Torotel (TTLO) 10-K 3 Jul 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014	Oct. 30, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'TOROTEL INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000098752	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--04-30	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	5,615,750	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$2,154,716

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Cash	$2,038,000	$1,593,000
Trade receivables, net	1,502,000	1,345,000
Inventories, net	1,455,000	1,391,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	89,000	134,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	177,000	183,000
Assets, Current	5,261,000	4,646,000
Land	265,000	265,000
Buildings and improvements	985,000	978,000
Equipment	2,432,000	2,304,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,682,000	3,547,000
Less accumulated depreciation	2,509,000	2,150,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,173,000	1,397,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	808,000	657,000
Other assets	70,000	40,000
Total Assets	7,312,000	6,740,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	124,000	140,000
Trade accounts payable	469,000	405,000
Accrued liabilities	834,000	571,000
Customer deposits	91,000	608,000
Liabilities, Current	1,518,000	1,724,000
Long-term debt, less current maturities	527,000	655,000
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Common stock, at par value	60,000	60,000
Capital in excess of par value	12,307,000	12,283,000
Accumulated deficit	-7,091,000	-7,963,000
Treasury stock, at cost	-9,000	-19,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	5,267,000	4,361,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$7,312,000	$6,740,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Net sales	$13,100,000	$11,981,000
Cost of goods sold	8,508,000	7,879,000
Gross profit	4,592,000	4,102,000
Engineering	602,000	535,000
Selling, general and administrative	3,187,000	2,519,000
Operating Expenses	3,789,000	3,054,000
Earnings from operations	803,000	1,048,000
Interest expense, net	34,000	42,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	0	3,000
Earnings before provision for income taxes	769,000	1,003,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-103,000	-218,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$872,000	$1,221,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.15	$0.23

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity at Period Start at Apr. 30, 2012	$3,176,000	'	$60,000	$12,319,000	($9,184,000)	($19,000)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding at Apr. 30, 2012	'	5,983,545	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Cancelled	-36,000	0	0	-36,000	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	1,221,000	1,221,000	0	0	1,221,000	0
Stockholders' Equity at Period End at Apr. 30, 2013	4,361,000	'	60,000	12,283,000	-7,963,000	-19,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding at Apr. 30, 2013	5,265,750	5,983,545	'	'	'	'
Stock Granted, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross	34,000	0	0	24,000	0	10,000
Restricted Stock Cancelled	0	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	872,000	872,000	0	0	872,000	0
Stockholders' Equity at Period End at Apr. 30, 2014	$5,267,000	'	$60,000	$12,307,000	($7,091,000)	($9,000)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding at Apr. 30, 2014	5,615,750	5,983,545	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$872,000	$1,221,000
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Cost recognized on cancellation of restricted stock	0	-36,000
Stock compensation cost amortized	34,000	0
Depreciation	359,000	347,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-145,000	-232,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges	0	3,000
Asset Impairment Charges	0	-108,000
Change in value of stock appreciation rights	154,000	44,000
Trade receivables	-157,000	63,000
Inventories	-64,000	-202,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	15,000	-47,000
Trade accounts payable	64,000	-253,000
Accrued liabilities	87,000	246,000
Customer deposits	-517,000	402,000
Income taxes payable	22,000	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	724,000	1,664,000
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-135,000	-249,000
Proceeds from sale of equipment	0	20,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-135,000	-229,000
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt	-655,000	-107,000
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Other Long-term Debt	542,000	0
Payments on capital lease obligations	-31,000	-43,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-144,000	-150,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash	445,000	1,285,000
Cash, beginning of year	1,593,000	308,000
Cash, end of year	2,038,000	1,593,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'Â	'Â
Interest	34,000	42,000
Income taxes	10,000	21,000
Capital expenditure	0	0
Proceeds from capital lease	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	6,000,000	6,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	5,615,750	5,265,750
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	5,615,750	5,265,750

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Torotel, Inc. ("Torotel") conducts business primarily through its wholly owned subsidiary, Torotel Products, Inc. ("Torotel Products"), but it also operates another wholly owned subsidiary Electronika, Inc. ("Electronika"). Another subsidiary, Torotel Manufacturing Corporation ("TMC"), provided manufacturing services to Torotel Products. TMC ceased activities on December 31, 2012. Torotel specializes in the custom design and manufacture of a wide variety of precision magnetic components, consisting of transformers, inductors, reactors, chokes, toroidal coils, high voltage transformers, dry-type transformers and electro-mechanical assemblies for use in aerospace, industrial and military electronics. Torotel also designs and distributes ballast transformers for the airline industry.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Torotel, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Torotel Products, Inc., Torotel Manufacturing Corporation, and Electronika, Inc. and subsidiary. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Significant estimates used in preparing these consolidated financial statements include those assumed in computing the carrying value of inventory, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets, and the reserve for warranty costs. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. Any changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known.
	Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. We grant unsecured credit to most of our customers. We do not believe that we are exposed to any extraordinary credit risk as a result of this policy. At various times, and at April 30, 2014, cash balances exceeded federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in the cash accounts and we do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to our cash.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We determine fair value by utilizing a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:
	•	Level 1.    Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	•	Level 2.    Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
	•	Level 3.    Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider counterparty credit risk in the assessment of fair value.
	The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash, trade receivables and trade accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. As of April 30, 2014, the amount of our long-term debt approximates fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with a borrowing rate available to us. The inputs used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt are considered Level 2 inputs.
	Treasury Stock
	We utilize the weighted average cost method in accounting for treasury stock transactions.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when a fixed price contract or purchase order exists; delivery has occurred; and collection is reasonably assured. Selling terms are FOB Shipping Point so we consider our products delivered once they have been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred. Our consolidated net sales arising from contracts having deliveries scheduled over a period of more than one year for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were approximately 40% and 40%, respectively, primarily because of the contract for the potted coil assembly.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Gross trade accounts receivable are offset with an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We review the allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis, and all past due balances are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged against the allowance when placed for collection. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The majority of the customer accounts are considered past due after the invoice becomes older than the customer's credit terms. Interest is not charged on past due accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of April 30, 2014 and 2013 was $12,000 and $12,000, respectively.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using a FIFO approximated weighted average cost method of valuation. Our industry is characterized by short-term customer commitments and changes in demand, as well as other market considerations. Provisions for obsolete and excess inventory are based on reviews of inventory usage, quantities on hand and latest product demand information from customers. Inventories are reviewed in detail utilizing a 12-month time horizon. Individual part numbers that have not had any usage or purchases in a 12-month time period and do not have any known usage requirements are categorized as obsolete; individual part numbers having more than a 12-month supply based on the current year's usage are categorized as excess. Once specific inventory has been identified as excess or obsolete, the cost of the identified inventory is fully reserved and the cost of the inventory is not recovered until it is sold. The reserve balance is analyzed for adequacy as part of the inventory review each quarter.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided in amounts sufficient to relate the costs of depreciable assets to operations primarily using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of three to five years for equipment and three and a half to twenty years for buildings and improvements.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all short-term investments and demand deposits purchased with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash.
	Income Taxes
	Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. An estimated effective tax rate for a year is applied to our quarterly operating results. In the event there is a significant or unusual item recognized in our quarterly operating results, the tax attributable to that item is separately calculated and recorded at the same time as that item. Tax law requires items to be included in our tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in our financial statements. As a result, our annual tax rate reflected in our financial statements is different than that reported in our tax returns (our cash tax rate). Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax returns in future years for which we have already recorded the tax benefit in our income statement. We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in our financial statements for which payment has been deferred, or expense for which we have already taken a deduction in our tax return but have not yet recognized as expense in our financial statements. The accounting for uncertainty in income taxes requires a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. If necessary, we record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and the tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. If applicable in a given year, tax-related interest and penalties are classified as a component of income tax expense.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013 advertising costs were $20,000 and $4,000, respectively.
	Warranty Costs
	We maintain a reserve for estimated warranty costs associated with products returned from customers. A limited warranty is provided for a period of one year which requires us to repair or replace defective products at no cost to the customer. The warranty reserve is based on historical experience and reflects management's best estimate of probable liability under the product warranties.
	Share-Based Compensation
	We have a share-based compensation plan that includes restricted stock, which is described more fully in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We account for the share-based compensation plan in accordance with authoritative guidance under which the estimated fair value of share-based awards granted under our share-based compensation plan is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the award.
	New Accounting Guidance
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance containing changes to revenue recognition rules.  This statement is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with no early adoption permitted.  This will be effective for us beginning May 1, 2017.  We are currently analyzing the new guidance, and has not determined the impact on financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 2—INVENTORIES
	The following table summarizes the components of inventories, as of April 30 of each year:
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	955,000	$	850,000
	Work in process	261,000		281,000
	Finished goods	239,000		260,000
		$	1,455,000	$	1,391,000

