CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 117,121	$ 102,847	$ 100,003
Costs of products sold	94,863	83,691	80,719
Gross profit	22,258	19,156	19,284
Operating expenses	16,981	16,443	16,127
Operating earnings	5,277	2,713	3,157
Other income (expense)	306	271	4
Interest expense	(362)	(445)	(199)
Earnings before income taxes	5,221	2,539	2,962
Income tax expense	1,540	739	864
Net earnings	3,681	1,800	2,098
Less: net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	637	769	248
Net earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	$ 3,044	$ 1,031	$ 1,850
Net earnings per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation stockholders
Basic	$ 1.18	$ 0.40	$ 0.72
Diluted	$ 1.17	$ 0.40	$ 0.72
Weighted average number of Common shares outstanding
Basic	2,587	2,579	2,575
Diluted	2,600	2,580	2,585