Dycom Industries (DY) 10-Q 22 May 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	18-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DYCOM INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	67215
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-18
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		34,083,058
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	25-Apr-15

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$22,542	$20,672
Accounts receivable, net	265,772	272,741
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	247,979	230,569
Inventories	45,205	49,095
Deferred tax assets, net	19,278	19,932
Other current assets	20,112	12,727
Total current assets	620,888	605,736
Property and equipment, net	226,328	205,413
Goodwill	269,465	269,088
Intangible assets, net	110,031	116,116
Other	30,404	16,001
Total non-current assets	636,228	606,618
Total assets	1,257,116	1,212,354
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	64,463	63,318
Current portion of debt	0	10,938
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	14,271	13,882
Accrued insurance claims	38,036	32,260
Other accrued liabilities	78,224	76,134
Total current liabilities	194,994	196,532
Long-term debt (including debt premium of $2.9 million and $3.2 million at April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively)	446,692	446,863
Accrued insurance claims	39,487	33,782
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	48,815	45,361
Other liabilities	4,942	4,882
Total liabilities	734,930	727,420
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, Note 17
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share: 1,000,000 shares authorized: no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share: 150,000,000 shares authorized: 34,076,566 and 33,990,589 issued and outstanding, respectively	11,359	11,330
Additional paid-in capital	119,233	131,819
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-846	-158
Retained earnings	392,440	341,943
Total stockholders' equity	522,186	484,934
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,257,116	$1,212,354

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Long-term debt premium on 7.125% senior subordinated notes (amortizes to interest expense through January 2021)	$2.90	$3.20
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.33
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	34,076,566	33,990,589
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	34,076,566	33,990,589

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
REVENUES:
Contract revenues	$492,363	$426,284	$1,443,833	$1,329,522
EXPENSES:
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	388,239	350,352	1,147,136	1,087,824
General and administrative	44,707	39,162	131,218	120,799
Depreciation and amortization	23,985	22,726	70,179	69,713
Total	456,931	412,240	1,348,533	1,278,336
Interest expense, net	-6,646	-6,563	-20,126	-20,249
Other income, net	3,471	5,593	7,001	8,200
Income before income taxes	32,257	13,074	82,175	39,137
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Current	9,346	7,094	27,654	16,666
Deferred	2,653	-1,915	4,024	-1,017
Total provision for income taxes	11,999	5,179	31,678	15,649
Net income	$20,258	$7,895	$50,497	$23,488
Earnings per common share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.59	$0.23	$1.48	$0.70
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.58	$0.23	$1.44	$0.68
Shares used in computing earnings per common share:
Basic (in shares)	34,107,262	33,860,832	34,081,381	33,707,957
Diluted (in shares)	35,028,956	34,763,035	35,091,644	34,767,400

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$3,219	$2,671	$10,773	$9,721

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$20,258	$7,895	$50,497	$23,488
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax	38	-46	-688	-332
Comprehensive income	$20,296	$7,849	$49,809	$23,156

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$50,497	$23,488
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:
Depreciation and amortization	70,179	69,713
Bad debt expense, net	308	519
Gain on sale of fixed assets	-6,249	-7,904
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	4,024	-1,017
Stock-based compensation	10,773	9,721
Amortization of premium on long-term debt	-296	-275
Amortization of debt issuance costs and other	1,490	1,428
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	-5,224	-2,837
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	8,602	18,406
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net	-17,225	5,381
Other current assets and inventory	-2,041	-13,242
Other assets	-7,511	-646
Income taxes receivable/payable	-1,317	-8,827
Accounts payable	-1,224	-5,506
Accrued liabilities, insurance claims, and other liabilities	18,798	9,089
Net cash provided by operating activities	123,584	97,491
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-9,821	-700
Capital expenditures	-76,825	-70,585
Proceeds from sale of assets	6,764	9,425
Changes in restricted cash	-541	-305
Other investing activities	-4,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-84,423	-62,165
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loan	310,750	337,000
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loan	-321,563	-375,469
Debt issuance costs	-3,527	0
Repurchases of common stock	-30,687	-9,999
Exercise of stock options	6,842	14,010
Restricted stock tax withholdings	-4,330	-3,590
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	5,224	2,837
Net cash used in financing activities	-37,291	-35,211
Net increase in cash and equivalents	1,870	115
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	20,672	18,607
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	22,542	18,722
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	14,241	14,160
Income taxes	29,659	26,106
Purchases of capital assets included in accounts payable or other accrued liabilities at period end	$4,160	$4,328

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Acco

Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	Dycom Industries, Inc. ("Dycom" or the "Company") is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States and in Canada. The Company's services include engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of Dycom and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated and the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in this report and the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended July 26, 2014 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 26, 2014, filed with the SEC on September 9, 2014.
	Segment Information – The Company operates in one reportable segment as a specialty contractor, providing engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities. The Company's services are provided by its operating segments, each of which consists of a subsidiary (or in limited instances, the combination of two or more subsidiaries). Management of the operating segments report to the Company's Chief Operating Officer who reports to the Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. All of the Company's operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment due to their similar economic characteristics, nature of services and production processes, type of customers, and service distribution methods. The Company's operating segments provide services throughout the United States and in Canada. Revenues from services provided in Canada were approximately $2.0 million and $9.8 million during the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015, respectively, and $2.5 million and $7.9 million during the three and nine months ended April 26, 2014, respectively. The Company had no material long-lived assets in Canada at April 25, 2015 or July 26, 2014.
	Accounting Period – The Company uses a fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in July. As a result, each fiscal year may be comprised of fifty-two weeks or fifty-three weeks (with an additional week of operations occurring in the fourth quarter).
	Significant Accounting Policies & Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. At the time they are made, the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole. However, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. There have been no material changes to the Company's significant accounting policies and critical accounting estimates described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 26, 2014.
	Restricted Cash – As of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, the Company had approximately $4.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in restricted cash which is held as collateral in support of the Company's insurance obligations. Restricted cash is included in other current assets and other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and changes in restricted cash are reported in cash flows used in investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivables, income taxes receivable and payable, accounts payable and certain accrued expenses, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value due to their short maturity, except for the Company's outstanding 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") which are based on observable market-based inputs (Level 2) as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014. See Note 10, Debt, for further information regarding the fair value of the 2021 Notes. The Company's cash and equivalents are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014. During the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 the Company had no material non-recurring fair value measurements of assets or liabilities subsequent to their initial recognition.
	Other Assets – Other assets consists of deferred financing costs, long-term deposits, contract acquisition costs and other non-current assets. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company made an investment of $4.0 million in non-voting senior units of a customer. The investment was made in connection with this customer's restructuring plan and will accrue dividends at a rate of 5.25% per year.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. In accordance with ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 also requires expanded disclosures about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations as well as disclosure of the pre-tax income rising from a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. ASU 2014-08 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2016 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to disclose both qualitative and quantitative information that enables users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including disclosure of significant judgments affecting the recognition of revenue. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2018 and interim reporting periods within that year, using either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events exist, an entity should disclose that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. Disclosure should include the principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt, management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations, and management’s plans that are intended to mitigate those conditions or events. ASU 2014-15 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2017 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items ("ASU 2015-01"). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from GAAP. As a result, an entity is no longer required to separately classify, present, or disclose extraordinary events and transactions; however, the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained. ASU 2015-01 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2016 and interim reporting periods within that year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU2015-03"), which requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-03 will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2017 and interim reporting periods within that year, using the retrospective method. Early adoption is permitted. See Note 10, Debt, for further information regarding the Company’s debt financing.