Financing_Agreements

Financing Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Financing Agreements [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 3—FINANCING AGREEMENTS
	On September 27, 2010, Torotel Products entered into a new financing agreement (the “agreement”) with Commerce Bank, N.A (the “Bank”).  The agreement provides for a revolving line of credit, a guidance line of credit, and a real estate term loan. Both Torotel, Inc. and Electronika, Inc. serve as additional guarantors to all notes described below. A summary of the notes within this agreement is provided below:
		Line of Credit			Mortgage note payable to Commerce Bank			Equipment loan note payable to Commerce Bank
	Face amount	$	500,000		$	542,000		$	500,000
	Proceeds received	—			542,000			380,000
	Unused borrowing capacity	500,000			—			236,000
	Amount previously repaid	—			9,000			264,000
	Total debt outstanding	$	—		$	533,000		$	116,000
	Rate	4		%	4.05		%	4.63		%
	Maturity date	27-Sep-14			27-Jan-19			26-Sep-15
	Monthly payment	$	—		$	4,873		$	7,123
	Additional Criteria	Borrowing base limited to 75% of eligible receivables			15 year amortization schedule			Advance rate equal to 80% of the price of the equipment purchased
	The revolving line of credit, which is available for working capital purposes, is renewable annually.  The associated interest rate is equal to the greater of the floating Commerce Bank Prime Rate (currently 3.25%) or a floor of 4% (as listed above).  Monthly repayments of interest only are required with the principal due at maturity.  This facility is cross collateralized and cross defaulted with all other facilities and is secured by a first lien on all business assets of Torotel Products.
	On February 21, 2014, Torotel Products refinanced its mortgage note under the financing agreement with the Bank.  No cash proceeds were received as a result of the refinancing.  Prepayment of the new note up to $100,000 per year is allowed without penalty so long as these funds are generated through internal cash flow and not borrowed from a separate financial institution.  The new note is cross collateralized and cross defaulted with all other facilities of Torotel Products and is secured by a first real estate mortgage on the property located at 620 North Lindenwood Drive in Olathe, Kansas.
	The guidance line of credit is to be used for equipment purchases. Monthly repayments consisting of both interest and principal are required. This facility is cross collateralized and cross defaulted with all other facilities and is secured by a purchase money security interest in the assets purchased as well as a first lien on all business assets of Torotel Products.  Subsequent to April 30, 2014, we received proceeds from additional borrowing on our existing equipment loan to purchase additional machinery and equipment. Please see Note 16 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this activity.
	Torotel Products is also required to comply with specified financial covenants and as of April 30, 2014, Torotel was in compliance with these covenants.
	Information concerning Torotel's long-term indebtedness as of April 30 of each year is as follows:
		2014			2013
	Mortgage note payable to Commerce Bank, maturing December 2018	$	533,000		$	568,000
	Equipment loan note payable to Commerce Bank, maturing September 2015	116,000			195,000
	Capital lease obligations	2,000			32,000
		651,000			795,000
	Less: Current maturities	124,000			140,000
		$	527,000		$	655,000
	The amount of long-term debt maturities by year is as follows:
	Year Ending April 30,	Amount
	2015	$	124,000
	2016	74,000
	2017	41,000
	2018	42,000
	2019	370,000
		$	651,000

