CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2022	May 02, 2021	May 03, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
net (loss) income	$ (3,211)	$ 3,218	$ (28,667)
other comprehensive (loss) income
unrealized holding (loss) gain on investments	(144)	162	(60)
reclassification adjustment for realized loss (gain) included in net (loss) income	30	(6)	10
total unrealized (loss) gain on investments	(114)	156	(50)
comprehensive (loss) income	(3,325)	3,374	(28,717)
Plus: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest associated with discontinued operation			4,674
comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Culp Inc. common shareholders	$ (3,325)	$ 3,374	$ (24,043)