Finisar (FNSR) 10-K 17 Jun 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	Jun. 10, 2016	Nov. 01, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FINISAR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1,094,739
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--05-01
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	May 1, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		107,706,776
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 905

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 299,221	$ 197,443
Short-term investments	263,255	292,748
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $727 at May 1, 2016 and $1,136 at May 3, 2015	249,257	213,234
Accounts receivable, other	44,576	40,650
Inventories	273,291	283,670
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	18,483	36,518
Total current assets	1,148,083	1,064,263
Property, equipment and improvements, net	348,613	315,777
Purchased intangible assets, net	18,388	27,188
Goodwill	106,736	106,736
Minority investments	4,051	2,847
Other assets	21,118	35,071
Total assets	1,646,989	1,551,882
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	141,591	131,510
Accrued compensation	36,084	24,918
Other current liabilities	42,206	39,239
Deferred revenue	13,529	9,850
Total current liabilities	233,410	205,517
Long-term liabilities:
Convertible debt	231,011	221,406
Other non-current liabilities	14,882	21,166
Total liabilities	$ 479,303	$ 448,089
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized, 107,696,314 shares issued and outstanding at May 1, 2016 and 104,131,817 shares issued and outstanding at May 3, 2015	108	104
Additional paid-in capital	2,605,859	2,551,114
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(25,188)	861
Accumulated deficit	(1,413,093)	(1,448,286)
Total stockholders' equity	1,167,686	1,103,793
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,646,989	$ 1,551,882

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 727	$ 1,136
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	750,000,000	750,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	107,696,314	104,131,817
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	107,696,314	104,131,817

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,263,166	$ 1,250,944	$ 1,156,833
Cost of revenues	901,316	888,573	754,773
Amortization of acquired developed technology	6,129	5,739	5,061
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,071	5,722	0
Gross profit	354,650	350,910	396,999
Operating expenses:
Research and development	203,389	202,089	183,355
Sales and marketing	46,619	46,178	46,547
General and administrative	60,117	72,856	53,214
Amortization of purchased intangibles	2,672	2,948	2,468
Impairment of long-lived assets	830	45	0
Total operating expenses	313,627	324,116	285,584
Income from operations	41,023	26,794	111,415
Interest income	2,345	1,811	1,319
Interest expense	(11,750)	(12,022)	(5,547)
Other income (expense), net	3,213	4,099	7,234
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest	34,831	20,682	114,421
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(362)	8,795	2,884
Consolidated net income	35,193	11,887	111,537
Adjust for net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	250
Net income attributable to Finisar Corporation	$ 35,193	$ 11,887	$ 111,787
Net income per share attributable to Finisar Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.12	$ 1.16
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.11	$ 1.09
Shares used in computing net income per share:
Basic (shares)	106,678	101,408	95,979
Diluted (shares)	108,870	104,970	104,112

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 35,193	$ 11,887	$ 111,537
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	(26,049)	(19,164)	(8,500)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(26,049)	(19,164)	(8,500)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	9,144	(7,277)	103,037
Adjust for comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest, net of tax	0	0	250
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Finisar Corporation	$ 9,144	$ (7,277)	$ 103,287

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Total Finisar Stockholders’ Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Apr. 28, 2013			93,778,620
Beginning balance at Apr. 28, 2013	$ 812,515	$ 806,805	$ 94	$ 2,350,146	$ 28,525	$ (1,571,960)	$ 5,710
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	111,537	111,787				111,787	(250)
Other comprehensive loss, net	(8,500)	(8,500)			(8,500)
Issuance of shares pursuant to equity plans, net of tax withholdings (in shares)			2,805,276
Issuance of shares pursuant to equity plans, net of tax withholdings	9,293	9,293	$ 3	9,290
Issuance of shares pursuant to employee stock purchase plan (in shares)			608,946
Issuance of shares pursuant to employee stock purchase plan	7,563	7,563		7,563
Share-based compensation expense	37,966	37,966		37,966
Employer contribution in defined contribution retirement plan (in shares)			88,823
Employer contribution to defined contribution retirement plan	2,228	2,228		2,228
Equity component of senior convertible notes, net of allocated issuance costs	48,917	48,917		48,917
Sale of controlling interest	(5,460)						(5,460)
Issuance of shares upon conversion of convertible debt	0
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 27, 2014			97,281,665
Ending balance at Apr. 27, 2014	1,016,059	1,016,059	$ 97	2,456,110	20,025	(1,460,173)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	11,887	11,887				11,887
Other comprehensive loss, net	(19,164)	(19,164)			(19,164)
Issuance of shares pursuant to equity plans, net of tax withholdings (in shares)			2,453,668
Issuance of shares pursuant to equity plans, net of tax withholdings	(751)	(751)	$ 3	(754)
Issuance of shares pursuant to employee stock purchase plan (in shares)			525,032
Issuance of shares pursuant to employee stock purchase plan	8,584	8,584		8,584
Share-based compensation expense	44,600	44,600		44,600
Employer contribution in defined contribution retirement plan (in shares)			122,979
Employer contribution to defined contribution retirement plan	2,563	2,563		2,563
Issuance of shares upon conversion of convertible debt (in shares)			3,748,473
Issuance of shares upon conversion of convertible debt	40,015	40,015	$ 4	40,011
Ending balance (in shares) at May. 03, 2015			104,131,817
Ending balance at May. 03, 2015	1,103,793	1,103,793	$ 104	2,551,114	861	(1,448,286)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	35,193	35,193				35,193
Other comprehensive loss, net	(26,049)	(26,049)			(26,049)
Issuance of shares pursuant to equity plans, net of tax withholdings (in shares)			2,761,884
Issuance of shares pursuant to equity plans, net of tax withholdings	(1,920)	(1,920)	$ 3	(1,923)
Issuance of shares pursuant to employee stock purchase plan (in shares)			639,149
Issuance of shares pursuant to employee stock purchase plan	8,981	8,981	$ 1	8,980
Share-based compensation expense	45,243	45,243		45,243
Employer contribution in defined contribution retirement plan (in shares)			163,464
Employer contribution to defined contribution retirement plan	2,445	2,445		2,445
Issuance of shares upon conversion of convertible debt	0
Ending balance (in shares) at May. 01, 2016			107,696,314
Ending balance at May. 01, 2016	$ 1,167,686	$ 1,167,686	$ 108	$ 2,605,859	$ (25,188)	$ (1,413,093)	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Operating activities
Net income attributable to Finisar Corporation	$ 35,193	$ 11,887	$ 111,787
Adjust for net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	(250)
Consolidated net income	35,193	11,887	111,537
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	85,264	82,699	62,013
Amortization	9,416	9,374	8,136
Stock-based compensation expense	47,508	46,613	39,955
Equity in earnings of equity method investment	(1,200)	(730)	(585)
(Gain) loss on sale or retirement of assets and asset disposal groups	(405)	(1,955)	(8,313)
Impairment of long-lived assets	1,901	5,767	0
Amortization of discount on 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033	9,604	9,153	3,151
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(36,023)	12,238	(74,238)
Inventories	(4,221)	(37,542)	(62,864)
Other assets	14,800	(17,098)	(33,436)
Accounts payable	10,081	12,024	33,965
Accrued compensation	11,166	(17,505)	4,580
Deferred revenue	3,679	(5,816)	5,505
Other liabilities	(3,163)	4,488	9,709
Net cash provided by operating activities	183,600	113,597	99,115
Investing activities
Additions to property, equipment and improvements	(118,825)	(149,193)	(130,191)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and asset disposal groups	844	2,477	1,483
Purchases of short-term investments	(261,179)	(462,935)	(209,922)
Maturities of short-term investments	290,542	380,276	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(2,728)	(21,155)
Proceeds from sale of minority investments	0	1,470	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(88,618)	(230,633)	(359,785)
Financing activities
Proceeds from term loans	0	0	4,230
Repayments of term loans	(265)	(337)	(3,676)
Proceeds from issuance of 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033, net of issuance costs	0	0	255,000
Proceeds from issuance of shares under equity plans and employee stock purchase plan	7,061	11,715	19,141
Net cash provided by financing activities	6,796	11,378	274,695
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	101,778	(105,658)	14,025
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	197,443	303,101	289,076
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	299,221	197,443	303,101
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	1,314	2,340	2,067
Cash paid for taxes	9,590	4,984	3,660
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029	$ 0	$ 40,015	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)	May 03, 2015
0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033
Interest rate	0.50%
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029
Interest rate	5.00%

