Frequency Electronics (FEIM) 10-K 30 Jul 18 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Jul. 26, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS INC
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,729,682
Entity Public Float			$ 45,300,000
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	39,020
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,869	$ 2,163
Marketable securities	6,149	7,815
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $181 in 2018 and $187 in 2017	4,268	10,986
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	5,094	7,964
Inventories, net	26,186	29,051
Prepaid income taxes	1,459	2,606
Prepaid expenses and other	1,050	1,105
Current assets of discontinued operations	0	8,165
Total current assets	52,075	69,855
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	14,127	14,813
Deferred income taxes	0	11,902
Goodwill and other intangible assets	617	617
Cash surrender value of life insurance	13,915	13,376
Other assets	2,850	2,187
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	0	569
Total assets	83,584	113,319
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable - trade	1,841	2,437
Accrued liabilities	3,416	3,425
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	2,249
Total current liabilities	5,257	8,111
Deferred compensation	13,541	13,252
Deferred rent and other liabilities	1,524	1,409
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	1,215
Total liabilities	20,322	23,987
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value authorized 600 shares, no shares issued
Common stock, $1.00 par value; authorized 20,000 shares, 9,164 shares issued and 8,867 outstanding in 2018; 8,817 outstanding in 2017	9,164	9,164
Additional paid-in capital	56,439	55,767
(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings	(65)	23,712
	65,538	88,643
Common stock reacquired and held in treasury - at cost (297 shares in 2018 and 347 shares in 2017)	(1,361)	(1,592)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(915)	2,281
Total stockholders’ equity	63,262	89,332
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 83,584	$ 113,319

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$ 181	$ 187
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	600	600
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000	20,000
Common stock shares issued	9,164	9,164
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,867	8,817
Treasury stock, shares	297	347

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Revenues	$ 39,407	$ 50,351
Cost of revenues	34,244	39,102
Gross profit	5,163	11,249
Selling and administrative expenses	10,608	11,898
Research and development expenses	6,950	6,876
Loss from operations	(12,395)	(7,525)
Investment income	1,268	549
Interest expense	(79)	(150)
Other (expense) income, net	(69)	87
Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes	(11,275)	(7,039)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	11,176	(2,115)
Net loss from continuing operations	(22,451)	(4,924)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(967)	103
Loss on sale of discontinued operations	(359)	0
Total (loss) income from discontinued operations	(1,326)	103
Net loss	$ (23,777)	$ (4,821)
Basic and diluted loss from continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (2.54)	$ (0.56)
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings from discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	(0.15)	0.01
Basic and diluted loss per share (in Dollars per share)	$ (2.69)	$ (0.55)
Basic and diluted (in Shares)	8,841	8,787
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Net loss	$ (23,777)	$ (4,821)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,904)	(38)
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities:
Change in market value of marketable securities before reclassification, net of tax of $(360) and ($182), respectively	(507)	352
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of tax of $262 and $57, respectively	(785)	3
Total unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, net of tax	(1,292)	355
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(3,196)	317
Comprehensive loss	$ (26,973)	$ (4,504)

Consolidated Statements of Ope5

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Change in market value of marketable securities before reclassification, tax	$ 360	$ 182
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, tax	$ 262	$ 57

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss from continuing operations	$ (22,451)	$ (4,924)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	(1,326)	103
Net loss	(23,777)	(4,821)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	9,638	(1,355)
Depreciation and amortization	2,484	2,638
Deferred lease obligation and other liabilities	(192)	1,265
Provision for losses on accounts receivable, inventories and warranty reserve	5,350	4,788
(Gains) losses on marketable securities	(1,047)	28
Loss on sale of fixed and other assets, net	77	42
Employee benefit plans expense	1,294	2,519
Stock-based compensation expense	470	662
Tax effect from exercise of stock-based compensation	0	671
Loss on sale of Gillam	359	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	5,898	(3,602)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	2,970	4,663
Inventories	(2,105)	2,172
Prepaid expenses and other	61	(143)
Other assets	(1,555)	(470)
Accounts payable - trade	379	(746)
Accrued liabilities	235	(829)
Income taxes refundable (payable)	3,311	(3,099)
Other liabilities	(559)	(877)
Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations	3,291	3,506
Cash provided by operating activities – discontinued operations	1,242	382
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,533	3,888
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of Gillam	188	0
Purchase of marketable securities	(4,961)	(575)
Proceeds from sale or redemption of marketable securities	6,477	4,397
Capital expenditures	(1,418)	(5,233)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities – continuing operations	286	(1,411)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities – discontinued operations	55	(40)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	341	(1,451)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from credit line borrowing	0	(6,000)
Tax effect from exercise of stock-based compensation	0	(671)
Cash used in financing activities – continuing operations	0	(6,671)
Cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	(6,671)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before effect of exchange rate changes	4,874	(4,234)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	257	890
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,131	(3,344)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,738	6,082
Cash and equivalents at end of year	7,869	2,738
Less cash and equivalents of discontinued operations at end of year	0	575
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year	7,869	2,163
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	79	146
Income taxes	$ 325	$ 335

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance at Apr. 30, 2016	$ 9,164	$ 55,576	$ 28,533	$ (1,885)	$ 1,964	$ 93,352
Balance (in Shares) at Apr. 30, 2016	9,163,940			411,384
Contribution of stock to 401(k) plan		274		$ 219		493
Contribution of stock to 401(k) plan (in Shares)				(47,839)
Stock-based compensation expense		658		$ 4		662
Stock-based compensation expense (in Shares)				(850)
Tax benefit from stock option exercise		(671)				$ (671)
Exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights - net of		(70)		$ 70
Exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights - net of (in Shares)				(15,273)		35,500
Change in unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, net of taxes					355	$ 355
Foreign currency translation adjustment					(38)	(38)
Net Income (Loss)			(4,821)			(4,821)
Balance at Apr. 30, 2017	$ 9,164	55,767	23,712	$ (1,592)	2,281	$ 89,332
Balance (in Shares) at Apr. 30, 2017	9,163,940			347,422		8,817,000
Contribution of stock to 401(k) plan		219		$ 214		$ 433
Contribution of stock to 401(k) plan (in Shares)				(46,628)
Stock-based compensation expense		457		$ 13		$ 470
Stock-based compensation expense (in Shares)				(2,850)
Exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights - net of		(4)		$ 4
Exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights - net of (in Shares)				(861)		3,500
Change in unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, net of taxes					(1,292)	$ (1,292)
Foreign currency translation adjustment					(1,904)	(1,904)
Net Income (Loss)			(23,777)			(23,777)
Balance at Apr. 30, 2018	$ 9,164	$ 56,439	$ (65)	$ (1,361)	$ (915)	$ 63,262
Balance (in Shares) at Apr. 30, 2018	9,163,940			297,083		8,867,000

1. Summary of Accounting Polici

1. Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. Summary of Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Frequency Electronics, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Registrant”). References to “FEI” are to the parent company alone and do not refer to any of its subsidiaries. The Company is principally engaged in the design, development and manufacture of precision time and frequency control products and components for microwave integrated circuit applications. See Note 14 for information regarding the Company’s business segments: (1) FEI-NY (which includes the subsidiaries FEI Government Systems, Inc., FEI Communications, Inc., Frequency Electronics, Inc. Asia (“FEI-Asia”) and FEI-Elcom Tech, Inc. (“FEI-Elcom”)), and (2) FEI-Zyfer, Inc. (“FEI-Zyfer”). Intercompany accounts and significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash Equivalents: The Company considers certificates of deposit and other highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions. Such investments may at times be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) insurance limits. No losses have been experienced on such investments. Marketable Securities: Marketable securities consist of investments in common stocks, including exchange-traded funds, corporate debt securities and debt securities of U.S. Government agencies. All marketable securities were held in the custody of two financial institutions at April 30, 2018 and April 30, 2017. Investments in debt and equity securities are categorized as available for sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from income and recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. The Company recognizes gains or losses when securities are sold using the specific identification method. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Losses from uncollectible accounts receivable are provided for by utilizing the allowance for doubtful accounts method based upon management’s estimate of uncollectible accounts. Management analyzes accounts receivable and the potential for bad debts, customer concentrations, credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the amount recorded for the allowance for doubtful accounts. Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and include interest on funds borrowed to finance construction. Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to income when incurred. When fixed assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the respective accounts and any gain or loss is credited or charged to income. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset, an impairment loss is recognized. To date, no impairment losses have been recognized. Inventories : Inventories, which consist of finished goods, work-in-process, raw materials and components, are accounted for at the lower of cost (specific and average) or net realizable value. Depreciation and Amortization: Depreciation of fixed assets is computed on the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets (40 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for other depreciable assets). Leasehold improvements and equipment acquired under capital leases are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life of the related asset. Amortization of identifiable intangible assets is based upon the expected lives of the assets and is recorded at a rate which approximates the Company’s utilization of the assets. Intangible Assets: Intangible assets consist of the ISO 9000 certification arising from the acquisition of FEI-Elcom in the assignment of fair value to its acquired assets including intangibles. The certification is valued at fair value and was amortized over the estimated useful life of 3 years from the date of acquisition. Goodwill: The Company records goodwill as the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis at year end. When it is determined that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, the Company writes down the goodwill to an amount commensurate with the revised value of the acquired assets. The Company measures impairment based on revenue projections, recent transactions involving similar businesses and price/revenue multiples at which they were bought and sold, price/revenue multiples of competitors, and the present market value of publicly-traded companies in the Company’s industry. Management has determined that goodwill is not impaired as of April 30, 2018 and 2017. Revenue and Cost Recognition: Revenues under larger, long-term contracts, which generally require billings based on achievement of milestones rather than delivery of product, are reported in operating results using the percentage of completion method. For U.S. Government and other fixed-price contracts that require initial design and development of the product, revenue is recognized on the cost-to-cost method. Under this method, revenue is recorded based upon the ratio that incurred costs bear to total estimated contract costs with related cost of sales recorded as the costs are incurred. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings on uncompleted contracts in excess of costs and estimated earnings, are included in current assets. On production-type orders, revenue is recorded as units are delivered with the related cost of sales recognized on each shipment based upon a percentage of estimated final program costs. Changes in job performance on long-term and production-type orders may result in revisions to costs and revenue and are recognized in the period in which revisions are determined to be required. Provisions for the full amount of anticipated losses are made in the period in which they become determinable. For customer orders in the Company’s subsidiaries, and smaller contracts or orders in the other business segments, sales of products and services to customers are reported in operating results upon shipment of the product or performance of the services pursuant to terms of the customer order. Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor costs, manufacturing overhead and other direct costs related to contract performance. Selling, general and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred. In accordance with industry practice, inventoried costs contain amounts relating to contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of which will not be realized within one year. Comprehensive Loss : Comprehensive loss consists of net income and other comprehensive loss. Other comprehensive loss includes changes in unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, on securities available for sale during the year and the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments. Research and Development Expenses: The Company engages in research and development (“R&D”) activities to identify new applications for its core technologies, to improve existing products and to improve manufacturing processes to achieve cost reductions and manufacturing efficiencies. R&D costs include direct labor, manufacturing overhead, direct materials and contracted services. Such costs are expensed as incurred. The Company also engages in customer-funded R&D activity. The customer funds received in connection therewith appear in revenues and the associated expenses are included in Costs of revenues and are not included in R&D expenses. Income Taxes: The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established and adjusted when necessary to increase or reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company analyzes its tax positions under accounting standards which prescribe recognition thresholds that must be met before a tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements and provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. An entity may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold. Interest and penalties recognized on income taxes are recorded as income tax expense. Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock and the if-converted effect of unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights. Diluted earnings per share are not computed where the if-converted effect of such items would be anti-dilutive. Fair Values of Financial Instruments: Cash and cash equivalents, short-term credit obligations, long term debt and cash surrender value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value based upon the nature of the instrument and current market conditions. Management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the value of these amounts. The Company also has an investment in a privately-held Russian company, Morion, Inc. (“Morion”). The Company is unable to reasonably estimate a fair value for this investment. Foreign Operations and Foreign Currency Adjustments: The Company maintains manufacturing operations in the People’s Republic of China. The Company is vulnerable to currency risks in this country. The local currency is the functional currency of FEI-Asia. No foreign currency gains or losses are recorded on intercompany transactions since they are affected at current rates of exchange. The results of operations of FEI-Asia, when translated into U.S. dollars, reflect the average rates of exchange for the periods presented. The balance sheet of FEI-Asia, except for equity accounts which are translated at historical rates, are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange in effect on the date of the balance sheet. As a result, similar results in local currency can vary upon translation into U.S. dollars if exchange rates fluctuate significantly from one period to the next. Equity-based Compensation: The Company values its share-based payment transactions using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Such value is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of each option or stock appreciation right (“SAR”) has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following range of weighted average assumptions used for grants: Years ended April 30 2018 2017 Expected volatility 35 % 35 % Dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % Risk-free interest rate 1.85 % 1.85% and 1.14 % Expected lives 5.0 years 5.0 years The expected life assumption was determined based on the Company’s historical experience as well as the term of recent SAR agreements. The expected volatility assumption was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The dividend yield assumption was determined based upon the Company’s past history of dividend payments and the Company’s current decision to suspend payment of dividends. The risk-free interest rate assumption was determined using the implied yield currently available for zero-coupon U.S. Government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the stock options or SARs. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company maintains accounts at several commercial banks at which the balances exceed FDIC limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such amounts. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across geographic areas principally within the U. S. The Company routinely addresses the financial strength of its customers and, as a consequence, believes that its receivable credit risk exposure is limited. The Company does not require customers to post collateral. New Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In March 2016, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for stock-based compensation, ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 , Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

