Restructuring and Severance Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Jan. 23, 2015	Jan. 24, 2014	Jan. 23, 2015 facility	Jan. 24, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Severance Costs	$ 0us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1	$ 1,288us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1	$ 950us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1	$ 4,370us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1
Number of facilities			2
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance			1,227us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	3,820us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
Severance and related restructuring charges			950us-gaap_RestructuringCharges	4,370us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
Adjustments				(131)
Amounts paid			(1,865)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring	(5,790)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
Balance	312us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	2,269us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	312us-gaap_RestructuringReserve	2,269us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
Bob Evans Restaurants
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance			486	1,260
Severance and related restructuring charges			285	1,838
Adjustments				(131)
Amounts paid			(771)	(2,380)
Balance	0	587	0	587
BEF Foods
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance			741	2,560
Severance and related restructuring charges			665	2,532
Adjustments				0
Amounts paid			(1,094)	(3,410)
Balance	$ 312	$ 1,682	$ 312	$ 1,682

Fresh Sausage Plant Network, Number of Facilities

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Amount of cash payments made as the result of exit or disposal activities. Excludes payments associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

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Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

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Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

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Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period, costs settled during the period, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

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Amount of expenses for special or contractual termination benefits provided to current employees involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to one-time termination benefits, a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

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