Kewaunee Scientific (KEQU) 10-K18 Jul 142014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Jul. 10, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'KEQU	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'KEWAUNEE SCIENTIFIC CORP /DE/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000055529	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--04-30	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	2,622,897	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$39,915,849

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	$111,166	$117,121	$102,847
Costs of products sold	89,134	94,863	83,691
Gross profit	22,032	22,258	19,156
Operating expenses	16,068	16,981	16,443
Operating earnings	5,964	5,277	2,713
Other income	395	306	271
Interest expense	-373	-362	-445
Earnings before income taxes	5,986	5,221	2,539
Income tax expense	1,983	1,540	739
Net earnings	4,003	3,681	1,800
Less: net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	108	637	769
Net earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	$3,895	$3,044	$1,031
Net earnings per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation stockholders	'	'	'
Basic	$1.49	$1.18	$0.40
Diluted	$1.48	$1.17	$0.40
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	'	'	'
Basic	2,608	2,587	2,579
Diluted	2,634	2,600	2,580

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net earnings	$4,003	$3,681	$1,800
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-321	84	-466
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	1,292	-256	-1,682
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge	83	21	-98
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,057	3,530	-446
Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	108	637	769
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	$4,949	$2,893	($1,215)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2011	$31,491	$6,550	$1,091	($438)	$29,218	($4,930)
Net earnings	1,031	'	'	'	1,031	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,246	'	'	'	'	-2,246
Cash dividends declared	-1,031	'	'	'	-1,031	'
Stock options exercised	141	'	-11	152	'	'
Stock based compensation	261	'	261	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-136	'	'	-136	'	'
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2012	29,511	6,550	1,341	-422	29,218	-7,176
Net earnings	3,044	'	'	'	3,044	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-151	'	'	'	'	-151
Cash dividends declared	-1,071	'	'	'	-1,071	'
Stock options exercised	285	'	-1	286	'	'
Stock based compensation	227	'	227	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-169	'	'	-169	'	'
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2013	31,676	6,550	1,567	-305	31,191	-7,327
Purchase of noncontrolling interest (Note 10)	-1,874	'	'	'	-1,874	'
Net earnings	3,895	'	'	'	3,895	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,054	'	'	'	'	1,054
Cash dividends declared	-1,122	'	'	'	-1,122	'
Stock options exercised	1,249	7	-163	1,405	'	'
Stock based compensation	238	'	238	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,157	'	'	-1,157	'	'
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2014	$33,959	$6,557	$1,642	($57)	$32,090	($6,273)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Cash dividends declared, per share	$0.44	$0.40	$0.40
Stock options exercised, shares	97,250	26,750	14,500
Treasury stock, shares	69,773	13,752	13,306
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, shares	97,250	'	'
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, shares	97,250	26,750	14,500
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, shares	97,250	26,750	14,500
Treasury stock, shares	69,773	13,752	13,306
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared, per share	$0.44	$0.40	$0.40

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$6,248	$5,811
Restricted cash	368	691
Receivables, less allowance: $229 (2014); $194 (2013)	23,473	25,884
Inventories	11,938	13,203
Deferred income taxes	646	654
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	680	987
Total Current Assets	43,353	47,230
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	14,570	15,098
Other Assets	'	'
Deferred income taxes	1,385	2,241
Other	3,409	4,173
Total Other Assets	4,794	6,414
Total Assets	62,717	68,742
Current Liabilities	'	'
Short-term borrowings and interest rate swaps	3,150	6,997
Current portion of long-term debt	421	200
Accounts payable	8,542	10,406
Employee compensation and amounts withheld	2,000	2,076
Deferred revenue	137	488
Other accrued expenses	1,913	1,948
Total Current Liabilities	16,163	22,115
Long-term debt	4,192	3,267
Accrued pension and deferred compensation costs	7,250	9,667
Other non-current liabilities	888	'
Total Liabilities	28,493	35,049
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, $2.50 par value, Authorized - 5,000 shares; Issued - 2,623 shares; Outstanding - 2,619 shares (2014); 2,592 shares (2013)	6,557	6,550
Additional paid-in-capital	1,642	1,567
Retained earnings	32,090	31,191
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,273	-7,327
Common stock in treasury, at cost: 4 shares (2014); 27 shares (2013)	-57	-305
Total Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Stockholders' Equity	33,959	31,676
Noncontrolling Interest	265	2,017
Total Equity	34,224	33,693
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$62,717	$68,742

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for receivables	$229	$194
Common stock, par value	$2.50	$2.50
Common stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Common stock, shares issued	2,623	2,623
Common stock, shares outstanding	2,619	2,592
Treasury stock, shares	4	27

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net earnings	$4,003	$3,681	$1,800
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	2,549	2,653	2,664
Bad debt provision	116	34	214
Non-cash stock option expense	238	239	261
Provision (benefit) for deferred income tax expense	864	-526	-1,539
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Decrease (increase) in receivables	2,295	-2,674	4,663
Decrease (increase) in inventories	1,265	-1,443	-1,294
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and other accrued expenses	-2,862	2,604	-459
Decrease in deferred revenue	-351	-874	-521
Other, net	-48	133	1,134
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,069	3,827	6,923
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-2,021	-2,405	-1,435
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	323	13	-151
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,698	-2,392	-1,586
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Dividends paid	-1,122	-1,035	-1,031
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-38	-744	'
(Decrease) increase in short-term borrowings and interest rate swaps	-3,847	181	228
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,000	'	'
Payments on capital leases	'	-36	-83
Payment toward purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-1,780	'	'
Payments on long-term debt	-3,854	-200	-200
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options (including tax benefit)	92	116	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-5,549	-1,718	-1,086
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, net	-385	-94	-465
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	437	-377	3,786
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	5,811	6,188	2,402
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	6,248	5,811	6,188
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'	'	'
Interest paid	413	374	444
Income taxes paid	2,585	1,722	418
Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary - Other accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities	$1,775	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Kewaunee Scientific Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) design, manufacture, and install laboratory, healthcare, and technical furniture products. Laboratory furniture products include both steel and wood cabinetry, fume hoods, adaptable modular systems, moveable workstations, biological safety cabinets, and epoxy resin worksurfaces and sinks. Healthcare furniture products include laminate casework, storage systems, and related products for healthcare applications. Technical furniture products include column systems, slotted-post systems, pedestal systems, and stand-alone benches. The Company’s sales are made through purchase orders and contracts submitted by customers, dealers and agents, a national stocking distributor, and competitive bids submitted by the Company and its subsidiaries located in Singapore, India, and China. The majority of the Company’s products are sold to customers located in North America, primarily within the United States. The Company’s laboratory products are used in chemistry, physics, biology and other general science laboratories in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, industrial, chemical, commercial, educational, government and health care markets. Technical products are used in facilities manufacturing computers and light electronics and by users of computer and networking furniture. Laminate casework is used in educational, healthcare and industrial applications.
	Principles of Consolidation The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation and its five international subsidiaries. A brief description of each subsidiary, along with the amount of the Company’s controlling financial interests, is as follows: (1) Kewaunee Labway Asia Pte. Ltd., a dealer for the Company’s products in Singapore, is 100% owned by the Company; (2) Kewaunee Labway India Pvt. Ltd., a dealer for the Company’s products in Bangalore, India, is 90% owned by the Company; (3) Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, India, a manufacturing and assembly operation, is 100% owned by the Company; (4) Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd., a holding company in Singapore, is 100% owned by the Company; and (5) Kewaunee Scientific (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. in Suzhou, China is 100% owned by the Company. All intercompany balances, transactions, and profits have been eliminated. Included in the consolidated financial statements are net assets of $8,864,000 and $11,189,000 at April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of the Company’s subsidiaries. Net sales by the Company’s subsidiaries in the amount of $19,416,000, $23,602,000 and $18,876,000 were included in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. During the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had cash deposits in excess of FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from such deposits.
	Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes bank deposits of a subsidiary used for performance guarantees against customer orders.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where management is aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, or a project dispute makes it unlikely that all of the receivable owed by a customer will be collected, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded to reduce the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, a general reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded based on past loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable amounts outstanding. Accounts are written off when it is clearly established that the receivable is a bad debt. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the three years ended April 30 was:


	$ in thousands		2014				2013				2012
	Balance at beginning of year		$	194			$	311			$	250
	Bad debt provision			116				34				214
	Doubtful accounts written off (net)			(81	)			(151	)			(153	)

	Balance at end of year		$	229			$	194			$	311

	Inventories The majority of inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) double extension method. The LIFO method allocates the most recent costs to cost of products sold; and, therefore, recognizes into operating results fluctuations in costs of raw materials more quickly than other methods. Inventories at our international subsidiaries are measured on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined for financial reporting purposes principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets or, for leaseholds, over the terms of the related leases, if shorter. Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at April 30:


	$ in thousands		2014				2013				Useful Life
	Land		$	41			$	41				N/A
	Building and improvements			15,221				14,921				10-40 years
	Machinery and equipment			31,129				30,147				5-10 years

	Total			46,391				45,109
	Less accumulated depreciation			(31,821	)			(30,011	)

	Net property, plant and equipment		$	14,570			$	15,098

	Management reviews the carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever changes in circumstances or events indicate that such carrying value may not be recoverable. If projected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the potentially impaired asset, the carrying value is reduced to estimated fair value. There were no impairments in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Other Assets Other assets at April 30, 2014 and 2013 included $3,313,000 and $4,077,000, respectively, of assets held in a trust account for non-qualified benefit plans and $88,000 and $96,000, respectively, of cash surrender values of life insurance policies. Life insurance policies are recorded at the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract as of the date of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the change in cash surrender or contract value being recorded as income or expense during each period.
	Use of Estimates The presentation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates impacting the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventory valuation, and pension liabilities.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments A financial instrument is defined as cash equivalents, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver or receive cash or another financial instrument from another party. The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, mutual funds, cash surrender value of life insurance policies and short-term borrowings. The carrying value of these assets and liabilities approximate their fair value.
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard also expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value as follows:


	Level 1		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
	Level 2		Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
	Level 3		Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

	The following tables summarize the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of April 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


			2014
	Financial Assets				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (1)				$	3,313			$	—			$	—		$	3,313
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)					—				88				—			88


	Total				$	3,313			$	88			$	—		$	3,401


	Financial Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plans (2)				$	—			$	3,681			$	—		$	3,681
	Interest rate swap derivative					—				211				—			211


	Total				$	—			$	3,892			$	—		$	3,892


			2013
	Financial Assets				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (1)				$	4,077			$	—			$	—		$	4,077
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)					—				96				—			96


