CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 03, 2020	Apr. 28, 2019	Apr. 29, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
net (loss) income	$ (28,667)	$ 5,458	$ 20,877
unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedge, net of tax
unrealized holding loss on foreign currency cash flow hedge		(9)	(55)
reclassification adjustment for realized loss on foreign currency cash flow hedge		64
total unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedge		55	(55)
unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax
unrealized holding losses on investments	(60)	(24)	(26)
reclassification adjustment for realized loss included in net income	10	94
total unrealized (loss) gain on investments	(50)	70	(26)
total other comprehensive (loss) income	(50)	125	(81)
comprehensive (loss) income	(28,717)	5,583	20,796
Plus: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest associated with discontinued operation	4,674	218
comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Culp Inc. common shareholders	$ (24,043)	$ 5,801	$ 20,796