Computation_of_Earnings_Per_Co

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share	Computation of Earnings Per Common Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014		April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net income available to common stockholders (numerator)	$	20,258	$	7,895	$	50,497	$	23,488
	Weighted-average number of common shares (denominator)	34,107,262		33,860,832		34,081,381		33,707,957
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.59	$	0.23	$	1.48	$	0.7
	Weighted-average number of common shares	34,107,262		33,860,832		34,081,381		33,707,957
	Potential common stock arising from stock options, and unvested restricted share units	921,694		902,203		1,010,263		1,059,443
	Total shares-diluted (denominator)	35,028,956		34,763,035		35,091,644		34,767,400
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.58	$	0.23	$	1.44	$	0.68
	Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per common share	158,113		576,257		159,484		570,859

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	Fiscal 2015 - During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company acquired Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc. ("Hewitt") for $8.0 million, net of cash acquired. Hewitt provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Southeastern United States. The preliminary purchase price allocation of Hewitt includes working capital items, property and equipment, and $5.9 million of customer relationship intangible assets. The Company also acquired the assets of two cable installation contractors for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
	Fiscal 2014 - During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company acquired a telecommunications specialty construction contractor in Canada for $0.7 million. The Company also acquired Watts Brothers Cable Construction, Inc. ("Watts Brothers") for $16.4 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Watts Brothers provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Midwest and Southeastern United States. The purchase price allocation included $2.6 million of working capital items, $3.7 million of property and equipment, $8.5 million of customer relationship intangible assets and $1.6 million of goodwill.
	The results of these acquisitions are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective closing dates. None of these acquisitions were considered material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result, no pro forma information has been provided.
	Purchase price allocations of businesses acquired during fiscal 2015 are preliminary and will be completed during fiscal 2015 when the valuations are finalized for intangible assets and other amounts.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
		April 25,			July 26,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Contract billings	$	246,876		$	258,254
	Retainage and other receivables	19,894			15,323
	Total	266,770			273,577
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(998		)	(836		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	265,772		$	272,741
	The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers. The Company expects to collect the outstanding balance of accounts receivable, net, including retainage and amounts on which it has filed construction liens, within the next twelve months. The increase in retainage during fiscal 2015 is the result of higher levels of work performed under contracts containing standard retainage provisions. Except as described below, there were no material accounts receivable amounts representing claims or other similar items subject to uncertainty as of April 25, 2015 or July 26, 2014.
	In April 2014, Pauley Construction, Inc. ("Pauley"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, halted work and filed construction liens with respect to approximately $17.7 million of past due balances from a customer on a rural project. The project was being funded primarily by the Rural Utilities Service agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (the "RUS") under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company made an investment of $4.0 million in non-voting senior units of the customer in connection with the customer's restructuring plan with the RUS. In addition, the Company collected approximately $7.1 million of past due balances and re-started work on the project during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. As of April 25, 2015, the Company's accounts receivable includes approximately $13.1 million of past due balances from the customer. During May 2015, approximately $5.8 million of the past due balances was subsequently collected. The Company expects to collect the remaining accounts receivable balances from the customer within the next twelve months. A significant portion of the outstanding balance is secured by construction liens. In the event the customer does not pay the balances owed, the Company may enforce its liens rights or take other actions necessary for collection. Amounts realized from these actions would depend on the fair value of the assets as well as the amount owed to, and priority of, other creditors at the time of resolution. See Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information regarding the construction liens and related litigation.
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. During the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, write-offs to the allowance for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries, were not material.

Costs_and_Estimated_Earnings_i

Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings	Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings ("CIEB") includes revenue for services from contracts based both on the units-of-delivery and the cost-to-cost measures of the percentage of completion method. Amounts consisted of the following:
		April 25,			July 26,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Costs incurred on contracts in progress	$	228,683		$	234,766
	Estimated to date earnings	65,324			57,335
	Total costs and estimated earnings	294,007			292,101
	Less: billings to date	(60,299		)	(75,414		)
		$	233,708		$	216,687
	Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets under the captions:
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	247,979		$	230,569
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(14,271		)	(13,882		)
		$	233,708		$	216,687
	As of April 25, 2015, the Company expects that substantially all of its CIEB will be billed to customers and collected in the normal course of business within the next twelve months. Additionally, there were no material CIEB amounts representing claims or other similar items subject to uncertainty as of April 25, 2015 or July 26, 2014.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		Estimated Useful Lives	April 25,			July 26,
			2015			2014
		(Years)	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land	—	$	3,408		$	3,408
	Buildings	Oct-35	11,655			11,589
	Leasehold improvements	10-Jan	6,950			5,335
	Vehicles	5-Jan	308,887			279,631
	Computer hardware and software	10-Mar	84,235			73,349
	Office furniture and equipment	7-Feb	8,244			7,790
	Equipment and machinery	10-Jan	191,323			177,608
	Total		614,702			558,710
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(388,374		)	(353,297		)
	Property and equipment, net		$	226,328		$	205,413
	Depreciation expense was $19.8 million and $18.6 million for the three months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, respectively, and $57.8 million and $55.7 million for the nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The Company's goodwill balance was $269.5 million and $269.1 million as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively. The increase in goodwill during fiscal 2015 is the result of preliminary purchase price allocations and final working capital adjustments associated with businesses acquired in fiscal 2014. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 2015 were as follows:
		Goodwill			Accumulated Impairment Losses			Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance as of July 26, 2014	$	464,855		$	(195,767	)	$	269,088
	Purchase price allocation adjustments	377			—			377
	Balance as of April 25, 2015	$	465,232		$	(195,767	)	$	269,465
	The Company's goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed annually for impairment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year, or more frequently if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company's goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically from downturns in customer demand and other factors resulting from the cyclical nature of the Company's business, the high level of competition existing within the Company's industry, the concentration of the Company's revenues from a limited number of customers, and the level of overall economic activity, including in particular construction and housing activity. During times of slowing economic conditions, the Company's customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects. Individual reporting units may be more impacted by these factors than the Company as a whole. As a result, the performance of the Company's reporting units could decline, resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets.
	As a result of the fiscal 2014 annual impairment analysis, the Company concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting unit. During fiscal 2014, qualitative assessments were performed by the Company as the primary assessment method on reporting units comprising less than 20% of its consolidated goodwill balance. The qualitative assessments indicated that it was more likely than not that fair value exceeded carrying value for those reporting units. For the remaining reporting units, the Company performed the first step of the quantitative analysis described in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. The key valuation assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates of the Company's reporting units were (a) a discount rate of 11.5% based on the Company's best estimate of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for risks associated with the reporting units; (b) terminal value based on terminal growth rates ranging from 1.5% to 3.0%; and (c) seven expected years of cash flow before the terminal value for each annual test.
	In the fiscal 2014 impairment analysis, the fair value for three of the reporting units acquired in fiscal 2013 exceeded their carrying value by less than 25% each. The goodwill balances for these reporting units were $10.6 million, $4.8 million and $3.6 million. Recent operating performance, along with assumptions for specific customer and industry opportunities, were considered in the key assumptions used during the fiscal 2014 impairment analysis. Management has determined that the goodwill balance of these reporting units may have an increased likelihood of impairment if the long-term outlook for their cash flows were adversely impacted by a prolonged downturn in customer demand or if the reporting units were not able to execute against customer opportunities. Furthermore, changes in the long-term outlook may result in changes to other valuation assumptions. Factors monitored by management which could result in a change to the reporting units' estimates include the outcome of customer requests for proposals and subsequent awards, strategies of competitors, labor market conditions and levels of overall economic activity, including construction and housing activity. As of April 25, 2015, the Company believes the goodwill is recoverable for all of the reporting units; however, there can be no assurances that goodwill will not be impaired in future periods.
	Intangible Assets
	The Company's intangible assets consisted of the following:
		April 25,			July 26,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Carrying amount:
	Customer relationships	$	179,859		$	173,594
	Contract backlog	8,076			15,285
	Trade names	8,200			8,200
	UtiliQuest trade name	4,700			4,700
	Non-compete agreements	400			400
		201,235			202,179
	Accumulated amortization:
	Customer relationships	79,531			69,048
	Contract backlog	7,121			13,490
	Trade names	4,328			3,361
	Non-compete agreements	224			164
		91,204			86,063
	Net Intangible Assets	$	110,031		$	116,116
	During fiscal 2015, the carrying amount of customer relationship intangible assets increased $5.9 million as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocation for Hewitt and $0.4 million as a result of the preliminary purchase price allocation for businesses acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The carrying amount of contract backlog and the associated accumulated amortization decreased $7.2 million during fiscal 2015 as the intangible assets became fully amortized. This decrease did not impact the net carrying value of intangible assets as of April 25, 2015.
	Amortization of the Company's customer relationships and contract backlog intangible assets is recognized on an accelerated basis as a function of the expected economic benefit. Amortization for the Company's other finite-lived intangibles is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the intangible asset. Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $4.1 million for each of the three months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, and $12.4 million and $14.1 million for the nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, respectively.
	Estimated total amortization expense for existing intangible assets for the remainder of fiscal 2015 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Period		Amount
	Three months ending July 25, 2015		$	4,147
	2016		15,918
	2017		14,403
	2018		12,212
	2019		9,792
	2020		8,855
	Thereafter		40,004
	Total		$	105,331
	As of April 25, 2015, the Company believes that the carrying amounts of its intangible assets are recoverable. However, if adverse events were to occur or circumstances were to change indicating that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable, the assets would be reviewed for impairment and the assets could be impaired.