Total				$	4,077			$	96			$	—		$	4,173


Financial Liabilities
Deferred compensation plans (2)				$	—			$	4,399			$	—		$	4,399
Interest rate swap derivative					—				344				—			344

Total				$	—			$	4,743			$	—		$	4,743


	-1	The Company maintains an executive compensation plan which includes investment assets in a rabbi trust. These assets consist of marketable securities, which are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned, and life insurance policies, which are valued at their cash surrender value.
	-2	The deferred compensation plan liability is equal to the individual participants’ account balances under the plan.
Revenue Recognition Product sales and installation revenue are recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: (1) products have been shipped, or customers have purchased and accepted title to the goods, but because of construction delays, have requested that the Company temporarily store the finished goods on the customer’s behalf; service revenue for installation of products sold is recognized as the installation services are performed, (2) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (3) the price to the customer is fixed, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
Deferred revenue consists of customer deposits and advance billings of the Company’s products where sales have not yet been recognized. Accounts receivable includes retainage in the amounts of $2,490,000 and $2,659,000 at April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. Because of the nature and quality of the Company’s products, any warranty issues are determined in a relatively short period after the sale and are infrequent in nature, and as such, warranty costs are immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations and are expensed as incurred.
Product sales resulting from fixed-price construction contracts involve a signed contract for a fixed price to provide the Company’s laboratory furniture and fume hoods for a construction project. In these instances, the Company is usually in the role of a subcontractor, but in some cases may enter into a contract directly with the end-user of the products. Contract arrangements normally do not contain a general right of return relative to the delivered items. Product sales resulting from fixed-price construction contracts are generated from multiple-element arrangements that require separate units of accounting and estimates regarding the fair value of individual elements. The Company has determined that its multiple-element arrangements that qualify as separate units of accounting are (1) product sales and (2) installation services. There is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for both the product sales and installation services and allocation of arrangement consideration for each of these units is based on their relative fair values. Each of these elements represent individual units of accounting, as the delivered item has value to a customer on a stand-alone basis. The Company’s products are regularly sold on a stand-alone basis to customers which provides vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value. The fair value of installation services is separately calculated using expected costs of installation services. Many times the value of installation services is calculated using price quotations from subcontractors to the Company who perform installation services on a stand-alone basis.
Product sales resulting from purchase orders involve a purchase order received by the Company from its dealers or its stocking distributor. This category includes product sales for standard products, as well as products which require some customization. Any customization requirements are approved by the customer prior to manufacture of the customized product. Sales from purchase orders are recognized under the terms of the purchase order which generally are freight on board (“FOB”) shipping point and do not include rights of return. Accordingly, these sales are recognized at the time of shipment.
Credit Concentration Credit risk is generally not concentrated with any one customer or industry, although the Company does enter into large contracts with individual customers from time to time. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers. Revenues from the Company’s national stocking distributor represented approximately 9%, 11% and 12% of the Company’s total sales in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Revenue for two of the Company’s domestic dealers represented in the aggregate approximately 24%, 14% and 2% of the Company’s total sales in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Accounts receivable for two domestic customers represented approximately 22% and 8% of the Company’s total accounts receivable as of April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Income Taxes In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” the Company uses the liability method in measuring the provision for income taxes and recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. ASC 740 clarifies the financial statement recognition threshold and measurement attribute of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under ASC 740, the Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. ASC 740 only allows the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The Company did not have any significant uncertain tax positions at April 30, 2014 and 2013.
Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are charged to expense in the periods incurred. Expenditures for research and development costs were $842,000, $872,000 and $941,000 for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, and include trade shows, training materials, sales samples, and other related expenses. Advertising costs for the years ended April 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $377,000, $395,000 and $344,000, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments The Company records derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The nature of the Company’s business activities involves the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in interest rates. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. In May 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement whereby the interest rate payable by the Company on $3,450,000 of outstanding long-term debt was effectively converted to a fixed interest rate of 4.875% for the period beginning May 1, 2013 and ending August 1, 2017. In May 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement whereby the interest rate payable by the Company on $2,600,000 of outstanding long-term debt was effectively converted to a fixed interest rate of 4.37% for the period beginning August 1, 2017 and ending May 1, 2020. In May 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement whereby the interest rate payable by the Company on $1,218,000 of outstanding long-term debt was effectively converted to a fixed interest rate of 3.07% for the period beginning November 3, 2014 and ending May 1, 2020. The Company entered into these interest rate swap arrangements to mitigate future interest rate risk associated with its long-term debt and has designated these as cash flow hedges. (See Note 3.)
Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside the United States are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates. Sales, expenses, and cash flows are translated at weighted average exchange rates for each period. Net translation gains or losses are included in other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The Company does not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign currency translation adjustments, since it does not provide for taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these subsidiaries are included in net earnings.

Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the assumed exercise and conversion of outstanding options under the Company’s stock option plans, except when options have an antidilutive effect. There were no antidilutive options outstanding at April 30, 2014. Options to purchase 72,850 and 253,050 shares at April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares at that date, and accordingly, such options would have an antidilutive effect.
The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding:


Shares in thousands		2014				2013				2012
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic			2,608				2,587				2,579
Dilutive effect of stock options			26				13				1

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted			2,634				2,600				2,580

Accounting for Stock Options Compensation costs related to stock options granted by the Company are charged against income during their vesting period, under ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. The Company granted stock options for 46,600, 40,000, and 55,000 shares during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. (See Note 5.)
New Accounting Standards In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This guidance adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), including changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. This guidance does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or AOCI in the financial statements. The Company adopted this standard effective May 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05 “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) – Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” This guidance issued amendments to address the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent entity sells or transfers either a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal year 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” This guidance requires that companies net their unrecognized tax benefits against all same-jurisdiction net operating losses or tax credits carryforwards that would be used to settle the position with a tax authority. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal year 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-9 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal year 2018. The Company has not yet determined the effect, if any, that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
Inventories	Apr. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 2—Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following at April 30:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013
	Finished goods	$	2,909	$	4,052
	Work-in-process		1,550		1,678
	Materials and components		7,479		7,473

	Total inventories	$	11,938	$	13,203


	At April 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s international subsidiaries’ inventories were $1,684,000 and $2,077,000, respectively, measured using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. If all of the Company’s inventories had been determined using the “FIFO” method at April 30, 2014 and 2013, reported inventories would have been $1.2 million and $1.3 million greater, respectively. During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the LIFO index was lower than 100% due to lower prices for certain raw materials. This decrease resulted in the liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at higher costs prevailing in prior years as compared to the cost of purchases in the current fiscal year, the effect of which decreased the cost of sales by $137,000 and $273,000, respectively.

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Credit

Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements	Apr. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements	'
	Note 3—Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements
	On May 6, 2013, the Company entered into a credit and security agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with a new lender consisting of (1) a $20 million revolving credit facility which matures on May 1, 2016 (“Line of Credit”), (2) a term loan in the amount of $3,450,000 which matures on May 1, 2020 (“Term Loan A”) and (3) a term loan in the amount of $1,550,000 which matures on May 1, 2020 (Term Loan B and together with Term Loan A, the “Term Loans”). The Loan Agreement provided funds to refinance all existing indebtedness to the Company’s previous lender and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. In addition, it provides a sub-line for the issuance of up to $4.7 million of letters of credit.
	At April 30, 2014, there were advances of $2.9 million outstanding under the Line of Credit, and the borrowing rate at that date was 1.75%. Monthly interest payments under the Line of Credit were payable at the Daily One Month LIBOR interest rate plus 1.5% per annum. Payments are due under Term Loan A in consecutive equal monthly principal payments in the amount of $17,000 until August 1, 2017, and then in consecutive equal monthly principal payments in the amount of $79,000 each, commencing on September 1, 2017 and continuing on the first business day of each month thereafter until May 1, 2020, and at that time, all principal, accrued unpaid interest and other charges outstanding under Term Loan A shall be due and payable in full. The interest rate on Term Loan A, after consideration of related interest rate swap agreements, is a fixed rate per annum equal to 4.875%, and effective August 1, 2017, such rate converts to a fixed rate per annum of 4.37%. Payments are due under Term Loan B in consecutive equal monthly principal payments in the amount of $18,000 until May 1, 2020, and at that time, all principal, accrued unpaid interest and other charges outstanding under Term Loan B shall be due and payable in full. The interest rate on Term Loan B, after consideration of the related interest rate swap agreement, is a variable rate per annum equal to Daily One Month LIBOR plus 1.575% per annum, and effective November 3, 2014, such rate converts to a fixed rate per annum of 3.07%. The interest rate on Term Loan B was 1.73% at April 30, 2014. Scheduled annual principal payments for the term loans are $421,000 for fiscal years 2015 through 2017 and $915,000, $1,164,000, and $1,271,000 for fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
	The Loan Agreement includes financial covenants with respect to certain ratios, including (a) debt-to-net worth, (b) fixed charge coverage, and (c) asset coverage. At April 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and there was $12.8 million of unused and available credit under the revolving credit facility. At April 30, 2014, there were $4.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Loan Agreement to support bank guarantees issued by a foreign bank from time to time on behalf of the Company’s subsidiaries in India to guarantee performance on customer orders. At April 30, 2014, there were foreign bank guarantees outstanding to customers in the amount of $1,784,000 and $576,000 with expiration dates in fiscal years 2015 and 2016, respectively.
	On June 10, 2014, the Loan Agreement was amended to increase the allowable aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit under the Line of Credit from $4,700,000 to $8,510,000 with such allowable amount to be reduced to $6,510,000 on August 10, 2014.
	At April 30, 2013, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit facility in the amount of $15 million with an expiration date of July 31, 2014. Monthly interest payments under the facility were payable calculated at the 30-day LIBOR Market Interest Rate plus a variable rate ranging from 1.575% to 2.175%. The borrowing rate at April 30, 2013 was 1.773%, including a variable rate adjustment of 1.575%. The credit facility included financial covenants with respect to certain ratios, including (a) debt-to-net worth, (b) fixed charge coverage, and (c) asset coverage. At April 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.
	At April 30, 2013, there were advances of $6.7 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility, and the Company’s Asia subsidiaries had standby letters of credit and bank guarantees in the aggregate amount of $2.1 million outstanding under the facility to guarantee performance on certain customer projects. At April 30, 2013, the Company had a $4 million seven-year term loan secured by the Company’s real property and equipment located in Statesville, North Carolina. The term loan required monthly principal payments of $17,000, plus interest calculated at the 30-day LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.575%, with payment of the outstanding principal balance and any unpaid interest at the term loan maturity date. The interest rate on the term loan, after consideration of the related interest swap agreement, was a fixed rate per annum of 4.875%.