2. Discontinued Operations

2. Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	2. Discontinued Operations In December 2016, the Company entered into a contingent share purchase agreement with certain foreign parties with respect to a potential sale of Gillam, the Company’s Belgian subsidiary. However, these parties did not perform their obligations under that agreement, and the Company continued to negotiate with others with respect to a potential sale. Subsequently, in April 2017, the Company decided to sell its Gillam business in any event as soon as practicable. Accordingly, the Company determined that the assets and liabilities of this reportable segment met the discontinued operations criteria in U.S. GAAP in the quarter ended April 30, 2017. On April 26, 2018, the Company sold Gillam to a European entity, in a stock purchase agreement, for $1 million in cash received on April 27, 2018, and a note receivable payable in three years for $1 million. The loss recorded due to the sale of Gillam was approximately $359,000. The calculation of the loss was the carrying amount of the investment on FEI-NY’s books less the retained earnings and remaining equity amounts of Gillam reduced by the cash and note received. As such Gillam’s results have been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. Summarized operating results for the Gillam discontinued operations for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): For the years ended April 30, 2018 2017 Revenues $ 4,694 $ 5,985 Cost of revenues 3,314 4,407 Gross profit 1,380 1,578 Selling and administrative expenses 1,902 1,714 Research and development expenses 436 408 Operating Loss (958 ) (544 ) Other income (expense): Investment loss - (3 ) Other income (expense), net (9 ) - Loss before provision for income taxes (967 ) (547 ) Provision for income taxes - 650 Net (loss) income (967 ) 103 Net loss from sale of discontinued operations (359 ) - Total net (loss) income from discontinued operations $ (1,326 ) $ 103 The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for the Gillam discontinued operations for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 575 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 3,202 Inventories, net - 3,980 Prepaid expenses and other - 408 Total current assets of discontinued operations $ - $ 8,165 Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization $ - $ 555 Investments - 14 Deferred taxes – non-current - - Total non-current assets of discontinued operations $ - $ 569 Accounts payable – trade $ - $ 949 Accrued liabilities - 1,300 Total current liabilities of discontinued operations - 2,249 Deferred rent and other liabilities - 1,215 Total non-current liabilities of discontinued operations $ - $ 1,215

3. Earnings Per Share

3. Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	3. Earnings Per Share Reconciliations of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted Earnings Per Share for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): Years ended April 30, 2018 2017 Basic EPS Shares outstanding (weighted average) 8,841,166 8,787,082 Effect of Dilutive Securities ** ** Diluted EPS Shares outstanding 8,841,166 8,787,082 ** For the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, dilutive securities are excluded since the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive due to the net loss for the period. The exercisable shares excluded for 2018 and 2017 are 1,259,500 and 1,280,625, respectively. The effect of dilutive securities for 2018 and 2017 would have been 127,536 and 192,523, respectively.

4. Costs and Estimated Earnings

4. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Contractors [Abstract]
Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings At April 30, 2018 and 2017, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net, consisted of the following: 2018 2017 (in thousands) Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings $ 5,266 $ 8,890 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (172 ) (926 ) Net asset $ 5,094 $ 7,964 Such amounts represent revenue recognized on long-term contracts that had not been billed at the balance sheet dates or represent a liability for amounts billed in excess of the revenue recognized. Amounts are billed to customers pursuant to contract terms. In general, the recorded amounts will be billed and collected or revenue recognized within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Revenue on these long-term contracts is accounted for on the percentage of completion basis. During the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, revenue recognized under percentage of completion contracts was approximately $16.7 million and $26.4 million, respectively. If contract losses are anticipated, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are reduced for the full amount of such losses when they are determinable. There were no contract losses for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018. Total contract losses at April 30, 2017 were approximately $300,000.

5. Inventories

5. Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Inventories Inventories at April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Raw Materials and Component Parts $ 16,206 $ 17,702 Work in Progress 8,216 7,340 Finished Goods 1,764 4,009 $ 26,186 $ 29,051 As of April 30, 2018, and 2017, approximately $25.2 million and $28.2 million, respectively, of total inventory was located in the U.S. and $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, was located in China. For the year ended April 30, 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash write-down of approximately $5.6 million of inventory. Inventory write-down resulted from two principal factors; (1) adoption by satellite manufacturers of policies precluding the use of parts and components over ten years old. This policy was unanticipated and resulted in reduced likelihood of FEI being able to use inventory that exceeds that threshold, and (2) changing technology associated with the advanced analog-to-digital converters which enables direct synthesis of certain frequencies for which FEI previously provided frequency conversion technology, reducing the likelihood that some parts and components associated with frequency conversion will be usable. For the year ended April 30, 2017, the Company recorded a non-cash write-down of approximately $5 million of inventory relating to wire-line copper-based synchronization products in the FEI-Zyfer segment. Additionally, in fiscal 2017 the Company recorded $2 million of inventory adjustments in the FEI-NY segment.

6. Property, Plant and Equipmen

6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases Property, plant and equipment at April 30, 2018 and 2017, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Buildings and building improvements $ 2,790 $ 2,646 Machinery, equipment and furniture 57,503 56,435 60,293 59,081 Less, accumulated depreciation (46,166 ) (44,268 ) $ 14,127 $ 14,813 Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 was $2,466,000 and $2,610,000, respectively. Maintenance and repairs charged to operations for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $466,000 and $675,000, respectively. The Company leases its Long Island, New York headquarters building at an annual rent of $800,000 following the Company’s exercise of its option to renew the lease for a second 5-year period. The lease will end in January 2019. On July 25, 2018, the Company signed an amendment to the lease which extends the current lease terms ten years and eight months through September 30, 2029. Under the terms of the lease, the Company is required to pay its proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance and other charges. In addition, the Company’s subsidiaries in New Jersey, China, and California lease their office and manufacturing facilities. On February 1, 2018, FEI-Elcom entered into a new lease agreement in New Jersey for office and manufacturing space encompassing approximately 9,000 square feet. The monthly rent is $9,673 through the end of the lease which expires in January 31, 2021. The lease for the FEI-Asia facility in China is for a six-month term with monthly rent of $1,000 through August 2018. FEI-Zyfer has signed a second amendment to its lease in California, which extends the lease an additional 88 months, beginning October 1, 2017 and expiring January 31, 2025. The average annual rent over the period of the amendment is approximately $312,000. FEI-Zyfer leases office and manufacturing space encompassing 27,850 square feet. Rent expense under operating leases for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The Company records rent expense on its New York building and FEI-Zyfer facility on the straight-line method over the lives of the respective leases. As a result, as of April 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s balance sheet included deferred rent payable of approximately $110,000 and $99,000, respectively, which will be recognized over the respective rental periods. Future non-cancelable minimum lease payments required by the operating leases for the years ended April 30 were as follows (in thousands): Years ending April 30, Operating Leases 2019 $ 1,249 2020 1,490 2021 1,521 2022 1,436 2023 1,469 Thereafter 8,357 Total future minimum lease payments $ 15,522