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Current tax expense
	Federal	$	24,000		$	8,000
	State	18,000			6,000
		42,000			14,000
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)
	Federal	(222,000		)	(203,000		)
	State	77,000			(29,000		)
		(145,000		)	(232,000		)
	Total income tax benefit	$	(103,000	)	$	(218,000	)
	The provision for income taxes reflected in the consolidated statements of operations differs from the amounts computed at the federal statutory tax rates.
	The principal differences between our statutory income tax expense and the effective provision for income taxes are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Computed tax expense at statutory rates	$	261,000		$	341,000
	Permanent differences	7,000			3,000
	State tax and credits	86,000			57,000
	Provision to Return Adjustment	336,000			—
	Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	(793,000		)	(619,000		)
		$	(103,000	)	$	(218,000	)
	During the year ended April 30, 2014, the Company recorded a reduction to its deferred tax assets based on the actual filing of its income tax returns related to the year ended April 30, 2013.  This amount is reflected above as the provision to return adjustment.  An offsetting reduction to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance was recorded at the same time.  These adjustments had no impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet or statement of operations.
	We have available as benefits to reduce future income taxes, subject to applicable limitations, estimated federal net operating loss carryforward amounts as described below. In addition, we have available to us federal and state tax credits that carry forward indefinitely.
	Year of Expiration	NOL
		Carryforwards
	2019	$	993,000
	2022	32,000
	2023	1,000
	2024	77,000
	2026	253,000
	2027	217,000
	2030	28,000
	2032	298,000
		$	1,899,000
	The following table summarizes the components of the net deferred income tax asset:
		2014			2013
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	646,000		$	1,095,000
	Inventory valuation reserve	146,000			146,000
	Amortization and impairment of intangibles	—			175,000
	Loss on equity and impairment in investee	421,000			427,000
	Tax credit carryforward	105,000			130,000
	Other	88,000			81,000
		1,406,000			2,054,000
	Less: valuation allowance	(421,000		)	(1,214,000		)
		$	985,000		$	840,000
	We record deferred income tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. As of April 30, 2014, we anticipate the realization of a portion of our deferred income tax assets. We have adjusted the valuation allowance accordingly in the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, which has reduced the provision for income taxes. The remaining valuation allowance is specifically related to impairment on an investment that would result in a capital loss for tax purposes that we do not anticipate realizing due to the absence of offsetting capital gain income.
	We evaluate the appropriateness of our deferred income tax asset valuation allowance on a quarterly basis and continue to consider positive and negative trends in our industry that could affect our determination. We believe that our current adjustment to the valuation allowance is appropriate due to anticipated stronger demand over the next few fiscal years related to a number of anticipated contract awards for new business in the aerospace and defense markets. We believe that this increase in demand should generate sufficient taxable earnings to enable us to realize our net deferred tax assets, except as discussed above. In addition to this, we have achieved consistent taxable earnings in recent fiscal years, we have established a recent history of utilizing our net deferred tax asset, our available carryforward periods of our net operating losses are of sufficient length and are at minimum risk of expiring unused, and our products are included in applications that generally have a longer lifecycle.
	The net deferred tax assets are presented in the accompanying April 30, 2014 and 2013 balance sheets as follows:
		2014			2013
	Current deferred income tax asset	$	177,000		$	183,000
	Noncurrent deferred income tax asset	808,000			657,000
		$	985,000		$	840,000
	As of April 30, 2014, the federal tax returns for the fiscal years ended 2009 through 2013 are open to audit until the statute of limitations closes for the years in which the net operating losses are utilized. We recognize interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits as well as interest received from favorable tax settlements within income tax expense. As of April 30, 2014, we recorded no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. We expect no significant change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefit, accrued interest or penalties within the next twelve months.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	We are obligated under several capital leases covering various computer hardware that expire at various dates during the next fiscal year. All of these leases are non-cancellable and are presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as long-term debt. At April 30, 2014 and 2013, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases were as follows:
		2014			2013
	Information technology equipment	$	16,000		$	104,000
	Less accumulated amortization	(14,000		)	(72,000		)
		$	2,000		$	32,000
	Amortization of assets held under capital lease is included with depreciation expense.
	As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into arrangements that obligate us to make future payments to various parties. Some of these contractual obligations are not reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets due to the nature of the obligations. Such obligations include operating leases for production space and for equipment. On December 20, 2013, we entered into a real estate lease agreement with 96-OP Prop, LLC to lease approximately 11,000 square feet for manufacturing electromechanical assemblies, and larger transformers.  This agreement commenced on March 1, 2014 and continues through February 29, 2016.  The lease agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 24, 2013.
	Minimum rent payments under operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease including any periods free of rent. Total rent expense for all operating leases for the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013 was $186,000 and $225,000, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) and future minimum capital lease payments as of April 30, 2014 are:
	Year Ending April 30,	Capital			Operating
		Leases			Leases
	2015	$	2,000		$	141,000
	2016	—			129,000
	2017	—			19,000
		$	2,000		$	289,000
	The future minimum capital lease payments of $3,000 include amounts representing interest of $1,000 which results in a present value of $2,000 for net minimum capital lease payments.

Employee_Incentive_Plans

Employee Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Employee Incentive Plans [Abstract]	'
Compensation Related Costs, General [Text Block]	'
	EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLANS
	Short-term Cash Incentive Plan
	The Short-term Cash Incentive Plan ("STIP") became effective for fiscal year 2008. The purpose of the STIP is to promote the long-term financial performance of Torotel by providing key employees with the opportunity to earn cash awards for accomplishing annual goals for Return on Capital Employed ("ROCE") as defined in the Plan, which was filed as Exhibit 10.8 of Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007, and is herein incorporated by reference. For the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total short-term cash incentive plan expense was $66,000 and $105,000, respectively.
	Long-term Incentive Plans
	The Long-term Incentive Plans ("LTIPs"), which consist of a Stock Award Plan and a Long-term Cash Incentive Plan, also became effective for fiscal year 2008. The purpose of the LTIPs is to provide incentives that will attract and retain highly competent persons as key employees to promote the long-term financial performance of Torotel by providing key employees an opportunity to earn stock and cash awards for accomplishing long-range goals for sales growth, earnings growth, ROCE and debt to equity, as defined and measured in the Stock Award Plan and the Long-term Cash Incentive Plan, which were filed as Exhibits 10.9 and 10.10 of Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007, and are herein incorporated by reference.
	Stock Award Plan
	The Stock Award Plan ("SAP"), which did not require shareholder approval, provides key employees the opportunity to acquire common stock of Torotel pursuant to awards earned for accomplishing goals that promote the long-term financial performance of Torotel. Under the terms of the SAP, stock awards are in the form of restricted stock having a 5-year restriction period, which shall lapse, based on certain conditions as outlined in the SAP. All stock awards are represented by a Restricted Stock Agreement, which afford the grantees all of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the award shares, including the right to vote such shares and to receive dividends and other distributions payable with respect to such shares since the Date of Award.
	Long-term Cash Incentive Plan
	The Long-term Cash Incentive Plan ("LTCIP") provides key employees with the opportunity to earn cash awards for accomplishing plan goals based on predetermined targets for average annual sales and earnings growth, ROCE and debt to equity. Under the terms of the LTCIP, awards will not be paid if Torotel's performance on any LTCIP metric is less than the threshold level of performance defined for that LTCIP metric. For the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total long-term cash incentive plan expense was $0 and $17,000, respectively.
	Performance Bonus
	We provided discretionary performance bonuses for employees not participating in the above incentive plans. Total expense for these bonuses was $107,000 and $51,000 for the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013.
	401(k) Retirement Plan
	We have a 401(k) Retirement Plan for Torotel Products' employees. Employer contributions to the Plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Employer contributions to the Plan for the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013 were $6,000 and $10,000, respectively.