	Amounts outstanding under the term loans were as follows as of April 30:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013
	Term loans payable	$	4,613	$	3,467
	Less: current portion		(421)		(200)

	Long-term debt	$	4,192	$	3,267

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 4—Income Taxes
	Income tax expense consisted of the following:


	$ in thousands		2014			2013		2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal		$	907		$	941	$	247
	State and local			168			184		63
	Foreign			917			791		838

	Total current tax expense			1,992			1,916		1,148

	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal			27			-346		-338
	State and local			26			-24		-12
	Foreign			-62			-6		-59

	Total deferred tax expense (benefit)			-9			-376		-409

	Net income tax expense		$	1,983		$	1,540	$	739

	The reasons for the differences between the above net income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to earnings before income taxes are as follows:


	$ in thousands		2014			2013		2012
	Income tax expense at statutory rate		$	2,035		$	1,775	$	863
	State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (expense)			165			128		3
	Tax credits (state, net of federal benefit)			-134			-118		-76
	Effects of differing US and foreign tax rates			-30			-106		-61
	(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance			-9			-14		73
	Other items, net			-44			-125		-63

	Net income tax expense		$	1,983		$	1,540	$	739


	Significant items comprising deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 30 were as follows:


	$ in thousands		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued employee benefit expenses		$	462		$	568
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			68			52
	Deferred compensation			1,432			1,688
	Tax credits			304			336
	Unrecognized actuarial loss, defined benefit plans			3,486			4,309
	Other			98			86

	Total deferred tax assets			5,850			7,039

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Book basis in excess of tax basis of property, plant and equipment			-1,826			-1,953
	Prepaid pension			-2,098			-2,260
	Other			155			128

	Total deferred tax liabilities			-3,769			-4,085

	Less: valuation allowance			-50			-59

	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		$	2,031		$	2,895

	Deferred tax assets classified in the balance sheet:
	Current		$	646		$	654
	Non-current			1,385			2,241

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		$	2,031		$	2,895

At April 30, 2014, the Company had federal tax credit carryforwards in the amount of $40,000 expiring beginning in 2020 and state tax credit carryforwards in the amount of $264,000, net of federal benefit, expiring beginning in 2015. After a review of the expiration schedule of the tax credits and future taxable income required to utilize such credits before their expiration, a valuation allowance of $50,000 and $59,000 was recorded at April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Stock_Options_and_ShareBased_C

Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation	Apr. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 5—Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation
	The stockholders approved the 2010 Stock Option Plan for Directors (“2010 Plan”) in fiscal year 2011 which allows the Company to grant options on an aggregate of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Under this plan, each eligible director will be granted options to purchase 10,000 shares at the fair market value at the date of grant for a term of five years. These options will be exercisable in four equal installments, one-fourth becoming exercisable on the next August 1 following the date of grant, and one-fourth becoming exercisable on August 1 of each of the next three years. At April 30, 2014, there were 35,000 shares available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.
	The stockholders approved the 2008 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (“2008 Plan”) in fiscal year 2009 which allows the Company to grant options on an aggregate of 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. This plan replaced the Company’s previous stock option plan, but certain unexercised options previously granted under the old plan remain outstanding. Under the plans, options were granted at not less than the fair market value at the date of grant and options are exercisable in such installments, for such terms (up to 10 years), and at such times, as the Board of Directors may determine at the time of the grant. At April 30, 2014, there were 60,350 shares available for future grants under the 2008 Plan.
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718. In order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, the Company applied the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Inherent in the model are assumptions related to expected stock-price volatility, option life, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. For stock options granted during the fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company believes that its historical share option experience does not provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The stock options granted have the “plain-vanilla” characteristics as defined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107). The Company utilized the Safe Harbor option “Simplified Method” to determine the expected term of these options in accordance with the guidance of SAB 107 for options granted. The Company intends to continue to utilize the “Simplified Method” for future grants in accordance with the guidance of SAB 110 until such time that the Company believes that its historical share option experience will provide a reasonable basis to estimate expected term. The fair value of the options granted as shown below was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:


		2014			2013		2012
		2008 Plan		2010 Plan	2008 Plan		2008 Plan	2010 Plan
	Options granted	36,600		10,000	40,000		45,000	10,000
	Weighted average expected stock price volatility	50.58%		36.98%	51.18%		48.51%	29.92%
	Expected option life	6.25 years		3.33 years	6.25 years		6.25 years	2.42 years
	Average risk-free interest rate	1.80%		0.62%	1.35%		2.74%	0.90%
	Average dividend yield	3.21%		3.33%	4.34%		3.48%	3.38%
	Estimated fair value of each option	$5.84		$2.73	$3.86		$3.06	$1.53
	The stock-based compensation expense is recorded over the vesting period (4 years) for the options granted, net of tax. The Company recorded $238,000, $239,000 and $261,000 of compensation expense and $93,000, $93,000 and $100,000 deferred income tax benefit in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The remaining compensation expense of $356,000 and deferred income tax benefit of $138,000 will be recorded over the remaining vesting periods.
	The Company issued new shares of common stock and treasury stock to satisfy options exercised during fiscal year 2014. The Company utilized treasury stock to satisfy stock options exercised during fiscal years 2013 and 2012. Stock option activity and weighted average exercise price is summarized as follows:


		2014						2013				2012
		Number			Weighted			Number		Weighted		Number		Weighted
		of Shares			Average			of Shares		Average		of Shares		Average
					Exercise					Exercise				Exercise
					Price					Price				Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		295,550		$	11.84			298,050	$	11.60		279,800	$	11.94
	Granted		46,600			15.26			40,000		11.78		55,000		8.90
	Canceled		-16,650			10.10			-15,750		10.57		-22,250		10.64
	Exercised		-97,250			13.00			-26,750		9.86		-14,500		9.39

	Outstanding at end of year		228,250		$	12.17			295,550	$	11.84		298,050	$	11.60

	Exercisable at end of year		113,175		$	11.90			157,250	$	12.91		126,425	$	13.00

	The number of options outstanding, exercisable, and their weighted average exercise prices were within the following price ranges at April 30, 2014:


		Exercise Price Range
		$	8.59-$12.66		$	14.69-$15.85

	Options outstanding		165,650			62,600
	Weighted average exercise price	$	10.95		$	15.40
	Weighted average remaining contractual life		5.24 years			7.09 years
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$	973,000		$	89,000

	Options exercisable		87,175			26,000
	Weighted average exercise price	$	11.04		$	14.77
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$	504,000		$	53,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Apr. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Note 6—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized gains and losses on the translation of the assets, liabilities, and equity of its foreign subsidiaries, changes in the fair value of its cash flow hedges, and additional minimum pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes. The before tax income (loss), related income tax effect, and accumulated balances are as follows:


	$ in thousands	Cash Flow		Foreign		Minimum		Total
		Hedge		Currency		Pension		Accumulated
				Translation		Liability		Other
				Adjustment		Adjustment		Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	Balance at April 30, 2011	$	-138	$	38	$	-4,830	$	-4,930
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		-466		—		-466
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges		-157		—		—		-157
	Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations		—		—		-2,753		-2,753
	Income tax effect		59		—		1,071		1,130

	Balance at April 30, 2012		-236		-428		-6,512		-7,176
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		84		—		84
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges		34		—		—		34
	Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations		—		—		-419		-419
	Income tax effect		-13		—		163		150

	Balance at April 30, 2013		-215		-344		-6,768		-7,327
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		-321		—		-321
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges		133		—		—		133
	Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations		—		—		2,116		2,116
	Income tax effect		-50		—		-824		-874

	Balance at April 30, 2014	$	-132	$	-665	$	-5,476	$	-6,273

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Apr. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company leases both its primary distribution facility and warehouse facility under non-cancelable operating leases. The Company also leases some of its machinery and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Most of these leases provide the Company with renewal and purchase options, and most leases of machinery and equipment have certain early cancellation rights. Rent expense for these operating leases was $2,680,000, $2,288,000, and $2,425,000 in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future minimum payments under the above non-cancelable lease arrangements for the years ending April 30 are as follows:


	$ in thousands	Operating
	2015	$	1,982
	2016		1,553
	2017		1,303
	2018		1,011
	2019		642
	Thereafter		369

	Total minimum lease payments	$	6,860

	The Company is involved in certain claims and legal proceedings in the normal course of business which management believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Retirement_Benefits

Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
Retirement Benefits	Apr. 30, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Benefits	'
	Note 8—Retirement Benefits
	Defined Benefit Plans
	The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering a significant number of salaried and hourly employees. These plans were amended as of April 30, 2005; no further benefits have been, or will be, earned under the plans subsequent to the amendment date, and no additional participants will be added to the plans. The defined benefit plan for salaried employees provides pension benefits that are based on each employee’s years of service and average annual compensation during the last 10 consecutive calendar years of employment as of April 30, 2005. The benefit plan for hourly employees provides benefits at stated amounts based on years of service as of April 30, 2005. The Company uses an April 30 measurement date for its defined benefit plans. The change in projected benefit obligations and the change in fair value of plan assets for the non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for each of the years ended April 30 are summarized as follows:


	$ in thousands		2014			2013
	Accumulated Benefit Obligation, April 30		$	19,857		$	20,683


	Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
	Projected benefit obligations, beginning of year		$	20,683		$	19,061
	Interest cost			857			906
	Actuarial (gain) loss			-737			1,610
	Actual benefits paid			-946			-894

	Projected benefit obligations, end of year			19,857			20,683


	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year			15,415			14,007
	Actual return on plan assets			1,519			1,302
	Employer contributions			300			1,000
	Actual benefits paid			-946			-894

	Fair value of plan assets, end of year			16,288			15,415

	Funded status – under		$	-3,569		$	-5,268


	Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
	Noncurrent assets		$	—		$	—
	Noncurrent liabilities			-3,569			-5,268

	Net amount recognized		$	-3,569		$	-5,268


	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
	Net actual loss		$	8,962		$	11,078
	Deferred tax benefit			-3,486			-4,310

	After-tax actuarial loss		$	5,476		$	6,768


	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at April 30
	Discount rate			4.60%			4.25%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A

	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years Ended April 30
	Discount rate			4.25%			4.75%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets			8.50%			8.50%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A

	The components of the net periodic pension cost for each of the fiscal years ended April 30 are as follows:


	$ in thousands		2014			2013			2012
	Interest cost		$	857		$	906		$	942
	Expected return on plan assets			-1,282			-1,213			-1,306
	Recognition of net loss			1,142			1,102			717