7. Marketable Securities

7. Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Marketable Securities The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair market value of available-for-sale securities at April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2018 Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Fixed income securities $ 6,274 $ 10 $ (135 ) $ 6,149 Equity securities - - - - $ 6,274 $ 10 $ (135 ) $ 6,149 April 30, 2017 Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Fixed income securities $ 1,516 $ 60 $ - $ 1,576 Equity securities 5,230 1,248 (239 ) 6,239 $ 6,746 $ 1,308 $ (239 ) $ 7,815 The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses, aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position: Less than 12 months 12 Months or more Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses April 30, 2018 Fixed Income Securities $ 5,334 $ (135 ) $ - $ - $ 5,334 $ (135 ) Equity Securities - - - - - - $ 5,334 $ (135 ) $ - $ - $ 5,334 $ (135 ) April 30, 201 7 Fixed Income Securities $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Equity Securities 219 (9 ) 1,024 (230 ) 1,243 (239 ) $ 219 $ (9 ) $ 1,024 $ (230 ) $ 1,243 $ (239 ) The Company regularly reviews its investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of possible impairment. The Company does not believe that its investments in marketable securities with unrealized losses at April 30, 2018 were other-than-temporary due to market volatility of the security’s fair value, analysts’ expectations and the Company’s ability to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recoveries in market value. Proceeds from the sale or redemption of available-for-sale securities and the resulting gross realized gains and losses included in the determination of net loss for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): For the years ended April 30, 2018 2017 Proceeds $ 6,477 $ 4,397 Gross realized gains $ 1,317 $ 156 Gross realized losses $ (270 ) $ (184 ) Maturities of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale at April 30, 2018 were as follows (at cost, in thousands): Current $ 450 Due after one year through five years 2,214 Due after five years through ten years 3,610 $ 6,274 The fair value accounting framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include: - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; - Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets - Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; - Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. All of the Company’s investments in marketable securities are Level 1 assets.

8. Debt Obligations

8. Debt Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	8. Debt Obligations On January 30, 2017, the Company repaid the principal balance due on its credit facility, dated June 6, 2013, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Subsequently, the Company voluntarily terminated this credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A to reduce the fees and expenses associated with maintaining that facility. The Company did not incur any early termination fees associated with its voluntary termination of this credit facility. If, in the future, the Company determines that it would be beneficial to have a credit facility in place, the Company believes that alternative facilities are available. As of April 30, 2018, the Company had available credit at variable terms based on its securities holdings under an advisory arrangement, under which no borrowings have been made.

9. Accrued Liabilities

9. Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities at April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Vacation and other compensation $ 1,433 $ 1,467 Incentive compensation 411 265 Payroll taxes 113 128 Deferred revenue 68 232 Warranty reserve 520 557 Commissions 307 234 Other 564 542 $ 3,416 $ 3,425

10. Investment in Morion, Inc.

10. Investment in Morion, Inc.	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Investment Holdings [Abstract]
Investment Holdings [Text Block]	10. Investment in Morion, Inc. The Company has an investment in Morion a privately-held Russian company, which manufactures high precision quartz resonators and crystal oscillators. The Company’s investment consists of 4.6% of Morion’s outstanding shares, accordingly, the Company accounts for its investment in Morion on the cost basis. This investment is included in other assets in the accompanying balance sheets. During the fiscal years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company acquired product from Morion in the aggregate amount of approximately $446,000 and $317,000, respectively, and the Company sold product to Morion in the aggregate amount of approximately $203,000 and $10,000, respectively. At April 30, 2018, there was no accounts receivable balance due from Morion and $85,000 was payable to Morion. During the fiscal years 2018 and 2017, the Company received dividends from Morion of approximately $85,000 and $249,000, respectively. On October 22, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to license its rubidium oscillator production technology to Morion. The agreement required the Company to sell certain fully-depreciated production equipment previously owned by the Company and to provide training to Morion employees to enable Morion to produce a minimum of 5,000 rubidium oscillators per year. Morion will pay the Company approximately $2.7 million for the license and the equipment plus 5% royalties on third party sales for a 5-year period following an initial production run. During the same 5-year period, the Company commits to purchase from Morion a minimum of approximately $400,000 worth of rubidium oscillators per year although Morion is not obligated to sell that amount to the Company. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, sales to Morion included $375,000 for product and training services under this agreement. Per the amended agreement, the balance of $1 million for the transfer of the license will be due once the United States Department of State (“State Department”) approves the removal of certain provisions of the original agreement. The State Department has approved the technology transfer called for under the agreement. On March 29, 2016, the Company renegotiated the $1 million amendment under the original agreement dated October 22, 2012 to $602,000 due to the U.S. Government easing of export regulations. Of this amount $392,500 was billed and paid during FY 2016 and the balance of $210,000 was billed during FY 2017 and was subsequently collected. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, sales to Morion include $203,000 and $10,000, respectively, under this agreement. Morion operates as a subsidiary of Gazprombank, a state-owned Russian bank. On July 16, 2014, after the Company’s investment in Morion, Gazprombank became subject to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s prohibition against U.S. persons from providing it with new financing.

11. Employee Benefit Plans

11. Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	11. Employee Benefit Plans Profit Sharing Plan: The Company provides its U.S.-based employees with a profit sharing plan and trust under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. This plan allows all eligible employees to defer a portion of their income through voluntary contributions to the plan. In accordance with the provisions of the plan, the Company can make discretionary matching contributions in the form of cash or common stock. For the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company contributed 46,628 and 47,839 shares of common stock, respectively. The approximate value of these shares at the date of contribution was $433,000 in fiscal year 2018 and $493,000 in fiscal year 2017. Contributed shares are drawn from the Company’s common stock held in treasury and are removed at the Company’s original cost of acquisition of such shares on a specific identification basis. In addition to changes in the treasury stock accounts, during fiscal years 2018 and 2017, such transactions increased additional paid in capital by $219,000 and $274,000, respectively. As of April 30, 2018, the plan held a total of 665,656 shares, which are allocated to the accounts of the individual participants. Income Incentive Pool: The Company maintains incentive bonus programs for certain employees which are based on operating profits of the individual subsidiaries to which the employees are assigned. The Company also adopted a plan for the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which formula is based on consolidated pre-tax profits. Under these plans, the Company charged approximately $0 and $272,000 to selling and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Employee Stock Plans: The Company has various stock plans, some of which have been approved by the Company’s stockholders, for key management employees, including officers and directors who are employees, certain consultants and independent members of the Board of Directors. The plans are Nonqualified Stock Options (“NQSO”) plans, Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”) plans and SARS. Under these plans, options or SARS are granted at the discretion of the Stock Option Committee at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Typically, options and SARS vest over a four-year period from the date of grant. The options and SARS generally expire ten years after the date of grant (the most recent SAR award expires in five years) and are subject to certain restrictions on transferability of the shares obtained on exercise. Under the Company’s 2005 Stock Award Plan (“Plan”) the Company provided option holders the opportunity to exercise stock options either by paying the exercise price for the shares or to do a cashless exercise whereby the individual receives the net number of shares of stock equal in value to the exercised number of shares times the difference between the current market value of the Company’s stock and the exercise price. Under the Plan, instruments granted under other plans which expire, are canceled, or are tendered in the exercise of such instruments, increase the shares available under the Plan. As of April 30, 2018, eligible employees and directors have been granted SARS representing approximately 2,222,000 shares of Company stock, of which approximately 1,488,000 shares are outstanding and approximately 1,260,000 shares with a weighted average exercise price of $8.55 are exercisable. As of April 30, 2017, eligible employees and directors have been granted SARS representing approximately 2,197,000 shares of Company stock, of which approximately 1,635,000 shares are outstanding and approximately 1,281,000 shares with a weighted average exercise price of $8.35 are exercisable. When the SARS become exercisable, the Company will settle the SARS by issuing to exercising recipients the number of shares of stock equal to the appreciated value of the Company’s stock between the grant date and exercise date. At the time of exercise, the quantity of shares under the SARS grant equal to the exercise value divided by the then market value of the shares will be returned to the pool of available shares for future grant under the Plan. During the year ended April 30, 2018, employees exercised SARS representing 3,500 shares of Company stock and received 861 shares of Company stock. The 2,639 share difference was returned to the pool of available shares and may be used for future grants. During the year ended April 30, 2017, employees exercised SARS representing 35,500 shares of Company stock and received 15,273 shares of Company stock. The 20,227 share difference was returned to the pool of available shares and may be used for future grants. The excess of the consideration received over the par value of the common stock or cost of treasury stock issued under both types of option plans is recognized as an increase in additional paid-in capital. The following table summarizes information about stock option and SARs activity for the years ended April 30: Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Weighted Average Weighted- Remaining Average Contractual Aggregate Shares Exercise Price Term Intrinsic Value Outstanding – April 30, 2016 1,652,625 $ 9.05 5.1 years Granted 175,000 10.65 Exercised (35,500 ) 6.02 $ 158,920 Expired or Canceled (157,000 ) 12.02 Outstanding – April 30, 2017 1,635,125 $ 9.00 4.3 years $ - Granted 25,000 8.06 Exercised (3,500 ) 6.92 6,645 Expired or Canceled (168,625 ) 9.54 Outstanding – April 30, 2018 1,488,000 $ 8.93 3.7 years $ 1,462,713 Exercisable 1,259,500 $ 8.55 3.7 years $ 1,443,963 Available for future grants 164,827 As of April 30, 2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options and SARs under the plans was approximately $642,000. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. During the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, 151,000 and 159,500 shares, respectively, vested, the fair value of which was approximately $628,000 and $694,000, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of SARs granted during the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, were approximately $2.71 and $3.48, respectively. Stock-based compensation costs capitalized as part of work in process inventory or included in the cost of sales of programs on which the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage of completion method were approximately $168,000 and $229,000 for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Selling and administrative expenses included stock-based compensation expense of approximately $275,000 and $424,000 for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company classifies cash flows resulting from the tax benefits from tax deductions recognized upon the exercise of stock options or SARS (tax benefits) as financing cash flows. The Company did not recognize any tax benefits from the exercise of stock options and SARS for the fiscal year 2018. For the year ended April 30, 2017, the Company realized $26,000 of tax benefits from the exercise of stock options and SARS. Restricted Stock Plan and Other Issuances: During fiscal year 1990, the Company adopted a Restricted Stock Plan which provided that key management employees could be granted rights to purchase an aggregate of 375,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The grants, transferability restrictions and purchase price were determined at the discretion of a special committee of the board of directors. The purchase price could not be less than the par value of the common stock. Transferability of shares is restricted for a four-year period, except in the event of a change in control as defined. As a result of the adoption by the Company’s stockholders of the 2005 Stock Award Plan, the Restricted Stock Plan was discontinued. No additional grants will be made under this plan. As of April 30, 2018, and 2017, grants for 7,500 shares are available to be purchased at a price of $4.00 per share. During the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 the Company issued 2,850 shares and 850 shares, respectively, to select employees for milestone years of service to the Company. These shares are for common stock and are fully vested at time of issuance. Deferred Compensation Agreements: The Company has a series of agreements with key employees providing for the payment of benefits upon retirement or death. Under these agreements, each key employee receives specified retirement payments for the remainder of the employee’s life with a minimum payment of ten years’ benefits to either the employee or his beneficiaries. The agreements also provide for lump sum payments upon termination of employment without cause and reduced benefits upon early retirement. The Company pays the benefits out of its working capital but has also purchased whole life or term life insurance policies on the lives of certain of the participants to cover the optional lump sum obligations of the agreements upon the death of the participant. Deferred compensation expense charged to selling and administrative expenses during the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $909,000 and $2,029,000, respectively. Life Insurance Policies and Cash Held in Trust: The whole-life insurance policies on the lives of certain participants covered by deferred compensation agreements have been placed in a trust. Upon the death of any insured participant, cash received from life insurance policies in excess of the Company’s deferred compensation obligations to the estate or beneficiaries of the deceased, are also placed in the trust. These assets belong to the Company until a change of control event, as defined in the trust agreement, should occur. At that time, the Company is required to add sufficient cash to the trust so as to match the deferred compensation liability described above. Such funds will be used to continue the deferred compensation arrangements following a change of control.