Restricted_Stock

Restricted Stock	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENTS
	Restricted Stock Agreements are authorized by the Compensation and Nominating Committee ("Committee") and the Board of Directors of Torotel. The Committee and the Board have determined that the interests of Torotel and its stockholders will be promoted by hiring talented individuals and, to induce such individuals to accept employment with Torotel, the Committee and the Board believe a key component of such individuals' compensation should be granting equity ownership opportunities based upon the acceptance of employment and the continuing employment of such individual, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. The Restricted Stock Agreements afford the grantees all of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the award shares, including the right to vote such shares and to receive dividends and other distributions payable with respect to such shares since the Date of Award. Under the terms of each agreement, the non-vested shares are restricted as to disposition and subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances. The agreements further provide, subject to certain conditions, that if prior to all of the restricted shares having been released, we undergo a change in control, then all of the restricted shares shall be released and no longer subject to restrictions under the agreements. The restricted shares are treated as non-vested stock; accordingly, the fair value of the restricted stock at the date of award is offset against capital in excess of par value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under stockholders' equity.
	On September 2, 2009, we entered into Restricted Stock Agreements with two key employees (Messrs. Sizemore and Serrone) pursuant to the SAP. The aggregate amount of the restricted stock awards was 250,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share. These shares were transferred from treasury shares. Based on the market price of $0.27 for our common stock as of September 2, 2009, the fair value of the restricted stock at the date of award was $67,500. Stock compensation cost net of an appropriate pre-vesting forfeiture rate is recorded per quarter for the remainder of the vesting period provided the financial performance metrics as outlined in the SAP are likely to be attained. However, due to updated projections developed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, the likelihood of achieving the financial performance metrics as outlined in the Restricted Stock Agreement was classified as remote. As a result, we stopped amortizing the stock compensation cost associated with the restricted stock awarded on September 2, 2009 and recovered the previously amortized stock compensation cost of $42,000 in the third quarter ended January 31, 2013. The 250,000 shares associated with the restricted stock awards dated September 2, 2009, were reverted to treasury shares during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.
	On June 17, 2013, we entered into Restricted Stock Agreements with three key employees pursuant to the SAP. The aggregate amount of the restricted stock awards was 400,000 shares of common stock, 0.01 par value per share. These shares were transferred from treasury shares. Based on the market price of $0.50 for our common stock as of June 17, 2013, the fair value of the restricted stock at the date of award was $200,000. The form of the Restricted Stock Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.1to our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 19, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 10.1. The shares issued pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreements on June 17, 2013 are restricted and may not be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise disposed of until the restrictions lapse. The restrictions will lapse on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant if during the five (5) year restriction period, (1) Torotel's cumulative annual growth in earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") is at least 10% and (2) Torotel's average return on capital employed ("ROCE") is at least 25%. The restrictions will also lapse, if prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of grant, (1) the grantee's employment with Torotel is terminated by reason of disability, (2) the grantee dies, or (3) the Committee, in its sole discretion, terminates the restrictions. If the restrictions on such shares have not lapsed by the fifth anniversary of the date of grant, such shares will be forfeited to Torotel. Stock compensation cost net of an appropriate pre-vesting forfeiture rate is recorded per quarter for the remainder of the vesting period provided the financial performance metrics as outlined in the SAP are likely to be attained.
	Total stock compensation cost for the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013 was an expense of $34,000 and a credit of $36,000, respectively. Restricted stock activity for each period through April 30 is summarized as follows:
		2014				2013
		Restricted		Weighted		Restricted		Weighted
		Shares		Average		Shares		Average
		Under		Grant		Under		Grant
		Option		Price		Option		Price
	Outstanding at May 1	—		$	—	250,000		$	0.27
	Granted	400,000		$	0.5	—		$	—
	Vested	—		$	—	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(50,000	)	$	0.5	(250,000	)	$	0.27
	Outstanding at April 30	350,000		$	0.5	—		$	—

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	The changes in shares of common stock outstanding as of April 30 of each year are summarized as follows:
		2014		2013
	Balance, May 1	5,265,750		5,515,750
	Restricted stock activity	400,000		(250,000	)
	Treasury stock activity	(50,000	)	—
	Balance, April 30	5,615,750		5,265,750

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Per share amounts are computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during each period.
	The basic earnings per common share were computed as follows:
		2014			2013
	Net earnings	$	872,000		$	1,221,000
	Amounts allocated to participating securities (nonvested restricted shares)	(54,000		)	—
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	818,000		$	1,221,000
	Basic weighted average common shares	5,265,750			5,265,750
	Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.15		$	0.23
	ASC 260, Earnings per Share, provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are considered to be participating securities and must be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method.  Diluted earnings per share is not presented as we do not have any shares considered incremental and dilutive.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accrued liabilities as of April 30 of each year consist of the following:
		2014		2013
	Employee related expenses:
	Accrued payroll	$	385,000	$	298,000
	Accrued payroll taxes	$	17,000	$	53,000
	Accrued employee benefits	$	56,000	$	80,000
		$	458,000	$	431,000
	Other, including interest:
	Warranty reserve	$	21,000	$	13,000
	Property taxes	$	30,000	$	30,000
	Deferred director compensation	$	250,000	$	96,000
	Other	$	75,000	$	1,000
		$	376,000	$	140,000
		$	834,000	$	571,000

Information_About_Major_Custom

Information About Major Customers	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INFORMATION ABOUT MAJOR CUSTOMERS
	Sales to one major customer as a percentage of consolidated net sales as of April 30 of each year was the following:
		2014		2013
	Sales to a major customer as a % of net sales	44	%	49	%

Stock_Appreciation_Rights

Stock Appreciation Rights	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
SARS [Abstract]	'
Stock Appreciation Rights [Text Block]	'
	STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
	The board of directors of Torotel approved the Directors Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Plan") for non-employee directors in September 2004. This plan was filed as Exhibit 10.4 of the form 10-QSB for the quarter ended October 31, 2004.
	Each SAR granted as a part of the plan was eligible for exercise to the extent that the Grantee was vested in such SAR. The SARs vested according to the following schedule:
	Number of Years the Grantee has remained	Shares represented
	a Torotel director following the Date of Grant	by a SAR in which
		a Grantee is Vested
	Under one	—	%
	At least one but less than two	33	%
	At least two but less than three	67	%
	Three or more	100	%
	A Grantee became fully vested in each of his or her SARs under the following circumstances: (i) upon termination of the Grantee's service as a director of Torotel for reasons of death, disability or retirement; (ii) if the Compensation and Nominating Committee (the "Committee"), in its sole discretion, determines that acceleration of the SAR vesting schedule would be desirable for Torotel; or (iii) if Torotel shall, pursuant to action by its Board of Directors, at any time propose to merge into, consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation, and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation of outstanding SARs or for substitution of new SARs therefore, the Committee shall cause written notice of the proposed transaction to be given to each Grantee not less than twenty days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, and his or her SARs shall become fully vested and, prior to a date specified in such notice, which shall be not more than ten days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction, each Grantee shall have the right to exercise his or her SARs.
	In accordance with ASC 718, compensation expense was recognized over the vesting period based upon the estimated fair value of the SARs pursuant to the terms of the Plan using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model as of the end of each financial reporting period. The stock volatility rate was determined using the historical volatility rates of our common stock based on the weekly closing price of our stock. The expected life represents the actual life as well as the use of the simplified method prescribed by the SEC, which uses the average of the vesting period and expiration period of each group of SARs. The interest rates used were the government Treasury bill rate on the date of valuation. Dividend yield was based on the historical policy that we have not issued any form of dividend since 1985.
	On January 24, 2014, the Board terminated the Amended Plan by unanimous written consent of the members of the Board. The Amended Plan was terminated as part of Torotel’s plans to move toward different long-term performance-based awards, which are still under consideration. The Board consent authorizing the termination provides for vested SARS to be exercised within 75 days following the effective date of the termination as well as a one-time cash award equal to the cumulative and aggregate fair market value on the date of grant of any and all unvested SARS held by a grantee under the Plan. All payments related to the exercise of vested SARS and the one-time cash award for unvested SARS occurred on May 15, 2014, and amounted to $249,720.
	SARs transactions for each period through April 30 are summarized as follows:
		2014				2013
		SARs		Weighted		SARs	Weighted
		Under		Average		Under	Average
		Option		Grant		Option	Grant
				Price			Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	320,000		$	0.409	280,000	$	0.429
	Granted	40,000		$	0.41	40,000	$	0.27
	Exercised	(280,000	)	$	0.41	—	$	—
	Terminated	(80,000	)	$	0.387	—	$	—
	Outstanding at end of year	—		$	—	320,000	$	0.409
	SARs exercisable at end of year	—		$	—	243,300	$	0.419
	Weighted average fair value of SARs granted during the year			$	0.41		$	0.27
	The following information applies to SARs outstanding through April 30, 2013:
		2013
	Number outstanding	320,000
	Range of grant prices, upper limit	$	0.695
	Range of grant prices, lower limit	$	0.208
	Weighted average grant price	$	0.414
	Weighted average contractual life remaining (in years)	4.85
	10-day average market price	$	0.419
	Weighted average stock volatility	144.67		%
	Weighted average expected life	4.44
	Weighted average risk free rate	0.66		%
	Weighted average dividend yield	—		%
	Weighted average fair value price	$	0.389
	Total vested SARs	243,300
	Weighted average aggregate fair value	$	82,000
	Weighted average aggregate intrinsic value	$	16,000
	Total compensation expense (benefit)	$	135,000
	Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested SARs granted	$	15,000
	Expected period to recognize compensation expense related to non-vested SARs granted (in years)	1.67
	Total liability for SARs on consolidated balance sheets	$	96,000

