Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 5,365	$ 4,620	$ 3,877
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(430)	231	(217)
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	812	1,012	448
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	37	64	23
Comprehensive income, net of tax	5,784	5,927	4,131
Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	177	105	75
Total comprehensive income attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	$ 5,607	$ 5,822	$ 4,056