12. Income Taxes

12. Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, the legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA” or the “Act”) was enacted into law. The Act makes comprehensive changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to: (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%; (2) changing rules related to uses and limitations of net operating loss carry-forwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 as well as the repeal of the current carryback provisions for net operating losses arising in tax years ending after December 31, 2017; (3) immediate full expensing of certain qualified property; (4) creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense; (5) eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax; (6) repeal of the deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities; and (7) changes in the manner in which international operations are taxed in the U.S. including a mandatory one-time transition tax on the accumulated untaxed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. shareholders. In response to the TCJA, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of TCJA. The purpose of SAB 118 was to address any uncertainty or diversity of view in applying ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes in the reporting period in which the TCJA was enacted. SAB 118 addresses situations where the accounting is incomplete for certain income tax effects of the TJCA upon issuance of a company’s financial statements for the reporting period which include the enactment date. SAB 118 allows for a provisional amount to be recorded if it is a reasonable estimate of the impact of the TCJA. Additionally, SAB 118 allows for a measurement period to finalize the impacts of the TCJA, not to extend beyond one year from the date of enactment. Although the majority of the changes resulting from the Act are effective for tax years beginning in 2018, U.S. GAAP requires that certain impacts of the Act be recognized in the income tax provision in the period of enactment. During the three months ended January 31, 2018, we revalued our deferred tax assets at the lower federal corporate tax rate of 21%, which resulted in a provisional noncash charge to income tax expense. of approximately $5.3 million. For fiscal taxpayers, the rate change is administratively effective at the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year, using a blended rate for the annual period. As such, the Company’s blended U.S. statutory tax rate for fiscal 2018 is 29.73%. Our deferred tax assets, inclusive of the fiscal 2018 tax loss, would be realized in future years at the lower corporate tax rate of 21%. As of April 30, 2018, we have a full valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets. The TCJA introduced a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on the earnings of foreign corporations that were not previously subject to U.S. income tax. In accordance with the guidelines provided by the Act, we aggregated untaxed earnings and profits and calculated a provisional one-time transition income tax liability of $0. With the sale of Gillam and the election to treat FEI-Asia as a disregarded entity for U.S. tax purposes, the Company is not subject to the Global Intangible Low Tax Income (“GILTI”) provision provided for by the Act in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. While the Company is able to make a reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction in the corporate rate and transition tax, the provisional amounts may change due to a variety of factors, including, among other things, (i) anticipated guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury about implementing the TCJA, (ii) potential additional guidance from the SEC or the FASB related to the TCJA, and (iii) the Company’s further assessment of the TCJA and related regulatory guidance. The Company is not complete in its assessment of the impact of the TCJA on its income tax accounts and financial statements. The income before provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2018 2017 U.S. $ (10,785 ) $ (6,625 ) Foreign (490 ) (414 ) $ (11,275 ) $ (7,039 ) The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current: Federal $ (869 ) $ (677 ) Foreign - - State (124 ) (84 ) Current provision (993 ) (761 ) Deferred: Federal 10,702 (1,861 ) Foreign 267 - State 1,200 507 Deferred tax (benefit) 12,169 (1,354 ) Total provision (benefit) $ 11,176 $ (2,115 ) The following table reconciles the reported income tax expense (benefit) with the amount computed using the federal statutory income tax rate (in thousands): 2018 2017 Statutory rate $ (3,352 ) $ (2,394 ) State and local tax (352 ) (317 ) Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 9,393 260 Effect of foreign operations 606 21 Nondeductible expenses 1 36 Worthless securities - (1,543 ) Uncertain tax positions (388 ) 1,511 Domestic production activities deduction - 66 Nontaxable life insurance cash value increase (111 ) (135 ) Tax credits (163 ) (203 ) Change in tax rate 5,323 477 Stock-based compensation 271 - Other items (52 ) 106 $ 11,176 $ (2,115 ) The components of deferred taxes are as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Employee benefits $ 5,078 $ 7,590 Inventory 1,129 4,220 Accounts receivable 213 360 Tax credits 1,213 1,040 Foreign subsidiary – outside basis - 2,710 Other assets 139 152 Capital Loss carry-forward 1,385 - Net operating loss carry-forwards 6,451 1,710 Total deferred tax asset 15,608 17,782 Deferred tax liabilities: Marketable securities - (410 ) Property, plant and equipment (1,639 ) (1,710 ) Other liabilities (821 ) (60 ) Deferred state income tax (727 ) (410 ) Net deferred tax asset 12,421 15,192 Valuation allowance (12,688 ) (3,290 ) Net deferred tax (liability) asset $ (267 ) $ 11,902 The components of the deferred tax asset were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Gross deferred assets $ 12,421 $ 15,196 Valuation allowance (12,688 ) (3,294 ) Net deferred tax (liability) asset $ (267 ) $ 11,902 As of April 30, 2018, the net deferred tax liability of $267 is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces the deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in those periods in which temporary differences become deductible and/or net operating loss carry-forwards can be utilized. We assess all positive and negative evidence when determining the amount of the net deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. This evidence includes, but is not limited to, prior earnings history, scheduled reversal of taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income. Significant weight is given to positive and negative evidence that is objectively verifiable. As of April 30, 2018, we are in a three-year cumulative loss position which is considered to be a significant piece of negative evidence that is objectively verifiable. We also considered and weighed positive evidence including our existing backlog and how the backlog might enhance future earnings. However, because the accounting guidance for income taxes considers a projection of future earnings inherently subjective, it does not carry significant weight to overcome the objectively verifiable evidence of cumulative losses in recent years. Based on the weighting of all available evidence, both positive and negative evidence, most notably the three-year cumulative loss and declining sales during the fourth quarter which led to the recognition of a $5.6 million inventory impairment charge and additional losses, we determined that it was appropriate to establish a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred tax assets during the quarter ended April 30, 2018. Although recognition of the valuation allowance for our net deferred tax assets is a non-cash charge to income tax expense of approximately $9.6 million, it did have a negative impact on net loss for the quarter and fiscal year ended April 30, 2018. If these estimates and assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to reduce its existing valuation allowance resulting in less income tax expense. The Company evaluates the likelihood of realizing its deferred tax assets quarterly. For the year ended April 30, 2018, the valuation allowance increased by approximately $9.4 million. The valuation allowance increased by $9.6 million for the establishment of a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred tax assets, adjusted by the U.S. federal corporate rate reduction for the enactment of the Act, and current year U.S. losses not benefited offset by a release of a $0.2 million valuation allowance recorded against Asia net operating loss carry-forward. As of April 30, 2018, the Company had U.S. federal net operating losses of $24.5 million of which $4.4 million begins to expire in Fiscal 2023 through 2031, if not utilized, and are subject to annual limitation under IRC Section 382. The remaining U.S. federal net operating losses of $20.1 million have an indefinite carry-forward period. As of April 30, 2018, FEI-Asia had available net operating loss carry-forwards of $2.0 million which begin to expire in 2018 through 2023. The U.S. federal capital loss carry-forward of $9.2 million expires in 2023. The Company also has state net operating loss carry-forward, R&D tax credits, and state tax credits that expire in various years and amounts. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, is as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Balance at the beginning of the fiscal year $ 1,626 $ - Additions based on positions taken in the current year - 1,323 Additions based on positions taken in prior years - 303 Decreases based on positions taken in prior years (304 ) - Lapse in statute of limitations (58 ) - Balance at the end of the fiscal year $ 1,264 $ 1,626 The entire amount reflected in the table above at April 30, 2018, if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate. As of April 30, 2018, and 2017, the Company had $10,201 and $21,404, respectively, accrued for the payment of interest and penalties. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized interest and penalties of $3,039 and $21,404, respectively. Although it is difficult to predict or estimate the change in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that decreases in unrecognized tax benefits of up to $0.1 million may be recognized during the next twelve months. The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. federal, various state and local jurisdictions, and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to examination of its federal income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal years 2016 and 2014 and prior. During fiscal 2018, the Company closed an Internal Revenue Service examination of its fiscal 2016 tax return with no change to the tax liability reported. The Company is no longer subject to examination by the taxing authorities in its foreign jurisdictions for fiscal 2014 and prior. Net operating losses and tax attributes generated by domestic and foreign entities in closed years and utilized in open years are subject to adjustment by the tax authorities.

