Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
Numerator (basic and diluted) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	$ 16,483	$ 17,064	$ 42,817	$ 28,081
Income allocated to participating securities	(100)	(218)	(354)	(401)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 16,383	$ 16,846	$ 42,463	$ 27,680
Denominator [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	52,516,000	52,431,000	52,465,000	52,327,000
Add [Abstract]
Contingent common shares	361,000	438,000	501,000	345,000
Stock option dilution (in shares)	349,000	532,000	413,000	529,000
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	53,226,000	53,401,000	53,379,000	53,201,000
Outstanding options to purchase shares (in shares)	0	200,000	0	200,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 20.74		$ 20.74