CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 02, 2021	May 03, 2020	Apr. 28, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
net income (loss)	$ 3,218	$ (28,667)	$ 5,458
unrealized gain on foreign currency cash flow hedge, net of tax
unrealized holding loss on foreign currency cash flow hedge			(9)
reclassification adjustment for realized loss on foreign currency cash flow hedge			64
total unrealized gain on foreign currency cash flow hedge			55
unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax
unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments	162	(60)	(24)
reclassification adjustment for realized (gain) loss included in net income (loss)	(6)	10	94
total unrealized gain (loss) on investments	156	(50)	70
total other comprehensive income (loss)	156	(50)	125
comprehensive income (loss)	3,374	(28,717)	5,583
Plus: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest associated with discontinued operation		4,674	218
comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Culp Inc. common shareholders	$ 3,374	$ (24,043)	$ 5,801