	Net periodic pension cost		$	717		$	795		$	353

	The estimated net actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the fiscal year 2015 is $940,000.
The Company’s funding policy is to contribute to the plans when pension laws and economics either require or encourage funding. No contributions are anticipated for fiscal year 2015. Contributions of $300,000 and $1,000,000 were made to the plan in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid from the benefit plans in the fiscal years ending April 30:


$ in thousands		Amount
2015		$	1,130
2016			1,190
2017			1,220
2018			1,260
2019			1,280
2020-2024			6,740
The expected long-term portfolio return is established via a building block approach with proper consideration of diversification and rebalancing. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed-income securities are preserved consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long-term. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. Peer data and historical returns are also reviewed to check for reasonableness and appropriateness.
The Company uses a Yield Curve technique methodology to determine its GAAP discount rate. Under this approach, future benefit payment cash flows are projected from the pension plan on a projected benefit obligation basis. The payment stream is discounted to a present value using an interest rate applicable to the timing of each respective cash flow. The graph of these time-dependent interest rates is known as a yield curve. The interest rates comprising the Yield Curve are determined through a statistical analysis performed by the IRS and issued each month in the form of a pension discount curve. For this purpose, the universe of possible bonds consists of a set of bonds which are designated as corporate, have high quality ratings (AAA, AA, or A) from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, and have at least $250 million in par amount outstanding on at least one day during the reporting period. A 1% increase/decrease in the discount rate for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 would decrease/increase pension expense by approximately $181,000 and $166,000, respectively.
The Company uses a total return investment approach, whereby a mix of equities and fixed-income investments are used to attempt to maximize the long-term return on plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. The target allocations based on the Company’s investment policy were 70% in equity securities and 30% in fixed-income securities at both April 30, 2014 and April 30, 2013. A 1% increase/decrease in the expected return on assets for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 would decrease/increase pension expense by approximately $151,000 and $143,000, respectively.

Plan assets by asset categories as of April 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:


$ in thousands		2014						2013
Asset Category		Amount			%			Amount			%
Equity Securities		$	11,011			68		$	7,754			50
Fixed Income Securities			5,025			31			4,475			29
Cash and Cash Equivalents			252			1			3,186			21

Totals		$	16,288			100		$	15,415			100

The following tables present the fair value of the assets in our defined benefit pension plans at April 30, 2014 and 2013:


		2014

Asset Category		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Large Cap		$	8,034		$	—		$	—
Small/Mid Cap			2,030			—			—
International			947			—			—
Fixed Income			5,025			—			—
Cash and Cash Equivalents			252			—			—

Totals		$	16,288		$	—		$	—



		2013

Asset Category		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Large Cap		$	5,875		$	—		$	—
Small/Mid Cap			1,535			—			—
Emerging Markets			216			—			—
Real Estate/Commodities			128			—			—
Fixed Income			4,475			—			—
Cash and Cash Equivalents			3,186			—			—

Totals		$	15,415		$	—		$	—

Level 1 retirement plan assets include United States currency held by a designated trustee and equity funds of common and preferred securities issued by domestic and foreign corporations. These equity funds are traded actively on exchanges and price quotes for these shares are readily available.
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company has a defined contribution plan covering substantially all salaried and hourly employees. The plan provides benefits to all employees who have attained age 21, completed three months of service, and who elect to participate. The plan provides that the Company make matching contributions equal to 100% of the employee’s qualifying contribution up to 3% of the employee’s compensation, and make matching contributions equal to 50% of the employee’s contributions between 3% and 5% of the employee’s compensation, resulting in a maximum employer contribution equal to 4% of the employee’s compensation. Additionally, the plan provides that the Company may elect to make a non-matching contribution for participants employed by the Company on December 31 of each year up to 1% of the participant’s qualifying compensation for that calendar year. The Company’s contributions to the plan in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $674,000, $659,000 and $664,000, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 9—Segment Information
	The Company’s operations are classified into two business segments: Domestic Operations and International Operations. The Domestic Operations segment principally designs, manufactures, and installs scientific and technical furniture, including steel and wood laboratory cabinetry, fume hoods, laminate casework, flexible systems, worksurfaces, workstations, workbenches, and computer enclosures. The International Operations segment, which consists of five foreign subsidiaries as identified in Note 1, provides the Company’s products and services, including facility design, detailed engineering, construction, and project management from the planning stage through testing and commissioning of laboratories.
	Intersegment transactions are recorded at normal profit margins. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain corporate expenses shown below have not been allocated to the business segments.
	The following table shows revenues, earnings, and other financial information by business segment for each of the three years ended April 30:


	$ in thousands	Domestic		International		Corporate			Total
	$ in thousands	Operations		Operations		Corporate			Total
	Fiscal Year 2014
	Revenues from external customers	$	91,750	$	19,416	$	—		$	111,166
	Intersegment revenues		3,378		2,455		(5,833	)		—
	Depreciation		2,432		117		—			2,549
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		7,386		2,603		(4,003	)		5,986
	Income tax expense (benefit)		2,482		855		(1,354	)		1,983
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		108		—			108
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		4,904		1,640		(2,649	)		3,895
	Segment assets		47,890		14,827		—			62,717
	Expenditures for segment assets		1,822		199		—			2,021
	Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries		1,113		19,416		—			20,529

	Fiscal Year 2013
	Revenues from external customers	$	93,519	$	23,602	$	—		$	117,121
	Intersegment revenues		6,722		2,443		(9,165	)		—
	Depreciation		2,523		130		—			2,653
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		6,908		2,622		(4,309	)		5,221
	Income tax expense (benefit)		2,025		786		(1,271	)		1,540
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		637		—			637
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		4,883		1,199		(3,038	)		3,044
	Segment assets		52,252		16,490		—			68,742
	Expenditures for segment assets		2,314		91		—			2,405
	Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries		942		23,602		—			24,544

	Fiscal Year 2012
	Revenues from external customers	$	83,971	$	18,876	$	—		$	102,847
	Intersegment revenues		5,290		3,051		(8,341	)		—
	Depreciation		2,513		151		—			2,664
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		3,400		2,472		(3,333	)		2,539
	Income tax expense (benefit)		1,349		779		(1,389	)		739
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		769		—			769
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		2,051		924		(1,944	)		1,031
	Segment assets		49,373		13,988		—			63,361
	Expenditures for segment assets		1,395		40		—			1,435
	Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries		1,717		18,876		—			20,593

Purchase_of_Noncontrolling_Int

Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest	Apr. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Note 10—Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest
	On June 24, 2013, the Company entered into an Agreement (the “Agreement”) whereby it purchased the 49% minority ownership of its subsidiary, Kewaunee Labway Asia Pte. Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”) for a total purchase price of $3,555,000. The purchase was recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as a $1,874,000 reduction in retained earnings, a $1,681,000 reduction in noncontrolling interest, an increase of other current accrued expenses of $887,500, and an increase of other non-current liabilities of $887,500. On the date of the Agreement, the Company paid cash of $1,780,000 to the minority stockholder. The balance will be paid in two equal installments of $887,500 on the first two anniversary dates of the Agreement. The Subsidiary and its subsidiary in India, Kewanee Labway India Pvt. Ltd., serve as the Company’s principal sales and distribution organization for sales to international customers.

Consolidated_Quarterly_Data_Un

Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	Apr. 30, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	'
	Note 11—Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
	Selected quarterly financial data for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were as follows:


	$ in thousands, except per share amounts	First		Second		Third		Fourth
	$ in thousands, except per share amounts	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Fiscal Year 2014
	Net sales	$	32,003	$	26,098	$	26,013	$	27,052
	Gross profit		6,576		4,893		4,711		5,852
	Net earnings		1,617		746		625		1,015
	Less: net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest		30		21		21		36
	Net earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		1,587		725		604		979

	Net earnings per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
	Basic		0.61		0.28		0.23		0.37
	Diluted		0.61		0.28		0.22		0.37

	Cash dividends per share		0.11		0.11		0.11		0.11

	Fiscal Year 2013
	Net sales	$	26,683	$	31,185	$	27,450	$	31,803
	Gross profit		5,243		5,227		5,009		6,779
	Net earnings		688		807		782		1,404
	Less: net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest		54		158		238		187
	Net earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		634		649		544		1,217

	Net earnings per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
	Basic		0.25		0.25		0.21		0.47
	Diluted		0.25		0.25		0.21		0.46

	Cash dividends per share		0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kewaunee Scientific Corporation and its five international subsidiaries. A brief description of each subsidiary, along with the amount of the Company’s controlling financial interests, is as follows: (1) Kewaunee Labway Asia Pte. Ltd., a dealer for the Company’s products in Singapore, is 100% owned by the Company; (2) Kewaunee Labway India Pvt. Ltd., a dealer for the Company’s products in Bangalore, India, is 90% owned by the Company; (3) Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, India, a manufacturing and assembly operation, is 100% owned by the Company; (4) Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd., a holding company in Singapore, is 100% owned by the Company; and (5) Kewaunee Scientific (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. in Suzhou, China is 100% owned by the Company. All intercompany balances, transactions, and profits have been eliminated. Included in the consolidated financial statements are net assets of $8,864,000 and $11,189,000 at April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of the Company’s subsidiaries. Net sales by the Company’s subsidiaries in the amount of $19,416,000, $23,602,000 and $18,876,000 were included in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. During the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had cash deposits in excess of FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from such deposits.
Restricted Cash	'
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes bank deposits of a subsidiary used for performance guarantees against customer orders.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where management is aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, or a project dispute makes it unlikely that all of the receivable owed by a customer will be collected, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded to reduce the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, a general reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded based on past loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable amounts outstanding. Accounts are written off when it is clearly established that the receivable is a bad debt. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the three years ended April 30 was:


	$ in thousands		2014				2013				2012
	Balance at beginning of year		$	194			$	311			$	250
	Bad debt provision			116				34				214
	Doubtful accounts written off (net)			(81	)			(151	)			(153	)

	Balance at end of year		$	229			$	194			$	311

Inventories	'
Inventories	Inventories The majority of inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) double extension method. The LIFO method allocates the most recent costs to cost of products sold; and, therefore, recognizes into operating results fluctuations in costs of raw materials more quickly than other methods. Inventories at our international subsidiaries are measured on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined for financial reporting purposes principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets or, for leaseholds, over the terms of the related leases, if shorter. Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at April 30:


	$ in thousands		2014				2013				Useful Life
	Land		$	41			$	41				N/A
	Building and improvements			15,221				14,921				10-40 years
	Machinery and equipment			31,129				30,147				5-10 years

	Total			46,391				45,109
	Less accumulated depreciation			(31,821	)			(30,011	)

