Other Compensation Plans - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2016 USD ($) hour plan shares	Apr. 29, 2016 USD ($)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum hours of service required for 401(k) eligibility (at least) | hour	1,000
Number of nonqualified deferred compensation plans | plan	3
Deferred compensation obligation (in shares) | shares	20,000
Rabbi trust assets	$ 21,629	$ 20,662
Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans I, Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans II, and Bob Evans Directors' Deferral Plan
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability for deferred share-based obligations in BEEDP and BEDDP Plans	800
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Line Items]
Short-term securities held in Rabbi Trust	$ 1,819	$ 3,290