Accrued_Insurance_Claims

Accrued Insurance Claims	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Accrued Insurance Claims [Abstract]
Accrued Insurance Claims	Accrued Insurance Claims
	Within its insurance program the Company retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims relating to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and damages relating to underground facility locating services. With respect to losses occurring in fiscal 2015, the Company retains the risk of loss up to $1.0 million on a per occurrence basis for automobile liability, general liability and workers’ compensation. These retention amounts are applicable to all of the states in which the Company operates, except with respect to workers’ compensation insurance in two states in which the Company participates in a state-sponsored insurance fund. Aggregate stop-loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability and workers’ compensation claims within 2015 is $59.5 million.
	The Company is party to a stop-loss agreement for losses under its employee group health plan. The Company retains the risk of loss, on an annual basis, of the first $250,000 of claims per participant. In addition, the Company retains the risk of loss for the first $550,000 of claim amounts that aggregate across all participants having claims that exceed $250,000.
	The liability for total accrued insurance claims and related processing costs was $77.5 million and $66.0 million at April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively, of which, $39.5 million and $33.8 million, respectively, is reflected in non-current liabilities in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other_Accrued_Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Accrued Liabilities	Other Accrued Liabilities
	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		April 25,		July 26,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued payroll and related taxes	$	16,974	$	18,429
	Accrued employee benefit and incentive plan costs	21,060		17,677
	Accrued construction costs	21,175		20,689
	Accrued interest and related bank fees	5,591		872
	Other current liabilities	13,424		18,467
	Total other accrued liabilities	$	78,224	$	76,134
	Other current liabilities within the above table includes income taxes payable of $5.2 million as of July 26, 2014.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	The Company’s outstanding indebtedness consisted of the following:
		April 25,		July 26,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020)	$	16,250	$	63,000
	Credit Agreement - Term Loan (matures April 2020)	150,000		114,063
	7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021	277,500		277,500
	Long-term debt premium on 7.125% senior subordinated notes (amortizes to interest expense through January 2021)	2,942		3,238
		446,692		457,801
	Less: current portion	—		(10,938		)
	Long-term debt	$	446,692	$	446,863
	Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021
	As of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, Dycom Investments, Inc., (the "Issuer"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, had outstanding an aggregate principal amount of $277.5 million of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 that were issued under an indenture dated January 21, 2011 (the "Indenture"). In addition, the 2021 Notes had a debt premium of $2.9 million and $3.2 million as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively.
	The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by the Issuer's parent company and substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries. For additional information regarding these guarantees see Note 18, Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements. The Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company's ability to incur additional debt and issue preferred stock, make certain restricted payments, consummate specified asset sales, enter into transactions with affiliates, incur liens, impose restrictions on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends or make payments to the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, merge or consolidate with another person, and dispose of all or substantially all of its assets.
	The Company determined that the fair value of the 2021 Notes as of April 25, 2015 was approximately $289.6 million based on quoted market prices, compared to a $280.4 million carrying value (including the debt premium of $2.9 million). As of July 26, 2014, the fair value of the 2021 Notes was $297.6 million compared to a carrying value of $280.7 million (including the debt premium of $3.2 million).
	Senior Credit Agreement
	On April 24, 2015, Dycom Industries, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries amended its existing credit agreement dated as of December 3, 2012 (as so amended by the "Amendment," the "Credit Agreement"), with various lenders named therein. The Amendment extends the maturity date of the credit agreement to April 24, 2020 and, among other things, increases the maximum revolver commitment from $275 million to $450 million and increases the term loan facility to $150 million. The Amendment also increases the sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit from $150 million to $200 million. Subject to certain conditions, the Amendment provides the Company the ability to enter into one or more incremental facilities, up to the greater of (i) $150 million and (ii) an amount such that, after giving effect to such incremental facility on a pro forma basis (assuming that the amount of the incremental commitments is fully drawn and funded), the consolidated senior secured leverage ratio does not exceed 2.25 to 1.00. The incremental facilities can be in the form of revolving commitments under the credit agreement and/or in the form of term loans. The payments under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries and secured by the stock of each wholly-owned, domestic subsidiary (subject to specified exceptions).
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement (other than Swingline Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement)) will bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) the Eurodollar rate (based on LIBOR) plus an applicable margin, or (b) the administrative agent’s base rate, described in the Credit Agreement as the highest of (i) the administrative agent’s prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin. In each case, the applicable margin is based upon the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, the Company will pay a fee for unused revolver balances based upon the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. As of April 25, 2015, borrowings under the Credit Agreement were eligible for an applicable margin of 1.75% for borrowings based on the Eurodollar rate and 0.75% for borrowings based on the administrative agent's base rate. As of July 26, 2014, and up until the date of the amendment, borrowings under the credit agreement were at an applicable margin of 2.00% for borrowings based on the Eurodollar rate and 1.00% for borrowings based on the administrative agent's base rate. Swingline loans, if any, will bear interest at a rate equal to the administrative agent’s base rate plus an applicable margin based upon the Company's consolidated leverage ratio.
	The Amendment also amends the financial covenant which requires the Company to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. In addition, the Amendment provides for certain increases to this ratio in connection with permitted acquisitions on the terms and conditions specified in the Credit Agreement.
	The Company incurs fees under the Credit Agreement for the unutilized commitments at rates that range from 0.25% to 0.40% per annum, fees for outstanding standby letters of credit at rates that range from 1.25% to 2.00% per annum and fees for outstanding commercial letters of credit at rates that range from 0.625% to 1.000% per annum, in each case based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio.
	The Company had $150.0 million and $114.1 million of outstanding principal amount under the term loan as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively, which accrued interest at 1.93% per annum and 2.15% per annum, as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively. Additionally, outstanding revolver borrowings were $16.3 million and $63.0 million as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively. Revolver borrowings were comprised of borrowings at the applicable Eurodollar rate or the base rate and accrued interest at a weighted average rate of approximately 3.20% per annum and 2.55% per annum as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively.
	Standby letters of credit of approximately $54.4 million and $49.4 million, issued as part of the Company's insurance program, were outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively. Interest on outstanding standby letters of credit accrued at 1.75% and 2.00% per annum at April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively. The unused facility fee was 0.35% of unutilized commitments at both April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014.
	At April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Credit Agreement and had additional borrowing availability of $379.3 million and $162.6 million, respectively, as determined by the most restrictive covenants of the Credit Agreement.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where it operates primarily as the result of the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items and tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results. Measurement of certain aspects of the Company’s tax positions are based on the applicable statutes, federal and state case law, and the Company's interpretations of tax regulations.
	The Company is subject to federal income taxes in the United States, the income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions and in Canada. There were immaterial amounts of pre-tax income related to Canadian operations for the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or Canadian income tax examinations for fiscal years ended 2010 and prior. The Company believes its provision for income taxes is adequate; however, any assessment would affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows. Income tax receivables totaling $3.2 million and $2.2 million are included in other current assets as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014. Income tax payables totaling $5.2 million are included in other accrued liabilities as of July 26, 2014.
	As of both April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of $2.4 million resulting from uncertain tax positions. The Company’s effective tax rate will be reduced during future periods if it is determined that these tax benefits are realizable. The Company had approximately $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, respectively. Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits was immaterial during the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014.

