Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Mar. 10, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	CULP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000723603
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--05-02
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Trading Symbol	CULP
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,308,357
Entity File Number	1-12597
Entity Tax Identification Number	56-1001967
Entity Address, Address Line One	1823 Eastchester Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	High Point
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	27265-1402
City Area Code	336
Local Phone Number	889-5161
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NC
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.05/ Share
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false