Restructuring & Severance (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 26, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Text Block]
    Bob Evans Restaurants Mimi's Café BEF Foods Total
Balance April 30, 2010$ -  -  -  -
 Restructuring and severance charges incurred  854  569  2,995  4,418
 Amounts paid  (854)  (569)  (2,995)  (4,418)
Balance April 29, 2011$ -  -  -  -
 Restructuring and severance charges incurred  -  287  -  287
 Amounts paid  -  (287)  -  (287)
Balance April 27, 2012$ -$ -$ -$ -
 Restructuring and severance charges incurred  2,774  4,821  6,482  14,077
 Amounts paid  (1,514)  (3,715)  (3,922)  (9,151)
Balance April 26, 2013$ 1,260$ 1,106$ 2,560$ 4,926