CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 4,003	$ 3,681	$ 1,800
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(321)	84	(466)
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	1,292	(256)	(1,682)
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge	83	21	(98)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,057	3,530	(446)
Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	108	637	769
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	$ 4,949	$ 2,893	$ (1,215)