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Company has a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to the last day of April in each year. Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 had 52, 53, and 52 weeks, respectively, and fiscal 2017 will have 52 weeks. Fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 was a 14-week quarter. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Finisar Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively “Finisar” or the “Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Non-controlling interest represents the minority shareholders' proportionate share of the net assets and results of operations of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Finisar Korea, prior to its sale in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenue transactions consist predominately of sales of products to customers. Product revenues are generally recognized in the period in which persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, generally upon shipment, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. At the time revenue is recognized, the Company establishes an accrual for estimated warranty expenses associated with sales, recorded as a component of cost of revenues. The Company’s customers generally do not have return rights. However, the Company has established an allowance for estimated customer returns, based on historical experience, which is netted against revenue. Sales to certain distributors are made under agreements providing distributor price adjustments and rights of return under certain circumstances. Revenue and costs relating to sales to distributors with price protection and rights of return are deferred until products are sold by the distributors to end customers. Revenue recognition depends on notification from the distributor that product has been sold to the end customer. Also reported by the distributor are product resale price, quantity and end customer shipment information, as well as inventory on hand. Deferred revenue on shipments to distributors reflects the effects of distributor price adjustments and the amount of gross margin expected to be realized when distributors sell-through products purchased from us. Accounts receivable from distributors are recognized and inventory is relieved when title to inventories transfers, typically upon shipment from us at which point we have a legally enforceable right to collection under normal payment terms. Segment Reporting The Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) authoritative guidance regarding segment reporting establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company has determined that it operates in one reportable segment comprising optical subsystems and components. Optical subsystems consist primarily of transceivers sold to manufacturers of storage and networking equipment for data communication and telecommunication applications. Optical subsystems also include multiplexers, de-multiplexers and optical add/drop modules for use in telecommunication applications. Optical components consist primarily of packaged lasers and photo-detectors which are incorporated in transceivers for data communication and telecommunication applications. Concentrations of Risk Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment and accounts receivable. The Company invests only in high-quality credit instruments and maintains its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments with several high-quality credit financial institutions. Deposits held with banks, including those held in foreign branches of global banks, may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Concentrations of credit risk, with respect to accounts receivable, exist to the extent of amounts presented in the financial statements. Generally, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses based on historical experience and other information available to management. Losses to date have not been material. The Company’s ten largest customers represented 55% and 46% of total accounts receivable at May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 , respectively. One customer, Huawei, represented 18% of total accounts receivable as of May 1, 2016 . No customers accounted for over 10% of total accounts receivable as of May 3, 2015 . Sales to the Company’s ten largest customers represented 56% , 55% and 58% of total revenues during fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Two customers, Huawei and Cisco Systems, represented 12% and 11% , respectively, of total revenues during fiscal 2016 . One customer, Cisco Systems, represented 14% and 17% of total revenues during fiscal 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company relies on single and limited suppliers for a number of key components. The Company relies primarily on a limited number of significant independent contract manufacturers for the production of certain key components and subassemblies, including lasers, modulators, and printed circuit boards. Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at May 1, 2016 are the net assets of the Company’s operations located at its overseas facilities totaling approximately $517.7 million . Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Any translation adjustments resulting from this process are shown separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net income (loss). Included in the determination of net income (loss) for fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were $1.2 million , $479,000 and $2.5 million , respectively, of losses on foreign currency transactions. Research and Development Research and development expenditures are charged to operations as incurred. Shipping and Handling Costs The Company records costs related to shipping and handling in cost of sales for all periods presented. Cash and Cash Equivalents Finisar’s cash equivalents consist of money market funds and highly liquid short-term investments with qualified financial institutions. Finisar considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Minority Investments The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in companies that do not have a readily determinable fair value in which it holds an interest of less than 20% and over which it does not have the ability to exercise significant influence. For entities in which the Company holds an interest of greater than 20% or in which the Company does have the ability to exercise significant influence, the Company uses the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company's proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. Such proportionate share of earnings or losses is included in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. In determining if and when a decline in the market value of these investments below their carrying value is other-than-temporary, the Company evaluates the market conditions, offering prices, trends of earnings and cash flows, price multiples, prospects for liquidity and other key measures of performance. The Company’s policy is to recognize an impairment in the value of its minority equity investments when clear evidence of an impairment exists. Factors considered in this assessment include (a) the completion of a new equity financing that may indicate a new value for the investment, (b) the failure to complete a new equity financing arrangement after seeking to raise additional funds or (c) the commencement of proceedings under which the assets of the business may be placed in receivership or liquidated to satisfy the claims of debt and equity stakeholders. The Company’s minority investments in private companies are generally made in exchange for preferred stock with a liquidation preference that is intended to help protect the underlying value of its investment. Fair Value Accounting The FASB authoritative guidance regarding fair valuation defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements. The guidance requires or permits fair value measurements with certain exclusions. It provides that a fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under this guidance must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. It describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following: Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company's own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s Level 1 assets include instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets, which generally include money market funds. The Company classifies items in Level 2 if the investments are valued using observable inputs to quoted market prices, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. These investments include commercial papers and certificates of deposit. See Note 12 for additional details regarding the fair value of the Company’s investments. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where, subsequent to delivery, the Company becomes aware of a customer’s potential inability to meet its obligations, it records a specific allowance for the doubtful account to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due and historical actual bad debt history. A material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company could result in a material reduction in the estimated amount of accounts receivable that can ultimately be collected and an increase in the Company’s general and administrative expenses for the shortfall. Accounts receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified as fully uncollectable. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. The Company permanently writes down to its estimated net realizable value the cost of inventory that the Company specifically identifies and considers obsolete or excessive to fulfill future sales estimates. The Company defines obsolete inventory as inventory that will no longer be used in the manufacturing process. Excess inventory is generally defined as inventory in excess of projected usage and is determined using management’s best estimate of future demand, based upon information then available to the Company. The Company also considers: (1) parts and subassemblies that can be used in alternative finished products, (2) parts and subassemblies that are unlikely to be engineered out of the Company’s products, and (3) known design changes which would reduce the Company’s ability to use the inventory as planned. Inventory on hand that is in excess of future demand is written down to its estimated net realizable value. Obligations to purchase inventory acquired by subcontractors based on forecasts provided by the Company are recognized at the time such obligations arise. Property, Equipment and Improvements Property, equipment and improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property, equipment and improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three years to seven years, except for buildings which are depreciated over 25 to 30 years . Land is carried at acquisition cost and not depreciated. Leased land is depreciated over the life of the lease. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill, purchased technology and other intangible assets resulting from acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of purchased technology and other intangibles has been recorded on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to 15 years. Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change between annual impairment tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit holding the goodwill below its carrying value. Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company periodically evaluates whether changes have occurred to long-lived assets that would require revision of the remaining estimated useful life of the property, improvements and finite-lived intangible assets or render them not recoverable. If such circumstances arise, the Company uses an estimate of the undiscounted value of expected future operating cash flows to determine whether the long-lived assets are impaired. If the aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, the resulting impairment charge to be recorded is calculated based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of such assets, with the fair value determined based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows. Restructuring Costs The Company recognizes liability for exit and disposal activities when the liability is incurred. Facilities consolidation charges are calculated using estimates and are based upon the remaining future lease commitments for vacated facilities from the date of facility consolidation, net of estimated future sublease income. The estimated costs of vacating these leased facilities are based on market information and trend analysis, including information obtained from third party real estate sources. Stock-Based Compensation Expense The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values. The Company uses the grant-date fair value of its common stock to determine the fair value of restricted stock units. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options and employee stock purchases. The fair value of the portion of the awards that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of operations under the single-option approach on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods. Income Taxes The Company uses the liability method to account for income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities and their reported amounts, along with net operating loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards. This method also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company provides for income taxes based upon the geographic composition of worldwide earnings and tax regulations governing each region. The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Also, the Company’s current effective tax rate assumes that United States income taxes are not provided for the undistributed earnings of non-United States subsidiaries. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of all foreign corporate subsidiaries for past and subsequent accumulated earnings. Recent and Pending Adoption of New Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB, jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board, issued a comprehensive new standard on revenue recognition from contracts with customers. The standard's core principle is that a reporting entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying this new guidance to contracts within its scope, an entity will: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligation in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Additionally, this new guidance would require significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. Provisions of this new standard are effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those annual periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a deferral of this standard's effective date by one year. The proposed deferral allows early adoption at the original effective date. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this new guidance. The Company is currently evaluating timing and method of adoption and potential effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows from adoption of this standard. In November 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and non-current. The Company early adopted this update in fiscal 2016 on a prospective basis. Accordingly, in the consolidated balance sheet as of May 1, 2016, $6.5 million of deferred tax assets were reclassified from prepaid and other current assets to other assets and $1.8 million of deferred tax liabilities were reclassified from other current liabilities to other non-current liabilities. In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which replaces the current lease accounting standard. The update will require, among other items, lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for most leases. Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the timing of adoption and potential effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows from adoption of this update. From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows upon adoption.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic net income (loss) per share has been computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share has been computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential common shares from stock options and restricted stock units (under the treasury stock method), 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (on an as-if-converted basis), and 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 (under the treasury stock method) outstanding during the period. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Numerator: Net income attributable to Finisar Corporation $ 35,193 $ 11,887 $ 111,787 Numerator for basic income per share $ 35,193 $ 11,887 $ 111,787 Effect of dilutive securities: Interest expense on 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 n/a — 2,157 Numerator for diluted income per share $ 35,193 $ 11,887 $ 113,944 Denominator: Denominator for basic income per share - weighted average shares 106,678 101,408 95,979 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock units 2,192 3,562 4,385 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 n/a — 3,748 Dilutive potential common shares 2,192 3,562 8,133 Denominator for diluted income per share 108,870 104,970 104,112 Net income per share attributable to Finisar Corporation common stockholders: Basic $ 0.33 $ 0.12 $ 1.16 Diluted $ 0.32 $ 0.11 $ 1.09 The following table presents common shares related to potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Stock options and restricted stock units 3,069 880 1,057 Conversion of 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 n/a — — Conversion of 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 (1) — — — 3,069 880 1,057 (1) 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method since the conversion price exceeded the average market price for the Company's common stock.

Intangible Assets Including Goo

Intangible Assets Including Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill	Intangible Assets Including Goodwill The following tables reflect intangible assets as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 : May 1, 2016 (in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Purchased technology $ 107,759 $ (96,875 ) $ 10,884 Purchased trade name 1,172 (1,172 ) — Purchased customer relationships 21,344 (15,700 ) 5,644 Purchased internal use software and backlog 2,816 (2,317 ) 499 Purchased patents 2,620 (1,259 ) 1,361 Total $ 135,711 $ (117,323 ) $ 18,388 May 3, 2015 (in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Purchased technology $ 103,859 $ (90,746 ) $ 13,113 Purchased trade name 1,172 (1,172 ) — Purchased customer relationships 21,344 (13,648 ) 7,696 Purchased internal use software and backlog 2,816 (1,991 ) 825 Purchased patents 2,620 (966 ) 1,654 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 131,811 (108,523 ) 23,288 In-process research and development 3,900 — 3,900 Total $ 135,711 $ (108,523 ) $ 27,188 The amortization expense on intangible assets was $8.8 million , $8.7 million and $7.5 million for fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter as of May 1, 2016 is as follows: Year Amount (in thousands) 2017 $ 7,105 2018 5,007 2019 3,504 2020 2,032 2021 512 Beyond 2021 228 Total $ 18,388 The following table reflects the changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Balance at April 28, 2014 $ 106,114 Addition related to an acquisition 622 Balance at May 3, 2015 106,736 Balance at May 1, 2016 $ 106,736

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Fixed Income Securities The Company's portfolio of fixed income securities consists of term bank certificates of deposit. All of the Company's investments in fixed income securities have original maturity (maturity at the purchase date) of less than 12 months . Investments with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. All of the Company's investments in fixed income securities are classified as held-to-maturity since the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold these investments until maturity. These investments are carried at amortized cost. The Company's investments in fixed income securities as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 were as follows: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Gross Unrealized Gross Unrealized (in thousands) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Certificates of deposit $ 263,255 $ — $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,748 $ — $ — $ 292,748 Total $ 263,255 $ — $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,748 $ — $ — $ 292,748 Reported as: Short-term investments $ 263,255 $ — $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,748 $ — $ — $ 292,748 The Company monitors its investment portfolio for impairment on a periodic basis. In order to determine whether a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the Company evaluates, among other factors: the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than the carrying value; the Company's financial condition and business outlook, including key operational and cash flow metrics, current market conditions and future trends in its industry; the Company's relative competitive position within the industry; and the Company's intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. A decline in the fair value of the security below amortized cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is charged to earnings, resulting in the establishment of a new cost basis for the affected securities. During fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 there were no realized gains or losses, and the Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments. Minority Investments Included in minority investments at May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 is $1.2 million and $884,000 , respectively, representing the carrying value of the Company's minority investments in three and one , respectively, privately held companies accounted for under the cost method. Additionally, included in minority investments is $2.8 million and $1.2 million at May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 , respectively, representing the carrying value of the Company's minority investment in one privately held company accounted for under the equity method. At May 1, 2016 , the Company had a 19.9% ownership interest in this company. The Company’s investments in these early stage companies were primarily motivated by its desire to gain early access to new technology. The Company’s investments are passive in nature in that the Company generally does not obtain representation on the board of directors of the companies in which it invests.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consist of the following (in thousands): As of May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Raw materials $ 51,963 $ 57,757 Work-in-process 137,603 146,773 Finished goods 83,725 79,140 Total inventories $ 273,291 $ 283,670 Including: inventory consigned to others $ 44,600 $ 34,240

Property, Equipment and Improve

Property, Equipment and Improvements	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Equipment and Improvements	Property, Equipment and Improvements Property, equipment and improvements consist of the following (in thousands): As of May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Land and buildings $ 98,586 $ 68,286 Computer equipment 64,155 62,857 Office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5,901 5,251 Machinery and equipment 518,649 493,224 Leasehold property and improvements 41,826 42,099 Total 729,117 671,717 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (380,504 ) (355,940 ) Property, equipment and improvements (net) $ 348,613 $ 315,777 During the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a $1.9 million and $5.8 million , respectively, charges for the impairment of long-lived assets (primarily machinery and equipment) due to the projected cash flows associated with these assets not supporting the carrying values of these assets. In accordance with the guidance for the impairment of long-lived assets, these assets were written down to their estimated fair value of zero, which was determined based on an income approach using the discounted cash flow method.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): As of May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Warranty accrual (Note 9) $ 12,001 $ 6,451 Other liabilities 30,205 32,788 Total $ 42,206 $ 39,239

Warranty

Warranty	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Warranty	Warranty The Company generally offers a one-year limited warranty for its products. The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary depending upon the product sold. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its basic limited warranty and records a liability for the amount of such costs at the time revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost to repair. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Changes in the Company’s warranty liability during the following periods were as follows: As of (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Beginning balance $ 6,451 $ 5,744 Additions during the period based on product sold 9,548 6,171 Change in estimates (734 ) (1,388 ) Settlements and expirations (3,264 ) (4,076 ) Ending balance $ 12,001 $ 6,451