13. Segment Information

13. Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	13. Segment Information The Company operates under two reportable segments based on the geographic locations of its subsidiaries: (1) FEI-NY – operates out of New York and its operations consist principally of precision time and frequency control products used in three principal markets- communication satellites (both commercial and U.S. Government-funded); terrestrial cellular telephone or other ground-based telecommunication stations; and other components and systems for the U.S. military. (2) FEI-Zyfer – operates out of California and its products incorporate Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies into systems and subsystems for secure communications, both government and commercial, and other locator applications. This segment also provides sales and support for the Company’s wireline telecommunications family of products, including US5G, which are sold in the U. S. market. The FEI-NY segment also includes the operations of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, FEI-Elcom and FEI-Asia. FEI-Asia functions as a manufacturing facility for the FEI-NY segment with historically minimal sales to outside customers. Beginning in late fiscal year 2014, FEI-Asia began shipping higher volumes of product to third parties as a contract manufacturer. FEI-Elcom, in addition to its own product line, provides design and technical support for the FEI-NY segment’s satellite business. The Company measures segment performance based on total revenues and profits generated by each geographic location rather than on the specific types of customers or end-users. Consequently, the Company determined that the segments indicated above most appropriately reflect the way the Company’s management views the business. The accounting policies of the two segments are the same as those described in the “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on operating profit which is defined as income before investment income, interest expense and taxes. All acquired assets, including intangible assets, are included in the assets of both reporting segments. The table below presents information about reported segments for each of the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, with reconciliation of segment amounts to consolidated amounts as reported in the statement of operations or the balance sheet for each of the years (in thousands): 2018 2017 Net revenues: FEI-NY $ 26,936 $ 39,486 FEI-Zyfer 15,272 14,853 Less intersegment revenues (2,801 ) (3,988 ) Consolidated revenues $ 39,407 $ 50,351 Operating profit (loss): FEI-NY $ (15,097 ) $ (3,093 ) FEI-Zyfer 3,164 (2,937 ) Corporate (462 ) (1,495 ) Consolidated operating loss $ (12,395 ) $ (7,525 ) 2018 2017 Identifiable assets: FEI-NY (approximately $1.7 in China in 2018 and 2017, respectively) $ 55,181 $ 64,828 FEI-Zyfer 8,168 10,427 less intersegment receivables (11,888 ) (11,992 ) Corporate 32,123 50,056 Consolidated identifiable assets $ 83,584 $ 113,319 Depreciation and amortization (allocated): FEI-NY $ 2,355 $ 2,471 FEI-Zyfer 114 152 Corporate 15 15 Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense $ 2,484 $ 2,638 Major Customers The Company’s products are sold to both commercial and governmental customers. For the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, approximately 74% and 59% respectively, of the Company’s sales were made under contracts to the U.S. Government or subcontracts for U.S. Government end-use. In fiscal year 2018, sales to three customers of the FEI-NY segment accounted for more than 10% of that segment’s sales. One of these customers also exceeded 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. In the FEI-Zyfer segment, two customers accounted for more than 10% of that segment’s sales. In fiscal year 2017, sales to three customers of the FEI-NY segment accounted for more than 10% of that segment’s sales. Two of these customers also exceeded 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. In the FEI-Zyfer segment, one customer accounted for more than 10% of that segment’s sales and also exceeded 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. The loss by the Company of any one of these customers would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. The Company believes its relationship with these customers to be mutually satisfactory. Sales to the major customers referenced above can include commercial and governmental end users. Foreign Sales Revenues in each of the Company’s segments include sales to foreign governments or to companies located in foreign countries. Revenues, based on the location of the procurement entity and excluding intersegment sales, were derived from the following countries: (in thousands) 2018 2017 Belgium $ 64 $ 167 France 154 508 China 512 1,052 Israel 7 110 Russia 302 168 Germany 143 5 Italy 110 1,059 South Korea 314 912 Singapore 376 23 Other 462 496 $ 2,444 $ 4,500

14. Product Warranties

14. Product Warranties	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]	14. Product Warranties The Company generally provides its customers with a one-year warranty regarding the manufactured quality and functionality of its products. For some limited products, the warranty period has been extended. The Company establishes warranty reserves based on its product history, current information on repair costs and annual sales levels. As of April 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, changes in the carrying amount of accrued product warranty costs were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 557 $ 557 Warranty costs incurred (40 ) (159 ) Product warranty accrual 3 159 Balance at end of year $ 520 $ 557

15. Other Comprehensive Income

15. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block]	15. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) by component and reclassifications from AOCI to Other income (expense), net, for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): Change in Foreign Market Value Currency of Marketable Translation Securities Adjustment Total Balance April 30, 2016, net of taxes $ 812 $ 1,152 $ 1,964 Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, pretax 534 (38 ) 496 Tax effect (182 ) - (182 ) Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of taxes 352 (38 ) 314 Reclassification adjustments, pretax ** 28 Tax effect (25 ) 3 - 3 Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes 355 (38 ) 317 Balance April 30, 2017, net of taxes 1,167 1,114 2,281 Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, pretax (147 ) 1,488 1,341 Tax effect (360 ) - (360 ) Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of taxes (507 ) 1,488 981 Reclassification adjustments, pretax ** (1,047 ) (3,392 ) (3,392 ) Tax effect 262 (785 ) - (785 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (1,292 ) (1,904 ) (3,196 ) Balance April 30, 2018, net of taxes $ (125 ) $ (790 ) $ (915 ) **The reclassification adjustments represent net realized gains on the sale or redemption of available-for-sale marketable securities that were reclassified from AOCI to Other income (expense), net.

Accounting Policies, by Policy

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Frequency Electronics, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Registrant”). References to “FEI” are to the parent company alone and do not refer to any of its subsidiaries. The Company is principally engaged in the design, development and manufacture of precision time and frequency control products and components for microwave integrated circuit applications. See Note 14 for information regarding the Company’s business segments: (1) FEI-NY (which includes the subsidiaries FEI Government Systems, Inc., FEI Communications, Inc., Frequency Electronics, Inc. Asia (“FEI-Asia”) and FEI-Elcom Tech, Inc. (“FEI-Elcom”)), and (2) FEI-Zyfer, Inc. (“FEI-Zyfer”). Intercompany accounts and significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash Equivalents: The Company considers certificates of deposit and other highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions. Such investments may at times be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) insurance limits. No losses have been experienced on such investments.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Marketable Securities: Marketable securities consist of investments in common stocks, including exchange-traded funds, corporate debt securities and debt securities of U.S. Government agencies. All marketable securities were held in the custody of two financial institutions at April 30, 2018 and April 30, 2017. Investments in debt and equity securities are categorized as available for sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from income and recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. The Company recognizes gains or losses when securities are sold using the specific identification method.
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Losses from uncollectible accounts receivable are provided for by utilizing the allowance for doubtful accounts method based upon management’s estimate of uncollectible accounts. Management analyzes accounts receivable and the potential for bad debts, customer concentrations, credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the amount recorded for the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and include interest on funds borrowed to finance construction. Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to income when incurred. When fixed assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the respective accounts and any gain or loss is credited or charged to income. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset, an impairment loss is recognized. To date, no impairment losses have been recognized.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories : Inventories, which consist of finished goods, work-in-process, raw materials and components, are accounted for at the lower of cost (specific and average) or net realizable value.
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]	Depreciation and Amortization: Depreciation of fixed assets is computed on the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets (40 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for other depreciable assets). Leasehold improvements and equipment acquired under capital leases are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life of the related asset. Amortization of identifiable intangible assets is based upon the expected lives of the assets and is recorded at a rate which approximates the Company’s utilization of the assets.
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets: Intangible assets consist of the ISO 9000 certification arising from the acquisition of FEI-Elcom in the assignment of fair value to its acquired assets including intangibles. The certification is valued at fair value and was amortized over the estimated useful life of 3 years from the date of acquisition.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill: The Company records goodwill as the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis at year end. When it is determined that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, the Company writes down the goodwill to an amount commensurate with the revised value of the acquired assets. The Company measures impairment based on revenue projections, recent transactions involving similar businesses and price/revenue multiples at which they were bought and sold, price/revenue multiples of competitors, and the present market value of publicly-traded companies in the Company’s industry.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue and Cost Recognition: Revenues under larger, long-term contracts, which generally require billings based on achievement of milestones rather than delivery of product, are reported in operating results using the percentage of completion method. For U.S. Government and other fixed-price contracts that require initial design and development of the product, revenue is recognized on the cost-to-cost method. Under this method, revenue is recorded based upon the ratio that incurred costs bear to total estimated contract costs with related cost of sales recorded as the costs are incurred. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings on uncompleted contracts in excess of costs and estimated earnings, are included in current assets. On production-type orders, revenue is recorded as units are delivered with the related cost of sales recognized on each shipment based upon a percentage of estimated final program costs. Changes in job performance on long-term and production-type orders may result in revisions to costs and revenue and are recognized in the period in which revisions are determined to be required. Provisions for the full amount of anticipated losses are made in the period in which they become determinable. For customer orders in the Company’s subsidiaries, and smaller contracts or orders in the other business segments, sales of products and services to customers are reported in operating results upon shipment of the product or performance of the services pursuant to terms of the customer order. Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor costs, manufacturing overhead and other direct costs related to contract performance. Selling, general and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred. In accordance with industry practice, inventoried costs contain amounts relating to contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of which will not be realized within one year.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Loss : Comprehensive loss consists of net income and other comprehensive loss. Other comprehensive loss includes changes in unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, on securities available for sale during the year and the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development Expenses: The Company engages in research and development (“R&D”) activities to identify new applications for its core technologies, to improve existing products and to improve manufacturing processes to achieve cost reductions and manufacturing efficiencies. R&D costs include direct labor, manufacturing overhead, direct materials and contracted services. Such costs are expensed as incurred. The Company also engages in customer-funded R&D activity. The customer funds received in connection therewith appear in revenues and the associated expenses are included in Costs of revenues and are not included in R&D expenses.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes: The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established and adjusted when necessary to increase or reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company analyzes its tax positions under accounting standards which prescribe recognition thresholds that must be met before a tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements and provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. An entity may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold. Interest and penalties recognized on income taxes are recorded as income tax expense.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock and the if-converted effect of unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights. Diluted earnings per share are not computed where the if-converted effect of such items would be anti-dilutive.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Values of Financial Instruments: Cash and cash equivalents, short-term credit obligations, long term debt and cash surrender value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value based upon the nature of the instrument and current market conditions. Management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the value of these amounts. The Company also has an investment in a privately-held Russian company, Morion, Inc. (“Morion”). The Company is unable to reasonably estimate a fair value for this investment.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Operations and Foreign Currency Adjustments: The Company maintains manufacturing operations in the People’s Republic of China. The Company is vulnerable to currency risks in this country. The local currency is the functional currency of FEI-Asia. No foreign currency gains or losses are recorded on intercompany transactions since they are affected at current rates of exchange. The results of operations of FEI-Asia, when translated into U.S. dollars, reflect the average rates of exchange for the periods presented. The balance sheet of FEI-Asia, except for equity accounts which are translated at historical rates, are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange in effect on the date of the balance sheet. As a result, similar results in local currency can vary upon translation into U.S. dollars if exchange rates fluctuate significantly from one period to the next.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Equity-based Compensation: The Company values its share-based payment transactions using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Such value is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of each option or stock appreciation right (“SAR”) has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following range of weighted average assumptions used for grants: Years ended April 30 2018 2017 Expected volatility 35 % 35 % Dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % Risk-free interest rate 1.85 % 1.85% and 1.14 % Expected lives 5.0 years 5.0 years The expected life assumption was determined based on the Company’s historical experience as well as the term of recent SAR agreements. The expected volatility assumption was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The dividend yield assumption was determined based upon the Company’s past history of dividend payments and the Company’s current decision to suspend payment of dividends. The risk-free interest rate assumption was determined using the implied yield currently available for zero-coupon U.S. Government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the stock options or SARs.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company maintains accounts at several commercial banks at which the balances exceed FDIC limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such amounts. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across geographic areas principally within the U. S. The Company routinely addresses the financial strength of its customers and, as a consequence, believes that its receivable credit risk exposure is limited. The Company does not require customers to post collateral.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In March 2016, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for stock-based compensation, ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 , Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