Other_Income_Net

Other Income, Net	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income, Net	Other Income, Net
	The components of other income, net, were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Gain on sale of fixed assets	$	3,067	$	5,469	$	6,249	$	7,904
	Miscellaneous income, net	404		124		752		296
	Total other income, net	$	3,471	$	5,593	$	7,001	$	8,200

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock
	During the nine months ended April 25, 2015, the Company repurchased 763,768 shares of its common stock in open market transactions for approximately $30.7 million, an average price of $40.18 per share, under authorized share repurchase programs. During fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 360,900 shares of its common stock in open market transactions for approximately $10.0 million, an average price of $27.71 per share, under authorized share repurchase programs. All shares repurchased have been subsequently canceled. As of April 25, 2015, approximately $26.5 million of the $40.0 million authorized on February 24, 2015 remained available for repurchases through August 2016.
	During the nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, the Company withheld shares to meet the payroll tax withholdings obligations that arose on the vesting of restricted units. Approximately 138,535 shares and 130,195 shares, totaling $4.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively, were withheld during the nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, respectively. All shares withheld have been canceled. Shares withheld for tax withholdings do not reduce the Company’s total share repurchase authority.

StockBased_Awards

Stock-Based Awards	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Awards	Stock-Based Awards
	The Company has certain stock-based compensation plans which provide for the grants of stock-based awards, including stock options, restricted shares, performance shares, restricted share units, performance share units, and stock appreciation rights.
	Compensation expense for stock-based awards is based on fair value at the measurement date and fluctuates over time as a result of the Company's performance, as measured by the criteria set forth in the performance-based awards, as well as the vesting period of all stock-based awards. The expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the amount of expense ultimately recognized is based on the number of awards that actually vest. For performance share units ("Performance RSUs"), the Company evaluates compensation expense quarterly and recognizes expense for performance-based awards only if management determines it is probable that performance criteria for the awards will be met. Accordingly, the amount of compensation expense recognized during any fiscal year may not be representative of future stock-based compensation expense.
	Stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit recognized related to stock options and restricted share units during the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
		25-Apr-15			26-Apr-14			25-Apr-15				26-Apr-14
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Stock-based compensation	$	3,219		$	2,671		$	10,773			$	9,721
	Tax benefit recognized in the statement of operations	$	1,248		$	1,071		$	4,221			$	3,736
	As of April 25, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, time-based restricted share units ("RSUs") and target Performance RSUs (based on the Company's estimate of performance goal achievement) was $3.5 million, $6.9 million, and $15.5 million, respectively. This expense will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years, 2.5 years and 1.6 years, respectively, which is based on the average remaining service periods of the awards. As of April 25, 2015, the Company may recognize an additional $5.3 million in compensation expense related to Performance RSUs if the maximum amount of restricted share units are earned based on certain performance goals being met.
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option award activity during the nine months ended April 25, 2015:
		Stock Options
		Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding as of July 26, 2014	2,044,893		$	18.68
	Granted	90,686		$	31.46
	Options exercised	(536,538	)	$	12.75
	Forfeited or canceled	(484,126	)	$	34.48
	Outstanding as of April 25, 2015	1,114,915		$	15.72
	Exercisable options as of April 25, 2015	856,647		$	12.77
	RSUs and Performance RSUs
	The following table summarizes RSU and Performance RSU activity during the nine months ended April 25, 2015:
		Restricted Stock
		RSUs					Performance RSUs
		Share Units		Weighted Average Grant Price			Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Price
	Outstanding as of July 26, 2014	398,931		$	20.61		1,190,184			$	21.73
	Granted	100,360		$	31.15		416,987			$	31.03
	Share units vested	(134,764	)	$	19.55		(317,908	)		$	21.59
	Forfeited or canceled	(13,781	)	$	19.27		(333,977	)		$	19.98
	Outstanding as of April 25, 2015	350,746		$	24.09		955,286			$	26.45
	The granted Performance RSUs in the above table is comprised of 357,331 target shares, granted to officers and employees, and 59,656 supplemental shares granted to officers. During fiscal 2015, the Company canceled 312,163 Performance RSUs outstanding as of July 26, 2014, including 48,313 target shares and 263,850 supplemental shares, as a result of the fiscal 2014 performance criteria not being fully met. The total amount of Performance RSUs outstanding as of April 25, 2015 is comprised of 725,438 target shares and 229,848 supplemental shares.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	The Company leases certain administrative offices and equipment from entities related to officers of the Company’s subsidiaries. Additionally, the Company pays for certain subcontracting services and materials to entities related to officers of the Company’s subsidiaries. Expenses under these arrangements for the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Real property and equipment leases	$	648	$	562	$	1,952	$	1,731
	Subcontractors and materials expense	$	792	$	366	$	1,981	$	994
	The Company believes that all related party transactions have been conducted on an arms-length basis and the terms are similar to those that would be available from third parties.

