Estimates The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts or disclosures of assets, liabilities (including contingent assets and liabilities) sales and expenses at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Equivalents For purposes of the consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash We have cash on deposit with a bank as collateral for certain letters of credit. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") basis for approximately 67% and 72% of our inventories at April 27, 2013, and April 28, 2012, respectively. Cost is determined for all other inventories on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis. The FIFO method of accounting is mainly used for our Retail segment's inventory and the smaller operating companies within our Upholstery segment. Property, Plant and Equipment Items capitalized, including significant betterments to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Capitalized computer software costs include internal and external costs incurred during the software's development stage. Internal costs relate primarily to employee activities related to coding and testing the software under development. Computer software costs are depreciated over three to ten years. All maintenance and repair costs are expensed when incurred. Depreciation is computed principally using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Disposal and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Retirement or dispositions of long-lived assets are recorded based on carrying value and proceeds received. Any resulting gains or losses are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Our assessment of recoverability is based on our best estimates using either quoted market prices or an analysis of the undiscounted projected future cash flows by asset groups in order to determine if the fair value of our long-lived assets exceed their carrying value. Our asset groups consist of our operating units in our Upholstery and Casegoods segments (La-Z-Boy, England, Bauhaus, American Drew, Lea and Hammary, Kincaid) and each of our retail stores. Indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill We test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets include certain of our trade names and the reacquired right to own and operate La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores in the southern Ohio market. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, we performed our annual testing on our indefinite-lived intangible assets, and recorded an impairment charge related to our trade names of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value. The reporting unit for our goodwill is our southern Ohio retail market because the acquisition of this market is where the goodwill was generated. The estimated fair value for the reporting unit is determined based upon discounted cash flows. In situations where the fair value is less than the carrying value, indicating a potential impairment, a second comparison is performed using a calculation of implied fair value of goodwill to measure any such impairment. We did not have any goodwill impairment during fiscal 2013. Investments Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with the net unrealized gains and losses (that are deemed to be temporary) reported as a component of other comprehensive income/(loss). Realized gains and losses and charges for other-than-temporary impairments are included in determining net income, with related purchase costs based on the first-in, first-out method. For impairments that are other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the investment's cost and its fair value at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment is made. The fair value of the investment then becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment and it is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. Life Insurance Life insurance policies are recorded at the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract as of the date of our consolidated balance sheet. These assets are classified as other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheet. The change in cash surrender or contract value is recorded as income or expense during each period. Revenue Recognition and Related Allowances for Credit Losses Substantially all of our shipping agreements with third-party carriers transfer the risk of loss to our customers upon shipment. Accordingly, our shipments using third-party carriers are generally recognized as revenue upon shipment of the product. In all cases, for product shipped on our company-owned trucks, revenue is recognized upon delivery. This revenue includes amounts billed to customers for shipping. Provisions are made at the time revenue is recognized for estimated product returns and warranties, as well as other incentives that may be offered to customers. We also recognize revenue for amounts received from our customers in connection with our shared advertising cost arrangement. We import certain products from foreign ports, which are shipped directly to our domestic customers. In this case, revenue is not recognized until title is assumed by our customer, which is normally after the goods pass through U.S. Customs. Incentives offered to customers include cash discounts and other sales incentive programs. Estimated cash discounts and other sales incentives are recorded as a reduction of revenues when the revenue is recognized. Trade accounts receivable arise from the sale of products on trade credit terms. On a quarterly basis, our management team reviews all significant accounts as to their past due balances, as well as collectability of the outstanding trade accounts receivable for possible write off. It is our policy to write off the accounts receivable against the allowance account when we deem the receivable to be uncollectible. Additionally, for those dealers that are significantly past due, we review their sales orders and ship product when collectability of the incremental sale is reasonably assured. We have notes receivable balances due to us from various customers. These notes receivable generally relate to past due accounts receivable which were converted to a note receivable in order to secure further collateral from the customer. The collateral from the customer is generally in the form of inventory or real estate. Additionally, we have personal guarantees from some of these customers on these notes receivable. In cases where we do not have sufficient collateral to support the carrying value of the note receivable, our policy is to recognize an allowance for credit losses for this difference. These allowances for credit losses reflect our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the trade accounts and notes receivable balances. