Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Restatement Adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Pineland Farms Potato Company, Inc. Pineland Farms Potato Company, Inc [Member] Pineland Farms Potato Company, Inc [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building and Improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and Equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names Trade Names [Member] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Accounting Policies [Table] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Sale price (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Termination fee Contingent Merger Termination Fee Contingent Merger Termination Fee Cost of goods sold Cost of Revenue Promotional spending Sales Discounts, Returns and Allowances, Goods Advertising and marketing costs Marketing and Advertising Expense Distribution costs Production and Distribution Costs Selling costs Selling Expense Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable reduction related to sales promotions Accounts Receivable Reduction Related to Sales Promotions Accounts Receivable Reduction Related to Sales Promotions Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Property, plant and equipment, useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation Depreciation Current assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Goodwill Goodwill Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Economic useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Amortization of intangible assets Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Dilutive shares not included in computation of dilutive earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Quarterly dividend payment (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividend, Per Share, Cash Paid Excluding Special Dividend Common Stock, Quarterly Dividend, Per Share, Cash Paid Cash dividends (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Special dividend cash paid (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Special Dividend, Per Share, Cash Paid Common Stock, Special Dividend, Per Share, Cash Paid Accrued non-income taxes Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current Self-insurance reserves, noncurrent Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent Self-insurance reserves Self Insurance Reserve Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective income tax provision (benefit) rate, continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans I, Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans II, and Bob Evans Directors' Deferral Plan Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans I, Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans II, and Bob Evans Directors' Deferral Plan [Member] Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans I, Bob Evans Executive Deferral Plans II, and Bob Evans Directors' Deferral Plan [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Minimum hours of service required for 401(k) eligibility (at least) Defined Contribution Plan Hours of Service Required for Eligibility Defined Contribution Plan Hours of Service Required for Eligibility Number of nonqualified deferred compensation plans Number of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans Number of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans Liability for deferred share-based obligations in BEEDP and BEDDP Plans Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Deferred compensation obligation (in shares) Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent, Shares Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent, Shares Rabbi trust assets Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Short-term securities held in Rabbi Trust Assets Held-in-trust Cash dividends paid to common stockholders Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividend equivalent rights Dividends, Share-based Compensation, Cash Total dividends Dividends Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Income taxes refunded Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Income taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Identifiable definite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Total identifiable assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Current liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Preliminary fair value of contingent consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Total purchase price to allocate Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Restaurants Business Restaurants Business [Member] Restaurants Business [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Bob Evans Restaurants Bob Evans Restaurants [Member] Bob Evans Restaurants [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Disposal group, aggregate cash purchase price Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Ownership equity interests sold, percent Discontinued Operation, Equity Method Investment Retained after Disposal, Ownership Interest Prior to Disposal Revenues Revenues Period of continuing involvement after disposal Discontinued Operation, Period of Continuing Involvement after Disposal Cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Number of restaurants sold Guarantor Obligations, Number of Restaurants Sold Guarantor Obligations, Number of Restaurants Sold Current annual rent Guarantor Obligations, Annual Rent Payment Guaranteed Guarantor Obligations, Annual Rent Payment Guaranteed Rent increase inflation index (as a percent) Guarantor Obligations, Rent Escalator, Maximum Annual Increase, Percent Guarantor Obligations, Rent Escalator, Maximum Annual Increase, Percent Lease term Guarantor Obligations, Term of Obligation Guarantor Obligations, Term of Obligation Income Statement [Abstract] Net Sales Gross Margin Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] General and administrative costs General and Administrative Expense Impairment, restructuring and other exit costs Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Net interest expense Interest Income (Expense), Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from Discontinued Operations, net of Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings Per Share — Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Earnings Per Share, Basic, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Diluted (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Earnings Per Share — Income from Discontinued Operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Diluted (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Earnings Per Share — Net Income Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Cash Dividends Paid Per Share (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Shares Outstanding Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive shares (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] BEEDP and BEDDP Plans BEEDP and BEDDP Plans [Member] BEEDP and BEDDP Plans [Member] SERP Plan SERP Plan [Member] SERP Plan [Member] Liability for deferred cash obligations Deferred Compensation Cash-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Other non-current compensation arrangements Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Total deferred compensation liabilities Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent Less current portion Deferred Compensation Liability, Current Non-current deferred compensation liabilities Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairments Asset Impairment Charges Gain on disposal of fixed assets Loss on disposal impairment of assets The net gain (loss) on disposal and/or impairment of long-lived assets. Gain on rabbi trust assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments Loss on deferred compensation Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Compensation Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Accretion on long-term note receivable Note Receivable, Accretion of Interest Note Receivable, Accretion of Interest Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Cash provided by (used for) assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Federal and state income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued wages and related liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Self-insurance Increase (Decrease) in Other Insurance Liabilities Accrued non-income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Property and Other Taxes Payable Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of Pineland Farms Potato Company Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Deposits and other Increase (Decrease) in Deposits Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Gross proceeds from credit facility borrowings and other long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Gross repayments of credit facility borrowings and other long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Cash paid for taxes on share-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Cash and equivalents at the beginning of the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and equivalents at the end of the period Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Net sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Costs of sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Other operating expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Operating income from discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Net interest expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Provision for income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Net income from discontinued operations Deferred rent Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent Contingent consideration (1) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Non-current