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033 In December 2013, the Company issued and sold $258.8 million in aggregate principal amount of 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 (the "2033 Notes") at par. The terms of the 2033 Notes are governed by an indenture by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee. The 2033 Notes will mature on December 15, 2033, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The 2033 Notes are senior unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company, and are effectively subordinated to the Company's secured indebtedness and the indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries. The 2033 Notes bear interest at a rate of 0.5% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 each year. Holders of the 2033 Notes may convert their 2033 Notes at their option prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding June 15, 2033 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending on January 26, 2014 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period ("measurement period"), in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the 2033 Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such trading day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after June 15, 2033 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their 2033 Notes at any time, regardless of whether any of the foregoing circumstances have occurred. The conversion rate will initially equal 33.1301 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2033 Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $30.18 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment. Upon conversion of a note, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, either cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at the Company's election, as provided in the indenture. If holders elect to convert their 2033 Notes in connection with a "fundamental change" (as defined in the indenture) that occurs on or before December 22, 2018, the Company will, to the extent provided in the indenture, increase the conversion rate applicable to such 2033 Notes ("make-whole feature"). In the event of a fundamental change, holders will have the option to require the Company to redeem for cash any 2033 Notes held by them at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2033 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. Holders also have the option to require the Company to redeem for cash any 2033 Notes held by them on December 15, 2018, December 15, 2023 and December 15, 2028 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2033 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company may redeem the 2033 Notes in whole or in part at any time on or after December 22, 2018 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company considered the features embedded in the 2033 Notes, that is, the conversion feature, the holders' put feature, the Company's call feature, and the make-whole feature, and concluded that they are not required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately from the host debt instrument. Because of its option to settle conversion of the 2033 Notes in cash, the Company separated the liability and equity components of the 2033 Notes. The carrying amount of the liability component at issuance date of $209.1 million was calculated by estimating the fair value of similar liabilities without a conversion feature. The residual principal amount of the 2033 Notes of $49.6 million was allocated to the equity component. The resulting debt discount is amortized as interest expense. As of May 1, 2016 , the remaining debt discount amortization period was 31 months . The 2033 Notes consisted of the following: As of (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Liability component: Principal $ 258,750 $ 258,750 Unamortized debt discount (27,739 ) (37,344 ) Net carrying amount of the liability component $ 231,011 $ 221,406 Carrying amount of the equity component $ 49,648 $ 49,648 The Company incurred approximately $3.8 million in transaction costs in connection with the issuance of the 2033 Notes. These costs were allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to the allocation of proceeds. Transaction costs of $3.1 million , allocated to the liability component, were recognized as a non-current asset and are amortized. Transaction costs of $725,000 , allocated to the equity component, were recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. The following table sets forth interest expense information related to the 2033 Notes: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands, except percentages) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Contractual interest expense $ 1,294 $ 1,294 $ 458 Amortization of the debt discount 9,604 9,153 3,151 Amortization of issuance costs 616 616 231 Total interest cost $ 11,514 $ 11,063 $ 3,840 Effective interest rate on the liability component 4.87 % 4.87 % 4.87 % The Company applies the treasury stock method to determine the potential dilutive effect of the 2033 Notes on net income per share as a result of the Company's intent and stated policy to settle the principal amount of the 2033 Notes in cash. 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 In October 2009, the Company issued and sold $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes"). The terms of the 2029 Notes were governed by an indenture by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee. The 2029 Notes were scheduled to mature on October 15, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Interest on the 2029 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears at a rate of 5.0% per annum on each April 15 and October 15, beginning on April 15, 2010. The 2029 Notes were senior unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company, and ranked equally in right of payment with the Company’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, but were effectively subordinated to the Company’s secured indebtedness and liabilities to the extent of the value of the collateral securing those obligations, and structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries. Holders had the right to convert the 2029 Notes into shares of the Company’s common stock, at their option, at any time prior to the close of business on the trading day before the stated maturity date. The initial conversion rate was 93.6768 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2029 Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.68 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. Upon conversion of the 2029 Notes, holders were to receive shares of common stock unless the Company obtained consent from a majority of the holders to deliver cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock in satisfaction of its conversion obligation. Holders had the right to require the Company to redeem, for cash, all or part of their 2029 Notes upon a “fundamental change” at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. Holders also had the right to require the Company to redeem, for cash, any of their 2029 Notes on October 15, 2014, October 15, 2016, October 15, 2019 and October 15, 2024 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company had the right to redeem the 2029 Notes in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, at any time on or after October 22, 2014 if the last reported sale price per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days within a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending within five trading days of the date on which the Company provides the notice of redemption. The Company considered the embedded derivative in the 2029 Notes, that is, the conversion feature, and concluded that it was indexed to the Company’s common stock and would be classified as equity, were it to be accounted for separately and thus was not required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately from the debt. The Company also considered the Company’s call feature and the holders’ put feature in the event of a change in control under the provisions of FASB authoritative guidance, and concluded that they need not be accounted for separately from the debt. In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into privately-negotiated agreements with existing holders of the 2029 Notes to exchange an aggregate of approximately $60.0 million principal amount of the 2029 Notes. Following these exchanges, $40.0 million principal amount of the 2029 Notes remained outstanding. As explained above, the terms of the 2029 Notes included a provision that allowed the holders to require the Company to redeem any of their notes on October 15, 2014. Accordingly, all $40.0 million of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes outstanding as of April 27, 2014 was classified as a current liability as of that date. During October 2014, all holders of the 2029 Notes exercised their rights to exchange their 2029 Notes for 3,748,473 shares of the Company's common stock. All conversions were in accordance with the original terms of the 2029 Notes and no gain or loss was recognized as a result of conversion.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	Commitments The Company’s future commitments at May 1, 2016 included minimum payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, including operating lease obligations that have been accrued as restructuring charges, as follows (in thousands): Payments Due by Period Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 4-5 Years After 5 Years Operating leases $ 43,407 $ 10,859 $ 17,693 $ 9,219 $ 5,636 Rent expense under the non-cancelable operating leases was approximately $9.4 million , $10.7 million and $10.0 million for the years ended May 1, 2016 , May 3, 2015 and April 27, 2014 , respectively. The Company subleases a portion of its facilities that it considers to be in excess of its requirements. Sublease income was $168,000 , $218,000 and $266,000 for the years ended May 1, 2016 , May 3, 2015 and April 27, 2014 , respectively. Certain leases have scheduled rent increases which have been included in the above table. Other leases contain provisions to adjust rental rates for inflation during their terms, most of which are based on to-be-published indices. Rents subject to these adjustments are included in the above table based on current rates.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company's financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 were as follows: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (in thousands) Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 196 $ 196 $ — $ — $ 196 Certificates of deposit 263,255 — 263,255 — 263,255 292,748 — 292,748 — 292,748 Total $ 263,255 $ — $ 263,255 $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,944 $ 196 $ 292,748 $ — $ 292,944 The Company's Level 2 financial instruments in the table above are valued using quoted market prices for similar instruments or non-binding market prices that are corroborated by observable market data. The Company has not estimated the fair value of its minority investments in four privately held companies as it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of these investments because of the lack of quoted market prices and the inability to estimate fair value without incurring excessive costs. As of May 1, 2016 , the carrying value of the Company's minority investments in these privately held companies was $4.1 million , which management believes is not impaired. The Company's financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 were as follows: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (in thousands) Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 2033 Notes $ 231,011 $ 247,430 $ — $ — $ 247,430 $ 221,406 $ 264,364 $ — $ — $ 264,364 The fair values of the 2033 Notes are based on the price in the open market as of or close to the respective balance sheet dates. The difference between the carrying value and the fair value is primarily due to the spread between the conversion price and the market value of the shares underlying the conversion as of each respective balance sheet date.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment was the only component of the accumulated other comprehensive income as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 . Common Stock and Preferred Stock As of May 1, 2016 , Finisar is authorized to issue 750,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock and 5,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock. The holder of each share of common stock has the right to one vote and is entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its common stock. The Company has authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value. The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series having such rights, preferences and privileges as may be designated by the Company’s board of directors. Common stock subject to future issuance as of May 1, 2016 is as follows: Exercise of outstanding stock options 1,609,211 Vesting of restricted stock awards 6,214,199 Available for grant under employee stock incentive plan 11,315,273 Available for grant under employee stock purchase plan 3,610,816 Total 22,749,499 Employee Stock Purchase Plan In September 2009, the Company’s board of directors adopted the 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"), which was approved by the stockholders in November 2009. An amended and restated version of ESPP was approved by the Company's board of directors in June 2014 and by the stockholders in September 2014. Under the restated ESPP, 7,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance, and the term of the ESPP is scheduled to expire on September 1, 2024. The ESPP permits eligible employees to purchase Finisar common stock through payroll deductions, which may not exceed 20% of the employee’s total compensation. Stock may be purchased under the plan at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value of Finisar common stock on either the first or the last day of the offering period, whichever is lower. Employee Stock Plans In September 1999, Finisar’s 1999 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the board of directors and approved by the stockholders. An amendment and restatement of the 1999 Stock Option Plan, including renaming it the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), was approved by the board of directors in September 2005 and by the stockholders in October 2005. An amended and restated version of the 2005 Plan was approved by the Company's board of directors in June 2014 and by the stockholders in September 2014. Under the restated 2005 Plan, a total of 22,500,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance, and the term of the 2005 Plan is scheduled to expire on September 1, 2024. The types of stock-based awards available under the 2005 Plan includes stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other stock-based awards which vest upon the attainment of designated performance goals or the satisfaction of specified service requirements or, in the case of certain RSUs or other stock-based awards, become payable upon the expiration of a designated time period following such vesting events. Options generally vest over five years and have a maximum term of 10 years. RSUs generally vest over four years. As of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 , no shares were subject to repurchase. Stock Options Number of Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Stock options outstanding as of May 3, 2015 2,283,162 $ 14.64 Stock options exercised (428,917 ) $ 6.10 Stock options canceled (245,034 ) $ 22.81 Stock options outstanding as of May 1, 2016 1,609,211 $ 15.68 The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $3.3 million , $3.4 million and $14.2 million , respectively. All stock options outstanding as of May 1, 2016 are fully vested and exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of May 1, 2016 was $8.5 million . The weighted-average remaining contractual life of stock options outstanding as of May 1, 2016 was 1.9 years . Restricted Stock Units Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value RSUs unvested as of May 3, 2015 6,611,614 $ 17.12 RSUs granted 2,955,622 $ 19.02 RSUs vested (2,563,391 ) $ 16.28 RSUs forfeited (789,646 ) $ 18.53 RSUs unvested as of May 1, 2016 6,214,199 $ 18.19 The weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted during fiscal 2015 and 2014 was $19.55 and $16.91 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs outstanding as of May 1, 2016 was $102.3 million . The total grant-date fair value of RSUs vested during fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $41.7 million , $36.3 million and $30.4 million , respectively. As of May 1, 2016 , the Company had $79.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs grants. These expenses are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 27 months . Share-Based Compensation Cost The following table sets forth the detailed allocation of the share-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2016 , May 3, 2015 and April 27, 2014 which was reflected in the Company’s operating results (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended Share-based compensation expense by caption: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Cost of revenues $ 10,357 $ 9,908 $ 8,261 Research and development 18,245 17,764 14,660 Sales and marketing 6,667 6,251 5,083 General and administrative 9,974 10,677 9,962 Total $ 45,243 $ 44,600 $ 37,966 Fiscal Years Ended Share-based compensation expense by type of award: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Stock options $ — $ — $ 693 RSUs 42,162 41,729 34,506 Employee stock purchase rights under ESPP 3,081 2,871 2,767 Total $ 45,243 $ 44,600 $ 37,966 Total share-based compensation cost capitalized as part of inventory was $2.5 million and $2.3 million as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 , respectively. The fair value of employee stock purchase rights granted under the ESPP in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Expected term (in years) 0.75 0.75 0.75 Volatility 32% - 54% 34% - 53% 40% - 47% Risk-free interest rate 0.11 - 0.70% 0.07 - 0.21% 0.01 - 0.13% Dividend yield — % — % — % The expected term of employee stock purchase rights is the average of the remaining purchase periods under each offering period. The Company calculated the volatility factor based on the Company’s historical stock prices. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on constant maturity bonds from the Federal Reserve in which the maturity approximates the expected term. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model calls for a single expected dividend yield as an input. The Company has not issued and does not expect to issue any dividends. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience. The weighted-average estimated per share fair value of purchase rights granted under the ESPP in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $2.79 , $3.06 and $3.69 , respectively. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based award and the stock price volatility. The assumptions listed above represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, recorded share-based compensation expense could have been materially different from that depicted above. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If the actual forfeiture rate is materially different from this estimate, the share-based compensation expense could be materially different.

