Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Exit Costs	$ 2.2	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.0
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	1.5	0.0	0.0	0.0
Revenue from Grants	(1.5)	(1.5)	(1.5)	0.0
Net sales	219.7	195.6	209.3	191.9	$ 212.8	$ 184.6	$ 208.4	$ 203.3	$ 816.5	$ 809.1	$ 881.1
Gross profit	55.2	53.4	55.6	54.1	60.8	47.6	50.9	53.6	218.3	212.9	218.8
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.	$ 23.1	$ 23.7	$ 24.9	$ 21.2	$ 22.7	$ 17.2	$ 21.2	$ 23.5	$ 92.9	$ 84.6	$ 101.1
Net income per diluted common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.62	$ 0.63	$ 0.66	$ 0.57	$ 0.61	$ 0.45	$ 0.54	$ 0.60
Net income per basic common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.62	$ 0.64	$ 0.66	$ 0.57	$ 0.61	$ 0.45	$ 0.55	$ 0.60
Hetronic Lawsuit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Legal Fees	$ 2.8	$ 1.6	$ 2.3	$ 4.3	$ 3.3	$ 2.7	$ 2.7	$ 1.2