deferred gain (2) Deferred Gain on Sale of Property Self-insurance reserves Total other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Number of properties Sale Leaseback Transaction, Number of Restaurants Sold Sale Leaseback Transaction, Number of Restaurants Sold Lease term (in years) Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Non-current deferred sale leaseback gains Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Net Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Variable-rate debt Variable-Rate Debt [Member] Variable-Rate Debt [Member] Fixed-rate debt Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Mimi's Cafe Mimi's Cafe [Member] Mimi's Cafe [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest expense, debt Interest Expense, Debt Capitalized interest Capitalized Interest Costs, Including Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Total interest expense on outstanding borrowings Interest Expense Accretion on note receivable Interest Income, Securities, Corporate Debt, Operating Other Interest Income, Other Total interest income Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Net interest expense from continuing operations Sale note receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Note Receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Note Receivable Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Credit Agreement borrowings Line of Credit [Member] R&D Loan Research and Development Investment Loan [Member] Research and Development Investment Loan [Member] Interest-free loan Interest Free Loan [Member] Interest Free Loan [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Standby Letters of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Total borrowings Long-term Debt Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Loans payable Loans Payable Debt instrument, term (in years) Debt Instrument, Term Line of credit facility, borrowing increase Line of Credit Facility Accordion Feature Higher Borrowing Capacity Option Line of Credit Facility Accordion Feature Higher Borrowing Capacity Option Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Commitment fee (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Coverage ratio requirement (not less than) Debt Instrument, Coverage Ratio Requirement Debt Instrument, Coverage Ratio Requirement Leverage ratio requirement (not to exceed) Ratio Of Indebtedness To Net Capital, Requirement Ratio Of Indebtedness To Net Capital, Requirement Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Effective interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Other Compensation Plans Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Schedule of Income from Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] 2010 Plan 2010 Plan [Member] 2010 Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] PSUs Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Employees Employee [Member] Employee [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Awards granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Operating Income Revenue (excluding intercompany sales) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Operating income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Operating Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Operating Income (Loss) Income before taxes Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Before Tax Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Before Tax Provision for income taxes Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Pineland Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Cash Dividend Declared Dividend Declared [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Miller v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc,. et al and Franchi v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc,. et al Miller v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc,. et al and Franchi v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc,. et al [Member] Miller v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc,. et al and Franchi v. Bob Evans Farms, Inc,. et al [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Dividends payable, date declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends payable, amount per share Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Dividends payable, date to be paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends payable, date of record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Putative class action complaints Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Total borrowings Less current debt payable Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Trademark Trademarks [Member] Potato processing capacity (in pounds) Business Combination, Acquired Potato Production Capacity Business Combination, Acquired Potato Production Capacity Farmland acquired (acres) Business Combination, Acquired Farmland Business Combination, Acquired Farmland Cash as potential earn-out consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Acquisition, consecutive performance period to achieve earn-out consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Consecutive Performance Period Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Consecutive Performance Period Acquisition, additional cash as potential earn-out consideration Acquisition, measurement period for earn-out consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Measurement Period Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Measurement Period Amortization period Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Goodwill expected to be tax deductible Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Adjustment to property plant and equipment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Adjustments to identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Adjustment to deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Liability Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Liability Adjustment of goodwill Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Business integration related costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other Non-current Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Statement Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Distribution Costs Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Selling Costs Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share (EPS) Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Dividends Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accrued Non-Income Taxes Accrued Non-Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accrued Non-Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Reserves Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Liabilities Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual Disclosure, Postretirement Benefits [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Severance Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Activity Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements Long-term Debt [Text Block] Legal and professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Accrued customer incentives Accrued Customer Incentives Accrued Customer Incentives Accrued advertising Accrued Advertising, Current Accrued broker fees Accrued Broker Fees Accrued Broker Fees Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total other accrued expenses Other Liabilities, Current Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Corporate and Other Corporate and Other [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning Restructuring Reserve Restructuring and related severance charges incurred Restructuring Charges Amounts paid Payments for Restructuring Adjustments Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Balance, ending Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance Employee Severance [Member] Restructuring liabilities Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and equivalents Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net Inventories Inventory, Net Federal and state income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deposits and other Deposits Assets, Noncurrent Deferred income tax assets Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Total Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current debt payable Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued property, plant and equipment purchases Accrued Property Plant and Equipment The balance represents property, plant and equipment not paid as of the period presented. Accrued wages and related liabilities Employee-related Liabilities, Current Self-insurance reserves Self Insurance Reserve, Current Current taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Current reserve for uncertain tax provision Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Current Other accrued expenses Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-Current Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deferred compensation Reserve for uncertain tax positions Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent Deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Other non-current liabilities Credit facility borrowings and other non-current debt Total Non-Current Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued 42,638 shares at October 27, 2017, and April 28, 2017 Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings, Unappropriated Treasury stock, 22,663 shares at October 27, 2017, and 22,842 shares at April 28, 2017, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Total Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Total other intangible assets, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Interest Expense Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]