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historic experience and other currently available evidence. Cost of Sales Our cost of sales consists primarily of the cost to manufacture or purchase our merchandise, inspection costs, internal transfer costs, in-bound freight costs, outbound shipping costs, as well as warehousing costs, occupancy costs and depreciation expense related to our manufacturing facilities and equipment. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses SG&A expenses include the costs of selling our products and other general and administrative costs. Selling expenses are primarily composed of commissions, advertising, warranty, bad debt expense and compensation and benefits of employees performing various sales functions. Additionally, the occupancy costs of our retail facilities and the warehousing costs of our regional distribution centers are included as a component of SG&A. Other general and administrative expenses included in SG&A are composed primarily of compensation and benefit costs for administration employees and other administrative costs. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are charged to expense in the periods incurred. Expenditures for research and development costs were $7.5 million, $7.7 million and $8.2 million for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012, and April 30, 2011, respectively and are included as a component of SG&A. Advertising Expenses Production costs of commercials, programming and costs of other advertising, promotion and marketing programs are charged to expense in the period incurred. Gross advertising expenses were $54.3 million, $48.0 million and $46.3 million for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012, and April 30, 2011, respectively. A major portion of our advertising program is a national advertising campaign. This campaign is a shared advertising program with our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores, which are reimbursing us for about 36% of the cost of the program (excluding company owned stores). Because of this shared cost arrangement, the advertising expense is reported as a component of SG&A, while the dealers' reimbursement portion is reported as a component of sales. Operating Leases We record rent expense related to operating leases on a straight-line basis for minimum lease payments starting with the beginning of the lease term based on the date that we have the right to control the leased property. Our minimum lease payments may incorporate step rent provisions or rent escalations. We also record rental income from subleases on a straight-line basis for minimum lease payments. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. In periods when deferred tax assets are recorded, we are required to estimate whether recoverability is more likely than not, based on forecasts of taxable earnings in the related tax jurisdiction. We consider historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carry-forward period, tax law changes, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations when making judgments about realizing the value of our deferred tax assets. We recognize in our consolidated financial statements the benefit of a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return when it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement. Changes in judgment that result in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement date of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) are recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of our Mexico subsidiary is the U.S. dollar. Transaction gains and losses associated with translating our Mexico subsidiary's assets and liabilities, which are non-U.S. dollar denominated, are recorded in other income/(expense) in our consolidated statement of income. The functional currency of each of our other foreign subsidiaries is its respective local currency. Assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries whose functional currency is their local currency are translated at the year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period, with the corresponding exchange effect included as a component of other comprehensive income. When the foreign subsidiary has substantially ended operations, the remaining translation adjustments are recognized in other income/(expense) in our consolidated statement of income. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation We estimate the fair value of equity-based awards on the date of grant using option-pricing models. The value of the portion of the equity-based awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our consolidated statement of income using a straight-line single-option method. We measure stock-based compensation cost for liability-based awards based on the fair value of the award on the last day of the reporting period and recognize it as expense over the vesting period. The liability for these awards is remeasured and adjusted to its fair value at the end of each reporting period until paid. We record compensation cost for stock-based awards that vest based on performance conditions ratably over the vesting periods when the vesting of such awards become probable. Reclassifications and Revisions Certain prior year information has been reclassified to be comparable to the current year presentation. These items had no impact on the amounts of previously reported net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated or total equity. Insurance/Self-Insurance We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle liability and the company-funded portion of employee-related health care benefits. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated in part by considering historic claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other assumptions. Our workers' compensation reserve is an undiscounted liability. We have various excess loss coverages for auto, product liability and workers' compensation liabilities. Our deductibles generally do not exceed $1.0 to $1.5 million. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued accounting guidance related to reporting amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance amends the comprehensive income reporting standards to require items that are reclassified in their entirety to net income from accumulated other comprehensive income in the same reporting period to be reported separately from other amounts in other comprehensive income. These amounts may be disclosed on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements. The guidance does not amend any existing disclosures around net income or other comprehensive income; it is only intended to improve the transparency of items in other comprehensive income. We adopted this guidance in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and it had no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 15 for further information.

