Reporting Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 24, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 24, 2014 segment	Oct. 25, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments			2
Net Sales	$ 333,279	$ 332,600	$ 659,619	$ 662,049
Operating income (loss):	9,012	8,895	9,076	20,894
BEF Foods
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	92,128	92,100	178,317	176,998
Operating Segments | Bob Evans Restaurants
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	241,151	240,500	481,302	485,051
Operating income (loss):	6,712	11,912	8,427	18,394
Operating Segments | BEF Foods
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	97,761	95,857	188,557	184,038
Operating income (loss):	2,300	(3,017)	649	2,500
Intersegment Eliminations | BEF Foods
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ (5,633)	$ (3,757)	$ (10,240)	$ (7,040)