Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Apr. 27, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company”). As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Fiscal Reporting Periods	Financial Reporting Periods. We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two or fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 all represent fifty-two weeks of results.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are carried at their fair value and classified in the consolidated balance sheets as cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We carry accounts receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, we record an allowance for uncollectible receivables based upon past transaction history with customers, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of net receivables. A change to the allowance for uncollectible amounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectability of a specific account. We do not require collateral for our accounts receivable balances. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.
Inventories	Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment. Properties are stated on the basis of cost. We amortize such costs by annual charges to income, computed on the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for financial reporting purposes. Accelerated methods are generally used for income tax purposes.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue on product sales when i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, ii) the price is fixed or determinable, iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and iv) collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured. Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discounts and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment. Revenue from cabling infrastructure systems installations is recognized when the installation is completed, tested and accepted by the customer. We do not have any additional obligations or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products. We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned. Return costs were not significant in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of products sold.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currencies of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries are in their local currencies. The results of operations of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates. Adjustments from the translation process are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the foreign subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in other, net.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event that the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value is recorded.
Goodwill and Intangibles	Goodwill and Intangibles. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB"), Accounting Standards Codification, ("ASC"), Topic 350 - Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we review goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis by applying a fair-value-based test. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill, we must make assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units, as defined under FASB ASC Topic 350. Goodwill is evaluated using a two-step impairment test at the reporting unit level. The first step compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we complete the second step to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss that we should record. In the second step, we determine an implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets). The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. In performing our annual review of goodwill balances for impairment, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units based on projected future operating results and cash flows, market assumptions and comparative market multiple methods. Determining fair value requires significant estimates and assumptions based on an evaluation of a number of factors, such as marketplace participants, relative market share, future expansion or contraction expectations, amount and timing of future cash flows and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Projected future operating results and cash flows used for valuation purposes may reflect considerable improvements relative to historical periods with respect to, among other things, revenue growth and operating margins. Although we believe our projected future operating results and cash flows and related estimates regarding fair values are based on reasonable assumptions, historically projected operating results and cash flows have not always been achieved. The failure of one of our reporting units to achieve projected operating results and cash flows in the near term or long term may reduce the estimated fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value and result in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge. Significant management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and our cost of capital, are based on the best available market information and are consistent with our internal forecasts and operating plans. In addition to cash flow estimates, our valuations are sensitive to the rate used to discount cash flows and future growth assumptions.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs. Costs associated with the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products are charged to expense when incurred.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments. The carrying values of our short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. We have no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, "Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" which clarifies preexisting guidance regarding the treatment of cumulative translation adjustments when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, which is our fiscal year 2014 which began April 28, 2013; however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The update requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present either on the face of the consolidated statements of income or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective prospectively for the Company for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, which began April 28, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 27, 2013

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company”). As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Fiscal Reporting Periods

Financial Reporting Periods. We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two or fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 all represent fifty-two weeks of results.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are carried at their fair value and classified in the consolidated balance sheets as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We carry accounts receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, we record an allowance for uncollectible receivables based upon past transaction history with customers, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of net receivables. A change to the allowance for uncollectible amounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectability of a specific account. We do not require collateral for our accounts receivable balances. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment. Properties are stated on the basis of cost. We amortize such costs by annual charges to income, computed on the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for financial reporting purposes. Accelerated methods are generally used for income tax purposes.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue on product sales when i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, ii) the price is fixed or determinable, iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and iv) collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured. Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discounts and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment. Revenue from cabling infrastructure systems installations is recognized when the installation is completed, tested and accepted by the customer. We do not have any additional obligations or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products. We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned. Return costs were not significant in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of products sold.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currencies of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries are in their local currencies. The results of operations of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates. Adjustments from the translation process are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the foreign subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in other, net.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event that the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value is recorded.

Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill and Intangibles. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB"), Accounting Standards Codification, ("ASC"), Topic 350 - Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we review goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis by applying a fair-value-based test. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill, we must make assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units, as defined under FASB ASC Topic 350. Goodwill is evaluated using a two-step impairment test at the reporting unit level. The first step compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we complete the second step to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss that we should record. In the second step, we determine an implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets). The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill.

In performing our annual review of goodwill balances for impairment, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units based on projected future operating results and cash flows, market assumptions and comparative market multiple methods. Determining fair value requires significant estimates and assumptions based on an evaluation of a number of factors, such as marketplace participants, relative market share, future expansion or contraction expectations, amount and timing of future cash flows and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Projected future operating results and cash flows used for valuation purposes may reflect considerable improvements relative to historical periods with respect to, among other things, revenue growth and operating margins. Although we believe our projected future operating results and cash flows and related estimates regarding fair values are based on reasonable assumptions, historically projected operating results and cash flows have not always been achieved. The failure of one of our reporting units to achieve projected operating results and cash flows in the near term or long term may reduce the estimated fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value and result in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge. Significant management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and our cost of capital, are based on the best available market information and are consistent with our internal forecasts and operating plans. In addition to cash flow estimates, our valuations are sensitive to the rate used to discount cash flows and future growth assumptions.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs. Costs associated with the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products are charged to expense when incurred.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments. The carrying values of our short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. We have no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, "Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" which clarifies preexisting guidance regarding the treatment of cumulative translation adjustments when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, which is our fiscal year 2014 which began April 28, 2013; however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The update requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present either on the face of the consolidated statements of income or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective prospectively for the Company for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, which began April 28, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.