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. 28, 2012	$ 52,244	$ 231,332	$ 189,609	$ (31,281)	$ 5,911	$ 447,815
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income			46,389		793	47,182
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(4,215)	339	(3,876)
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans, net of cancellations	817	1,849	(1,368)			1,298
Purchases of common stock	(669)	(5,314)	(4,350)			(10,333)
Stock option and restricted stock expense		11,458				11,458
Tax benefit from exercise of options		2,563				2,563
Dividends paid			(4,236)			(4,236)
Change in noncontrolling interests					97	97
Balance at Apr. 27, 2013	52,392	241,888	226,044	(35,496)	7,140	491,968
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income			26,334		618	26,952
Other comprehensive income (loss)				519	(450)	69
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans, net of cancellations	842	1,909	(4,509)			(1,758)
Purchases of common stock	(667)	(2,569)	(10,445)			(13,681)
Stock option and restricted stock expense		5,671				5,671
Tax benefit from exercise of options		5,228				5,228
Dividends paid			(4,214)			(4,214)
Change in noncontrolling interests					99	99
Balance at Oct. 26, 2013	$ 52,567	$ 252,127	$ 233,210	$ (34,977)	$ 7,407	$ 510,334