DEI Document In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2012	Feb. 28, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	METHODE ELECTRONICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000065270
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-28
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jan. 28, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,020,890