	Net property, plant and equipment		$	14,570			$	15,098

	Management reviews the carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever changes in circumstances or events indicate that such carrying value may not be recoverable. If projected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the potentially impaired asset, the carrying value is reduced to estimated fair value. There were no impairments in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Other Assets	'
Other Assets	Other Assets Other assets at April 30, 2014 and 2013 included $3,313,000 and $4,077,000, respectively, of assets held in a trust account for non-qualified benefit plans and $88,000 and $96,000, respectively, of cash surrender values of life insurance policies. Life insurance policies are recorded at the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract as of the date of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the change in cash surrender or contract value being recorded as income or expense during each period.
Use of Estimates	'
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The presentation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates impacting the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, inventory valuation, and pension liabilities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments A financial instrument is defined as cash equivalents, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver or receive cash or another financial instrument from another party. The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, mutual funds, cash surrender value of life insurance policies and short-term borrowings. The carrying value of these assets and liabilities approximate their fair value.
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard also expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value as follows:


	Level 1		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
	Level 2		Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
	Level 3		Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

	The following tables summarize the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of April 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


			2014
	Financial Assets				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3		Total
	Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (1)				$	3,313			$	—			$	—	$	3,313
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)					—				88				—		88


	Total				$	3,313			$	88			$	—	$	3,401


	Financial Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plans (2)				$	—			$	3,681			$	—	$	3,681
	Interest rate swap derivative					—				211				—		211


	Total				$	—			$	3,892			$	—	$	3,892


			2013
	Financial Assets				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3		Total
	Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (1)				$	4,077			$	—			$	—	$	4,077
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)					—				96				—		96


	Total				$	4,077			$	96			$	—	$	4,173


	Financial Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plans (2)				$	—			$	4,399			$	—	$	4,399
	Interest rate swap derivative					—				344				—		344

	Total				$	—			$	4,743			$	—	$	4,743


		-1	The Company maintains an executive compensation plan which includes investment assets in a rabbi trust. These assets consist of marketable securities, which are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned, and life insurance policies, which are valued at their cash surrender value.
		-2	The deferred compensation plan liability is equal to the individual participants’ account balances under the plan.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition Product sales and installation revenue are recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: (1) products have been shipped, or customers have purchased and accepted title to the goods, but because of construction delays, have requested that the Company temporarily store the finished goods on the customer’s behalf; service revenue for installation of products sold is recognized as the installation services are performed, (2) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (3) the price to the customer is fixed, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
	Deferred revenue consists of customer deposits and advance billings of the Company’s products where sales have not yet been recognized. Accounts receivable includes retainage in the amounts of $2,490,000 and $2,659,000 at April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. Because of the nature and quality of the Company’s products, any warranty issues are determined in a relatively short period after the sale and are infrequent in nature, and as such, warranty costs are immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations and are expensed as incurred.
	Product sales resulting from fixed-price construction contracts involve a signed contract for a fixed price to provide the Company’s laboratory furniture and fume hoods for a construction project. In these instances, the Company is usually in the role of a subcontractor, but in some cases may enter into a contract directly with the end-user of the products. Contract arrangements normally do not contain a general right of return relative to the delivered items. Product sales resulting from fixed-price construction contracts are generated from multiple-element arrangements that require separate units of accounting and estimates regarding the fair value of individual elements. The Company has determined that its multiple-element arrangements that qualify as separate units of accounting are (1) product sales and (2) installation services. There is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for both the product sales and installation services and allocation of arrangement consideration for each of these units is based on their relative fair values. Each of these elements represent individual units of accounting, as the delivered item has value to a customer on a stand-alone basis. The Company’s products are regularly sold on a stand-alone basis to customers which provides vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value. The fair value of installation services is separately calculated using expected costs of installation services. Many times the value of installation services is calculated using price quotations from subcontractors to the Company who perform installation services on a stand-alone basis.
	Product sales resulting from purchase orders involve a purchase order received by the Company from its dealers or its stocking distributor. This category includes product sales for standard products, as well as products which require some customization. Any customization requirements are approved by the customer prior to manufacture of the customized product. Sales from purchase orders are recognized under the terms of the purchase order which generally are freight on board (“FOB”) shipping point and do not include rights of return. Accordingly, these sales are recognized at the time of shipment.
Credit Concentration	'
Credit Concentration	Credit Concentration Credit risk is generally not concentrated with any one customer or industry, although the Company does enter into large contracts with individual customers from time to time. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers. Revenues from the Company’s national stocking distributor represented approximately 9%, 11% and 12% of the Company’s total sales in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Revenue for two of the Company’s domestic dealers represented in the aggregate approximately 24%, 14% and 2% of the Company’s total sales in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Accounts receivable for two domestic customers represented approximately 22% and 8% of the Company’s total accounts receivable as of April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	Income Taxes In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” the Company uses the liability method in measuring the provision for income taxes and recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. ASC 740 clarifies the financial statement recognition threshold and measurement attribute of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under ASC 740, the Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. ASC 740 only allows the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The Company did not have any significant uncertain tax positions at April 30, 2014 and 2013.
Research and Development Costs	'
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are charged to expense in the periods incurred. Expenditures for research and development costs were $842,000, $872,000 and $941,000 for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Advertising Costs	'
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, and include trade shows, training materials, sales samples, and other related expenses. Advertising costs for the years ended April 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $377,000, $395,000 and $344,000, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company records derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The nature of the Company’s business activities involves the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in interest rates. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. In May 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement whereby the interest rate payable by the Company on $3,450,000 of outstanding long-term debt was effectively converted to a fixed interest rate of 4.875% for the period beginning May 1, 2013 and ending August 1, 2017. In May 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement whereby the interest rate payable by the Company on $2,600,000 of outstanding long-term debt was effectively converted to a fixed interest rate of 4.37% for the period beginning August 1, 2017 and ending May 1, 2020. In May 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement whereby the interest rate payable by the Company on $1,218,000 of outstanding long-term debt was effectively converted to a fixed interest rate of 3.07% for the period beginning November 3, 2014 and ending May 1, 2020. The Company entered into these interest rate swap arrangements to mitigate future interest rate risk associated with its long-term debt and has designated these as cash flow hedges. (See Note 3.)
Foreign Currency Translation	'
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside the United States are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates. Sales, expenses, and cash flows are translated at weighted average exchange rates for each period. Net translation gains or losses are included in other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The Company does not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign currency translation adjustments, since it does not provide for taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these subsidiaries are included in net earnings.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the assumed exercise and conversion of outstanding options under the Company’s stock option plans, except when options have an antidilutive effect. There were no antidilutive options outstanding at April 30, 2014. Options to purchase 72,850 and 253,050 shares at April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares at that date, and accordingly, such options would have an antidilutive effect.
	The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding:


	Shares in thousands		2014				2013				2012
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic			2,608				2,587				2,579
	Dilutive effect of stock options			26				13				1

	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted			2,634				2,600				2,580

Accounting for Stock Options	'
Accounting for Stock Options	Accounting for Stock Options Compensation costs related to stock options granted by the Company are charged against income during their vesting period, under ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. The Company granted stock options for 46,600, 40,000, and 55,000 shares during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. (See Note 5.)
New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Standards In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This guidance adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), including changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. This guidance does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or AOCI in the financial statements. The Company adopted this standard effective May 1, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05 “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) – Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” This guidance issued amendments to address the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent entity sells or transfers either a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal year 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” This guidance requires that companies net their unrecognized tax benefits against all same-jurisdiction net operating losses or tax credits carryforwards that would be used to settle the position with a tax authority. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal year 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-9 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt this standard in fiscal year 2018. The Company has not yet determined the effect, if any, that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the three years ended April 30 was:


	$ in thousands		2014				2013				2012
	Balance at beginning of year		$	194			$	311			$	250
	Bad debt provision			116				34				214
	Doubtful accounts written off (net)			(81	)			(151	)			(153	)

	Balance at end of year		$	229			$	194			$	311

Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at April 30:


	$ in thousands		2014				2013				Useful Life
	Land		$	41			$	41				N/A
	Building and improvements			15,221				14,921				10-40 years
	Machinery and equipment			31,129				30,147				5-10 years

	Total			46,391				45,109
	Less accumulated depreciation			(31,821	)			(30,011	)

	Net property, plant and equipment		$	14,570			$	15,098

Summary of Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'
	The following tables summarize the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of April 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


			2014
	Financial Assets				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3		Total
	Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (1)				$	3,313			$	—			$	—	$	3,313
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)					—				88				—		88


	Total				$	3,313			$	88			$	—	$	3,401


	Financial Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plans (2)				$	—			$	3,681			$	—	$	3,681
	Interest rate swap derivative					—				211				—		211


	Total				$	—			$	3,892			$	—	$	3,892


			2013
	Financial Assets				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3		Total
	Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (1)				$	4,077			$	—			$	—	$	4,077
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1)					—				96				—		96


	Total				$	4,077			$	96			$	—	$	4,173


	Financial Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plans (2)				$	—			$	4,399			$	—	$	4,399
	Interest rate swap derivative					—				344				—		344

	Total				$	—			$	4,743			$	—	$	4,743


		-1	The Company maintains an executive compensation plan which includes investment assets in a rabbi trust. These assets consist of marketable securities, which are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned, and life insurance policies, which are valued at their cash surrender value.
		-2	The deferred compensation plan liability is equal to the individual participants’ account balances under the plan.
Reconciliation of Basic to Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	'
	The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding:


	Shares in thousands		2014				2013				2012
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic			2,608				2,587				2,579
	Dilutive effect of stock options			26				13				1

	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted			2,634				2,600				2,580

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Inventories (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following at April 30:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013
	Finished goods	$	2,909	$	4,052
	Work-in-process		1,550		1,678
	Materials and components		7,479		7,473

	Total inventories	$	11,938	$	13,203

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Credit1

Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Amounts Outstanding Under Term Loan	'
	Amounts outstanding under the term loans were as follows as of April 30:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013
	Term loans payable	$	4,613	$	3,467
	Less: current portion		(421)		(200)

	Long-term debt	$	4,192	$	3,267

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Expense	'
	Income tax expense consisted of the following:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013		2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	907	$	941	$	247
	State and local		168		184		63
	Foreign		917		791		838

	Total current tax expense		1,992		1,916		1,148

	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal		27		-346		-338
	State and local		26		-24		-12
	Foreign		-62		-6		-59