Agreements_with_Related_Party

Agreements with Related Party	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	AGREEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTY
	Electronika's requirements for the ballast transformers are outsourced pursuant to a Manufacturing Agreement (“Agreement”) with Magnetika, a corporation owned by the Caloyeras family. Under the terms of the Agreement, Magnetika provides all necessary raw material, labor, testing, packaging and related services required to complete the manufacture, delivery and sale of the ballast transformers, and Electronika is obligated to order all of its ballast transformer requirements exclusively from Magnetika. Electronika retains ownership of all designs, drawings, specifications and intellectual property rights associated with the ballast transformers. In exchange for the services provided to Electronika under the Agreement, Magnetika receives 40% of the net sales price of all ballast transformers sold by Electronika. The initial 10 year term of the Agreement expired on April 1, 2012; however, pursuant to the terms, the Agreement continues on a year-to-year basis until cancelled by either party. In the fiscal year ended April 30, 2014, Electronika incurred costs of $1,000 for goods purchased on trade terms of net 20 days pursuant to the Agreement. Of the amount purchased, $3,000 was due and payable as of April 30, 2014. In the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, Electronika incurred costs of $2,000 for goods purchased. Of the amount purchased, $2,000 was due and payable as of April 30, 2013.

Customer_Deposits

Customer Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Customer Deposits [Abstract]	'
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
	For certain customers, we collect payment at the time the order is placed. These deposits are classified as a liability and will be recognized as revenue at the time of shipment in accordance with our revenue recognition policy. As of April 30, 2014 we had approximately $91,000 in customer deposits related to this arrangement.

SelfInsurance_Captive_Notes

Self-Insurance Captive (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Self-Insurance Captive [Abstract]	'
Self-Insurance Captive [Text Block]	'
	SELF-INSURANCE CAPTIVE
	We are a member of a limited liability company formed as an insurance association captive (the "captive") in order to provide partially self-insured health benefits to our employees that elect coverage under the plan. Our membership percentage in this captive is approximately 3% and represents an investment of $52,000. Therefore, our investment is accounted for utilizing the cost method of accounting. Our risk of loss is limited to our investment in the captive and we are not required to fund additional capital to the captive in the event of negative capital accounts. Our share of net income from the captive is based on our ratio of contribution to the captive. No income has been allocated in either fiscal year 2013 or 2014.
	We maintain a reserve for incurred but not reported medical claims and claim development. Our reserve is an estimate based on historical experience and other assumptions, some of which are subjective. We adjust our self-insured medical benefits reserve as we experience changes due to medical inflation, changes in the number of plan participants and changes to specific cases. Our total reserve for these claims for the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013 was $56,000 and $15,000 respectively.

