Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
May. 02, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company”). As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Fiscal Reporting Periods	Financial Reporting Periods. We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two or fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2013 represent fifty-two weeks of results and fiscal 2014 represents fifty-three weeks of results.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We carry accounts receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, we record an allowance for uncollectible receivables based upon past transaction history with customers, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of net receivables. A change to the allowance for uncollectible amounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectability of a specific account. We do not require collateral for our accounts receivable balances. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.
Inventories	Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment. Properties are stated on the basis of cost. We amortize such costs by annual charges to income, computed on the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for financial reporting purposes. Accelerated methods are generally used for income tax purposes.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue on product sales when i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, ii) the price is fixed or determinable, iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and iv) collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured. Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discounts and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment. Revenue from cabling infrastructure systems installations is recognized when the installation is completed, tested and accepted by the customer. We do not have any additional obligations or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products. We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned. Return costs were not significant in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of products sold.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currencies of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries are their local currencies. The results of operations of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates. Adjustments from the translation process are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the foreign subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in other (income)/expense.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event that the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value is recorded.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Goodwill and Other Intangibles. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. We review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment are identified. We evaluate goodwill using a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test. Our qualitative screen includes an assessment of certain factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, the movement of our share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not the reporting units' fair value is less than the carrying amount. Although we believe the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions used could produce a different result. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then we would perform a two-step impairment test (a quantitative analysis). We may also elect to proceed directly to the two-step impairment analysis without considering such qualitative factors. In the first step of the two-step impairment test, fair values are primarily established using a discounted cash flow methodology (specifically, the income approach). The determination of discounted cash flows is based on our long-range forecasts and requires assumptions related to revenue and operating income growth, asset-related expenditures, working capital levels, and other market participant assumptions. The revenue growth rates included in the forecasts are our best estimates based on current and anticipated market conditions, and the profitability assumptions are projected based on current and anticipated cost structures. Long-range forecasting involves uncertainty which increases with each successive period. Key assumptions, such as revenue growth rates and profitability, especially in the outer years involve a greater degree of uncertainty.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs. Costs associated with the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products are charged to expense when incurred.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments. The carrying values of our short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. We have no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Recently Issued/Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard requires a retrospective application in order to reflect the period specific effects of applying the new guidance. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have any significant effect on our ongoing financial reporting. In May 2014, the FASB issued update 2014-09, ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. In April 2015, the FASB issued an exposure draft that would delay by one year the effective date of its new revenue recognition standard. Management is assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. The new accounting standard is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have any significant effect on our ongoing financial reporting. In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items from generally accepted accounting principles. The standard does not affect disclosure guidance for events or transactions that are unusual in nature or infrequent in their occurrence. The ASU is effective in annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard allows prospective or retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted if applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have any significant effect on our ongoing financial reporting. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. To qualify as a discontinued operation under the guidance, a component or group of components of an entity that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale must represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. This guidance also expands related disclosure requirements. We early adopted this standard in our current fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

May. 02, 2015

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company”). As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Fiscal Reporting Periods

Financial Reporting Periods. We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two or fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2013 represent fifty-two weeks of results and fiscal 2014 represents fifty-three weeks of results.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We carry accounts receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, we record an allowance for uncollectible receivables based upon past transaction history with customers, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of net receivables. A change to the allowance for uncollectible amounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectability of a specific account. We do not require collateral for our accounts receivable balances. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment. Properties are stated on the basis of cost. We amortize such costs by annual charges to income, computed on the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for financial reporting purposes. Accelerated methods are generally used for income tax purposes.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue on product sales when i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, ii) the price is fixed or determinable, iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and iv) collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured. Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discounts and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment. Revenue from cabling infrastructure systems installations is recognized when the installation is completed, tested and accepted by the customer. We do not have any additional obligations or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products. We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned. Return costs were not significant in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of products sold.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currencies of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries are their local currencies. The results of operations of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates. Adjustments from the translation process are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the foreign subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in other (income)/expense.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event that the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value is recorded.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. We review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment are identified.

We evaluate goodwill using a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test.

Our qualitative screen includes an assessment of certain factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, the movement of our share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not the reporting units' fair value is less than the carrying amount. Although we believe the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions used could produce a different result. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then we would perform a two-step impairment test (a quantitative analysis). We may also elect to proceed directly to the two-step impairment analysis without considering such qualitative factors.

In the first step of the two-step impairment test, fair values are primarily established using a discounted cash flow methodology (specifically, the income approach). The determination of discounted cash flows is based on our long-range forecasts and requires assumptions related to revenue and operating income growth, asset-related expenditures, working capital levels, and other market participant assumptions. The revenue growth rates included in the forecasts are our best estimates based on current and anticipated market conditions, and the profitability assumptions are projected based on current and anticipated cost structures. Long-range forecasting involves uncertainty which increases with each successive period. Key assumptions, such as revenue growth rates and profitability, especially in the outer years involve a greater degree of uncertainty.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs. Costs associated with the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products are charged to expense when incurred.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments. The carrying values of our short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. We have no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Recently Issued/Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard requires a retrospective application in order to reflect the period specific effects of applying the new guidance. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have any significant effect on our ongoing financial reporting.

In May 2014, the FASB issued update 2014-09, ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. In April 2015, the FASB issued an exposure draft that would delay by one year the effective date of its new revenue recognition standard. Management is assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. The new accounting standard is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have any significant effect on our ongoing financial reporting.

In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items from generally accepted accounting principles. The standard does not affect disclosure guidance for events or transactions that are unusual in nature or infrequent in their occurrence. The ASU is effective in annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard allows prospective or retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted if applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have any significant effect on our ongoing financial reporting.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. To qualify as a discontinued operation under the guidance, a component or group of components of an entity that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale must represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. This guidance also expands related disclosure requirements. We early adopted this standard in our current fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.