Note 1: Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of La-Z-Boy Incorporated and its subsidiaries' (individually and collectively, "we," "our" or the "Company") consolidated financial statements. Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of April. Our 2013 and 2012 fiscal years included 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2011 included 53 weeks. The additional week in fiscal 2011 was included in our fourth fiscal quarter.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of La-Z-Boy Incorporated and our majority-owned subsidiaries. The portion of less than wholly-owned subsidiaries is included as non-controlling interest. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, including any related profit on intercompany sales. Additionally, our consolidated financial statements previously included the accounts of certain entities in which we held a controlling interest based on exposure to economic risks and potential rewards (variable interests) for the periods in which we were the primary beneficiary. As of April 28, 2012, we no longer had any such arrangements where we were the primary beneficiary.

Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts or disclosures of assets, liabilities (including contingent assets and liabilities) sales and expenses at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

We have cash on deposit with a bank as collateral for certain letters of credit.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") basis for approximately 67% and 72% of our inventories at April 27, 2013, and April 28, 2012, respectively. Cost is determined for all other inventories on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis. The FIFO method of accounting is mainly used for our Retail segment's inventory and the smaller operating companies within our Upholstery segment.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Items capitalized, including significant betterments to existing facilities, are recorded at cost. Capitalized computer software costs include internal and external costs incurred during the software's development stage. Internal costs relate primarily to employee activities related to coding and testing the software under development. Computer software costs are depreciated over three to ten years. All maintenance and repair costs are expensed when incurred. Depreciation is computed principally using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Disposal and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Retirement or dispositions of long-lived assets are recorded based on carrying value and proceeds received. Any resulting gains or losses are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Our assessment of recoverability is based on our best estimates using either quoted market prices or an analysis of the undiscounted projected future cash flows by asset groups in order to determine if the fair value of our long-lived assets exceed their carrying value. Our asset groups consist of our operating units in our Upholstery and Casegoods segments (La-Z-Boy, England, Bauhaus, American Drew, Lea and Hammary, Kincaid) and each of our retail stores.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill

We test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets include certain of our trade names and the reacquired right to own and operate La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores in the southern Ohio market. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, we performed our annual testing on our indefinite-lived intangible assets, and recorded an impairment charge related to our trade names of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value. The reporting unit for our goodwill is our southern Ohio retail market because the acquisition of this market is where the goodwill was generated. The estimated fair value for the reporting unit is determined based upon discounted cash flows. In situations where the fair value is less than the carrying value, indicating a potential impairment, a second comparison is performed using a calculation of implied fair value of goodwill to measure any such impairment. We did not have any goodwill impairment during fiscal 2013.

Investments

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with the net unrealized gains and losses (that are deemed to be temporary) reported as a component of other comprehensive income/(loss). Realized gains and losses and charges for other-than-temporary impairments are included in determining net income, with related purchase costs based on the first-in, first-out method. For impairments that are other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the investment's cost and its fair value at the balance sheet date of the reporting period for which the assessment is made. The fair value of the investment then becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment and it is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value.

Life Insurance

Life insurance policies are recorded at the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract as of the date of our consolidated balance sheet. These assets are classified as other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheet. The change in cash surrender or contract value is recorded as income or expense during each period.

Revenue Recognition and Related Allowances for Credit Losses

Substantially all of our shipping agreements with third-party carriers transfer the risk of loss to our customers upon shipment. Accordingly, our shipments using third-party carriers are generally recognized as revenue upon shipment of the product. In all cases, for product shipped on our company-owned trucks, revenue is recognized upon delivery. This revenue includes amounts billed to customers for shipping. Provisions are made at the time revenue is recognized for estimated product returns and warranties, as well as other incentives that may be offered to customers. We also recognize revenue for amounts received from our customers in connection with our shared advertising cost arrangement. We import certain products from foreign ports, which are shipped directly to our domestic customers. In this case, revenue is not recognized until title is assumed by our customer, which is normally after the goods pass through U.S. Customs.

Incentives offered to customers include cash discounts and other sales incentive programs. Estimated cash discounts and other sales incentives are recorded as a reduction of revenues when the revenue is recognized.

Trade accounts receivable arise from the sale of products on trade credit terms. On a quarterly basis, our management team reviews all significant accounts as to their past due balances, as well as collectability of the outstanding trade accounts receivable for possible write off. It is our policy to write off the accounts receivable against the allowance account when we deem the receivable to be uncollectible. Additionally, for those dealers that are significantly past due, we review their sales orders and ship product when collectability of the incremental sale is reasonably assured.

We have notes receivable balances due to us from various customers. These notes receivable generally relate to past due accounts receivable which were converted to a note receivable in order to secure further collateral from the customer. The collateral from the customer is generally in the form of inventory or real estate. Additionally, we have personal guarantees from some of these customers on these notes receivable. In cases where we do not have sufficient collateral to support the carrying value of the note receivable, our policy is to recognize an allowance for credit losses for this difference.