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On May 22, 2014, Torotel borrowed additional funds on its guidance line for new equipment purchases. The principal amount is $100,000 with a maturity date of May 27, 2018 and an interest rate of 4.25%.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	'
	Torotel, Inc. ("Torotel") conducts business primarily through its wholly owned subsidiary, Torotel Products, Inc. ("Torotel Products"), but it also operates another wholly owned subsidiary Electronika, Inc. ("Electronika"). Another subsidiary, Torotel Manufacturing Corporation ("TMC"), provided manufacturing services to Torotel Products. TMC ceased activities on December 31, 2012. Torotel specializes in the custom design and manufacture of a wide variety of precision magnetic components, consisting of transformers, inductors, reactors, chokes, toroidal coils, high voltage transformers, dry-type transformers and electro-mechanical assemblies for use in aerospace, industrial and military electronics. Torotel also designs and distributes ballast transformers for the airline industry.
Principles of Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Torotel, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Torotel Products, Inc., Torotel Manufacturing Corporation, and Electronika, Inc. and subsidiary. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Significant estimates used in preparing these consolidated financial statements include those assumed in computing the carrying value of inventory, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets, and the reserve for warranty costs. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. Any changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known.
Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. We grant unsecured credit to most of our customers. We do not believe that we are exposed to any extraordinary credit risk as a result of this policy. At various times, and at April 30, 2014, cash balances exceeded federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in the cash accounts and we do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to our cash.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We determine fair value by utilizing a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:
	•	Level 1.    Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	•	Level 2.    Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
	•	Level 3.    Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider counterparty credit risk in the assessment of fair value.
	The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash, trade receivables and trade accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. As of April 30, 2014, the amount of our long-term debt approximates fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with a borrowing rate available to us. The inputs used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt are considered Level 2 inputs.
Treasury Stock, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Treasury Stock
	We utilize the weighted average cost method in accounting for treasury stock transactions.
Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when a fixed price contract or purchase order exists; delivery has occurred; and collection is reasonably assured. Selling terms are FOB Shipping Point so we consider our products delivered once they have been shipped and title and risk of loss have been transferred. Our consolidated net sales arising from contracts having deliveries scheduled over a period of more than one year for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 were approximately 40% and 40%, respectively, primarily because of the contract for the potted coil assembly.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Gross trade accounts receivable are offset with an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We review the allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis, and all past due balances are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged against the allowance when placed for collection. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The majority of the customer accounts are considered past due after the invoice becomes older than the customer's credit terms. Interest is not charged on past due accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of April 30, 2014 and 2013 was $12,000 and $12,000, respectively.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using a FIFO approximated weighted average cost method of valuation. Our industry is characterized by short-term customer commitments and changes in demand, as well as other market considerations. Provisions for obsolete and excess inventory are based on reviews of inventory usage, quantities on hand and latest product demand information from customers. Inventories are reviewed in detail utilizing a 12-month time horizon. Individual part numbers that have not had any usage or purchases in a 12-month time period and do not have any known usage requirements are categorized as obsolete; individual part numbers having more than a 12-month supply based on the current year's usage are categorized as excess. Once specific inventory has been identified as excess or obsolete, the cost of the identified inventory is fully reserved and the cost of the inventory is not recovered until it is sold. The reserve balance is analyzed for adequacy as part of the inventory review each quarter.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided in amounts sufficient to relate the costs of depreciable assets to operations primarily using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of three to five years for equipment and three and a half to twenty years for buildings and improvements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all short-term investments and demand deposits purchased with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes
	Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. An estimated effective tax rate for a year is applied to our quarterly operating results. In the event there is a significant or unusual item recognized in our quarterly operating results, the tax attributable to that item is separately calculated and recorded at the same time as that item. Tax law requires items to be included in our tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in our financial statements. As a result, our annual tax rate reflected in our financial statements is different than that reported in our tax returns (our cash tax rate). Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax returns in future years for which we have already recorded the tax benefit in our income statement. We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in our financial statements for which payment has been deferred, or expense for which we have already taken a deduction in our tax return but have not yet recognized as expense in our financial statements. The accounting for uncertainty in income taxes requires a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. If necessary, we record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and the tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. If applicable in a given year, tax-related interest and penalties are classified as a component of income tax expense.
Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]	'
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended April 30, 2014 and 2013 advertising costs were $20,000 and $4,000, respectively.
Warranty Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Warranty Costs
	We maintain a reserve for estimated warranty costs associated with products returned from customers. A limited warranty is provided for a period of one year which requires us to repair or replace defective products at no cost to the customer. The warranty reserve is based on historical experience and reflects management's best estimate of probable liability under the product warranties.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	We have a share-based compensation plan that includes restricted stock, which is described more fully in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We account for the share-based compensation plan in accordance with authoritative guidance under which the estimated fair value of share-based awards granted under our share-based compensation plan is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the award.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	New Accounting Guidance
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance containing changes to revenue recognition rules.  This statement is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with no early adoption permitted.  This will be effective for us beginning May 1, 2017.  We are currently analyzing the new guidance, and has not determined the impact on financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	955,000	$	850,000
	Work in process	261,000		281,000
	Finished goods	239,000		260,000
		$	1,455,000	$	1,391,000

Financing_Agreements_Tables

Financing Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Financing Agreements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
		Line of Credit			Mortgage note payable to Commerce Bank			Equipment loan note payable to Commerce Bank
	Face amount	$	500,000		$	542,000		$	500,000
	Proceeds received	—			542,000			380,000
	Unused borrowing capacity	500,000			—			236,000
	Amount previously repaid	—			9,000			264,000
	Total debt outstanding	$	—		$	533,000		$	116,000
	Rate	4		%	4.05		%	4.63		%
	Maturity date	27-Sep-14			27-Jan-19			26-Sep-15
	Monthly payment	$	—		$	4,873		$	7,123
	Additional Criteria	Borrowing base limited to 75% of eligible receivables			15 year amortization schedule			Advance rate equal to 80% of the price of the equipment purchased
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Mortgage note payable to Commerce Bank, maturing December 2018	$	533,000		$	568,000
	Equipment loan note payable to Commerce Bank, maturing September 2015	116,000			195,000
	Capital lease obligations	2,000			32,000
		651,000			795,000
	Less: Current maturities	124,000			140,000
		$	527,000		$	655,000
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Year Ending April 30,	Amount
	2015	$	124,000
	2016	74,000
	2017	41,000
	2018	42,000
	2019	370,000
		$	651,000

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Current tax expense
	Federal	$	24,000		$	8,000
	State	18,000			6,000
		42,000			14,000
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)
	Federal	(222,000		)	(203,000		)
	State	77,000			(29,000		)
		(145,000		)	(232,000		)
	Total income tax benefit	$	(103,000	)	$	(218,000	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Computed tax expense at statutory rates	$	261,000		$	341,000
	Permanent differences	7,000			3,000
	State tax and credits	86,000			57,000
	Provision to Return Adjustment	336,000			—
	Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	(793,000		)	(619,000		)
		$	(103,000	)	$	(218,000	)
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	'
	Year of Expiration	NOL
		Carryforwards
	2019	$	993,000
	2022	32,000
	2023	1,000
	2024	77,000
	2026	253,000
	2027	217,000
	2030	28,000
	2032	298,000
		$	1,899,000
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	646,000		$	1,095,000
	Inventory valuation reserve	146,000			146,000
	Amortization and impairment of intangibles	—			175,000
	Loss on equity and impairment in investee	421,000			427,000
	Tax credit carryforward	105,000			130,000
	Other	88,000			81,000
		1,406,000			2,054,000
	Less: valuation allowance	(421,000		)	(1,214,000		)
		$	985,000		$	840,000
Schedule of Current and Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Current deferred income tax asset	$	177,000		$	183,000
	Noncurrent deferred income tax asset	808,000			657,000
		$	985,000		$	840,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Information technology equipment	$	16,000		$	104,000
	Less accumulated amortization	(14,000		)	(72,000		)
		$	2,000		$	32,000
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]	'
	Year Ending April 30,	Capital			Operating
		Leases			Leases
	2015	$	2,000		$	141,000
	2016	—			129,000
	2017	—			19,000
		$	2,000		$	289,000

Restricted_Stock_Tables

Restricted Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
		2014				2013
		Restricted		Weighted		Restricted		Weighted
		Shares		Average		Shares		Average
		Under		Grant		Under		Grant
		Option		Price		Option		Price
	Outstanding at May 1	—		$	—	250,000		$	0.27
	Granted	400,000		$	0.5	—		$	—
	Vested	—		$	—	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(50,000	)	$	0.5	(250,000	)	$	0.27
	Outstanding at April 30	350,000		$	0.5	—		$	—

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	'
		2014		2013
	Balance, May 1	5,265,750		5,515,750
	Restricted stock activity	400,000		(250,000	)
	Treasury stock activity	(50,000	)	—
	Balance, April 30	5,615,750		5,265,750

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Net earnings	$	872,000		$	1,221,000
	Amounts allocated to participating securities (nonvested restricted shares)	(54,000		)	—
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	818,000		$	1,221,000
	Basic weighted average common shares	5,265,750			5,265,750
	Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.15		$	0.23