	Total deferred tax expense (benefit)		-9		-376		-409

	Net income tax expense	$	1,983	$	1,540	$	739

Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation	'
	The reasons for the differences between the above net income tax expense and the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to earnings before income taxes are as follows:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013		2012
	Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	2,035	$	1,775	$	863
	State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (expense)		165		128		3
	Tax credits (state, net of federal benefit)		-134		-118		-76
	Effects of differing US and foreign tax rates		-30		-106		-61
	(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance		-9		-14		73
	Other items, net		-44		-125		-63

	Net income tax expense	$	1,983	$	1,540	$	739

Summary of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Significant items comprising deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 30 were as follows:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued employee benefit expenses	$	462	$	568
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		68		52
	Deferred compensation		1,432		1,688
	Tax credits		304		336
	Unrecognized actuarial loss, defined benefit plans		3,486		4,309
	Other		98		86

	Total deferred tax assets		5,850		7,039

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Book basis in excess of tax basis of property, plant and equipment		-1,826		-1,953
	Prepaid pension		-2,098		-2,260
	Other		155		128

	Total deferred tax liabilities		-3,769		-4,085

	Less: valuation allowance		-50		-59

	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	2,031	$	2,895

	Deferred tax assets classified in the balance sheet:
	Current	$	646	$	654
	Non-current		1,385		2,241

	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	2,031	$	2,895

Stock_Options_and_ShareBased_C1

Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Options Granted Using Black-Scholes Model	'
	The fair value of the options granted as shown below was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:


		2014			2013		2012
		2008 Plan		2010 Plan	2008 Plan		2008 Plan	2010 Plan
	Options granted	36,600		10,000	40,000		45,000	10,000
	Weighted average expected stock price volatility	50.58%		36.98%	51.18%		48.51%	29.92%
	Expected option life	6.25 years		3.33 years	6.25 years		6.25 years	2.42 years
	Average risk-free interest rate	1.80%		0.62%	1.35%		2.74%	0.90%
	Average dividend yield	3.21%		3.33%	4.34%		3.48%	3.38%
	Estimated fair value of each option	$5.84		$2.73	$3.86		$3.06	$1.53
Summary of Stock Option Activity and Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
	Stock option activity and weighted average exercise price is summarized as follows:


		2014						2013				2012
		Number			Weighted			Number		Weighted		Number		Weighted
		of Shares			Average			of Shares		Average		of Shares		Average
					Exercise					Exercise				Exercise
					Price					Price				Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		295,550		$	11.84			298,050	$	11.60		279,800	$	11.94
	Granted		46,600			15.26			40,000		11.78		55,000		8.90
	Canceled		-16,650			10.10			-15,750		10.57		-22,250		10.64
	Exercised		-97,250			13.00			-26,750		9.86		-14,500		9.39

	Outstanding at end of year		228,250		$	12.17			295,550	$	11.84		298,050	$	11.60

	Exercisable at end of year		113,175		$	11.90			157,250	$	12.91		126,425	$	13.00

Summary of Options Outstanding, Exercisable, and Weighted Average Exercise Prices within Exercise Price Range	'
	The number of options outstanding, exercisable, and their weighted average exercise prices were within the following price ranges at April 30, 2014:


		Exercise Price Range
		$	8.59-$12.66		$	14.69-$15.85

	Options outstanding		165,650			62,600
	Weighted average exercise price	$	10.95		$	15.40
	Weighted average remaining contractual life		5.24 years			7.09 years
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$	973,000		$	89,000

	Options exercisable		87,175			26,000
	Weighted average exercise price	$	11.04		$	14.77
	Aggregate intrinsic value	$	504,000		$	53,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Before Tax Income (Loss) Related Income Tax Effect and Accumulated Balances	'
	The before tax income (loss), related income tax effect, and accumulated balances are as follows:


	$ in thousands	Cash Flow		Foreign		Minimum		Total
		Hedge		Currency		Pension		Accumulated
				Translation		Liability		Other
				Adjustment		Adjustment		Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	Balance at April 30, 2011	$	-138	$	38	$	-4,830	$	-4,930
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		-466		—		-466
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges		-157		—		—		-157
	Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations		—		—		-2,753		-2,753
	Income tax effect		59		—		1,071		1,130

	Balance at April 30, 2012		-236		-428		-6,512		-7,176
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		84		—		84
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges		34		—		—		34
	Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations		—		—		-419		-419
	Income tax effect		-13		—		163		150

	Balance at April 30, 2013		-215		-344		-6,768		-7,327
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		-321		—		-321
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges		133		—		—		133
	Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations		—		—		2,116		2,116
	Income tax effect		-50		—		-824		-874

	Balance at April 30, 2014	$	-132	$	-665	$	-5,476	$	-6,273

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Future Minimum Payment Under Non-Cancelable Leases	'
	Future minimum payments under the above non-cancelable lease arrangements for the years ending April 30 are as follows:


	$ in thousands	Operating
	2015	$	1,982
	2016		1,553
	2017		1,303
	2018		1,011
	2019		642
	Thereafter		369

	Total minimum lease payments	$	6,860

Retirement_Benefits_Tables

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Retirement Benefits (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Change in Projected Benefit Obligations and Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets	'
	The change in projected benefit obligations and the change in fair value of plan assets for the non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for each of the years ended April 30 are summarized as follows:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013
	Accumulated Benefit Obligation, April 30	$	19,857	$	20,683


	Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
	Projected benefit obligations, beginning of year	$	20,683	$	19,061
	Interest cost		857		906
	Actuarial (gain) loss		-737		1,610
	Actual benefits paid		-946		-894

	Projected benefit obligations, end of year		19,857		20,683


	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		15,415		14,007
	Actual return on plan assets		1,519		1,302
	Employer contributions		300		1,000
	Actual benefits paid		-946		-894

	Fair value of plan assets, end of year		16,288		15,415

	Funded status – under	$	-3,569	$	-5,268


	Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
	Noncurrent assets	$	—	$	—
	Noncurrent liabilities		-3,569		-5,268

	Net amount recognized	$	-3,569	$	-5,268


	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
	Net actual loss	$	8,962	$	11,078
	Deferred tax benefit		-3,486		-4,310

	After-tax actuarial loss	$	5,476	$	6,768


	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at April 30
	Discount rate		4.60%		4.25%
	Rate of compensation increase		N/A		N/A

	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years Ended April 30
	Discount rate		4.25%		4.75%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets		8.50%		8.50%
	Rate of compensation increase		N/A		N/A
Summary of Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost	'
	The components of the net periodic pension cost for each of the fiscal years ended April 30 are as follows:


	$ in thousands	2014		2013		2012
	Interest cost	$	857	$	906	$	942
	Expected return on plan assets		-1,282		-1,213		-1,306
	Recognition of net loss		1,142		1,102		717

	Net periodic pension cost	$	717	$	795	$	353

Summary of Expected Benefit Payments	'
	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid from the benefit plans in the fiscal years ending April 30:


	$ in thousands	Amount
	2015	$	1,130
	2016		1,190
	2017		1,220
	2018		1,260
	2019		1,280
	2020-2024		6,740
Summary of Plan Assets by Asset Categories	'
	Plan assets by asset categories as of April 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:


	$ in thousands	2014				2013
	Asset Category	Amount		%		Amount		%
	Equity Securities	$	11,011		68	$	7,754		50
	Fixed Income Securities		5,025		31		4,475		29
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		252		1		3,186		21

	Totals	$	16,288		100	$	15,415		100

Summary of Fair Value Assets in Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'
	The following tables present the fair value of the assets in our defined benefit pension plans at April 30, 2014 and 2013:


		2014

	Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Large Cap	$	8,034	$	—	$	—
	Small/Mid Cap		2,030		—		—
	International		947		—		—
	Fixed Income		5,025		—		—
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		252		—		—

	Totals	$	16,288	$	—	$	—



		2013

	Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Large Cap	$	5,875	$	—	$	—
	Small/Mid Cap		1,535		—		—
	Emerging Markets		216		—		—
	Real Estate/Commodities		128		—		—
	Fixed Income		4,475		—		—
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		3,186		—		—

	Totals	$	15,415	$	—	$	—

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	The following table shows revenues, earnings, and other financial information by business segment for each of the three years ended April 30:


	$ in thousands	Domestic		International		Corporate			Total
	$ in thousands	Operations		Operations		Corporate			Total
	Fiscal Year 2014
	Revenues from external customers	$	91,750	$	19,416	$	—		$	111,166
	Intersegment revenues		3,378		2,455		(5,833	)		—
	Depreciation		2,432		117		—			2,549
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		7,386		2,603		(4,003	)		5,986
	Income tax expense (benefit)		2,482		855		(1,354	)		1,983
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		108		—			108
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		4,904		1,640		(2,649	)		3,895
	Segment assets		47,890		14,827		—			62,717
	Expenditures for segment assets		1,822		199		—			2,021
	Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries		1,113		19,416		—			20,529

	Fiscal Year 2013
	Revenues from external customers	$	93,519	$	23,602	$	—		$	117,121
	Intersegment revenues		6,722		2,443		(9,165	)		—
	Depreciation		2,523		130		—			2,653
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		6,908		2,622		(4,309	)		5,221
	Income tax expense (benefit)		2,025		786		(1,271	)		1,540
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		637		—			637
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		4,883		1,199		(3,038	)		3,044
	Segment assets		52,252		16,490		—			68,742
	Expenditures for segment assets		2,314		91		—			2,405
	Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries		942		23,602		—			24,544

	Fiscal Year 2012
	Revenues from external customers	$	83,971	$	18,876	$	—		$	102,847
	Intersegment revenues		5,290		3,051		(8,341	)		—
	Depreciation		2,513		151		—			2,664
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		3,400		2,472		(3,333	)		2,539
	Income tax expense (benefit)		1,349		779		(1,389	)		739
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		769		—			769
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		2,051		924		(1,944	)		1,031
	Segment assets		49,373		13,988		—			63,361
	Expenditures for segment assets		1,395		40		—			1,435
	Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries		1,717		18,876		—			20,593

Consolidated_Quarterly_Data_Un1

Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	Apr. 30, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Selected quarterly financial data for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were as follows:


	$ in thousands, except per share amounts	First		Second		Third		Fourth
	$ in thousands, except per share amounts	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Fiscal Year 2014
	Net sales	$	32,003	$	26,098	$	26,013	$	27,052
	Gross profit		6,576		4,893		4,711		5,852
	Net earnings		1,617		746		625		1,015
	Less: net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest		30		21		21		36
	Net earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		1,587		725		604		979

	Net earnings per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
	Basic		0.61		0.28		0.23		0.37
	Diluted		0.61		0.28		0.22		0.37

	Cash dividends per share		0.11		0.11		0.11		0.11

	Fiscal Year 2013
	Net sales	$	26,683	$	31,185	$	27,450	$	31,803
	Gross profit		5,243		5,227		5,009		6,779
	Net earnings		688		807		782		1,404
	Less: net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest		54		158		238		187
	Net earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation		634		649		544		1,217

