Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 27, 2013	Apr. 28, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 65,811	$ 86,797
Accounts receivable, less allowance (2013 — $1,022; 2012 —$1,279)	119,816	98,359
Inventories:
Finished products	11,736	7,001
Work in process	10,220	14,235
Materials	37,973	22,325
Inventories	59,929	43,561
Deferred income taxes	3,313	3,529
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	326	1,015
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,459	7,172
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	258,654	240,433
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land	3,135	3,135
Buildings and building improvements	43,159	44,051
Machinery and equipment	250,961	230,265
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Gross	297,255	277,451
Less allowances for depreciation	198,897	200,299
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Net	98,358	77,152
OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	12,907	16,422
Other intangibles, less accumulated amortization	16,466	16,620
Cash surrender value of life insurance	9,351	8,802
Deferred income taxes	14,767	15,072
Pre-production costs	11,511	16,215
Other	12,925	12,932
Total other assets	77,927	86,063
TOTAL ASSETS	434,939	403,648
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	61,541	54,775
Salaries, wages and payroll taxes	9,673	9,554
Other accrued expenses	14,827	14,964
Deferred income taxes	628	9,131
Income taxes payable	3,802	3,453
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	90,471	91,877
LONG-TERM DEBT	43,500	48,000
OTHER LIABILITIES	3,294	3,413
DEFERRED COMPENSATION	8,090	4,801
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST	0	333
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,455,853 and 38,375,678 shares issued as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively	19,228	19,188
Additional paid-in capital	81,472	77,652
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15,680	15,573
Treasury stock, 1,342,188 shares as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012	(11,377)	(11,377)
Retained earnings	184,368	154,008
TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	289,371	255,044
Noncontrolling interest	213	180
TOTAL EQUITY	289,584	255,224
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 434,939	$ 403,648