Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member]	Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Series D Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Beginning of year at Apr. 30, 2011	$ 150	$ (5,100)			$ (12,900)	$ 503	$ 29,725	$ 65,207	$ 2,751
Cash flow hedges									(3,063)	(3,063)
Other									(330)	(330)
Net income								43,993		43,993
Stock options exercised							115
Stock-based compensation							290
Other							295
End of year at Apr. 28, 2012	150	(5,100)			(12,900)	503	30,425	109,200	(642)	121,636
Cash flow hedges									(295)	(295)
Other									(27)	(27)
Net income								46,920		46,920
Common stock dividends								(118,139)
Preferred stock dividends & accretion								(153)
Stock options exercised						1	238
Stock-based compensation							230
Other							201
Series D preferred issued (redeemed)			400				19,304
End of year at Apr. 27, 2013	150	(5,100)	400		(12,900)	504	50,398	37,828	(964)	70,316
Cash flow hedges									610	610
Other									149	149
Net income								43,635		43,635
Preferred stock dividends & accretion								(726)
Stock options exercised							47
Stock-based compensation							95
Other							(43)
Series D preferred issued (redeemed)			(160)				(7,722)
End of year at May. 03, 2014			$ 240			$ 504	$ 42,775	$ 80,737	$ (205)	$ 106,201