NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Numerator - net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.	$ 3,889	$ 1,494
Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average shares	37,391,831	37,277,306
Dilutive potential common shares	502,042	240,877
Denominator for diluted net income per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	37,893,873	37,518,183
Net income per share - basic and diluted	$ 0.10	$ 0.04
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	761,685	129,935