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code which covers all eligible employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan on the first day of the calendar year quarter immediately following completion of eligibility requirements as required by the plan. Under the plan, each participant may contribute up to 20% of his or her pre-tax gross compensation up to a statutory limit, which is $18,000 , $18,000 and $17,500 for calendar year 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. All amounts contributed by participants and earnings on participant contributions are fully vested at all times. The Company may contribute an amount equal to one-half of the first 6% of each participant’s contribution. The Company may make the matching contribution in shares of Finisar common stock in lieu of cash. Contributions made in shares will be allocated to each participant’s account using the share price on the date the Company matching contribution is made to the plan. The Company made a discretionary matching contribution of 163,464 shares for a total contribution of $2.4 million during the year ended May 1, 2016 . The Company’s expenses related to this plan were $2.4 million , $2.6 million and $2.2 million for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2016 , May 3, 2015 and April 27, 2014 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The components of income tax expense (benefit) consist of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ (385 ) State (9 ) 209 523 Foreign 4,575 8,814 5,691 4,566 9,023 5,829 Deferred: Federal — (607 ) — State — (14 ) — Foreign (4,928 ) 393 (2,945 ) (4,928 ) (228 ) (2,945 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes $ (362 ) $ 8,795 $ 2,884 Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest consists of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 U.S. $ (2,579 ) $ (29,300 ) $ 46,314 Foreign 37,410 49,982 68,107 $ 34,831 $ 20,682 $ 114,421 A reconciliation of the income tax provision at the federal statutory rate and the effective rate is as follows: Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Expected income tax provision (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Foreign rate differential (40.5 ) (46.9 ) (18.3 ) Share-based compensation expense 14.1 29.6 2.5 Non-deductible transaction costs 0.1 0.5 0.4 Valuation allowance (2.5 ) 49.1 (21.4 ) Other permanent adjustments 4.4 — — Research and development credits (12.6 ) (15.0 ) (1.8 ) Other 1.0 (9.8 ) 6.1 (1.0 )% 42.5 % 2.5 % The components of deferred taxes consist of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Deferred tax assets: Inventory adjustments $ 10,740 $ 10,024 $ 8,905 Accruals and reserves 14,890 13,081 18,673 Tax credits 34,094 27,836 24,259 Net operating loss carryforwards 100,193 101,850 95,952 Gain/loss on investments under equity or cost method 8,522 8,367 8,843 Depreciation and amortization 3,498 4,509 2,817 Purchase accounting for intangible assets 7,137 4,438 5,651 Capital loss carryforward 189 172 229 Acquired intangibles 6,298 8,208 10,142 Stock compensation 9,162 9,302 8,372 Total deferred tax assets 194,723 187,787 183,843 Valuation allowance (162,892 ) (161,358 ) (153,657 ) Net deferred tax assets 31,831 26,429 30,186 Deferred tax liabilities: Acquired intangibles (3,613 ) (5,597 ) (7,252 ) Debt discount (10,774 ) (13,862 ) (16,873 ) Inventory reserve — (513 ) (457 ) Depreciation and amortization (13,037 ) (7,068 ) (5,762 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (27,424 ) (27,040 ) (30,344 ) Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 4,407 $ (611 ) $ (158 ) Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable earnings, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. Due to U.S. operating losses in previous years and continuing U.S. earnings volatility, management has established and maintained a full valuation allowance for the U.S. deferred tax assets, which comprise approximately 84% of total deferred tax assets, for which management believes it is not more likely than not to be realized in future periods. The Company's valuation allowance increased/(decreased) from the prior year by approximately $(1.5) million , $7.7 million and $(74.2) million in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of May 1, 2016 , approximately $45.6 million of deferred tax assets, which is not included in the above table, was attributable to certain employee stock option deductions. When, and if, realized, the benefit of the tax deduction related to these options will be accounted for as a reduction of the income tax provision. At May 1, 2016 , the Company had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $377.1 million , $25.5 million and $48.2 million , respectively, and federal and state credit carryforwards of approximately $31.8 million and $24.4 million , respectively. With the exception of California R&D credit, which can be carried forward indefinitely, the net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2017 , if not utilized. Utilization of the Company's U.S. net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations set forth in Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state provisions. Such an annual limitation could result in the expiration of the net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before utilization. The Company's manufacturing operations in Malaysia operate under a tax holiday which will expire at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2022 . In fiscal 2016 , the aggregate dollar and per share effect of the tax holiday was $5.8 million and $0.05 per share, respectively. As of May 1, 2016 , there was no provision for U.S. income taxes for undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries as it is currently the Company's intention to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in operations outside the United States. The cumulative amount of foreign earnings to be permanently re-invested as of May 1, 2016 was approximately $293.5 million . The Company believes it is not practicable to determine the Company's tax liability that may arise in the event of a future repatriation. If repatriated, these earnings could result in a tax expense at the current U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% , subject to available net operating losses and other factors. Tax on undistributed earnings may also be reduced by foreign tax credits that may be generated in connection with the repatriation of earnings. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Beginning balance $ 14,653 $ 13,432 $ 15,632 Additions for tax positions related to current year 1,331 975 712 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 902 246 — Reductions for tax positions related to prior years (lapse of statute of limitations) (475 ) — (2,912 ) Ending balance $ 16,411 $ 14,653 $ 13,432 Excluding the effects of recorded valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, $14.1 million of the unrecognized tax benefits would favorably impact the effective tax rate in future periods if recognized. It is the Company's belief that no significant changes in the unrecognized tax benefit positions will occur within 12 months from May 1, 2016 . The Company records interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At May 1, 2016 , there was no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in various state jurisdictions as well as the U.S. The Company's U.S. federal and state income tax returns are generally not subject to examination by the tax authorities for tax years before fiscal 2009 . For all federal and state net operating loss and credit carryovers, the statute of limitations does not begin until the carryover items are utilized. The taxing authorities can examine the validity of the carryover items and if necessary, adjustments may be made to the carryover items. The Company's Malaysia, Singapore, China, Australia, Israel and Sweden income tax returns are generally not subject to examination by the tax authorities for tax years before 2009 , 2008 , 2009 , 2010 , 2006 and 2009 , respectively. The Company's Israel subsidiary received a tax assessment from Israel Tax Authority (ITA) for tax years ended 2005 to 2007. The Company has filed an appeal and anticipates no material tax liability.

Segments and Geography Informat

Segments and Geography Information	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments and Geography Information	Segments and Geography Information The Company has one reportable segment consisting of optical subsystems and components. Optical subsystems consist primarily of transmitters, receivers, transceivers, transponders and active optical cables that provide the fundamental optical-electrical, or optoelectronic, interface for interconnecting the electronic equipment used in building communication networks, including the switches, routers and servers used in wireline networks as well as the antennas and base stations for wireless networks. Optical components consists primarily of packaged lasers, receivers and photodetectors for data communication and telecommunication applications and passive optical components used in telecommunication applications. The following is a summary of revenues from sales to unaffiliated customers within geographic areas based on the location of the entity purchasing the Company’s products: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 United States $ 408,700 $ 425,066 $ 339,423 China 307,327 242,916 229,231 Malaysia 123,057 148,258 185,197 Rest of the world 424,082 434,704 402,982 Totals $ 1,263,166 $ 1,250,944 $ 1,156,833 Revenues generated in the United States are all from sales to customers located in the United States. The following is a summary of long-lived assets within geographic areas based on the location of the assets: As of (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 United States $ 118,000 $ 122,118 Malaysia 53,762 54,480 China 182,119 175,580 Rest of the world 33,444 28,704 $ 387,325 $ 380,882 The increase in long-lived assets was primarily due to the additions of property and improvements to the Company's manufacturing facilities in China.

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation	Litigation The Company accrues a liability for legal contingencies when it believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and that it can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. The Company reviews these accruals and adjusts them to reflect ongoing negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other relevant information. To the extent new information is obtained and the Company's views on the probable outcomes of claims, suits, assessments, investigations or legal proceedings change, changes in the Company's accrued liabilities would be recorded in the period in which such determination is made. For the matters referenced below, the amount of liability is not probable or the amount cannot be reasonably estimated and, therefore, accruals have not been made. In addition, in accordance with the relevant authoritative guidance, for matters which the likelihood of material loss is at least reasonably possible, the Company provides disclosure of the possible loss or range of loss; however, if a reasonable estimate cannot be made, the Company will provide disclosure to that effect. Due to the nature of the Company's business, it is subject to claims alleging infringement by various Company products and services. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the allegations made in its pending cases and intends to vigorously defend these lawsuits; however, it is unable currently to determine the ultimate outcome of these or similar matters. In addition, the Company is a defendant in various litigation matters generally arising out of the normal course of business. Although it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcomes of these cases, the Company believes that it is not reasonably possible that the ultimate outcomes will materially and adversely affect its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Class Action and Shareholder Derivative Litigation Several securities class action lawsuits related to the Company's March 8, 2011 earnings announcement alleging claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 have been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of a purported class of persons who purchased stock between December 1 or 2, 2010 through March 8, 2011. The named defendants are the Company and its Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. To date, no specific amount of damages have been alleged. The cases were consolidated, lead plaintiffs were appointed and a consolidated complaint was filed. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the case. On January 16, 2013, the District Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss and granted the lead plaintiffs leave to amend the consolidated complaint. An amended consolidated complaint was filed on February 6, 2013. Thereafter, the Company filed a renewed motion to dismiss the case. On September 30, 2013, the District Court granted the Company's motion and dismissed the case with prejudice, and plaintiff appealed. On January 8, 2016, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the judgment in part for further proceedings in the District Court. On January 22, 2016, Finisar filed a petition for panel rehearing in part. On March 25, 2016, the panel issued a revised ruling revering the judgment in part for further proceedings in the District Court. In addition, two purported shareholder derivative lawsuits related to the Company's March 8, 2011 earnings announcement have been filed in the California Superior Court for the County of Santa Clara, and a third derivative lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaints assert claims for alleged breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and waste on behalf of the Company. Named as defendants are the members of the Company's board of directors, including the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and its Chief Financial Officer. No specific amount of damages has been alleged and, by the derivative nature of the lawsuits, no damages will be alleged, against the Company. The state court cases have been consolidated and a lead plaintiff has been appointed to file a consolidated complaint. The derivative cases were stayed pending a ruling in the federal class action case. The derivative cases remain stayed at present, subject to the right of the parties to reinstate them, and the Company expects that the parties will discuss the stay in light of the Ninth Circuit ruling. Mears Technologies Litigation On May 6, 2013, Mears Technologies, Inc. filed a complaint for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against the Company. The complaint alleges that Finisar's WSS products, ROADM line cards containing a Finisar WSS, and Waveshaper products infringe U.S. Patent No. 6,141,361. The Company has performed a review of the asserted patent and believes that the patent claims are not infringed and/or are invalid. On June 17, 2014, the district court issued a claim construction order favorable to the Company. On October 6, 2014, the court denied a motion of the plaintiff to amend its infringement contentions in light of the court’s claim construction ruling. As a result, the plaintiff has conceded that it is unable to pursue its infringement claims against the Company. On December 30, 2014, the court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment of non-infringement. The plaintiff has indicated that it intends to appeal the court’s claim construction ruling and the court’s denial of the plaintiff’s motion to amend its infringement contentions in light of the court’s claim construction ruling. The Company intends to oppose any such appeal vigorously. However, if the plaintiff’s appeal is wholly or partially successful, the case would be revived in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. If the appeal succeeds and the case resumes, the Company may be liable for substantial damages. Even if the defense of any resumed case is successful, the Company may incur substantial legal fees and other costs in defending the lawsuit. Further, the lawsuit could divert the efforts and attention of the Company's management and technical personnel, which could harm its business. Other In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a party to litigation, claims and assessments in addition to those described above. Based on information currently available, management does not believe the impact of these other matters will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Guarantees and Indemnifications

Guarantees and Indemnifications	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees and Indemnifications	Guarantees and Indemnifications Upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligations it assumes under that guarantee. As permitted under Delaware law and in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, the Company indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences, subject to certain limits, while the officer or director is or was serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer’s or director’s lifetime. The Company may terminate the indemnification agreements with its officers and directors upon 90 days written notice, but termination will not affect claims for indemnification relating to events occurring prior to the effective date of termination. The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited; however, the Company has a director and officer liability insurance policy that may enable it to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. The Company enters into indemnification obligations under its agreements with other companies in its ordinary course of business, including agreements with customers, business partners, and insurers. Under these provisions the Company generally indemnifies and holds harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of the Company’s activities or the use of the Company’s products. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreement. In some cases, the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification provisions is unlimited. The Company believes the fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any liabilities for these agreements as of May 1, 2016 . To date, the Company has not incurred material costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements.

