Impairment, Restructuring and Severance Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2013	Jan. 25, 2013	Jan. 27, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Severance Costs	$ 2,613
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance		0
Additional restructuring charges incurred		8,559
Amounts paid during period		(5,838)
Balance	2,721	2,721
Mimi's [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Severance Costs	1,121
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance		0
Additional restructuring charges incurred		2,325
Amounts paid during period		(1,664)
Balance	661	661
BEF Foods [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Severance Costs	1,239		287
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance		0
Additional restructuring charges incurred		5,184
Amounts paid during period		(3,192)
Balance	1,992	1,992
Bob Evans Restaurants [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Severance Costs	253
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance		0
Additional restructuring charges incurred		1,050
Amounts paid during period		(982)
Balance	$ 68	$ 68