Concentration_of_Credit_Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company’s customer base is highly concentrated, with its top five customers in each period accounting for approximately 60.1% and 58.5% of its total revenues during the nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014, respectively. Customers whose revenues exceeded 10% of total revenue during the three or nine months ended April 25, 2015 or April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended			For the Nine Months Ended
		April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014	April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014
	AT&T Inc.	21.30%		20.80%	21.50%		18.90%
	CenturyLink, Inc.	13.90%		12.80%	13.70%		14.30%
	Comcast Corporation	13.30%		12.10%	13.00%		11.50%
	Customers representing 10% or more of combined amounts of trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net ("CIEB, net") as of April 25, 2015 or July 26, 2014 had the following outstanding balances and the related percentage of the Company’s total outstanding balances:
		April 25, 2015						July 26, 2014
		Amount			% of Total			Amount		% of Total
					(Dollars in millions)
	AT&T Inc.	$	103.5		20.7	%		$	87.6	17.9	%
	CenturyLink, Inc.	$	56.2		11.2	%		$	48.2	9.8	%
	Comcast Corporation	$	55.5		11.1	%		$	48.9	9.9	%
	In addition, another customer represented $51.0 million, or 10.2%, of combined amounts of trade accounts receivable and CIEB, net as of April 25, 2015 and $20.5 million, or 4.7%, as of July 26, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Pauley Construction, Inc. ("Pauley"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, filed construction liens on several parcels of land with respect to past due balances from a customer on a rural project funded primarily by the RUS (See Note 4, Accounts Receivable). In April 2014, R&R Taylor Construction, Inc. ("R&R") filed suit against this customer in the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court alleging that the customer failed to pay for construction services and materials. In its lawsuit, R&R seeks to foreclose on its construction lien and, ultimately, to foreclose on the parcel of land on which the lien was filed. In July 2014, R&R amended its lawsuit to include Pauley, alleging that its lien on this parcel has priority over Pauley's lien on the parcel. Pauley has filed an answer to this amended complaint, a counterclaim against R&R and a cross-claim against the customer, alleging that Pauley's lien is superior to all other liens on such parcel of land. It is too early to evaluate the likelihood of an outcome to this matter. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against this lawsuit as part of ongoing efforts to collect amounts due from this customer.
	In November 2013, the wife of a former employee of Nichols Construction, LLC (“Nichols”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, commenced a lawsuit against Nichols in the Circuit Court of Barbour County, West Virginia. The lawsuit, which the plaintiff filed on behalf of her husband’s estate, is based upon a “deliberate intent” claim pursuant to West Virginia Code in connection with the death of her husband who was struck by a falling tree while at work. The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages and other relief. In December 2012, Nichols removed the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, and in January 2015, Nichols filed a motion for summary judgment with respect to certain of the “deliberate intent” issues in the lawsuit. The District Court has not ruled on the motion for summary judgment. Trial is currently scheduled for June 2015. Plaintiff’s expert has estimated economic damages of up to $2.6 million, exclusive of damages for emotional distress. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against this lawsuit.
	From time to time, the Company is party to various other claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion of management, based on information available at this time, that such other pending claims or proceedings will not have a material effect on its financial statements.
	Within the Company's insurance program, it retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers' compensation, employee group health, and damages relating to underground facility locating services, and the Company has established reserves that it believes to be adequate based on current evaluations and experience with these types of claims. For these claims, the effect on the Company's financial statements is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy insurance deductibles or retentions.
	Commitments
	Performance Bonds and Guarantees - The Company has obligations under performance and other surety contract bonds related to certain of its customer contracts. Performance bonds generally provide a customer with the right to obtain payment and/or performance from the issuer of the bond if the Company fails to perform its contractual obligations. As of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, the Company had $308.7 million and $446.8 million of outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds, respectively. There has been no material impact on the Company's financial statements as a result of customers exercising their rights under the bonds.
	The Company has periodically guaranteed certain obligations of its subsidiaries, including obligations in connection with obtaining state contractor licenses and leasing real property and equipment.
	Letters of Credit - The Company has standby letters of credit issued under its Credit Agreement as part of its insurance program. These standby letters of credit collateralize the Company’s obligations to its insurance carriers in connection with the settlement of potential claims. As of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, the Company had $54.4 million and $49.4 million, respectively, of outstanding standby letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement.
	Multi-Employer Benefit Plans - The Company contributes to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover certain employees represented by unions. The Company has not incurred withdrawal liabilities related to any plan as of April 25, 2015 or July 26, 2014.