Financial Information by Quarte

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)	Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) Three Months Ended May 1, 2016 January 31, 2016 November 1, 2015 August 2, 2015 (1) May 3, 2015 January 25, 2015 (2) October 26, 2014 (3) July 27, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenues $ 318,794 $ 309,206 $ 321,136 $ 314,030 $ 320,042 $ 306,283 $ 296,981 $ 327,638 Gross profit $ 90,442 $ 87,740 $ 89,091 $ 87,377 $ 89,217 $ 77,953 $ 84,921 $ 98,819 Income (loss) from operations $ 14,136 $ 10,458 $ 9,368 $ 7,061 $ 10,284 $ 3,401 $ (7,259 ) $ 20,368 Net income (loss) attributable to Finisar Corporation (4) $ 13,072 $ 12,084 $ 6,644 $ 3,393 $ 7,327 $ 1,678 $ (11,361 ) $ 14,243 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Finisar Corporation common stockholders (4): Basic $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ 0.07 $ 0.02 $ (0.11 ) $ 0.14 Diluted $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ 0.07 $ 0.02 $ (0.11 ) $ 0.14 Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share: Basic 107,612 107,180 106,635 105,286 104,005 103,563 99,621 98,241 Diluted 109,386 108,128 107,493 108,107 107,535 105,990 99,621 106,036 (1) Net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 includes a $1.9 million impairment charge for long-lived assets. (2) Net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 includes a $5.8 million impairment charge for long-lived assets. (3) Net loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 includes an $11.0 million charge related to the settlement of patent litigation. (4) Net income (loss), and related per share amounts, attributable to Finisar Corporation were the same as net income (loss), and related per share amounts, for all periods presented.

Schedule II - Consolidated Valu

Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II — Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Balance at Beginning of Period Additions Charged to (Recoveries Offset) Costs and Expenses, Net Write-Offs Balance at End of Period (in thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts Balance at May 1, 2016 $ 1,136 $ (403 ) $ (6 ) $ 727 Balance at May 3, 2015 $ 929 $ 207 $ — $ 1,136 Balance at April 27, 2014 $ 958 $ 101 $ (130 ) $ 929

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Finisar Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively “Finisar” or the “Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Non-controlling interest represents the minority shareholders' proportionate share of the net assets and results of operations of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Finisar Korea, prior to its sale in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
Fiscal Periods	The Company has a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to the last day of April in each year. Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 had 52, 53, and 52 weeks, respectively, and fiscal 2017 will have 52 weeks. Fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 was a 14-week quarter.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition	The Company’s revenue transactions consist predominately of sales of products to customers. Product revenues are generally recognized in the period in which persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, generally upon shipment, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. At the time revenue is recognized, the Company establishes an accrual for estimated warranty expenses associated with sales, recorded as a component of cost of revenues. The Company’s customers generally do not have return rights. However, the Company has established an allowance for estimated customer returns, based on historical experience, which is netted against revenue. Sales to certain distributors are made under agreements providing distributor price adjustments and rights of return under certain circumstances. Revenue and costs relating to sales to distributors with price protection and rights of return are deferred until products are sold by the distributors to end customers. Revenue recognition depends on notification from the distributor that product has been sold to the end customer. Also reported by the distributor are product resale price, quantity and end customer shipment information, as well as inventory on hand. Deferred revenue on shipments to distributors reflects the effects of distributor price adjustments and the amount of gross margin expected to be realized when distributors sell-through products purchased from us. Accounts receivable from distributors are recognized and inventory is relieved when title to inventories transfers, typically upon shipment from us at which point we have a legally enforceable right to collection under normal payment terms.
Segment Reporting	The Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) authoritative guidance regarding segment reporting establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company has determined that it operates in one reportable segment comprising optical subsystems and components. Optical subsystems consist primarily of transceivers sold to manufacturers of storage and networking equipment for data communication and telecommunication applications. Optical subsystems also include multiplexers, de-multiplexers and optical add/drop modules for use in telecommunication applications. Optical components consist primarily of packaged lasers and photo-detectors which are incorporated in transceivers for data communication and telecommunication applications.
Concentrations of Risk	Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment and accounts receivable. The Company invests only in high-quality credit instruments and maintains its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments with several high-quality credit financial institutions. Deposits held with banks, including those held in foreign branches of global banks, may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Concentrations of credit risk, with respect to accounts receivable, exist to the extent of amounts presented in the financial statements. Generally, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses based on historical experience and other information available to management. Losses to date have not been material. The Company’s ten largest customers represented 55% and 46% of total accounts receivable at May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 , respectively. One customer, Huawei, represented 18% of total accounts receivable as of May 1, 2016 . No customers accounted for over 10% of total accounts receivable as of May 3, 2015 . Sales to the Company’s ten largest customers represented 56% , 55% and 58% of total revenues during fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Two customers, Huawei and Cisco Systems, represented 12% and 11% , respectively, of total revenues during fiscal 2016 . One customer, Cisco Systems, represented 14% and 17% of total revenues during fiscal 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company relies on single and limited suppliers for a number of key components. The Company relies primarily on a limited number of significant independent contract manufacturers for the production of certain key components and subassemblies, including lasers, modulators, and printed circuit boards.
Foreign Currency Translation	The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Any translation adjustments resulting from this process are shown separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net income (loss).
Research and Development	Research and development expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.
Shipping and Handling Costs	The Company records costs related to shipping and handling in cost of sales for all periods presented.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Finisar’s cash equivalents consist of money market funds and highly liquid short-term investments with qualified financial institutions. Finisar considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Minority Investments	The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in companies that do not have a readily determinable fair value in which it holds an interest of less than 20% and over which it does not have the ability to exercise significant influence. For entities in which the Company holds an interest of greater than 20% or in which the Company does have the ability to exercise significant influence, the Company uses the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company's proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. Such proportionate share of earnings or losses is included in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. In determining if and when a decline in the market value of these investments below their carrying value is other-than-temporary, the Company evaluates the market conditions, offering prices, trends of earnings and cash flows, price multiples, prospects for liquidity and other key measures of performance. The Company’s policy is to recognize an impairment in the value of its minority equity investments when clear evidence of an impairment exists. Factors considered in this assessment include (a) the completion of a new equity financing that may indicate a new value for the investment, (b) the failure to complete a new equity financing arrangement after seeking to raise additional funds or (c) the commencement of proceedings under which the assets of the business may be placed in receivership or liquidated to satisfy the claims of debt and equity stakeholders. The Company’s minority investments in private companies are generally made in exchange for preferred stock with a liquidation preference that is intended to help protect the underlying value of its investment.
Fair Value Accounting	The FASB authoritative guidance regarding fair valuation defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements. The guidance requires or permits fair value measurements with certain exclusions. It provides that a fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under this guidance must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. It describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following: Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company's own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s Level 1 assets include instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets, which generally include money market funds. The Company classifies items in Level 2 if the investments are valued using observable inputs to quoted market prices, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. These investments include commercial papers and certificates of deposit. See Note 12 for additional details regarding the fair value of the Company’s investments.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where, subsequent to delivery, the Company becomes aware of a customer’s potential inability to meet its obligations, it records a specific allowance for the doubtful account to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due and historical actual bad debt history. A material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company could result in a material reduction in the estimated amount of accounts receivable that can ultimately be collected and an increase in the Company’s general and administrative expenses for the shortfall. Accounts receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified as fully uncollectable.
Inventories	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. The Company permanently writes down to its estimated net realizable value the cost of inventory that the Company specifically identifies and considers obsolete or excessive to fulfill future sales estimates. The Company defines obsolete inventory as inventory that will no longer be used in the manufacturing process. Excess inventory is generally defined as inventory in excess of projected usage and is determined using management’s best estimate of future demand, based upon information then available to the Company. The Company also considers: (1) parts and subassemblies that can be used in alternative finished products, (2) parts and subassemblies that are unlikely to be engineered out of the Company’s products, and (3) known design changes which would reduce the Company’s ability to use the inventory as planned. Inventory on hand that is in excess of future demand is written down to its estimated net realizable value. Obligations to purchase inventory acquired by subcontractors based on forecasts provided by the Company are recognized at the time such obligations arise.
Property, Equipment and Improvements	Property, equipment and improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property, equipment and improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three years to seven years, except for buildings which are depreciated over 25 to 30 years . Land is carried at acquisition cost and not depreciated. Leased land is depreciated over the life of the lease.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill, purchased technology and other intangible assets resulting from acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of purchased technology and other intangibles has been recorded on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to 15 years. Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change between annual impairment tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit holding the goodwill below its carrying value.
Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	The Company periodically evaluates whether changes have occurred to long-lived assets that would require revision of the remaining estimated useful life of the property, improvements and finite-lived intangible assets or render them not recoverable. If such circumstances arise, the Company uses an estimate of the undiscounted value of expected future operating cash flows to determine whether the long-lived assets are impaired. If the aggregate undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, the resulting impairment charge to be recorded is calculated based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of such assets, with the fair value determined based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows.
Restructuring Costs	The Company recognizes liability for exit and disposal activities when the liability is incurred. Facilities consolidation charges are calculated using estimates and are based upon the remaining future lease commitments for vacated facilities from the date of facility consolidation, net of estimated future sublease income. The estimated costs of vacating these leased facilities are based on market information and trend analysis, including information obtained from third party real estate sources.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan based on estimated fair values. The Company uses the grant-date fair value of its common stock to determine the fair value of restricted stock units. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options and employee stock purchases. The fair value of the portion of the awards that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of operations under the single-option approach on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods
Income Taxes	The Company uses the liability method to account for income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities and their reported amounts, along with net operating loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards. This method also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company provides for income taxes based upon the geographic composition of worldwide earnings and tax regulations governing each region. The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Also, the Company’s current effective tax rate assumes that United States income taxes are not provided for the undistributed earnings of non-United States subsidiaries. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of all foreign corporate subsidiaries for past and subsequent accumulated earnings.
Recent and Pending Adoption of New Accounting Standards	In May 2014, the FASB, jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board, issued a comprehensive new standard on revenue recognition from contracts with customers. The standard's core principle is that a reporting entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying this new guidance to contracts within its scope, an entity will: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligation in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Additionally, this new guidance would require significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. Provisions of this new standard are effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those annual periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a deferral of this standard's effective date by one year. The proposed deferral allows early adoption at the original effective date. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this new guidance. The Company is currently evaluating timing and method of adoption and potential effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows from adoption of this standard. In November 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and non-current. The Company early adopted this update in fiscal 2016 on a prospective basis. Accordingly, in the consolidated balance sheet as of May 1, 2016, $6.5 million of deferred tax assets were reclassified from prepaid and other current assets to other assets and $1.8 million of deferred tax liabilities were reclassified from other current liabilities to other non-current liabilities. In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which replaces the current lease accounting standard. The update will require, among other items, lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for most leases. Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the timing of adoption and potential effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows from adoption of this update. From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows upon adoption.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Basic net income (loss) per share has been computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share has been computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential common shares from stock options and restricted stock units (under the treasury stock method), 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (on an as-if-converted basis), and 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 (under the treasury stock method) outstanding during the period.
Warranty	The Company generally offers a one-year limited warranty for its products. The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary depending upon the product sold. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its basic limited warranty and records a liability for the amount of such costs at the time revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost to repair. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Numerator: Net income attributable to Finisar Corporation $ 35,193 $ 11,887 $ 111,787 Numerator for basic income per share $ 35,193 $ 11,887 $ 111,787 Effect of dilutive securities: Interest expense on 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 n/a — 2,157 Numerator for diluted income per share $ 35,193 $ 11,887 $ 113,944 Denominator: Denominator for basic income per share - weighted average shares 106,678 101,408 95,979 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock units 2,192 3,562 4,385 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 n/a — 3,748 Dilutive potential common shares 2,192 3,562 8,133 Denominator for diluted income per share 108,870 104,970 104,112 Net income per share attributable to Finisar Corporation common stockholders: Basic $ 0.33 $ 0.12 $ 1.16 Diluted $ 0.32 $ 0.11 $ 1.09
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Share	The following table presents common shares related to potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Stock options and restricted stock units 3,069 880 1,057 Conversion of 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 n/a — — Conversion of 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 (1) — — — 3,069 880 1,057 (1) 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method since the conversion price exceeded the average market price for the Company's common stock.