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
		2014		2013
	Employee related expenses:
	Accrued payroll	$	385,000	$	298,000
	Accrued payroll taxes	$	17,000	$	53,000
	Accrued employee benefits	$	56,000	$	80,000
		$	458,000	$	431,000
	Other, including interest:
	Warranty reserve	$	21,000	$	13,000
	Property taxes	$	30,000	$	30,000
	Deferred director compensation	$	250,000	$	96,000
	Other	$	75,000	$	1,000
		$	376,000	$	140,000
		$	834,000	$	571,000

Stock_Appreciation_Rights_Tabl

Stock Appreciation Rights (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
SARS [Abstract]	'
Stock Appreciation Rights Vesting Schedule [Table Text Block]	'
	Number of Years the Grantee has remained	Shares represented
	a Torotel director following the Date of Grant	by a SAR in which
		a Grantee is Vested
	Under one	—	%
	At least one but less than two	33	%
	At least two but less than three	67	%
	Three or more	100	%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]	'
		2014				2013
		SARs		Weighted		SARs	Weighted
		Under		Average		Under	Average
		Option		Grant		Option	Grant
				Price			Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	320,000		$	0.409	280,000	$	0.429
	Granted	40,000		$	0.41	40,000	$	0.27
	Exercised	(280,000	)	$	0.41	—	$	—
	Terminated	(80,000	)	$	0.387	—	$	—
	Outstanding at end of year	—		$	—	320,000	$	0.409
	SARs exercisable at end of year	—		$	—	243,300	$	0.419
	Weighted average fair value of SARs granted during the year			$	0.41		$	0.27
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
		2013
	Number outstanding	320,000
	Range of grant prices, upper limit	$	0.695
	Range of grant prices, lower limit	$	0.208
	Weighted average grant price	$	0.414
	Weighted average contractual life remaining (in years)	4.85
	10-day average market price	$	0.419
	Weighted average stock volatility	144.67		%
	Weighted average expected life	4.44
	Weighted average risk free rate	0.66		%
	Weighted average dividend yield	—		%
	Weighted average fair value price	$	0.389
	Total vested SARs	243,300
	Weighted average aggregate fair value	$	82,000
	Weighted average aggregate intrinsic value	$	16,000
	Total compensation expense (benefit)	$	135,000
	Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested SARs granted	$	15,000
	Expected period to recognize compensation expense related to non-vested SARs granted (in years)	1.67
	Total liability for SARs on consolidated balance sheets	$	96,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Advertising Expense	$20,000	$4,000
Percent of Revenue from Long Term Contracts	40.00%	40.00%
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$12,000	$12,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Inventory, Net	$1,455,000	$1,391,000
Raw Materials [Member]	'	'
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves	955,000	850,000
Work in Process [Member]	'	'
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves	261,000	281,000
Finished Goods [Member]	'	'
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	239,000	260,000
Inventory [Member]	'	'
Inventory, Net	$1,455,000	$1,391,000

Financing_Agreements_Details

Financing Agreements (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$651,000	$795,000
Current Maturities of Long Term Debt	-124,000	-140,000
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	527,000	655,000
Mortgages [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	533,000	568,000
Equipment Loan Note Payable [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	116,000	195,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$2,000	$32,000

Financing_Agreements_Maturitie

Financing Agreements Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Fiscal Year Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$124,000	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	74,000	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	41,000	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	42,000	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	370,000	'
Long-term Debt	$651,000	$795,000

Financing_Agreements_Schedule_

Financing Agreements Schedule of Debt (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
			Line of Credit [Member]	Mortgages [Member]	Equipment Loan Note Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Prepayment Allowed	'	'	'	$100,000	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	500,000	542,000	500,000
Proceeds Received	'	'	0	542,000	380,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	500,000	'	'
Mortgage Unused Amount	'	'	'	0	'
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	'	'	'	'	-236,000
Amount Paid	'	'	0	9,000	264,000
Short-term Debt	'	'	0	'	'
Long-term Debt	651,000	795,000	'	533,000	116,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	4.00%	4.05%	4.63%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	'	27-Sep-14	27-Jan-19	26-Sep-15
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	'	'	$0	$4,873	$7,123
Additional Debt Disclosure	'	'	'Borrowing base limited to 75% of eligible receivables	'15 year amortization schedule	'Advance rate equal to 80% of the price of the equipment purchased

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Computed tax expense (benefit) at statutory rates	$261,000	$341,000
Income Tax Reconciliation, Permanent Differences	7,000	3,000
Income Tax Reconciliation, State Tax Credits and Other	86,000	57,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Return to Provision Adjustment	336,000	0
Income Tax Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	-793,000	-619,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($103,000)	($218,000)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_the_C

Income Taxes Schedule of the Components of Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$24,000	$8,000
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	18,000	6,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	42,000	14,000
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-222,000	-203,000
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	77,000	-29,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-145,000	-232,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($103,000)	($218,000)

Income_Taxes_Operating_Loss_Ca

Income Taxes Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) (Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$1,899,000
2019 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-19
Operating Loss Carryforwards	993,000
2022 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-22
Operating Loss Carryforwards	32,000
2023 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-23
Operating Loss Carryforwards	1,000
2024 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-24
Operating Loss Carryforwards	77,000
2026 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-26
Operating Loss Carryforwards	253,000
2027 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-27
Operating Loss Carryforwards	217,000
2030 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-30
Operating Loss Carryforwards	28,000
2032 [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	30-Apr-32
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$298,000

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net Classification (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	$177,000	$183,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	808,000	657,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	$985,000	$840,000

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Components of Deferred Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	$646,000	$1,095,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	146,000	146,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Intangible Assets	0	175,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Impairment Losses	421,000	427,000
Tax Credit Carryforward, Deferred Tax Asset	105,000	130,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	88,000	81,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	1,406,000	2,054,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-421,000	-1,214,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	$985,000	$840,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Technology Equipment [Member], USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Technology Equipment [Member]	'	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	$16,000	$104,000
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation	-14,000	-72,000
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net	$2,000	$32,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$2,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	0
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	0
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	2,000
Operating Lease Obligations [Member]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	141,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	129,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	19,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	3,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$289,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Rent Expense (Details) (Operating Expense [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Operating Expense [Member]	'	'
Rent Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$186,000	$225,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies Present Value of Minimum Capital Lease Payments (Details) (Operating Lease Obligations [Member], USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014
Operating Lease Obligations [Member]	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$3,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	1,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	$2,000

Employee_Incentive_Plans_Detai

Employee Incentive Plans (Details) (Deferred Bonus [Member], USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Long Term [Member]	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
Incentive Plan Award	$0	$17,000
Short Term [Member]	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
Incentive Plan Award	$66,000	$105,000

Employee_Incentive_Plans_Defin

Employee Incentive Plans Defined Contribution Plans (Details) (Defined Contribution Pension [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension [Member]	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
401(k) Contributions by Employer	$6,000	$10,000

