Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2023	Jul. 30, 2022	Apr. 30, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plan (in shares)				997,639
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan				$ 783
Butler National Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Director [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services (in shares)	300,000	400,000	300,000	400,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services	$ 222	$ 352	$ 222	$ 352