CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 85,147	$ 86,797
Accounts receivable, net	94,677	98,359
Inventories:
Finished products	9,678	7,001
Work in process	14,729	14,235
Materials	22,953	22,325
Net inventory	47,360	43,561
Deferred income taxes	3,335	3,529
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	635	1,015
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,017	7,172
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	240,171	240,433
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	276,585	277,451
Less allowances for depreciation	195,136	200,299
Net property, plant and equipment	81,449	77,152
GOODWILL	16,422	16,422
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	16,215	16,620
PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS	14,405	16,215
OTHER ASSETS	36,818	36,806
Total other long-term assets	83,860	86,063
TOTAL ASSETS	405,480	403,648
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	54,038	54,775
Other current liabilities	35,761	37,102
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	89,799	91,877
LONG-TERM DEBT	56,500	48,000
OTHER LIABILITIES	3,378	3,413
DEFERRED COMPENSATION	4,982	4,801
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST	257	333
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,402,678 and 38,375,678 shares issued as of July 28, 2012 and April 28, 2012, respectively	19,201	19,188
Additional paid-in capital	78,630	77,652
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,624	15,573
Treasury stock, 1,342,188 shares as of July 28, 2012 and April 28, 2012	(11,377)	(11,377)
Retained earnings	155,304	154,008
TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	250,382	255,044
Noncontrolling interest	182	180
TOTAL EQUITY	250,564	255,224
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 405,480	$ 403,648