1. Summary of Accounting Poli24

1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The weighted average fair value of each option or stock appreciation right (“SAR”) has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following range of weighted average assumptions used for grants: Years ended April 30 2018 2017 Expected volatility 35 % 35 % Dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % Risk-free interest rate 1.85 % 1.85% and 1.14 % Expected lives 5.0 years 5.0 years

2. Discontinued Operations (Tab

2. Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]
2. Discontinued Operations (Tables) [Line Items]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	Summarized operating results for the Gillam discontinued operations for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): For the years ended April 30, 2018 2017 Revenues $ 4,694 $ 5,985 Cost of revenues 3,314 4,407 Gross profit 1,380 1,578 Selling and administrative expenses 1,902 1,714 Research and development expenses 436 408 Operating Loss (958 ) (544 ) Other income (expense): Investment loss - (3 ) Other income (expense), net (9 ) - Loss before provision for income taxes (967 ) (547 ) Provision for income taxes - 650 Net (loss) income (967 ) 103 Net loss from sale of discontinued operations (359 ) - Total net (loss) income from discontinued operations $ (1,326 ) $ 103
Balance Sheets [Member]
2. Discontinued Operations (Tables) [Line Items]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for the Gillam discontinued operations for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 575 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts - 3,202 Inventories, net - 3,980 Prepaid expenses and other - 408 Total current assets of discontinued operations $ - $ 8,165 Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization $ - $ 555 Investments - 14 Deferred taxes – non-current - - Total non-current assets of discontinued operations $ - $ 569 Accounts payable – trade $ - $ 949 Accrued liabilities - 1,300 Total current liabilities of discontinued operations - 2,249 Deferred rent and other liabilities - 1,215 Total non-current liabilities of discontinued operations $ - $ 1,215

3. Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3. Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Reconciliations of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted Earnings Per Share for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): Years ended April 30, 2018 2017 Basic EPS Shares outstanding (weighted average) 8,841,166 8,787,082 Effect of Dilutive Securities ** ** Diluted EPS Shares outstanding 8,841,166 8,787,082 ** For the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, dilutive securities are excluded since the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive due to the net loss for the period. The exercisable shares excluded for 2018 and 2017 are 1,259,500 and 1,280,625, respectively. The effect of dilutive securities for 2018 and 2017 would have been 127,536 and 192,523, respectively.

4. Costs and Estimated Earnin27

4. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings, Net [Table Text Block]	At April 30, 2018 and 2017, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net, consisted of the following: 2018 2017 (in thousands) Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings $ 5,266 $ 8,890 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (172 ) (926 ) Net asset $ 5,094 $ 7,964

5. Inventories (Tables)

5. Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventories at April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Raw Materials and Component Parts $ 16,206 $ 17,702 Work in Progress 8,216 7,340 Finished Goods 1,764 4,009 $ 26,186 $ 29,051

6. Property, Plant and Equipm29

6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment at April 30, 2018 and 2017, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Buildings and building improvements $ 2,790 $ 2,646 Machinery, equipment and furniture 57,503 56,435 60,293 59,081 Less, accumulated depreciation (46,166 ) (44,268 ) $ 14,127 $ 14,813
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Future non-cancelable minimum lease payments required by the operating leases for the years ended April 30 were as follows (in thousands): Years ending April 30, Operating Leases 2019 $ 1,249 2020 1,490 2021 1,521 2022 1,436 2023 1,469 Thereafter 8,357 Total future minimum lease payments $ 15,522

7. Marketable Securities (Table

7. Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair market value of available-for-sale securities at April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2018 Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Fixed income securities $ 6,274 $ 10 $ (135 ) $ 6,149 Equity securities - - - - $ 6,274 $ 10 $ (135 ) $ 6,149 April 30, 2017 Gross Gross Fair Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Fixed income securities $ 1,516 $ 60 $ - $ 1,576 Equity securities 5,230 1,248 (239 ) 6,239 $ 6,746 $ 1,308 $ (239 ) $ 7,815
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses, aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position: Less than 12 months 12 Months or more Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses April 30, 2018 Fixed Income Securities $ 5,334 $ (135 ) $ - $ - $ 5,334 $ (135 ) Equity Securities - - - - - - $ 5,334 $ (135 ) $ - $ - $ 5,334 $ (135 ) April 30, 201 7 Fixed Income Securities $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Equity Securities 219 (9 ) 1,024 (230 ) 1,243 (239 ) $ 219 $ (9 ) $ 1,024 $ (230 ) $ 1,243 $ (239 )
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	Proceeds from the sale or redemption of available-for-sale securities and the resulting gross realized gains and losses included in the determination of net loss for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): For the years ended April 30, 2018 2017 Proceeds $ 6,477 $ 4,397 Gross realized gains $ 1,317 $ 156 Gross realized losses $ (270 ) $ (184 )
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	Maturities of fixed income securities classified as available-for-sale at April 30, 2018 were as follows (at cost, in thousands): Current $ 450 Due after one year through five years 2,214 Due after five years through ten years 3,610 $ 6,274

9. Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

9. Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities at April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Vacation and other compensation $ 1,433 $ 1,467 Incentive compensation 411 265 Payroll taxes 113 128 Deferred revenue 68 232 Warranty reserve 520 557 Commissions 307 234 Other 564 542 $ 3,416 $ 3,425

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Tab

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information about stock option and SARs activity for the years ended April 30: Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Weighted Average Weighted- Remaining Average Contractual Aggregate Shares Exercise Price Term Intrinsic Value Outstanding – April 30, 2016 1,652,625 $ 9.05 5.1 years Granted 175,000 10.65 Exercised (35,500 ) 6.02 $ 158,920 Expired or Canceled (157,000 ) 12.02 Outstanding – April 30, 2017 1,635,125 $ 9.00 4.3 years $ - Granted 25,000 8.06 Exercised (3,500 ) 6.92 6,645 Expired or Canceled (168,625 ) 9.54 Outstanding – April 30, 2018 1,488,000 $ 8.93 3.7 years $ 1,462,713 Exercisable 1,259,500 $ 8.55 3.7 years $ 1,443,963 Available for future grants 164,827

12. Income Taxes (Tables)

12. Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	The income before provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2018 2017 U.S. $ (10,785 ) $ (6,625 ) Foreign (490 ) (414 ) $ (11,275 ) $ (7,039 )
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current: Federal $ (869 ) $ (677 ) Foreign - - State (124 ) (84 ) Current provision (993 ) (761 ) Deferred: Federal 10,702 (1,861 ) Foreign 267 - State 1,200 507 Deferred tax (benefit) 12,169 (1,354 ) Total provision (benefit) $ 11,176 $ (2,115 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles the reported income tax expense (benefit) with the amount computed using the federal statutory income tax rate (in thousands): 2018 2017 Statutory rate $ (3,352 ) $ (2,394 ) State and local tax (352 ) (317 ) Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 9,393 260 Effect of foreign operations 606 21 Nondeductible expenses 1 36 Worthless securities - (1,543 ) Uncertain tax positions (388 ) 1,511 Domestic production activities deduction - 66 Nontaxable life insurance cash value increase (111 ) (135 ) Tax credits (163 ) (203 ) Change in tax rate 5,323 477 Stock-based compensation 271 - Other items (52 ) 106 $ 11,176 $ (2,115 )
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The components of deferred taxes are as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Employee benefits $ 5,078 $ 7,590 Inventory 1,129 4,220 Accounts receivable 213 360 Tax credits 1,213 1,040 Foreign subsidiary – outside basis - 2,710 Other assets 139 152 Capital Loss carry-forward 1,385 - Net operating loss carry-forwards 6,451 1,710 Total deferred tax asset 15,608 17,782 Deferred tax liabilities: Marketable securities - (410 ) Property, plant and equipment (1,639 ) (1,710 ) Other liabilities (821 ) (60 ) Deferred state income tax (727 ) (410 ) Net deferred tax asset 12,421 15,192 Valuation allowance (12,688 ) (3,290 ) Net deferred tax (liability) asset $ (267 ) $ 11,902 2018 2017 Gross deferred assets $ 12,421 $ 15,196 Valuation allowance (12,688 ) (3,294 ) Net deferred tax (liability) asset $ (267 ) $ 11,902
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, is as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Balance at the beginning of the fiscal year $ 1,626 $ - Additions based on positions taken in the current year - 1,323 Additions based on positions taken in prior years - 303 Decreases based on positions taken in prior years (304 ) - Lapse in statute of limitations (58 ) - Balance at the end of the fiscal year $ 1,264 $ 1,626