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements	Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements
	On April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, Dycom Investments, Inc. (the "Issuer") had outstanding an aggregate principal amount of $277.5 million of 2021 Notes. The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by Dycom Industries, Inc. (the "Parent") and substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries. Each guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiary is 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Issuer and the Parent. The 2021 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each guarantor subsidiary and Parent. The Indenture contains certain release provisions for the guarantor subsidiaries and the Parent. With respect to the guarantor subsidiaries, these provisions include release upon (i) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a guarantor or a sale or other disposition of all of the capital stock of a guarantor, in each case, to a person that is not the Issuer, the Parent or a restricted subsidiary of the Parent, (ii) the designation of a restricted subsidiary that is a guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary, (iii) the legal defeasance, covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, and (iv) the release of a guarantor of its guarantee of any credit facility. The Parent may not be released from its guarantee under any circumstances, except in the event of legal or covenant defeasance of the 2021 Notes or of satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture or pursuant to a provision of the Indenture which limits the Parent’s liability under its guarantee in order to prevent a fraudulent conveyance. There are no contractual restrictions limiting transfers of cash from guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries to Issuer or Parent, within the meaning of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.
	The following consolidating financial statements present, in separate columns, financial information for (i) the Parent on a parent only basis, (ii) the Issuer, (iii) the guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, (iv) other non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, (v) the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis, and (vi) the Company on a consolidated basis. The consolidating financial statements are presented in accordance with the equity method. Under this method, the investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share of subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions, distributions and other equity changes. Intercompany charges (income) between the Parent and subsidiaries are recognized in the consolidating financial statements during the period incurred and the settlement of intercompany balances is reflected in the consolidating statement of cash flows based on the nature of the underlying transactions.
	DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
	April 25, 2015
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Dycom Consolidated
		(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current Assets:
	Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	21,279		$	1,263		$	—		$	22,542
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			264,290			1,482			—			265,772
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	—			—			246,539			1,440			—			247,979
	Inventories	—			—			45,205			—			—			45,205
	Deferred tax assets, net	3,191			—			16,161			76			(150		)	19,278
	Other current assets	11,673			36			7,716			687			—			20,112
	Total current assets	14,864			36			601,190			4,948			(150		)	620,888
	Property and equipment, net	20,272			—			186,187			19,869			—			226,328
	Goodwill	—			—			269,465			—			—			269,465
	Intangible assets, net	—			—			109,492			539			—			110,031
	Deferred tax assets, net non-current	375			52			3,556			333			(4,316		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	860,114			2,003,652			1,660			—			(2,865,426		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			—			1,082,143			—			(1,082,143		)	—
	Other	18,229			5,118			2,960			4,097			—			30,404
	Total non-current assets	898,990			2,008,822			1,655,463			24,838			(3,951,885		)	636,228
	Total assets	$	913,854		$	2,008,858		$	2,256,653		$	29,786		$	(3,952,035	)	$	1,257,116
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	1,494		$	—		$	61,803		$	1,166		$	—		$	64,463
	Current portion of debt	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	—			—			14,271			—			—			14,271
	Accrued insurance claims	166			—			37,827			43			—			38,036
	Deferred tax liabilities	—			80			14			56			(150		)	—
	Other accrued liabilities	10,959			5,458			60,911			896			—			78,224
	Total current liabilities	12,619			5,538			174,826			2,161			(150		)	194,994
	Long-term debt	166,250			280,442			—			—			—			446,692
	Accrued insurance claims	56			—			39,402			29			—			39,487
	Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	—			485			51,128			1,518			(4,316		)	48,815
	Intercompany payables	209,597			862,279			—			10,267			(1,082,143		)	—
	Other liabilities	3,146			—			1,792			4			—			4,942
	Total liabilities	391,668			1,148,744			267,148			13,979			(1,086,609		)	734,930
	Total stockholders' equity	522,186			860,114			1,989,505			15,807			(2,865,426		)	522,186
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	913,854		$	2,008,858		$	2,256,653		$	29,786		$	(3,952,035	)	$	1,257,116
	DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	26-Jul-14
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Dycom Consolidated
		(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current Assets:
	Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	19,739		$	933		$	—		$	20,672
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			269,760			2,981			—			272,741
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	—			—			228,541			2,028			—			230,569
	Inventories	—			—			49,095			—			—			49,095
	Deferred tax assets, net	3,822			—			16,193			87			(170		)	19,932
	Other current assets	4,956			16			7,237			518			—			12,727
	Total current assets	8,778			16			590,565			6,547			(170		)	605,736
	Property and equipment, net	18,108			—			171,158			16,147			—			205,413
	Goodwill	—			—			269,088			—			—			269,088
	Intangible assets, net	—			—			115,483			633			—			116,116
	Deferred tax assets, net non-current	182			—			3,884			15			(4,081		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	809,617			1,540,338			1,621			—			(2,351,576		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			—			628,443			—			(628,443		)	—
	Other	7,748			5,636			2,466			151			—			16,001
Total non-current assets	835,655			1,545,974			1,192,143			16,946			(2,984,100		)	606,618
Total assets	$	844,433		$	1,545,990		$	1,782,708		$	23,493		$	(2,984,270	)	$	1,212,354
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,083		$	—		$	58,970		$	1,265		$	—		$	63,318
Current portion of debt	10,938			—			—			—			—			10,938
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	—			—			13,882			—			—			13,882
Accrued insurance claims	612			—			31,599			49			—			32,260
Deferred tax liabilities	—			80			66			24			(170		)	—
Other accrued liabilities	12,668			566			61,284			1,616			—			76,134
Total current liabilities	27,301			646			165,801			2,954			(170		)	196,532
Long-term debt	166,125			280,738			—			—			—			446,863
Accrued insurance claims	778			—			32,959			45			—			33,782
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	—			432			48,593			417			(4,081		)	45,361
Intercompany payables	162,127			454,557			—			11,759			(628,443		)	—
Other liabilities	3,168			—			1,711			3			—			4,882
Total liabilities	359,499			736,373			249,064			15,178			(632,694		)	727,420
Total stockholders' equity	484,934			809,617			1,533,644			8,315			(2,351,576		)	484,934
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	844,433		$	1,545,990		$	1,782,708		$	23,493		$	(2,984,270	)	$	1,212,354
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 26, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Dycom Consolidated
Contract revenues	$	—		$	—		$	423,853		$	2,431		$	—		$	426,284
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	—			—			348,602			1,750			—			350,352
General and administrative	9,878			211			26,308			2,765			—			39,162
Depreciation and amortization	1,164			—			20,506			1,056			—			22,726
Intercompany charges (income), net	(12,608		)	—			12,669			(61		)	—			—
Interest expense, net	(1,566		)	(4,997		)	—			—			—			(6,563		)
Other income, net	—			—			5,554			39			—			5,593
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(5,208		)	21,322			(3,040		)	—			13,074
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(2,063		)	8,447			(1,205		)	—			5,179
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(3,145		)	12,875			(1,835		)	—			7,895
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	7,895			11,040			70			—			(19,005		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	7,895		$	7,895		$	12,945		$	(1,835	)	$	(19,005	)	$	7,895
Foreign currency translation losses, net of tax	(46		)	(46		)	—			(46		)	92			(46		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	7,849		$	7,849		$	12,945		$	(1,881	)	$	(18,913	)	$	7,849
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 25, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Dycom Consolidated
Contract revenues	$	—		$	—		$	1,434,010		$	9,823		$	—		$	1,443,833
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	—			—			1,139,962			7,174			—			1,147,136
General and administrative	38,056			371			83,222			9,569			—			131,218
Depreciation and amortization	3,953			—			62,715			3,511			—			70,179
Intercompany charges (income), net	(47,124		)	—			48,799			(1,675		)	—			—
Interest expense, net	(5,115		)	(15,001		)	(10		)	—			—			(20,126		)
Other income (expense), net	—			—			7,132			(131		)	—			7,001
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(15,372		)	106,434			(8,887		)	—			82,175
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	—			(5,926		)	41,030			(3,426		)	—			31,678
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	—			(9,446		)	65,404			(5,461		)	—			50,497
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	50,497			59,943			(261		)	—			(110,179		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	50,497		$	50,497		$	65,143		$	(5,461	)	$	(110,179	)	$	50,497
Foreign currency translation losses, net of tax	(688		)	(688		)	—			(688		)	1,376			(688		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	49,809		$	49,809		$	65,143		$	(6,149	)	$	(108,803	)	$	49,809
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 26, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Dycom Consolidated
Contract revenues	$	—		$	—		$	1,321,684		$	7,838		$	—		$	1,329,522
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	—			—			1,081,975			5,849			—			1,087,824
General and administrative	31,398			651			80,574			8,176			—			120,799
Depreciation and amortization	3,058			—			63,357			3,298			—			69,713
Intercompany charges (income), net	(39,713		)	—			40,049			(336		)	—			—
Interest expense, net	(5,260		)	(14,985		)	(4		)	—			—			(20,249		)
Other income, net	3			—			8,130			67			—			8,200
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(15,636		)	63,855			(9,082		)	—			39,137
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(6,252		)	25,533			(3,632		)	—			15,649
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(9,384		)	38,322			(5,450		)	—			23,488
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	23,488			32,872			70			—			(56,430		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	23,488		$	23,488		$	38,392		$	(5,450	)	$	(56,430	)	$	23,488
Foreign currency translation (losses), net of tax	(332		)	(332		)	—			(332		)	664			(332		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	23,156		$	23,156		$	38,392		$	(5,782	)	$	(55,766	)	$	23,156
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 25, 2015 (Dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elim-inations			Dycom Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(9,001	)	$	(4,350	)	$	136,999		$	(64	)	$	—		$	123,584
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(9,821		)	—			—			(9,821		)
Capital expenditures	(7,171		)	—			(63,421		)	(6,233		)	—			(76,825		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			6,756			8			—			6,764
Return of capital from subsidiaries	—			2,149			—			—			(2,149		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	—			(406,749		)	(400		)	—			407,149			—
Changes in restricted cash	(541		)	—			—			—			—			(541		)
Other investing activities	—			—			—			(4,000		)	—			(4,000		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,712		)	(404,600		)	(66,886		)	(10,225		)	405,000			(84,423		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on senior Credit Agreement	310,750			—			—			—			—			310,750
Principal payments on senior Credit Agreement	(321,563		)	—			—			—			—			(321,563		)
Debt issuance costs	(3,527		)	—			—			—			—			(3,527		)
Repurchases of common stock	(30,687		)	—			—			—			—			(30,687		)
Exercise of stock options	6,842			—			—			—			—			6,842
Restricted stock tax withholdings	(4,330		)	—			—			—			—			(4,330		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	5,224			—			—			—			—			5,224
Intercompany funding	54,004			408,950			(460,517		)	(2,437		)	—			—
Receipt of capital contributions, net	—			—			391,944			13,056			(405,000		)	—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	16,713			408,950			(68,573		)	10,619			(405,000		)	(37,291		)
Net increase in cash and equivalents	—			—			1,540			330			—			1,870
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	—			—			19,739			933			—			20,672
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	—		$	—		$	21,279		$	1,263		$	—		$	22,542
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 26, 2014 (Dollars in thousands)
	Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elim-inations			Dycom Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	2,007		$	(4,261	)	$	102,153		$	(2,408	)	$	—		$	97,491
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			(700		)	—			(700		)
Capital expenditures	(6,901		)	—			(59,504		)	(4,180		)	—			(70,585		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			7,813			1,612			—			9,425
Return of capital from subsidiaries	—			683			—			—			(683		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	—			(4,635		)	(185		)	—			4,820			—
Changes in restricted cash	(305		)	—			—			—			—			(305		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,206		)	(3,952		)	(51,876		)	(3,268		)	4,137			(62,165		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on senior credit agreement	337,000			—			—			—			—			337,000
Principal payments on senior credit agreement	(375,469		)	—			—			—			—			(375,469		)
Repurchases of common stock	(9,999		)	—			—			—			—			(9,999		)
Exercise of stock options	14,010			—			—			—			—			14,010
Restricted stock tax withholdings	(3,590		)	—			—			—			—			(3,590		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	2,837			—			—			—			—			2,837
Intercompany funding	40,410			8,213			(50,434		)	5,948			(4,137		)	—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	5,199			8,213			(50,434		)	5,948			(4,137		)	(35,211		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	—			—			(157		)	272			—			115
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	—			—			18,166			441			—			18,607
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	—		$	—		$	18,009		$	713		$	—		$	18,722