Employee_Incentive_Plans_Other

Employee Incentive Plans Other Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Performance Bonus [Member]	'	'
OtherLaborExpense [Line Items]	'	'
Other Labor-related Expenses	$107,000	$51,000
Short Term [Member] | Deferred Bonus [Member]	'	'
OtherLaborExpense [Line Items]	'	'
Incentive Plan Award	66,000	105,000
Long Term [Member] | Deferred Bonus [Member]	'	'
OtherLaborExpense [Line Items]	'	'
Incentive Plan Award	$0	$17,000

Restricted_Stock_Details

Restricted Stock (Details) (Stock Award Plan [Member], Restricted Stock [Member], Common Class A [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding at May 1	0	250,000
Restricted shares granted	400,000	0
Restricted shares vested	0	0
Restricted shares forfeited	-50,000	-250,000
Outstanding at April 30	350,000	0
Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	0	0.27
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	0.5	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	0	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeitures	0.5	0.27
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	0.5	0

Restricted_Stock_2009_Agreemen

Restricted Stock 2009 Agreement (Details) (2009 Tranche [Member], Restricted Stock [Member], Common Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Sep. 02, 2009
2009 Tranche [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Restricted Stock 2009 Agreement [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Shares Granted	'	250,000
Par Value of Shares Granted	'	$0.01
Grant Date Stock Price	'	$0.27
Fair Value on Grant Date	'	$67,500
Restricted Stock Forfeiture Recovery	($42,000)	'

Restricted_Stock_Stock_Compens

Restricted Stock Stock Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock Compensation Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$154,000	$44,000
Stock Award Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Restricted Stock Compensation Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$34,000	$36,000

Restricted_Stock_2013_Agreemen

Restricted Stock 2013 Agreement (Details) (2013 Tranche [Member], Restricted Stock [Member], Common Stock [Member], USD $)	Jun. 17, 2013
2013 Tranche [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Restricted Stock 2013 Agreement Schedule [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares Granted	400,000
Par Value of Shares Granted	$0.01
Grant Date Stock Price	$0.50
Fair Value on Grant Date	$200,000

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Stock by Class (Details) (Common Stock [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Common Stock Outstanding at May 1	5,265,750	5,515,750
Restricted Stock Activity	-400,000	-250,000
Treasury Stock Activity	-50,000	0
Common Stock Outstanding at April 30	5,615,750	5,265,750

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$872,000	$1,221,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.15	$0.23
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	872,000	1,221,000
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities	-54,000	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$818,000	$1,221,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	5,265,750	5,265,750
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.15	$0.23

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued Payroll, Current	$385,000	$298,000
Accrued Payroll Taxes, Current	17,000	53,000
Accrued Employee Benefits, Current	56,000	80,000
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	458,000	431,000
Product Warranty Accrual	21,000	13,000
Property Tax Accrual, Current	30,000	30,000
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current	250,000	96,000
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	75,000	1,000
Total Other Accrued Liabilities	376,000	140,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current	$834,000	$571,000

Information_About_Major_Custom1

Information About Major Customers (Details) (Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member], Customer Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	44.00%	49.00%

Stock_Appreciation_Rights_Deta

Stock Appreciation Rights (Details) (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
SARS Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	320,000
Stock Appreciation Rights, Weighted Average Grant Price	$0.41
Stock Appreciation Rights, Weighted Average Contractual Life Remaining	4.85
Stock Appreciation Rights, Weighted Average Market Price	$0.42
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	144.67%
Weighted Average Expected Life	4.44
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.66%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights, Weighted Average Fair Value Price	$0.39
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	243,300
Weighted Average Aggregate Fair Value	$82,000
Weighted Average Aggregate Intrinsic Value	16,000
Stock Appreciation Rights, Compensation Expense	135,000
Unrecognized Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested SARS Granted	15,000
Expected Period to Recognize Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested SARSs Granted	1.67
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent	$96,000
Maximum [Member]	'
SARS Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]	'
Stock Appreciation Rights, Upper Range of Grant Price	$0.70
Minimum [Member]	'
SARS Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]	'
Stock Appreciation Rights, Lower Range of Grant Price	$0.21

Stock_Appreciation_Rights_Stoc

Stock Appreciation Rights Stock Appreciation Rights Rollforward (Details) (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding at Beginning of Year	320,000	280,000
SARs Granted	40,000	40,000
SARs Exercised	-280,000	0
SARs Forfeited	-80,000	0
Outstanding at Ending of Year	0	320,000
SARs Exercisable at End of Year	0	243,300
Weighted Average [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average at Beginning of Year	0.409	0.429
Weighted Average Granted	0.41	0.27
Weighted Average Exercised	0.41	0
Weighted Average Forfeitures	0.387	0
Weighted Average at Ending of Year	0	0.409
Weighted Average Fair Value of SARs Granted During the Year	0.41	0.27
Weighted Average SARs Exercisable at End of Year	0	0.419

Stock_Appreciation_Rights_Stoc1

Stock Appreciation Rights Stock Appreciation Rights Vesting Schedule (Details) (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'
Vesting Schedule [Line Items]	'
Vested In Under One Year	0.00%
Vested At Least One But Less Than Two Years	33.00%
Vested At Least Two But Less Than Three Years	67.00%
Vested Three or More Years	100.00%

Stock_Appreciation_Rights_Term

Stock Appreciation Rights Termination Liability (Details) (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member], USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'
Stock Appreciation Rights Termination [Line Items]	'
Stock Appreciation Rights Termination	$249,720

Agreements_with_Related_Party_

Agreements with Related Party (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Rate	40.00%	'
Related Party Transaction, Description of Transaction	'10	'
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$1,000	$2,000
Due to Related Parties, Current	$3,000	$2,000

Customer_Deposits_Details

Customer Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Customer Advances and Deposits [Line Items]	'	'
Customer deposits	$91,000	$608,000
Customer Deposits [Member]	'	'
Customer Advances and Deposits [Line Items]	'	'
Customer deposits	$91,000	'

SelfInsurance_Captive_Details

Self-Insurance Captive (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Captive Investment Percentage [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Self-Insurance [Line Items]	'	'
Captive investment Percentage	3.00%	'
Captive Insurance Investment [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Self-Insurance [Line Items]	'	'
Captive Insurance Investment	$52,000	'
Self-Insurance Accrual [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Self-Insurance [Line Items]	'	'
Self-Insurance Accrual	$56,000	$15,000

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	22-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'	'
		SUBSEQUENT EVENT
		On May 22, 2014, Torotel borrowed additional funds on its guidance line for new equipment purchases. The principal amount is $100,000 with a maturity date of May 27, 2018 and an interest rate of 4.25%.
Subsequent Event, Date	22-May-14	'

Subsequent_Event_Long_Term_Deb

Subsequent Event Long Term Debt (Details) (Notes Payable to Banks [Member], USD $)	22-May-14
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.25%
Notes Payable to Bank	$100,000