	Net earnings per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
	Basic		0.25		0.25		0.21		0.47
	Diluted		0.25		0.25		0.21		0.46

	Cash dividends per share		0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Apr. 30, 2014

31-May-13

Apr. 30, 2014

31-May-13

Apr. 30, 2014

31-May-13

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Apr. 30, 2014

Store

May 1, 2013 to August 1, 2017 [Member]

August 1, 2017 to May 1, 2020 [Member]

November 3, 2014 to May 1, 2020 [Member]

Revenue [Member]

Subsidiaries [Member]

Kewaunee Labway Asia Pte. Ltd. [Member]

Kewaunee Labway India Pvt. Ltd. [Member]

Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. [Member]

Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Singapore Pte. Ltd. [Member]

Kewaunee Scientific Corporation China [Member]

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Percentage of controlling interest in subsidiaries

100.00%

90.00%

100.00%

Net assets

$8,864,000

$11,189,000

Net sales

27,052,000

26,013,000

26,098,000

32,003,000

31,803,000

27,450,000

31,185,000

26,683,000

111,166,000

117,121,000

102,847,000

19,416,000

23,602,000

18,876,000

Property plant and equipment impairment charges

Assets held in trust account for non-qualified benefit plans included in other assets

3,313,000

4,077,000

3,313,000

4,077,000

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies included in other assets

88,000

96,000

88,000

96,000

Retainage included in accounts receivable

2,490,000

2,659,000

2,490,000

2,659,000

Revenue percentage from national stocking distributor

9.00%

11.00%

12.00%

Number of domestic dealers

Total Sales

24.00%

14.00%

2.00%

Total accounts receivable

22.00%

8.00%

Research and development costs

842,000

872,000

941,000

Advertising costs

377,000

395,000

344,000

Outstanding advances under the long-term debt

$3,450,000

$2,600,000

$1,218,000

Interest rate swap, conversion rate

4.88%

4.37%

3.07%

Interest rate swap, beginning date of conversion

1-May-13

1-Aug-17

3-Nov-14

Interest rate swap, ending date of conversion

1-Aug-17

1-May-20

Antidilutive options exclude from computation of earning per share

72,850

253,050

Stock options granted

46,600

40,000

55,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$194	$311	$250
Bad debt provision	116	34	214
Doubtful accounts written off (net)	-81	-151	-153
Balance at end of year	$229	$194	$311

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Land [Member]

Building and improvements [Member]

Machinery and equipment [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]

Useful Life

'10 years

'40 years

'5 years

'10 years

Property plant and equipment gross

$46,391

$45,109

$41

$15,221

$14,921

$31,129

$30,147

Less accumulated depreciation

-31,821

-30,011

Net property, plant and equipment

$14,570

$15,098

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Assets	$3,401	$4,173
Financial Liabilities	3,892	4,743
Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Assets	3,313	4,077
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Assets	88	96
Deferred compensation plans [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Liabilities	3,681	4,399
Interest rate swap derivative [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Liabilities	211	344
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Assets	3,313	4,077
Level 1 [Member] \| Trading securities held in deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Assets	3,313	4,077
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Assets	88	96
Financial Liabilities	3,892	4,743
Level 2 [Member] \| Cash surrender value of life insurance policies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Assets	88	96
Level 2 [Member] \| Deferred compensation plans [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Liabilities	3,681	4,399
Level 2 [Member] \| Interest rate swap derivative [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Liabilities	$211	$344

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Reconciliation of Basic to Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Weighted average common shares outstanding	'	'	'
Basic	2,608	2,587	2,579
Dilutive effect of stock options	26	13	1
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	2,634	2,600	2,580

Inventories_Summary_of_Invento

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$2,909	$4,052
Work-in-process	1,550	1,678
Materials and components	7,479	7,473
Total inventories	$11,938	$13,203

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Inventories [Line Items]	'	'
LIFO inventory reserve	$1,200,000	$1,300,000
Increase or decrease in cost of sales as a result of liquidation of LIFO inventory	137,000	273,000
International Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Inventories [Line Items]	'	'
Inventories measured using FIFO method	$1,684,000	$2,077,000
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Inventories [Line Items]	'	'
LIFO index	100.00%	'

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Credit2

Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6-May-13

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Aug. 10, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Jun. 10, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

6-May-13

Apr. 30, 2014

6-May-13

Apr. 30, 2014

Standby Letters of Credit [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Term Loan A [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Revolving Credit Facilities [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

August 1, 2017 [Member]

September 1, 2017 [Member]

November 3, 2014 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loan agreement

$20,000,000

Credit facility outstanding

4,300,000

15,000,000

3,450,000

1,550,000

2,900,000

6,700,000

Letters of credit

4,700,000

6,510,000

4,700,000

8,510,000

Credit facility expiration date

1-May-16

31-Jul-14

1-May-20

Debt, variable interest rate

1.58%

2.18%

1.58%

1.50%

Periodic payments

17,000

79,000

18,000

Interest rate at period end

1.77%

1.75%

Interest rate description

'The Line of Credit, and the borrowing rate at that date was 1.75%. Monthly interest payments under the Line of Credit were payable at the Daily One Month LIBOR interest rate plus 1.5% per annum.

'Monthly interest payments under the facility are payable calculated at the 30-day LIBOR Market Interest Rate plus a variable rate

Term loan, Payment terms

'The term loan required monthly principal payments of $17,000, plus interest calculated at the 30-day LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.575%, with payment of the outstanding principal balance and any unpaid interest at the term loan maturity date.

'Payments are due under Term Loan A in consecutive equal monthly principal payments in the amount of $17,000 until August 1, 2017, and then in consecutive equal monthly principal payments in the amount of $79,000 each, commencing on September 1, 2017 and continuing on the first business day of each month thereafter until May 1, 2020, and at that time, all principal, accrued unpaid interest and other charges outstanding under Term Loan A shall be due and payable in full.

'Payments in the amount of $18,000 until May 1, 2020, and at that time, all principal

Fixed rate percentage

4.88%

4.37%

1.73%

3.07%

Principal payment for the year 2015

421,000

Principal payment for the year 2016

421,000

Principal payment for the year 2017

421,000

Principal payment for the year 2018

915,000

Principal payment for the year 2019

1,164,000

Principal payment for the year 2020

1,271,000

Unused and available credit facility

12,800,000

Bank Guarantees outstanding to customers

1,784,000

576,000

Letter of credit

2,100,000

Secured long term debt

$4,000,000

Longterm_Debt_and_Other_Credit3

Long-term Debt and Other Credit Arrangements - Summary of Amounts Outstanding Under Term Loan (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Term loans payable	$4,613	$3,467
Less: current portion	-421	-200
Long-term debt	$4,192	$3,267

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Current tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
Federal	$907	$941	$247
State and local	168	184	63
Foreign	917	791	838
Total current tax expense	1,992	1,916	1,148
Deferred tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
Federal	27	-346	-338
State and local	26	-24	-12
Foreign	-62	-6	-59
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	-9	-376	-409
Net income tax expense	$1,983	$1,540	$739

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income tax expense at statutory rate	$2,035	$1,775	$863
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (expense)	165	128	3
Tax credits (state, net of federal benefit)	-134	-118	-76
Effects of differing US and foreign tax rates	-30	-106	-61
(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance	-9	-14	73
Other items, net	-44	-125	-63
Net income tax expense	$1,983	$1,540	$739

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Deferr

Income Taxes - Summary of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Accrued employee benefit expenses	$462	$568
Allowance for doubtful accounts	68	52
Deferred compensation	1,432	1,688
Tax credits	304	336
Unrecognized actuarial loss, defined benefit plans	3,486	4,309
Other	98	86
Total deferred tax assets	5,850	7,039
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Book basis in excess of tax basis of property, plant and equipment	-1,826	-1,953
Prepaid pension	-2,098	-2,260
Other	155	128
Total deferred tax liabilities	-3,769	-4,085
Less: valuation allowance	-50	-59
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	2,031	2,895
Deferred tax assets classified in the balance sheet:	'	'
Current	646	654
Non-current	1,385	2,241
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$2,031	$2,895

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Federal tax credit carry forwards	$40,000	'
Federal tax credit carry forwards, expiration beginning date	'2020	'
State tax credit carry forward	264,000	'
State tax credit carry forwards, expiration beginning date	'2015	'
Valuation allowance	$50,000	$59,000

Stock_Options_and_ShareBased_C2

Stock Options and Share-Based Compensations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period	'4 years	'	'
Stock based compensation expense	$238,000	$239,000	$261,000
Deferred income tax benefit	93,000	93,000	100,000
Compensation expense not yet recorded	356,000	'	'
Deferred income tax on remaining compensation expense	$138,000	'	'
2010 Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized under stock option plan	100,000	'	'
Number of shares each director can purchase	10,000	'	'
Terms of award	'5 years	'	'
Stock options plan, description	'Options will be exercisable in four equal installments, one-fourth becoming exercisable on the next August 1 following the date of grant, and one-fourth becoming exercisable on August 1 of each of the next three years	'	'
Shares available for future grants	35,000	'	'
2008 Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized under stock option plan	300,000	'	'
Shares available for future grants	60,350	'	'
2008 Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Terms of award	'10 years	'	'

Stock_Options_and_ShareBased_C3

Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation - Fair Value of Options Granted Using Black-Scholes Model (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options granted	46,600	40,000	55,000
2008 Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options granted	36,600	40,000	45,000
Weighted average expected stock price volatility	50.58%	51.18%	48.51%
Expected option life	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months
Average risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.35%	2.74%
Average dividend yield	3.21%	4.34%	3.48%
Estimated fair value of each option	5.84	3.86	3.06
2010 Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options granted	10,000	'	10,000
Weighted average expected stock price volatility	36.98%	'	29.92%
Expected option life	'3 years 3 months 29 days	'	'2 years 5 months 1 day
Average risk-free interest rate	0.62%	'	0.90%
Average dividend yield	3.33%	'	3.38%
Estimated fair value of each option	2.73	'	1.53

Stock_Options_and_ShareBased_C4

Stock Options and Share-Based Compensations - Summary of Stock Option Activity and Weighted Average Exercise Price (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of Shares, Outstanding at beginning of year	295,550	298,050	279,800
Number of Shares, Granted	46,600	40,000	55,000
Number of Shares, Canceled	-16,650	-15,750	-22,250
Number of Shares, Exercised	-97,250	-26,750	-14,500
Number of Shares, Outstanding at end of year	228,250	295,550	298,050
Number of Shares, Exercisable at end of year	113,175	157,250	126,425
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at beginning of year	$11.84	$11.60	$11.94
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$15.26	$11.78	$8.90
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$10.10	$10.57	$10.64
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$13	$9.86	$9.39
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at end of year	$12.17	$11.84	$11.60
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at end of year	$11.90	$12.91	$13