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Acco1

Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Dycom Industries, Inc. ("Dycom" or the "Company") is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States and in Canada. The Company's services include engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of Dycom and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated and the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in this report and the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended July 26, 2014 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 26, 2014, filed with the SEC on September 9, 2014.
Segment Information	Segment Information – The Company operates in one reportable segment as a specialty contractor, providing engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities. The Company's services are provided by its operating segments, each of which consists of a subsidiary (or in limited instances, the combination of two or more subsidiaries). Management of the operating segments report to the Company's Chief Operating Officer who reports to the Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. All of the Company's operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment due to their similar economic characteristics, nature of services and production processes, type of customers, and service distribution methods. The Company's operating segments provide services throughout the United States and in Canada. Revenues from services provided in Canada were approximately $2.0 million and $9.8 million during the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015, respectively, and $2.5 million and $7.9 million during the three and nine months ended April 26, 2014, respectively. The Company had no material long-lived assets in Canada at April 25, 2015 or July 26, 2014.
Accounting Period	Accounting Period – The Company uses a fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in July. As a result, each fiscal year may be comprised of fifty-two weeks or fifty-three weeks (with an additional week of operations occurring in the fourth quarter).
Significant Accounting Policies & Estimates	Significant Accounting Policies & Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. At the time they are made, the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole. However, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. There have been no material changes to the Company's significant accounting policies and critical accounting estimates described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 26, 2014.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash – As of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014, the Company had approximately $4.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in restricted cash which is held as collateral in support of the Company's insurance obligations. Restricted cash is included in other current assets and other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and changes in restricted cash are reported in cash flows used in investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivables, income taxes receivable and payable, accounts payable and certain accrued expenses, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value due to their short maturity, except for the Company's outstanding 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") which are based on observable market-based inputs (Level 2) as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014. See Note 10, Debt, for further information regarding the fair value of the 2021 Notes. The Company's cash and equivalents are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) as of April 25, 2015 and July 26, 2014. During the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 the Company had no material non-recurring fair value measurements of assets or liabilities subsequent to their initial recognition.
Other Assets	Other Assets – Other assets consists of deferred financing costs, long-term deposits, contract acquisition costs and other non-current assets. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company made an investment of $4.0 million in non-voting senior units of a customer. The investment was made in connection with this customer's restructuring plan and will accrue dividends at a rate of 5.25% per year.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. In accordance with ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 also requires expanded disclosures about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations as well as disclosure of the pre-tax income rising from a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. ASU 2014-08 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2016 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to disclose both qualitative and quantitative information that enables users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including disclosure of significant judgments affecting the recognition of revenue. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2018 and interim reporting periods within that year, using either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events exist, an entity should disclose that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date that financial statements are issued. Disclosure should include the principal conditions or events that raise substantial doubt, management’s evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events in relation to the entity’s ability to meet its obligations, and management’s plans that are intended to mitigate those conditions or events. ASU 2014-15 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2017 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items ("ASU 2015-01"). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from GAAP. As a result, an entity is no longer required to separately classify, present, or disclose extraordinary events and transactions; however, the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained. ASU 2015-01 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2016 and interim reporting periods within that year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU2015-03"), which requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-03 will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2017 and interim reporting periods within that year, using the retrospective method. Early adoption is permitted. See Note 10, Debt, for further information regarding the Company’s debt financing.

Computation_of_Earnings_Per_Co1

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014		April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net income available to common stockholders (numerator)	$	20,258	$	7,895	$	50,497	$	23,488
	Weighted-average number of common shares (denominator)	34,107,262		33,860,832		34,081,381		33,707,957
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.59	$	0.23	$	1.48	$	0.7
	Weighted-average number of common shares	34,107,262		33,860,832		34,081,381		33,707,957
	Potential common stock arising from stock options, and unvested restricted share units	921,694		902,203		1,010,263		1,059,443
	Total shares-diluted (denominator)	35,028,956		34,763,035		35,091,644		34,767,400
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.58	$	0.23	$	1.44	$	0.68
	Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per common share	158,113		576,257		159,484		570,859

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
		April 25,			July 26,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Contract billings	$	246,876		$	258,254
	Retainage and other receivables	19,894			15,323
	Total	266,770			273,577
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(998		)	(836		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	265,772		$	272,741

Costs_and_Estimated_Earnings_i1

Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings, Net	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings ("CIEB") includes revenue for services from contracts based both on the units-of-delivery and the cost-to-cost measures of the percentage of completion method. Amounts consisted of the following:
		April 25,			July 26,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Costs incurred on contracts in progress	$	228,683		$	234,766
	Estimated to date earnings	65,324			57,335
	Total costs and estimated earnings	294,007			292,101
	Less: billings to date	(60,299		)	(75,414		)
		$	233,708		$	216,687
	Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets under the captions:
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	247,979		$	230,569
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(14,271		)	(13,882		)
		$	233,708		$	216,687

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		Estimated Useful Lives	April 25,			July 26,
			2015			2014
		(Years)	(Dollars in thousands)
	Land	—	$	3,408		$	3,408
	Buildings	Oct-35	11,655			11,589
	Leasehold improvements	10-Jan	6,950			5,335
	Vehicles	5-Jan	308,887			279,631
	Computer hardware and software	10-Mar	84,235			73,349
	Office furniture and equipment	7-Feb	8,244			7,790
	Equipment and machinery	10-Jan	191,323			177,608
	Total		614,702			558,710
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(388,374		)	(353,297		)
	Property and equipment, net		$	226,328		$	205,413

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 2015 were as follows:
		Goodwill			Accumulated Impairment Losses			Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance as of July 26, 2014	$	464,855		$	(195,767	)	$	269,088
	Purchase price allocation adjustments	377			—			377
	Balance as of April 25, 2015	$	465,232		$	(195,767	)	$	269,465
Schedule of Intangible Assets	The Company's intangible assets consisted of the following:
		April 25,			July 26,
		2015			2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Carrying amount:
	Customer relationships	$	179,859		$	173,594
	Contract backlog	8,076			15,285
	Trade names	8,200			8,200
	UtiliQuest trade name	4,700			4,700
	Non-compete agreements	400			400
		201,235			202,179
	Accumulated amortization:
	Customer relationships	79,531			69,048
	Contract backlog	7,121			13,490
	Trade names	4,328			3,361
	Non-compete agreements	224			164
		91,204			86,063
	Net Intangible Assets	$	110,031		$	116,116
Future Amortization Expense	Estimated total amortization expense for existing intangible assets for the remainder of fiscal 2015 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (dollars in thousands):
	Period		Amount
	Three months ending July 25, 2015		$	4,147
	2016		15,918
	2017		14,403
	2018		12,212
	2019		9,792
	2020		8,855
	Thereafter		40,004
	Total		$	105,331

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		April 25,		July 26,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued payroll and related taxes	$	16,974	$	18,429
	Accrued employee benefit and incentive plan costs	21,060		17,677
	Accrued construction costs	21,175		20,689
	Accrued interest and related bank fees	5,591		872
	Other current liabilities	13,424		18,467
	Total other accrued liabilities	$	78,224	$	76,134
	Other current liabilities within the above table includes income taxes payable of $5.2 million as of July 26, 2014.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Indebtedness	The Company’s outstanding indebtedness consisted of the following:
		April 25,		July 26,
		2015		2014
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020)	$	16,250	$	63,000
	Credit Agreement - Term Loan (matures April 2020)	150,000		114,063
	7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021	277,500		277,500
	Long-term debt premium on 7.125% senior subordinated notes (amortizes to interest expense through January 2021)	2,942		3,238
		446,692		457,801
	Less: current portion	—		(10,938		)
	Long-term debt	$	446,692	$	446,863