These allowances for credit losses reflect our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the trade accounts and notes receivable balances. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historic experience and other currently available evidence.

Cost of Sales

Our cost of sales consists primarily of the cost to manufacture or purchase our merchandise, inspection costs, internal transfer costs, in-bound freight costs, outbound shipping costs, as well as warehousing costs, occupancy costs and depreciation expense related to our manufacturing facilities and equipment.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses include the costs of selling our products and other general and administrative costs. Selling expenses are primarily composed of commissions, advertising, warranty, bad debt expense and compensation and benefits of employees performing various sales functions. Additionally, the occupancy costs of our retail facilities and the warehousing costs of our regional distribution centers are included as a component of SG&A. Other general and administrative expenses included in SG&A are composed primarily of compensation and benefit costs for administration employees and other administrative costs.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are charged to expense in the periods incurred. Expenditures for research and development costs were $7.5 million, $7.7 million and $8.2 million for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012, and April 30, 2011, respectively and are included as a component of SG&A.

Advertising Expenses

Production costs of commercials, programming and costs of other advertising, promotion and marketing programs are charged to expense in the period incurred. Gross advertising expenses were $54.3 million, $48.0 million and $46.3 million for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012, and April 30, 2011, respectively.

A major portion of our advertising program is a national advertising campaign. This campaign is a shared advertising program with our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores, which are reimbursing us for about 36% of the cost of the program (excluding company owned stores). Because of this shared cost arrangement, the advertising expense is reported as a component of SG&A, while the dealers' reimbursement portion is reported as a component of sales.

Operating Leases

We record rent expense related to operating leases on a straight-line basis for minimum lease payments starting with the beginning of the lease term based on the date that we have the right to control the leased property. Our minimum lease payments may incorporate step rent provisions or rent escalations. We also record rental income from subleases on a straight-line basis for minimum lease payments.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

In periods when deferred tax assets are recorded, we are required to estimate whether recoverability is more likely than not, based on forecasts of taxable earnings in the related tax jurisdiction. We consider historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carry-forward period, tax law changes, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations when making judgments about realizing the value of our deferred tax assets.

We recognize in our consolidated financial statements the benefit of a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return when it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement. Changes in judgment that result in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement date of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) are recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our Mexico subsidiary is the U.S. dollar. Transaction gains and losses associated with translating our Mexico subsidiary's assets and liabilities, which are non-U.S. dollar denominated, are recorded in other income/(expense) in our consolidated statement of income. The functional currency of each of our other foreign subsidiaries is its respective local currency. Assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries whose functional currency is their local currency are translated at the year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period, with the corresponding exchange effect included as a component of other comprehensive income. When the foreign subsidiary has substantially ended operations, the remaining translation adjustments are recognized in other income/(expense) in our consolidated statement of income.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

We estimate the fair value of equity-based awards on the date of grant using option-pricing models. The value of the portion of the equity-based awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our consolidated statement of income using a straight-line single-option method. We measure stock-based compensation cost for liability-based awards based on the fair value of the award on the last day of the reporting period and recognize it as expense over the vesting period. The liability for these awards is remeasured and adjusted to its fair value at the end of each reporting period until paid. We record compensation cost for stock-based awards that vest based on performance conditions ratably over the vesting periods when the vesting of such awards become probable.

Reclassifications and Revisions

Certain prior year information has been reclassified to be comparable to the current year presentation. These items had no impact on the amounts of previously reported net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated or total equity.

Insurance/Self-Insurance

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle liability and the company-funded portion of employee-related health care benefits. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated in part by considering historic claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other assumptions. Our workers' compensation reserve is an undiscounted liability. We have various excess loss coverages for auto, product liability and workers' compensation liabilities. Our deductibles generally do not exceed $1.0 to $1.5 million.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued accounting guidance related to reporting amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance amends the comprehensive income reporting standards to require items that are reclassified in their entirety to net income from accumulated other comprehensive income in the same reporting period to be reported separately from other amounts in other comprehensive income. These amounts may be disclosed on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements. The guidance does not amend any existing disclosures around net income or other comprehensive income; it is only intended to improve the transparency of items in other comprehensive income. We adopted this guidance in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and it had no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 15 for further information.