Reporting Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 326,341	$ 329,449
Operating income (loss):	64	11,999
BEF Foods
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	86,190	84,898
Operating Segments | Bob Evans Restaurants
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	240,151	244,551
Operating income (loss):	1,715	6,482
Operating Segments | BEF Foods
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	90,796	88,180
Operating income (loss):	(1,651)	5,517
Intersegment Eliminations | BEF Foods
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ (4,606)	$ (3,282)