13. Segment Information (Tables

13. Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The table below presents information about reported segments for each of the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, with reconciliation of segment amounts to consolidated amounts as reported in the statement of operations or the balance sheet for each of the years (in thousands): 2018 2017 Net revenues: FEI-NY $ 26,936 $ 39,486 FEI-Zyfer 15,272 14,853 Less intersegment revenues (2,801 ) (3,988 ) Consolidated revenues $ 39,407 $ 50,351
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Operating profit (loss): FEI-NY $ (15,097 ) $ (3,093 ) FEI-Zyfer 3,164 (2,937 ) Corporate (462 ) (1,495 ) Consolidated operating loss $ (12,395 ) $ (7,525 )
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Identifiable assets: FEI-NY (approximately $1.7 in China in 2018 and 2017, respectively) $ 55,181 $ 64,828 FEI-Zyfer 8,168 10,427 less intersegment receivables (11,888 ) (11,992 ) Corporate 32,123 50,056 Consolidated identifiable assets $ 83,584 $ 113,319
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Depreciation and amortization (allocated): FEI-NY $ 2,355 $ 2,471 FEI-Zyfer 114 152 Corporate 15 15 Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense $ 2,484 $ 2,638
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	Revenues, based on the location of the procurement entity and excluding intersegment sales, were derived from the following countries: (in thousands) 2018 2017 Belgium $ 64 $ 167 France 154 508 China 512 1,052 Israel 7 110 Russia 302 168 Germany 143 5 Italy 110 1,059 South Korea 314 912 Singapore 376 23 Other 462 496 $ 2,444 $ 4,500

14. Product Warranties (Tables)

14. Product Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	As of April 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, changes in the carrying amount of accrued product warranty costs were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 557 $ 557 Warranty costs incurred (40 ) (159 ) Product warranty accrual 3 159 Balance at end of year $ 520 $ 557

15. Other Comprehensive Incom36

15. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) by component and reclassifications from AOCI to Other income (expense), net, for the years ended April 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows (in thousands): Change in Foreign Market Value Currency of Marketable Translation Securities Adjustment Total Balance April 30, 2016, net of taxes $ 812 $ 1,152 $ 1,964 Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, pretax 534 (38 ) 496 Tax effect (182 ) - (182 ) Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of taxes 352 (38 ) 314 Reclassification adjustments, pretax ** 28 Tax effect (25 ) 3 - 3 Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes 355 (38 ) 317 Balance April 30, 2017, net of taxes 1,167 1,114 2,281 Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, pretax (147 ) 1,488 1,341 Tax effect (360 ) - (360 ) Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of taxes (507 ) 1,488 981 Reclassification adjustments, pretax ** (1,047 ) (3,392 ) (3,392 ) Tax effect 262 (785 ) - (785 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (1,292 ) (1,904 ) (3,196 ) Balance April 30, 2018, net of taxes $ (125 ) $ (790 ) $ (915 ) **The reclassification adjustments represent net realized gains on the sale or redemption of available-for-sale marketable securities that were reclassified from AOCI to Other income (expense), net.

1. Summary of Accounting Poli37

1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Building [Member]
1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Certification Marks [Member]
1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Other Depreciable Assets [Member]
1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Depreciable Assets [Member]
1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

1. Summary of Accounting Polic

1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected volatility	35.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.85%
Expected lives	5 years
Minimum [Member]
1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected volatility		35.00%
Dividend yield		0.00%
Risk-free interest rate		1.85%
Expected lives		5 years
Maximum [Member]
1. Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) - Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected volatility		35.00%
Dividend yield		0.00%
Risk-free interest rate		1.14%
Expected lives		5 years

2. Discontinued Operations (Det

2. Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
2. Discontinued Operations (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses		$ 188,000	$ 0
Gillam Frequency Electronics Inc [Member]
2. Discontinued Operations (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	$ 1,000,000
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent	1,000,000
Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, Net of Tax	$ 359,000

2. Discontinued Operations (D

2. Discontinued Operations (Details) - Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net (loss) income	$ (967)	$ 103
Net loss from sale of discontinued operations	(359)	0
Total net (loss) income from discontinued operations	(1,326)	103
Gillam Frequency Electronics Inc [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	4,694	5,985
Cost of revenues	3,314	4,407
Gross profit	1,380	1,578
Selling and administrative expenses	1,902	1,714
Research and development expenses	436	408
Operating Loss	(958)	(544)
Investment loss	0	(3)
Other income (expense), net	(9)	0
Loss before provision for income taxes	(967)	(547)
Provision for income taxes	0	650
Net (loss) income	(967)	103
Net loss from sale of discontinued operations	(359)	0
Total net (loss) income from discontinued operations	$ (1,326)	$ 103

2. Discontinued Operations 41

2. Discontinued Operations (Details) - Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 575
Total current assets of discontinued operations	0	8,165
Total non-current assets of discontinued operations	0	569
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	2,249
Total non-current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	1,215
Gillam Frequency Electronics Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	575
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	0	3,202
Inventories, net	0	3,980
Prepaid expenses and other	0	408
Total current assets of discontinued operations	0	8,165
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	0	555
Investments	0	14
Deferred taxes – non-current	0	0
Total non-current assets of discontinued operations	0	569
Accounts payable – trade	0	949
Accrued liabilities	0	1,300
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	2,249
Deferred rent and other liabilities	0	1,215
Total non-current liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 1,215

3. Earnings Per Share (Details)

3. Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,259,500	1,280,625
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	127,536	192,523

3. Earnings Per Share (De

3. Earnings Per Share (Details) - Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted - shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic EPS Shares outstanding (weighted average)	8,841,166	8,787,082
Diluted EPS Shares outstanding	8,841,166	8,787,082

4. Costs and Estimated Earnin44

4. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
4. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings (Details) [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 39,407,000	$ 50,351,000
Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member]
4. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings (Details) [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 16,700,000	26,400,000
Anticipated Loss on Contracts		$ 300,000

4. Costs and Estimated Ea

4. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings (Details) - Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings, Net - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings, Net [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$ 5,266	$ 8,890
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(172)	(926)
Net asset	$ 5,094	$ 7,964

5. Inventories (Details)

5. Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
5. Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory, Net	$ 26,186	$ 29,051
Frequency Electronics Inc Zyfer [Member]
5. Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory Adjustments	5,600	5,000
Frequency Electronics Inc New York [Member]
5. Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory Adjustments		2,000
UNITED STATES
5. Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory, Net	25,200	28,200
CHINA
5. Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory, Net	$ 1,000	$ 800

5. Inventories (Details)

5. Inventories (Details) - Schedule of Inventory, Current - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Abstract]
Raw Materials and Component Parts	$ 16,206	$ 17,702
Work in Progress	8,216	7,340
Finished Goods	1,764	4,009
	$ 26,186	$ 29,051

6. Property, Plant and Equipm48

6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)ft²	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 25, 2018	Feb. 01, 2018ft²	Oct. 01, 2017
6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 2,466,000	$ 2,610,000
Cost of Property Repairs and Maintenance	466,000	675,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	15,522,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	1,700,000	1,600,000
Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent	110,000	$ 99,000
Long Island, NY Headquarters [Member]
6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	$ 800,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term	5 years		8 months
FEI-Elcom Office and Manufacturing Lease [Member]
6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	$ 9,673
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) | ft²				9,000
FEI-Asia Facility Lease [Member]
6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	$ 1,000
FEI-Zyfer Office and Manufacturing Leases [Member]
6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term					88 months
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) | ft²	27,850
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 312,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Long Island, NY Headquarters [Member]
6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term			10 years

6. Property, Plant and Eq

6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Buildings and building improvements	$ 2,790	$ 2,646
Machinery, equipment and furniture	57,503	56,435
	60,293	59,081
Less, accumulated depreciation	(46,166)	(44,268)
	$ 14,127	$ 14,813

6. Property, Plant and 50

6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leases (Details) - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Abstract]
2,019	$ 1,249
2,020	1,490
2,021	1,521
2,022	1,436
2,023	1,469
Thereafter	8,357
Total future minimum lease payments	$ 15,522

7. Marketable Securities

7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	$ 6,274	$ 6,746
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	1,308
Gross Unrealized Losses	(135)	(239)
Fair Market Value	6,149	7,815
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	6,274	1,516
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	60
Gross Unrealized Losses	(135)	0
Fair Market Value	6,149	1,576
Equity Securities [Member]
7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	0	5,230
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1,248
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(239)
Fair Market Value	$ 0	$ 6,239

7. Marketable Securitie52

7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 5,334	$ 219
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(135)	(9)
Fair Value, Morethan 12 months	0	1,024
Unrealized Losses, More than 12 months	0	(230)
Fair Value	5,334	1,243
Unrealized Losses	(135)	(239)
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 months	5,334	0
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(135)	0
Fair Value, Morethan 12 months	0	0
Unrealized Losses, More than 12 months	0	0
Fair Value	5,334	0
Unrealized Losses	(135)	0
Equity Securities [Member]
7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 months	0	219
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	(9)
Fair Value, Morethan 12 months	0	1,024
Unrealized Losses, More than 12 months	0	(230)
Fair Value	0	1,243
Unrealized Losses	$ 0	$ (239)

7. Marketable Securitie53

7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]
Proceeds	$ 6,477	$ 4,397
Gross realized gains	1,317	156
Gross realized losses	$ (270)	$ (184)

7. Marketable Securitie54

7. Marketable Securities (Details) - Schedule of Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping - Fixed Income Securities [Member] $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Current	$ 450
Due after one year through five years	2,214
Due after five years through ten years	3,610
	$ 6,274

9. Accrued Liabilitie

9. Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Vacation and other compensation	$ 1,433	$ 1,467
Incentive compensation	411	265
Payroll taxes	113	128
Deferred revenue	68	232
Warranty reserve	520	557	$ 557
Commissions	307	234
Other	564	542
	$ 3,416	$ 3,425

10. Investment in Morion, Inc.

10. Investment in Morion, Inc. (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 22, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Mar. 29, 2016
10. Investment in Morion, Inc. (Details) [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties			$ 203,000	$ 10,000
Morion Inc [Member]
10. Investment in Morion, Inc. (Details) [Line Items]
Cost Method Investment Ownership Percentage			4.60%
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party			$ 446,000	317,000
Revenue from Related Parties		$ 375,000	203,000	10,000
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current			0
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current			85,000
Proceeds from Dividends Received			$ 85,000	249,000
Morion Inc [Member] | Licensing Agreement [Member]
10. Investment in Morion, Inc. (Details) [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties				$ 210,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Description	The agreement required the Company to sell certain fully-depreciated production equipment previously owned by the Company and to provide training to Morion employees to enable Morion to produce a minimum of 5,000 rubidium oscillators per year.
License And Equipment Fee Receivable	$ 2,700,000					$ 602,000
Percentage Of Royalties Payable On Third Party Sales	5.00%
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period	5 years
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 400,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax					$ 392,500