Stock_Options_and_ShareBased_C5

Stock Options and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Options Outstanding, Exercisable, and Weighted Average Exercise Prices within Exercise Price Range (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Exercise Price Range Range One [Member]	Exercise Price Range Range Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise price range lower limit	'	'	'	'	$8.59	$14.69
Exercise price range upper limit	'	'	'	'	$12.66	$15.85
Options outstanding	228,250	295,550	298,050	279,800	165,650	62,600
Weighted average exercise price	$12.17	$11.84	$11.60	$11.94	$10.95	$15.40
Weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'	'	'5 years 2 months 27 days	'7 years 1 month 2 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	'	'	'	'	$973,000	$89,000
Options exercisable	'	'	'	'	87,175	26,000
Weighted average exercise price	'	'	'	'	$11.04	$14.77
Aggregate intrinsic value	'	'	'	'	$504,000	$53,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Before Tax Income (Loss) Related Income Tax effect and Accumulated Balances (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	($7,327)	($7,176)	($4,930)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-321	84	-466
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	133	34	-157
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	2,116	-419	-2,753
Income tax effect	-874	150	1,130
Ending Balance	-6,273	-7,327	-7,176
Cash Flow Hedge [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-215	-236	-138
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	'
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	133	34	-157
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	'	'	'
Income tax effect	-50	-13	59
Ending Balance	-132	-215	-236
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-344	-428	38
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-321	84	-466
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	'	'	'
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	'	'	'
Income tax effect	'	'	'
Ending Balance	-665	-344	-428
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-6,768	-6,512	-4,830
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	'
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	'	'	'
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss on pension obligations	2,116	-419	-2,753
Income tax effect	-824	163	1,071
Ending Balance	($5,476)	($6,768)	($6,512)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating lease rent expense	$2,680,000	$2,288,000	$2,425,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Future Minimum Payment Under Non-Cancelable Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2015	$1,982
2016	1,553
2017	1,303
2018	1,011
2019	642
Thereafter	369
Total minimum lease payments	$6,860

Retirement_Benefits_Additional

Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Average annual compensation period	'Ten years	'	'
Defined pension benefit plan, net periodic benefit cost	$940,000	'	'
Employer contributions	300,000	1,000,000	'
Anticipated contribution in the next fiscal year related to pension plans	0	'	'
Age limit of employees to be eligible for contribution	'21 years	'	'
Minimum service period of employees to be eligible for contribution	'3 months	'	'
Matching contributions by company	100.00%	'	'
Employee's compensation	3.00%	'	'
Companies matching contribution equal to employee's contributions	50.00%	'	'
Non-matching contribution for participants employed	1.00%	'	'
Contribution made by company	674,000	659,000	664,000
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee's compensation	5.00%	'	'
Contributions by employer per employee's compensation maximum	4.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee's compensation	3.00%	'	'
Scenario One [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase decrease in the discount rate	1.00%	'	'
Decrease increase pension expense	181,000	166,000	'
Scenario One [Member] \| Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Par amount outstanding	250,000,000	'	'
Scenario Two [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase decrease in the discount rate	1.00%	'	'
Decrease increase pension expense	$151,000	$143,000	'
Scenario Two [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset percentage	70.00%	70.00%	'
Scenario Two [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset percentage	30.00%	30.00%	'

Retirement_Benefits_Summary_of

Retirement Benefits - Summary of Change in Projected Benefit Obligations and Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accumulated Benefit Obligation, April 30	$19,857	$20,683	'
Change in Projected Benefit Obligations	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligations, beginning of year	20,683	19,061	'
Interest cost	857	906	942
Actuarial (gain) loss	-737	1,610	'
Actual benefits paid	-946	-894	'
Projected benefit obligations, end of year	19,857	20,683	19,061
Change in Plan Assets	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	15,415	14,007	'
Actual return on plan assets	1,519	1,302	'
Employer contributions	300	1,000	'
Actual benefits paid	-946	-894	'
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	16,288	15,415	14,007
Funded status - under	-3,569	-5,268	'
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:	'	'	'
Noncurrent assets	0	0	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-3,569	-5,268	'
Net amount recognized	-3,569	-5,268	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:	'	'	'
Net actual loss	8,962	11,078	'
Deferred tax benefit	-3,486	-4,309	'
After-tax actuarial loss	$5,476	$6,768	'
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at April 30	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.60%	4.25%	'
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	'
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years Ended April 30	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.25%	4.75%	'
Expected long-term return on plan assets	8.50%	8.50%	'
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	'

Retirement_Benefits_Summary_of1

Retirement Benefits - Summary of Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest cost	$857	$906	$942
Expected return on plan assets	-1,282	-1,213	-1,306
Recognition of net loss	1,142	1,102	717
Net periodic pension cost	$717	$795	$353

Retirement_Benefits_Summary_of2

Retirement Benefits - Summary of Expected Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2015	$1,130
2016	1,190
2017	1,220
2018	1,260
2019	1,280
2020-2024	$6,740

Retirement_Benefits_Summary_of3

Retirement Benefits - Summary of Plan Assets by Asset Categories (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset	$16,288	$15,415	$14,007
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset percentage	100.00%	100.00%	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset	11,011	7,754	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset percentage	68.00%	50.00%	'
Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset	5,025	4,475	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset percentage	31.00%	29.00%	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset	$252	$3,186	'
Defined benefit plan, Plan asset percentage	1.00%	21.00%	'

Retirement_Benefits_Summary_of4

Retirement Benefits - Summary of Fair Value Assets in Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$16,288	$15,415	$14,007
Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	5,025	4,475	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	252	3,186	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	16,288	15,415	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Large Cap [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	8,034	5,875	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Small/Mid Cap [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,030	1,535	'
Level 1 [Member] \| International [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	947	'	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	5,025	4,475	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	252	3,186	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Emerging Market [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	216	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Real Estate And Commodities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	128	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Large Cap [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Small/Mid Cap [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| International [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Emerging Market [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Real Estate And Commodities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Large Cap [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Small/Mid Cap [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| International [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Emerging Market [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Real Estate And Commodities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of business segment	2

Segment_Information_Segment_In

Segment Information - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment Information - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	$27,052,000	$26,013,000	$26,098,000	$32,003,000	$31,803,000	$27,450,000	$31,185,000	$26,683,000	$111,166,000	$117,121,000	$102,847,000
Intersegment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,549,000	2,653,000	2,664,000
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,986,000	5,221,000	2,539,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,983,000	1,540,000	739,000
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	36,000	21,000	21,000	30,000	187,000	238,000	158,000	54,000	108,000	637,000	769,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	979,000	604,000	725,000	1,587,000	1,217,000	544,000	649,000	634,000	3,895,000	3,044,000	1,031,000
Segment assets	62,717,000	'	'	'	68,742,000	'	'	'	62,717,000	68,742,000	63,361,000
Expenditures for segment assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,021,000	2,405,000	1,435,000
Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,529,000	24,544,000	20,593,000
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Intersegment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,833,000	-9,165,000	-8,341,000
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,003,000	-4,309,000	-3,333,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,354,000	-1,271,000	-1,389,000
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,649,000	-3,038,000	-1,944,000
Segment assets	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Expenditures for segment assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Domestic Operations [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	91,750,000	93,519,000	83,971,000
Intersegment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,378,000	6,722,000	5,290,000
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,432,000	2,523,000	2,513,000
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,386,000	6,908,000	3,400,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,482,000	2,025,000	1,349,000
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,904,000	4,883,000	2,051,000
Segment assets	47,890,000	'	'	'	52,252,000	'	'	'	47,890,000	52,252,000	49,373,000
Expenditures for segment assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,822,000	2,314,000	1,395,000
Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,113,000	942,000	1,717,000
International Operations [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from external customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,416,000	23,602,000	18,876,000
Intersegment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,455,000	2,443,000	3,051,000
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	117,000	130,000	151,000
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,603,000	2,622,000	2,472,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	855,000	786,000	779,000
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	108,000	637,000	769,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,640,000	1,199,000	924,000
Segment assets	14,827,000	'	'	'	16,490,000	'	'	'	14,827,000	16,490,000	13,988,000
Expenditures for segment assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	199,000	91,000	40,000
Revenues (excluding intersegment) to customers in foreign countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$19,416,000	$23,602,000	$18,876,000

Purchase_of_Noncontrolling_Int1

Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jun. 24, 2013	Jun. 24, 2013	Jun. 24, 2013	Jun. 24, 2013	Jun. 24, 2013
		Retained Earnings [Member]	Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. [Member]	Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. [Member]	Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. [Member]	Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. [Member]	Kewaunee Scientific Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. [Member]
				Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	First Installment on June 24. 2014 [Member]	Second Installment on June 24. 2015 [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minority owner ship percentage	'	'	49.00%	'	'	'	'
Total purchase price of minority ownership	'	'	$3,555,000	'	'	'	'
Reduction in retained earnings	1,874,000	1,874,000	'	1,874,000	'	'	'
Reduction in noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	1,681,000	'	'
Cash paid to minority stock holders	1,780,000	'	1,780,000	'	'	'	'
Increase in other current accrued expenses	'	'	887,500	'	'	'	'
Increase in other non current liabilities	'	'	887,500	'	'	'	'
Remaining amount to be paid to Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	$887,500	$887,500

Consolidated_Quarterly_Data_Un2

Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited) -Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$27,052	$26,013	$26,098	$32,003	$31,803	$27,450	$31,185	$26,683	$111,166	$117,121	$102,847
Gross profit	5,852	4,711	4,893	6,576	6,779	5,009	5,227	5,243	22,032	22,258	19,156
Net earnings	1,015	625	746	1,617	1,404	782	807	688	4,003	3,681	1,800
Less: net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	36	21	21	30	187	238	158	54	108	637	769
Net earnings attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	$979	$604	$725	$1,587	$1,217	$544	$649	$634	$3,895	$3,044	$1,031
Net earnings per share attributable to Kewaunee Scientific Corporation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.37	$0.23	$0.28	$0.61	$0.47	$0.21	$0.25	$0.25	$1.49	$1.18	$0.40
Diluted	$0.37	$0.22	$0.28	$0.61	$0.46	$0.21	$0.25	$0.25	$1.48	$1.17	$0.40
Cash dividends per share	$0.11	$0.11	$0.11	$0.11	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	'	'	'