Intangible Assets Including G31

Intangible Assets Including Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following tables reflect intangible assets as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 : May 1, 2016 (in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Purchased technology $ 107,759 $ (96,875 ) $ 10,884 Purchased trade name 1,172 (1,172 ) — Purchased customer relationships 21,344 (15,700 ) 5,644 Purchased internal use software and backlog 2,816 (2,317 ) 499 Purchased patents 2,620 (1,259 ) 1,361 Total $ 135,711 $ (117,323 ) $ 18,388 May 3, 2015 (in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Purchased technology $ 103,859 $ (90,746 ) $ 13,113 Purchased trade name 1,172 (1,172 ) — Purchased customer relationships 21,344 (13,648 ) 7,696 Purchased internal use software and backlog 2,816 (1,991 ) 825 Purchased patents 2,620 (966 ) 1,654 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 131,811 (108,523 ) 23,288 In-process research and development 3,900 — 3,900 Total $ 135,711 $ (108,523 ) $ 27,188
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following tables reflect intangible assets as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 : May 1, 2016 (in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Purchased technology $ 107,759 $ (96,875 ) $ 10,884 Purchased trade name 1,172 (1,172 ) — Purchased customer relationships 21,344 (15,700 ) 5,644 Purchased internal use software and backlog 2,816 (2,317 ) 499 Purchased patents 2,620 (1,259 ) 1,361 Total $ 135,711 $ (117,323 ) $ 18,388 May 3, 2015 (in thousands) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Purchased technology $ 103,859 $ (90,746 ) $ 13,113 Purchased trade name 1,172 (1,172 ) — Purchased customer relationships 21,344 (13,648 ) 7,696 Purchased internal use software and backlog 2,816 (1,991 ) 825 Purchased patents 2,620 (966 ) 1,654 Total intangible assets subject to amortization 131,811 (108,523 ) 23,288 In-process research and development 3,900 — 3,900 Total $ 135,711 $ (108,523 ) $ 27,188
Schedule of Expected Future Amortization Expense	Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter as of May 1, 2016 is as follows: Year Amount (in thousands) 2017 $ 7,105 2018 5,007 2019 3,504 2020 2,032 2021 512 Beyond 2021 228 Total $ 18,388
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table reflects the changes to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Balance at April 28, 2014 $ 106,114 Addition related to an acquisition 622 Balance at May 3, 2015 106,736 Balance at May 1, 2016 $ 106,736

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Investments in Fixed Income Securities	The Company's investments in fixed income securities as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 were as follows: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Gross Unrealized Gross Unrealized (in thousands) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Certificates of deposit $ 263,255 $ — $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,748 $ — $ — $ 292,748 Total $ 263,255 $ — $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,748 $ — $ — $ 292,748 Reported as: Short-term investments $ 263,255 $ — $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,748 $ — $ — $ 292,748

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands): As of May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Raw materials $ 51,963 $ 57,757 Work-in-process 137,603 146,773 Finished goods 83,725 79,140 Total inventories $ 273,291 $ 283,670 Including: inventory consigned to others $ 44,600 $ 34,240

Property, Equipment and Impro34

Property, Equipment and Improvements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Equipment and Improvements	Property, equipment and improvements consist of the following (in thousands): As of May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Land and buildings $ 98,586 $ 68,286 Computer equipment 64,155 62,857 Office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5,901 5,251 Machinery and equipment 518,649 493,224 Leasehold property and improvements 41,826 42,099 Total 729,117 671,717 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (380,504 ) (355,940 ) Property, equipment and improvements (net) $ 348,613 $ 315,777

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): As of May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Warranty accrual (Note 9) $ 12,001 $ 6,451 Other liabilities 30,205 32,788 Total $ 42,206 $ 39,239

Warranty (Tables)

Warranty (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	Changes in the Company’s warranty liability during the following periods were as follows: As of (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Beginning balance $ 6,451 $ 5,744 Additions during the period based on product sold 9,548 6,171 Change in estimates (734 ) (1,388 ) Settlements and expirations (3,264 ) (4,076 ) Ending balance $ 12,001 $ 6,451

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Convertible Debt	The 2033 Notes consisted of the following: As of (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Liability component: Principal $ 258,750 $ 258,750 Unamortized debt discount (27,739 ) (37,344 ) Net carrying amount of the liability component $ 231,011 $ 221,406 Carrying amount of the equity component $ 49,648 $ 49,648
Summary of Interest Expense	The following table sets forth interest expense information related to the 2033 Notes: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands, except percentages) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Contractual interest expense $ 1,294 $ 1,294 $ 458 Amortization of the debt discount 9,604 9,153 3,151 Amortization of issuance costs 616 616 231 Total interest cost $ 11,514 $ 11,063 $ 3,840 Effective interest rate on the liability component 4.87 % 4.87 % 4.87 %

Commitments (Tables)

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The Company’s future commitments at May 1, 2016 included minimum payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, including operating lease obligations that have been accrued as restructuring charges, as follows (in thousands): Payments Due by Period Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 4-5 Years After 5 Years Operating leases $ 43,407 $ 10,859 $ 17,693 $ 9,219 $ 5,636

Fair Value of Financial Instr39

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis	The Company's financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 were as follows: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (in thousands) Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 196 $ 196 $ — $ — $ 196 Certificates of deposit 263,255 — 263,255 — 263,255 292,748 — 292,748 — 292,748 Total $ 263,255 $ — $ 263,255 $ — $ 263,255 $ 292,944 $ 196 $ 292,748 $ — $ 292,944
Schedule of Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The Company's financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 1, 2016 and May 3, 2015 were as follows: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (in thousands) Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 2033 Notes $ 231,011 $ 247,430 $ — $ — $ 247,430 $ 221,406 $ 264,364 $ — $ — $ 264,364

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Common Stock Subject to Future Issuance	Common stock subject to future issuance as of May 1, 2016 is as follows: Exercise of outstanding stock options 1,609,211 Vesting of restricted stock awards 6,214,199 Available for grant under employee stock incentive plan 11,315,273 Available for grant under employee stock purchase plan 3,610,816 Total 22,749,499
Schedule of Stock Options	Stock Options Number of Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Stock options outstanding as of May 3, 2015 2,283,162 $ 14.64 Stock options exercised (428,917 ) $ 6.10 Stock options canceled (245,034 ) $ 22.81 Stock options outstanding as of May 1, 2016 1,609,211 $ 15.68
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units	Restricted Stock Units Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value RSUs unvested as of May 3, 2015 6,611,614 $ 17.12 RSUs granted 2,955,622 $ 19.02 RSUs vested (2,563,391 ) $ 16.28 RSUs forfeited (789,646 ) $ 18.53 RSUs unvested as of May 1, 2016 6,214,199 $ 18.19
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Expense	The following table sets forth the detailed allocation of the share-based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2016 , May 3, 2015 and April 27, 2014 which was reflected in the Company’s operating results (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended Share-based compensation expense by caption: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Cost of revenues $ 10,357 $ 9,908 $ 8,261 Research and development 18,245 17,764 14,660 Sales and marketing 6,667 6,251 5,083 General and administrative 9,974 10,677 9,962 Total $ 45,243 $ 44,600 $ 37,966 Fiscal Years Ended Share-based compensation expense by type of award: May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Stock options $ — $ — $ 693 RSUs 42,162 41,729 34,506 Employee stock purchase rights under ESPP 3,081 2,871 2,767 Total $ 45,243 $ 44,600 $ 37,966
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of employee stock purchase rights granted under the ESPP in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Expected term (in years) 0.75 0.75 0.75 Volatility 32% - 54% 34% - 53% 40% - 47% Risk-free interest rate 0.11 - 0.70% 0.07 - 0.21% 0.01 - 0.13% Dividend yield — % — % — %

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of income tax expense (benefit) consist of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ (385 ) State (9 ) 209 523 Foreign 4,575 8,814 5,691 4,566 9,023 5,829 Deferred: Federal — (607 ) — State — (14 ) — Foreign (4,928 ) 393 (2,945 ) (4,928 ) (228 ) (2,945 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes $ (362 ) $ 8,795 $ 2,884 Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest consists of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 U.S. $ (2,579 ) $ (29,300 ) $ 46,314 Foreign 37,410 49,982 68,107 $ 34,831 $ 20,682 $ 114,421
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the income tax provision at the federal statutory rate and the effective rate is as follows: Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Expected income tax provision (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Foreign rate differential (40.5 ) (46.9 ) (18.3 ) Share-based compensation expense 14.1 29.6 2.5 Non-deductible transaction costs 0.1 0.5 0.4 Valuation allowance (2.5 ) 49.1 (21.4 ) Other permanent adjustments 4.4 — — Research and development credits (12.6 ) (15.0 ) (1.8 ) Other 1.0 (9.8 ) 6.1 (1.0 )% 42.5 % 2.5 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred taxes consist of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Deferred tax assets: Inventory adjustments $ 10,740 $ 10,024 $ 8,905 Accruals and reserves 14,890 13,081 18,673 Tax credits 34,094 27,836 24,259 Net operating loss carryforwards 100,193 101,850 95,952 Gain/loss on investments under equity or cost method 8,522 8,367 8,843 Depreciation and amortization 3,498 4,509 2,817 Purchase accounting for intangible assets 7,137 4,438 5,651 Capital loss carryforward 189 172 229 Acquired intangibles 6,298 8,208 10,142 Stock compensation 9,162 9,302 8,372 Total deferred tax assets 194,723 187,787 183,843 Valuation allowance (162,892 ) (161,358 ) (153,657 ) Net deferred tax assets 31,831 26,429 30,186 Deferred tax liabilities: Acquired intangibles (3,613 ) (5,597 ) (7,252 ) Debt discount (10,774 ) (13,862 ) (16,873 ) Inventory reserve — (513 ) (457 ) Depreciation and amortization (13,037 ) (7,068 ) (5,762 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (27,424 ) (27,040 ) (30,344 ) Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 4,407 $ (611 ) $ (158 )
Summary of Movement in Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Years Ended May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 Beginning balance $ 14,653 $ 13,432 $ 15,632 Additions for tax positions related to current year 1,331 975 712 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 902 246 — Reductions for tax positions related to prior years (lapse of statute of limitations) (475 ) — (2,912 ) Ending balance $ 16,411 $ 14,653 $ 13,432