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Det

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 1990
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan (in Dollars)	$ 433,000	$ 493,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	25,000	175,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,488,000	1,635,125	1,652,625
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,259,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	3,500	35,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	164,827
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	$ 642,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares	151,000	159,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value (in Dollars)	$ 628,000	$ 694,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 2.71	$ 3.48
Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$ 1,294,000	$ 2,519,000
Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$ 470,000	$ 662,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross	2,850	850
Employee Stock Option [Member]
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$ 168,000	$ 229,000
Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$ 275,000	424,000
Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised (in Dollars)		$ 26,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	5 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Employees and Directors [Member]
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	2,222,000	2,197,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,488,000	1,635,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,260,000	1,281,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.55	$ 8.35
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	3,500	35,500
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	861	15,273
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	2,639	20,227
United States Post-Retirement Benefit Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plan	46,628	47,839
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan (in Dollars)	$ 433,000	$ 493,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Program, Requisite Service Period Recognition (in Dollars)	$ 219,000	274,000
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	665,656
Income Incentive Pool [Member]
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Accrued Bonuses (in Dollars)	$ 0	$ 272,000
Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	7,500	7,500		375,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 4
Deferred Compensation Agreement [Member]
11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Description	Under these agreements, each key employee receives specified retirement payments for the remainder of the employee’s life with a minimum payment of ten years’ benefits to either the employee or his beneficiaries.  The agreements also provide for lump sum payments upon termination of employment without cause and reduced benefits upon early retirement.
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	$ 909,000	$ 2,029,000

11. Employee Benefit Plans (D

11. Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Abstract]
Options, Shares Outstanding	1,635,125		1,652,625
Options, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 9		$ 9.05
Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 255 days	4 years 109 days	5 years 36 days
Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 0
Options, Shares Exercisable	1,259,500
Options, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Exercisable (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.55
Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable	3 years 255 days
Options, Aggregate Intrinsic ValueExercisable (in Dollars)	$ 1,443,963
Available for future grants	164,827
Options, Shares Granted	25,000	175,000
Options, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.06	$ 10.65
Options, Shares Exercised	(3,500)	(35,500)
Options, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Exercised (in Dollars per share)	$ 6.92	$ 6.02
Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercised (in Dollars)	$ 6,645	$ 158,920
Options, Shares Expired or Canceled	(168,625)	(157,000)
Options, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Expired or Canceled (in Dollars per share)	$ 9.54	$ 12.02
Options, Shares Outstanding	1,488,000	1,635,125
Options, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.93	$ 9
Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 1,462,713	$ 0

12. Income Taxes (Details)

12. Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2017	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%	29.73%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount		$ 5,323,000	$ 477,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount		0
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance		(267,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Provision for Loan Losses		5,600,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration		24,500
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration		$ 4,400
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Year		2,023
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		$ 10,201,000	21,404,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense		3,039,000	$ 21,404,000
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible		100,000
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease)		9,400,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		20,100
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease)		9,600,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		2,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease)		$ (200,000)
Minimum [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Year		2,023
Minimum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Year		2,018
Maximum [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Year		2,031
Maximum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Year		2,023
Investment Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
12. Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount		$ 9,200

12. Income Taxes (Details) -

12. Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Abstract]
U.S.	$ (10,785)	$ (6,625)
Foreign	(490)	(414)
	$ (11,275)	$ (7,039)

12. Income Taxes (Details) 61

12. Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Federal	$ (869)	$ (677)
Foreign	0	0
State	(124)	(84)
Current provision	(993)	(761)
Federal	10,702	(1,861)
Foreign	267	0
State	1,200	507
Deferred tax (benefit)	12,169	(1,354)
Total provision (benefit)	$ 11,176	$ (2,115)

12. Income Taxes (Details) 62

12. Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Statutory rate	$ (3,352)	$ (2,394)
State and local tax	(352)	(317)
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	9,393	260
Effect of foreign operations	606	21
Nondeductible expenses	1	36
Worthless securities	0	(1,543)
Uncertain tax positions	(388)	1,511
Domestic production activities deduction	0	66
Nontaxable life insurance cash value increase	(111)	(135)
Tax credits	(163)	(203)
Change in tax rate	5,323	477
Stock-based compensation	271	0
Other items	(52)	106
	$ 11,176	$ (2,115)

12. Income Taxes (Details) 63

12. Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefits	$ 5,078	$ 7,590
Inventory	1,129	4,220
Accounts receivable	213	360
Tax credits	1,213	1,040
Foreign subsidiary – outside basis	0	2,710
Other assets	139	152
Capital Loss carry-forward	1,385	0
Net operating loss carry-forwards	6,451	1,710
Total deferred tax asset	15,608	17,782
Deferred tax liabilities:
Marketable securities	0	(410)
Property, plant and equipment	(1,639)	(1,710)
Other liabilities	(821)	(60)
Deferred state income tax	(727)	(410)
Net deferred tax asset	12,421	15,192
Valuation allowance	(12,688)	(3,290)
Net deferred tax (liability) asset	(267)	11,902
Gross deferred assets	12,421	15,196
Valuation allowance	(12,688)	(3,294)
Net deferred tax (liability) asset	$ (267)	$ 11,902

12. Income Taxes (Details) 64

12. Income Taxes (Details) - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the fiscal year	$ 1,626	$ 0
Additions based on positions taken in the current year	0	1,323
Additions based on positions taken in prior years	0	303
Decreases based on positions taken in prior years	(304)	0
Lapse in statute of limitations	(58)	0
Balance at the end of the fiscal year	$ 1,264	$ 1,626

13. Segment Information (Detail

13. Segment Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
13. Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	2
Number of Operating Segments	2
U.S. Government and U.S. Government Subcontractors [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
13. Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	74.00%	59.00%
Frequency Electronics Inc New York [Member]
13. Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Principal Markets	3

13. Segment Information (Deta

13. Segment Information (Details) - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Net revenues:
Revenues	$ 39,407	$ 50,351
Frequency Electronics Inc New York [Member]
Net revenues:
Revenues	26,936	39,486
Frequency Electronics Inc Zyfer [Member]
Net revenues:
Revenues	15,272	14,853
Inter Segment [Member]
Net revenues:
Revenues	$ (2,801)	$ (3,988)

13. Segment Information (De67

13. Segment Information (Details) - Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Operating profit (loss):
Operating profit (loss)	$ (12,395)	$ (7,525)
Frequency Electronics Inc New York [Member]
Operating profit (loss):
Operating profit (loss)	(15,097)	(3,093)
Frequency Electronics Inc Zyfer [Member]
Operating profit (loss):
Operating profit (loss)	3,164	(2,937)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Operating profit (loss):
Operating profit (loss)	$ (462)	$ (1,495)

13. Segment Information (De68

13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable Assets	$ 83,584	$ 113,319
Frequency Electronics Inc New York [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable Assets	55,181	64,828
Frequency Electronics Inc Zyfer [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable Assets	8,168	10,427
Inter Segment [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable Assets	(11,888)	(11,992)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Identifiable assets:
Identifiable Assets	$ 32,123	$ 50,056

13. Segment Information (De69

13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated (Parentheticals) - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Frequency Electronics Inc New York [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Identifiable assets in China	¥ 1.7	¥ 1.7

13. Segment Information (De70

13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Reconciliation of Depreciation and Amortization from Segment to Consolidated - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Depreciation and amortization (allocated):
Depreciation and Amortization	$ 2,484	$ 2,638
Frequency Electronics Inc New York [Member]
Depreciation and amortization (allocated):
Depreciation and Amortization	2,355	2,471
Frequency Electronics Inc Zyfer [Member]
Depreciation and amortization (allocated):
Depreciation and Amortization	114	152
Corporate Segment [Member]
Depreciation and amortization (allocated):
Depreciation and Amortization	$ 15	$ 15

13. Segment Information (De71

13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 39,407	$ 50,351
BELGIUM
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	64	167
FRANCE
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	154	508
CHINA
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	512	1,052
ISRAEL
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	7	110
Russia [Member]
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	302	168
GERMANY
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	143	5
ITALY
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	110	1,059
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	314	912
SINGAPORE
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	376	23
Other Countries [Member]
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	462	496
Foreign Revenue [Member]
13. Segment Information (Details) - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,444	$ 4,500

14. Product Warranties (Details

14. Product Warranties (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Standard Product Warranty Description	The Company generally provides its customers with a one-year warranty regarding the manufactured quality and functionality of its products.  For some limited products, the warranty period has been extended.

14. Product Warranties (Detai

14. Product Warranties (Details) - Schedule of Product Warranty Liability - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 557	$ 557
Warranty costs incurred	(40)	(159)
Product warranty accrual	3	159
Balance at end of year	$ 520	$ 557

15. Other Comprehensi

15. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Balance, Change in Market Value of Marketable Securities		$ (125)	$ 1,167	$ 812
Balance, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		(790)	1,114	1,152
Balance, Total		(915)	2,281	$ 1,964
Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, pretax, Change in Market Value of Marketable Securities		(147)	534
Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, pretax, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		1,488	(38)
Items of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, pretax, Total		1,341	496
Tax effect - Change in Market Value of Marketable Securities		(360)	(182)
Tax effect - Foreign Currency Transalation Adjustment		0	0
Tax effect - Total		(360)	(182)
Items of other comprehensive income (loss)before reclassification, net of taxes, Market Value of Marketable Securities		(507)	352
Items of other comprehensive income (loss)before reclassification, net of taxes, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		1,488	(38)
Items of other comprehensive income (loss)before reclassification, net of taxes, Total		981	314
Reclassification adjustments, pretax - Marketable Securities	[1]	(1,047)	28
Reclassification adjustments, pretax - Total		(3,392)
Reclassification adjustments, pretax - Total		(3,392)
Tax - Marketable Securities		262	57
Tax effect - Change in Market Value of Marketable Securities		(785)	3
Tax effect - Total		(785)	3
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, Marketable Securities		(1,292)	355
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, Foreign Currency Transalation Adjustment		(1,904)	(38)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, Total		$ (3,196)	$ 317
[1]	The reclassification adjustments represent net realized gains on the sale or redemption of available-for-sale marketable securities that were reclassified from AOCI to Other income (expense), net.