Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013	Apr. 28, 2012
Numerator (basic and diluted) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to La-Z-Boy Incorporated	$ 55,056	$ 46,389	$ 87,966
Income allocated to participating securities	(422)	(639)	(1,650)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 54,634	$ 45,750	$ 86,316
Denominator [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	52,386,000	52,351,000	51,944,000
Add [Abstract]
Contingent common shares	1,049,000	812,000	0
Stock option dilution (in shares)	394,000	522,000	534,000
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	53,829,000	53,685,000	52,478,000
Outstanding options to purchase shares (in shares)		200,000	400,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 20.74	$ 19.97