Segments and Geography Inform42

Segments and Geography Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of revenues from sales to unaffiliated customers within geographic areas based on the location of the entity purchasing the Company’s products: Fiscal Years Ended (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 April 27, 2014 United States $ 408,700 $ 425,066 $ 339,423 China 307,327 242,916 229,231 Malaysia 123,057 148,258 185,197 Rest of the world 424,082 434,704 402,982 Totals $ 1,263,166 $ 1,250,944 $ 1,156,833 Revenues generated in the United States are all from sales to customers located in the United States. The following is a summary of long-lived assets within geographic areas based on the location of the assets: As of (in thousands) May 1, 2016 May 3, 2015 United States $ 118,000 $ 122,118 Malaysia 53,762 54,480 China 182,119 175,580 Rest of the world 33,444 28,704 $ 387,325 $ 380,882

Financial Information by Quar43

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Three Months Ended May 1, 2016 January 31, 2016 November 1, 2015 August 2, 2015 (1) May 3, 2015 January 25, 2015 (2) October 26, 2014 (3) July 27, 2014 (In thousands, except per share data) Revenues $ 318,794 $ 309,206 $ 321,136 $ 314,030 $ 320,042 $ 306,283 $ 296,981 $ 327,638 Gross profit $ 90,442 $ 87,740 $ 89,091 $ 87,377 $ 89,217 $ 77,953 $ 84,921 $ 98,819 Income (loss) from operations $ 14,136 $ 10,458 $ 9,368 $ 7,061 $ 10,284 $ 3,401 $ (7,259 ) $ 20,368 Net income (loss) attributable to Finisar Corporation (4) $ 13,072 $ 12,084 $ 6,644 $ 3,393 $ 7,327 $ 1,678 $ (11,361 ) $ 14,243 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Finisar Corporation common stockholders (4): Basic $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ 0.07 $ 0.02 $ (0.11 ) $ 0.14 Diluted $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.06 $ 0.03 $ 0.07 $ 0.02 $ (0.11 ) $ 0.14 Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share: Basic 107,612 107,180 106,635 105,286 104,005 103,563 99,621 98,241 Diluted 109,386 108,128 107,493 108,107 107,535 105,990 99,621 106,036 (1) Net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 includes a $1.9 million impairment charge for long-lived assets. (2) Net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 includes a $5.8 million impairment charge for long-lived assets. (3) Net loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 includes an $11.0 million charge related to the settlement of patent litigation. (4) Net income (loss), and related per share amounts, attributable to Finisar Corporation were the same as net income (loss), and related per share amounts, for all periods presented.

Summary of Significant Accoun44

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Segment Reporting and Concentration Risk (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016USD ($)segment	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Net assets located overseas | $	$ 517.7
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | 10 Largest Customers
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	55.00%	46.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Huawei
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	18.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues | 10 Largest Customers
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	56.00%	55.00%	58.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues | Huawei
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	12.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues | Cisco Systems
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (percentage)	11.00%	14.00%	17.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun45

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Foreign Currency Translation and PPE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Losses on foreign currency transactions	$ 1,200	$ 479	$ 2,500
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (property, equipment and improvements)	3 years
Minimum | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (property, equipment and improvements)	25 years
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (property, equipment and improvements)	7 years
Maximum | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (property, equipment and improvements)	30 years

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life (intangible assets)	3 years
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life (intangible assets)	15 years

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent and Pending Adoption of New Accounting Standards (Details) - New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect $ in Millions	May 01, 2016USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets reclassified	$ 6.5
Deferred tax liabilities reclassified	$ 1.8

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - N

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Details)	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.00%		5.00%
0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - S

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Nov. 01, 2015	Aug. 02, 2015	May 03, 2015	Jan. 25, 2015	Oct. 26, 2014	Jul. 27, 2014	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Finisar Corporation/Numerator for basic income per share	$ 13,072	$ 12,084	$ 6,644	$ 3,393	$ 7,327	$ 1,678	$ (11,361)	$ 14,243	$ 35,193	$ 11,887	$ 111,787
Interest expense on 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029										0	2,157
Numerator for diluted income per share									$ 35,193	$ 11,887	$ 113,944
Denominator:
Denominator for basic income per share - weighted average shares (shares)	107,612	107,180	106,635	105,286	104,005	103,563	99,621	98,241	106,678	101,408	95,979
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units (shares)									2,192	3,562	4,385
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (shares)										0	3,748
Dilutive potential common shares (shares)									2,192	3,562	8,133
Denominator for diluted income per share (shares)	109,386	108,128	107,493	108,107	107,535	105,990	99,621	106,036	108,870	104,970	104,112
Net income per share attributable to Finisar Corporation common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ 0.06	$ 0.03	$ 0.07	$ 0.02	$ (0.11)	$ 0.14	$ 0.33	$ 0.12	$ 1.16
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ 0.06	$ 0.03	$ 0.07	$ 0.02	$ (0.11)	$ 0.14	$ 0.32	$ 0.11	$ 1.09
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.00%								5.00%		5.00%

Net Income (Loss) Per Share -50

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)	3,069	880	1,057
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Interest rate	5.00%		5.00%
0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Interest rate	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%
Stock options and restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)	3,069	880	1,057
Convertible Senior Notes | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)		0	0
Convertible Senior Notes | 0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)	0	0	0

Intangible Assets Including G51

Intangible Assets Including Goodwill - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 135,711	$ 131,811
Accumulated Amortization	117,323	108,523
Total	18,388	23,288
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount		135,711
Net Carrying Amount		27,188
In-Process Research and Development
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Gross and Net carrying amount		3,900
Purchased technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	107,759	103,859
Accumulated Amortization	96,875	90,746
Total	10,884	13,113
Purchased trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	1,172	1,172
Accumulated Amortization	1,172	1,172
Total	0	0
Purchased customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	21,344	21,344
Accumulated Amortization	15,700	13,648
Total	5,644	7,696
Purchased internal use software and backlog
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	2,816	2,816
Accumulated Amortization	2,317	1,991
Total	499	825
Purchased patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	2,620	2,620
Accumulated Amortization	1,259	966
Total	$ 1,361	$ 1,654

Intangible Assets Including G52

Intangible Assets Including Goodwill - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 8.8	$ 8.7	$ 7.5

Intangible Assets Including G53

Intangible Assets Including Goodwill - Schedule of Expected Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017	$ 7,105
2,018	5,007
2,019	3,504
2,020	2,032
2,021	512
Beyond 2,021	228
Total	$ 18,388	$ 23,288

Intangible Assets Including G54

Intangible Assets Including Goodwill - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 03, 2015	May 01, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at April 28, 2014	$ 106,114
Addition related to an acquisition	622
Balance at May 3, 2015	106,736
Balance at May 1, 2016	$ 106,114	$ 106,736

Investments - Schedule of Held-

Investments - Schedule of Held-To-Maturity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Investment
Amortized cost	$ 263,255	$ 292,748
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	263,255	292,748
Short-Term Investments
Investment
Amortized cost	263,255	292,748
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	263,255	292,748
Certificates of deposit
Investment
Amortized cost	263,255	292,748
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	$ 263,255	$ 292,748

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016USD ($)privately_held_company	May 03, 2015USD ($)privately_held_company	Apr. 27, 2014USD ($)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Realized gains or losses	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Cost method investment	$ 1,200,000	$ 884,000
Number of companies (cost method) | privately_held_company	3	1
Equity method investments	$ 2,800,000	$ 1,200,000
Number of companies (equity method) | privately_held_company	1
Ownership percentage in equity method investment	19.90%

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 51,963	$ 57,757
Work-in-process	137,603	146,773
Finished goods	83,725	79,140
Total inventories	273,291	283,670
Including: inventory consigned to others	$ 44,600	$ 34,240

Property, Equipment and Impro58

Property, Equipment and Improvements - Schedule of Property, Equipment and Improvements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2015	Jan. 25, 2015	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total			$ 729,117	$ 671,717
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(380,504)	(355,940)
Property, equipment and improvements (net)			348,613	315,777
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 1,900	$ 5,800
Land and buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total			98,586	68,286
Computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total			64,155	62,857
Office equipment, furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total			5,901	5,251
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total			518,649	493,224
Leasehold property and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total			$ 41,826	$ 42,099

Other Accrued Liabilities (Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranty accrual	$ 12,001	$ 6,451	$ 5,744
Other liabilities	30,205	32,788
Total	$ 42,206	$ 39,239

Warranty (Details)

Warranty (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 6,451	$ 5,744
Additions during the period based on product sold	9,548	6,171
Change in estimates	(734)	(1,388)
Settlements and expirations	(3,264)	(4,076)
Ending balance	$ 12,001	$ 6,451

Debt - 0.50% Convertible Senior

Debt - 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033 (Narrative) (Details) - 0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033 $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)d$ / shares	May 01, 2016USD ($)	May 03, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%
Convertible debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 258,800
Convertible debt, conversion ratio	0.0331031
Convertible debt, conversion ratio (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 30.18
Carrying amount of liability component	$ 209,100
Carrying amount of the equity component	$ 49,600	$ 49,648	$ 49,648
Debt issuance cost		$ 3,800
Debt discount amortization period		31 months
Convertible debt | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage	100.00%
Convertible debt | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage	100.00%
Convertible debt | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage	100.00%
Convertible debt | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage	100.00%
Convertible debt | Additional Paid-in Capital
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost		$ 725
Convertible debt | Other Noncurrent Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost		$ 3,100
Convertible debt | Debt Instrument, Conversion, Option One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible debt, threshold trading days | d	20
Convertible debt, threshold consecutive trading days	30 days
Convertible debt, threshold percentage of stock price trigger	130.00%
Convertible debt | Debt Instrument, Conversion, Option Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible debt, threshold trading days | d	5
Convertible debt, threshold consecutive trading days	5 days
Convertible debt, threshold percentage of stock price trigger	98.00%

Debt - 2033 Notes (Details)

Debt - 2033 Notes (Details) - Convertible debt - 0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	$ 258,750	$ 258,750
Unamortized debt discount	(27,739)	(37,344)
Net carrying amount of the liability component	231,011	221,406
Carrying amount of the equity component	$ 49,648	$ 49,648	$ 49,600

Debt - Interest Expense (Detail

Debt - Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of the debt discount	$ 9,604	$ 9,153	$ 3,151
0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033 | Convertible debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual interest expense	1,294	1,294	458
Amortization of the debt discount	9,604	9,153	3,151
Amortization of issuance costs	616	616	231
Total interest cost	$ 11,514	$ 11,063	$ 3,840
0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033 | Convertible debt | Liability
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate on the liability component	4.87%	4.87%	4.87%

Debt - 5.0% Convertible Senior

Debt - 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Oct. 31, 2009USD ($)d$ / shares	Apr. 30, 2011USD ($)	May 01, 2016	Apr. 27, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, shares issued (shares) | shares	3,748,473
Gain (loss) recognized on debt conversion	$ 0
5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.00%	5.00%
Convertible debt | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 100,000,000	$ 40,000,000		$ 40,000,000
Interest rate		5.00%
Convertible debt, conversion ratio (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 10.68
Convertible debt, conversion ratio		0.0936768
Convertible debt, threshold percentage of stock price trigger		130.00%
Convertible debt, threshold trading days | d		20
Convertible debt, threshold consecutive trading days		30 days
Convertible debt, threshold trading days within notice of redemption		5 days
Aggregate principal amount of debt exchanged			$ 60,000,000
Convertible debt | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%
Convertible debt | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%
Convertible debt | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%
Convertible debt | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%
Convertible debt | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%
Convertible debt | 5.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Six
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%

Commitments (Details)

Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Total	$ 43,407
Less Than 1 Year	10,859
1-3 Years	17,693
4-5 Years	9,219
After 5 Years	5,636
Rent expense	9,400	$ 10,700	$ 10,000
Sublease income	$ 168	$ 218	$ 266

Fair Value of Financial Instr66

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016USD ($)company	May 03, 2015USD ($)
Financial assets [Abstract]
Number of privately held companies | company	4
Minority investments	$ 4,051	$ 2,847
Recurring | Carrying Amount
Financial assets [Abstract]
Total	263,255	292,944
Recurring | Carrying Amount | Money market funds
Financial assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	196
Recurring | Carrying Amount | Certificates of deposit
Financial assets [Abstract]
Investments	263,255	292,748
Recurring | Fair Value
Financial assets [Abstract]
Total	263,255	292,944
Recurring | Fair Value | Level 1
Financial assets [Abstract]
Total	0	196
Recurring | Fair Value | Level 2
Financial assets [Abstract]
Total	263,255	292,748
Recurring | Fair Value | Level 3
Financial assets [Abstract]
Total	0	0
Recurring | Fair Value | Money market funds
Financial assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	196
Recurring | Fair Value | Money market funds | Level 1
Financial assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	196
Recurring | Fair Value | Money market funds | Level 2
Financial assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Recurring | Fair Value | Money market funds | Level 3
Financial assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Recurring | Fair Value | Certificates of deposit
Financial assets [Abstract]
Investments	263,255	292,748
Recurring | Fair Value | Certificates of deposit | Level 1
Financial assets [Abstract]
Investments	0	0
Recurring | Fair Value | Certificates of deposit | Level 2
Financial assets [Abstract]
Investments	263,255	292,748
Recurring | Fair Value | Certificates of deposit | Level 3
Financial assets [Abstract]
Investments	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr67

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Fair Value Liabilities on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - 0.5% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2033 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2033 Notes	$ 247,430	$ 264,364
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2033 Notes	231,011	221,406
Fair Value | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2033 Notes	247,430	264,364
Fair Value | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2033 Notes	0	0
Fair Value | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2033 Notes	$ 0	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity - Narrativ

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014shares	May 01, 2016vote$ / sharesshares	May 03, 2015$ / sharesshares
Common Stock and Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)		750,000,000	750,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)		5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, number of votes per share | vote		1
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized under the plan (shares)	7,000,000
Maximum employee subscription rate	20.00%
Purchase price of common stock, discounted percentage	85.00%
2005 Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized under the plan (shares)	22,500,000
Employee Stock Plans [Abstract]
Award vesting period		5 years
Stock option term, maximum		10 years
Restricted Stock Units | 2005 Plan
Employee Stock Plans [Abstract]
Award vesting period		4 years

Stockholders' Equity - Common S

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Subject to Future Issuance (Details) - shares	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise of outstanding stock options (shares)	1,609,211	2,283,162
Available for grant under employee stock incentive plan (shares)	11,315,273
Available for grant under employee stock purchase plan (shares)	3,610,816
Total (shares)	22,749,499
Restricted Stock Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Vesting of restricted stock awards (shares)	6,214,199	6,611,614

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Stock Options (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Number of Shares
Stock options outstanding, beginning balance (shares)	2,283,162
Stock options exercised (shares)	(428,917)
Stock options canceled (shares)	(245,034)
Stock options outstanding, ending balance (shares)	1,609,211	2,283,162
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding, beginning, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.64
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	6.10
Options canceled, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	22.81
Options outstanding, ending weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.68	$ 14.64
Options exercised, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 3.3	$ 3.4	$ 14.2
Options outstanding, intrinsic value	$ 8.5
Options outstanding ending, weighted average remaining contractual term	1 year 10 months 25 days

Stockholders' Equity - Schedu71

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Restricted Stock Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock units outstanding	$ 102.3
Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs	$ 79.2
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation related to RSUs	27 months
Restricted Stock Units
Number of Shares
RSUs unvested, beginning balance (shares)	6,611,614
RSUs granted (shares)	2,955,622
RSUs vested (shares)	(2,563,391)
RSUs forfeited (shares)	(789,646)
RSUs unvested, ending balance (shares)	6,214,199	6,611,614
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
RSUs unvested, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 17.12
RSUs granted (in dollars per share)	19.02	$ 19.55	$ 16.91
RSUs vested (in dollars per share)	16.28
RSUs forfeited (in dollars per share)	18.53
RSUs unvested, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 18.19	$ 17.12
Fair value of restricted stock units that vested during the period	$ 41.7	$ 36.3	$ 30.4

Stockholders' Equity - Schedu72

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Expense by Caption (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by caption	$ 45,243	$ 44,600	$ 37,966
Stock-based compensation capitalized as part of inventory	2,500	2,300
Cost of revenues
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by caption	10,357	9,908	8,261
Research and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by caption	18,245	17,764	14,660
Sales and marketing
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by caption	6,667	6,251	5,083
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by caption	$ 9,974	$ 10,677	$ 9,962

Stockholders' Equity - Schedu73

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Expense by Type of Award (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by type of award	$ 45,243	$ 44,600	$ 37,966
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by type of award	0	0	693
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by type of award	42,162	41,729	34,506
Employee stock purchase rights under ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense by type of award	$ 3,081	$ 2,871	$ 2,767

Stockholders' Equity - Schedu74

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Valuation Assumptions (Details) - 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)	9 months	9 months	9 months
Volatility, minimum	32.00%	34.00%	40.00%
Volatility, maximum	54.00%	53.00%	47.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	0.11%	0.07%	0.01%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	0.70%	0.21%	0.13%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted in the period (in dollars per share)	$ 2.79	$ 3.06	$ 3.69

Employee Benefit Plan (Details)

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	May 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	May 03, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 27, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Maximum statutory contribution by employee (percentage of gross)		20.00%
Maximum statutory contribution by employee (in usd)			$ 18,000		$ 17,500
Employer matching contribution (percentage of employee's match)		50.00%
Employer matching contribution (percentage of employee's match subject to employer match)		6.00%
Employer contribution in defined contribution retirement plan (in usd)		$ 2,400,000
Defined contribution plan expenses		$ 2,400,000		$ 2,600,000		$ 2,200,000
Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Maximum statutory contribution by employee (in usd)	$ 18,000
Common Stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Employer contribution in defined contribution retirement plan (in shares)		163,464		122,979		88,823

Income Taxes - Schedule of Comp

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Current:
Federal	$ 0	$ 0	$ (385)
State	(9)	209	523
Foreign	4,575	8,814	5,691
Current income tax expense (benefit)	4,566	9,023	5,829
Deferred:
Federal	0	(607)	0
State	0	(14)	0
Foreign	(4,928)	393	(2,945)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(4,928)	(228)	(2,945)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(362)	8,795	2,884
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
U.S.	(2,579)	(29,300)	46,314
Foreign	37,410	49,982	68,107
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest	$ 34,831	$ 20,682	$ 114,421

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Expected income tax provision (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign rate differential	(40.50%)	(46.90%)	(18.30%)
Share-based compensation expense	14.10%	29.60%	2.50%
Non-deductible transaction costs	0.10%	0.50%	0.40%
Valuation allowance	(2.50%)	49.10%	(21.40%)
Other permanent adjustments	4.40%	0.00%	0.00%
Research and development credits	(12.60%)	(15.00%)	(1.80%)
Other	1.00%	(9.80%)	6.10%
Effective income tax rate	(1.00%)	42.50%	2.50%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory adjustments	$ 10,740	$ 10,024	$ 8,905
Accruals and reserves	14,890	13,081	18,673
Tax credits	34,094	27,836	24,259
Net operating loss carryforwards	100,193	101,850	95,952
Gain/loss on investments under equity or cost method	8,522	8,367	8,843
Depreciation and amortization	3,498	4,509	2,817
Purchase accounting for intangible assets	7,137	4,438	5,651
Capital loss carryforward	189	172	229
Acquired intangibles	6,298	8,208	10,142
Stock compensation	9,162	9,302	8,372
Total deferred tax assets	194,723	187,787	183,843
Valuation allowance	(162,892)	(161,358)	(153,657)
Net deferred tax assets	31,831	26,429	30,186
Deferred tax liabilities:
Acquired intangibles	(3,613)	(5,597)	(7,252)
Debt discount	(10,774)	(13,862)	(16,873)
Inventory reserve	0	(513)	(457)
Depreciation and amortization	(13,037)	(7,068)	(5,762)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(27,424)	(27,040)	(30,344)
Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$ 4,407
Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		$ (611)	$ (158)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Percentage of total deferred assets maintained as a valuation allowance	84.00%
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	$ (1,500,000)	$ 7,700,000	$ (74,200,000)
Deferred tax assets	45,600,000
Tax Holiday affect on net income (in usd)	$ 5,800,000
Tax Holiday affect on net income (in usd per share)	$ 0.05
Provision for U.S. income taxes for undistributed earnings	$ 0
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 293,500,000
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$ 14,100,000
Accrued interest or penalties	0
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	377,100,000
Tax credit carryforwards	31,800,000
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	25,500,000
Tax credit carryforwards	24,400,000
Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 48,200,000

Income Taxes - Summary of Movem

Income Taxes - Summary of Movement in Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 14,653	$ 13,432	$ 15,632
Additions for tax positions related to current year	1,331	975	712
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	902	246	0
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years (lapse of statute of limitations)	(475)	0	(2,912)
Ending balance	$ 16,411	$ 14,653	$ 13,432

Segments and Geography Inform81

Segments and Geography Information - Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographic Area (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016USD ($)segment	May 03, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 27, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	$ 1,263,166	$ 1,250,944	$ 1,156,833
Long-lived assets	387,325	380,882
Operating Segments | United States
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	408,700	425,066	339,423
Long-lived assets	118,000	122,118
Operating Segments | China
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	307,327	242,916	229,231
Long-lived assets	182,119	175,580
Operating Segments | Malaysia
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	123,057	148,258	185,197
Long-lived assets	53,762	54,480
Operating Segments | Rest of the World
Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	424,082	434,704	$ 402,982
Long-lived assets	$ 33,444	$ 28,704

Litigation (Details)

Litigation (Details) - Pending Litigation	Mar. 08, 2011lawsuit
Earnings Announcements Cases
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency pending claims	2
Derivative Lawsuit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency pending claims	1

Guarantees and Indemnificatio83

Guarantees and Indemnifications (Details)	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016
Guarantees [Abstract]
Period of written notification to terminate agreement	90 days

Financial Information by Quar84

Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Nov. 01, 2015	Aug. 02, 2015	May 03, 2015	Jan. 25, 2015	Oct. 26, 2014	Jul. 27, 2014	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 318,794	$ 309,206	$ 321,136	$ 314,030	$ 320,042	$ 306,283	$ 296,981	$ 327,638
Gross profit	90,442	87,740	89,091	87,377	89,217	77,953	84,921	98,819	$ 354,650	$ 350,910	$ 396,999
Income (loss) from operations	14,136	10,458	9,368	7,061	10,284	3,401	(7,259)	20,368	41,023	26,794	111,415
Net income (loss) attributable to Finisar Corporation	$ 13,072	$ 12,084	$ 6,644	$ 3,393	$ 7,327	$ 1,678	$ (11,361)	$ 14,243	$ 35,193	$ 11,887	$ 111,787
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Finisar Corporation common stockholders (4):
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ 0.06	$ 0.03	$ 0.07	$ 0.02	$ (0.11)	$ 0.14	$ 0.33	$ 0.12	$ 1.16
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.11	$ 0.06	$ 0.03	$ 0.07	$ 0.02	$ (0.11)	$ 0.14	$ 0.32	$ 0.11	$ 1.09
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:
Basic (shares)	107,612	107,180	106,635	105,286	104,005	103,563	99,621	98,241	106,678	101,408	95,979
Diluted (shares)	109,386	108,128	107,493	108,107	107,535	105,990	99,621	106,036	108,870	104,970	104,112
Impairment of long-lived assets				$ 1,900		$ 5,800
Litigation settlement							$ 11,000

Schedule II - Consolidated Va85

Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2016	May 03, 2015	Apr. 27, 2014
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 1,136	$ 929	$ 958
Additions Charged to (Recoveries Offset) Costs and Expenses, Net	(403)	207	101
Write-Offs	(6)	0	(130)
Balance at End of Period	$ 727	$ 1,136	$ 929