Other_Income_Net_Tables

Other Income, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Income, Net	The components of other income, net, were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Gain on sale of fixed assets	$	3,067	$	5,469	$	6,249	$	7,904
	Miscellaneous income, net	404		124		752		296
	Total other income, net	$	3,471	$	5,593	$	7,001	$	8,200

StockBased_Awards_Tables

Stock-Based Awards (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense and Related Tax Benefit Recognized	Stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit recognized related to stock options and restricted share units during the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
		25-Apr-15			26-Apr-14			25-Apr-15				26-Apr-14
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Stock-based compensation	$	3,219		$	2,671		$	10,773			$	9,721
	Tax benefit recognized in the statement of operations	$	1,248		$	1,071		$	4,221			$	3,736
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options Award Activity	The following table summarizes stock option award activity during the nine months ended April 25, 2015:
		Stock Options
		Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding as of July 26, 2014	2,044,893		$	18.68
	Granted	90,686		$	31.46
	Options exercised	(536,538	)	$	12.75
	Forfeited or canceled	(484,126	)	$	34.48
	Outstanding as of April 25, 2015	1,114,915		$	15.72
	Exercisable options as of April 25, 2015	856,647		$	12.77
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, RSU and Performance RSU Activity	The following table summarizes RSU and Performance RSU activity during the nine months ended April 25, 2015:
		Restricted Stock
		RSUs					Performance RSUs
		Share Units		Weighted Average Grant Price			Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Price
	Outstanding as of July 26, 2014	398,931		$	20.61		1,190,184			$	21.73
	Granted	100,360		$	31.15		416,987			$	31.03
	Share units vested	(134,764	)	$	19.55		(317,908	)		$	21.59
	Forfeited or canceled	(13,781	)	$	19.27		(333,977	)		$	19.98
	Outstanding as of April 25, 2015	350,746		$	24.09		955,286			$	26.45

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	xpenses under these arrangements for the three and nine months ended April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14		25-Apr-15		26-Apr-14
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Real property and equipment leases	$	648	$	562	$	1,952	$	1,731
	Subcontractors and materials expense	$	792	$	366	$	1,981	$	994

Concentration_of_Credit_Risk_T

Concentration of Credit Risk (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Schedule that Represents A Significant Portion of the Companybs Customer Base and Each Over 10% of Total Revenue	Customers whose revenues exceeded 10% of total revenue during the three or nine months ended April 25, 2015 or April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended			For the Nine Months Ended
		April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014	April 25, 2015		April 26, 2014
	AT&T Inc.	21.30%		20.80%	21.50%		18.90%
	CenturyLink, Inc.	13.90%		12.80%	13.70%		14.30%
	Comcast Corporation	13.30%		12.10%	13.00%		11.50%
Schedule of Customers Representing 10% or More of Combined Amounts of Trade Accounts Receivable and Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings with the Following Outstanding Balances and Related Percentages of the Companybs Total Outstanding Balances	Customers representing 10% or more of combined amounts of trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net ("CIEB, net") as of April 25, 2015 or July 26, 2014 had the following outstanding balances and the related percentage of the Company’s total outstanding balances:
		April 25, 2015						July 26, 2014
		Amount			% of Total			Amount		% of Total
					(Dollars in millions)
	AT&T Inc.	$	103.5		20.7	%		$	87.6	17.9	%
	CenturyLink, Inc.	$	56.2		11.2	%		$	48.2	9.8	%
	Comcast Corporation	$	55.5		11.1	%		$	48.9	9.9	%

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin1

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet	DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
	April 25, 2015
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Dycom Consolidated
		(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current Assets:
	Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	21,279		$	1,263		$	—		$	22,542
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			264,290			1,482			—			265,772
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	—			—			246,539			1,440			—			247,979
	Inventories	—			—			45,205			—			—			45,205
	Deferred tax assets, net	3,191			—			16,161			76			(150		)	19,278
	Other current assets	11,673			36			7,716			687			—			20,112
	Total current assets	14,864			36			601,190			4,948			(150		)	620,888
	Property and equipment, net	20,272			—			186,187			19,869			—			226,328
	Goodwill	—			—			269,465			—			—			269,465
	Intangible assets, net	—			—			109,492			539			—			110,031
	Deferred tax assets, net non-current	375			52			3,556			333			(4,316		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	860,114			2,003,652			1,660			—			(2,865,426		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			—			1,082,143			—			(1,082,143		)	—
	Other	18,229			5,118			2,960			4,097			—			30,404
	Total non-current assets	898,990			2,008,822			1,655,463			24,838			(3,951,885		)	636,228
	Total assets	$	913,854		$	2,008,858		$	2,256,653		$	29,786		$	(3,952,035	)	$	1,257,116
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	1,494		$	—		$	61,803		$	1,166		$	—		$	64,463
	Current portion of debt	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	—			—			14,271			—			—			14,271
	Accrued insurance claims	166			—			37,827			43			—			38,036
	Deferred tax liabilities	—			80			14			56			(150		)	—
	Other accrued liabilities	10,959			5,458			60,911			896			—			78,224
	Total current liabilities	12,619			5,538			174,826			2,161			(150		)	194,994
	Long-term debt	166,250			280,442			—			—			—			446,692
	Accrued insurance claims	56			—			39,402			29			—			39,487
	Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	—			485			51,128			1,518			(4,316		)	48,815
	Intercompany payables	209,597			862,279			—			10,267			(1,082,143		)	—
	Other liabilities	3,146			—			1,792			4			—			4,942
	Total liabilities	391,668			1,148,744			267,148			13,979			(1,086,609		)	734,930
	Total stockholders' equity	522,186			860,114			1,989,505			15,807			(2,865,426		)	522,186
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	913,854		$	2,008,858		$	2,256,653		$	29,786		$	(3,952,035	)	$	1,257,116
	DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	26-Jul-14
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations and Reclassifications			Dycom Consolidated
		(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current Assets:
	Cash and equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	19,739		$	933		$	—		$	20,672
	Accounts receivable, net	—			—			269,760			2,981			—			272,741
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	—			—			228,541			2,028			—			230,569
	Inventories	—			—			49,095			—			—			49,095
	Deferred tax assets, net	3,822			—			16,193			87			(170		)	19,932
	Other current assets	4,956			16			7,237			518			—			12,727
	Total current assets	8,778			16			590,565			6,547			(170		)	605,736
	Property and equipment, net	18,108			—			171,158			16,147			—			205,413
	Goodwill	—			—			269,088			—			—			269,088
	Intangible assets, net	—			—			115,483			633			—			116,116
	Deferred tax assets, net non-current	182			—			3,884			15			(4,081		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	809,617			1,540,338			1,621			—			(2,351,576		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			—			628,443			—			(628,443		)	—
	Other	7,748			5,636			2,466			151			—			16,001
	Total non-current assets	835,655			1,545,974			1,192,143			16,946			(2,984,100		)	606,618
	Total assets	$	844,433		$	1,545,990		$	1,782,708		$	23,493		$	(2,984,270	)	$	1,212,354
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,083		$	—		$	58,970		$	1,265		$	—		$	63,318
Current portion of debt	10,938			—			—			—			—			10,938
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	—			—			13,882			—			—			13,882
Accrued insurance claims	612			—			31,599			49			—			32,260
Deferred tax liabilities	—			80			66			24			(170		)	—
Other accrued liabilities	12,668			566			61,284			1,616			—			76,134
Total current liabilities	27,301			646			165,801			2,954			(170		)	196,532
Long-term debt	166,125			280,738			—			—			—			446,863
Accrued insurance claims	778			—			32,959			45			—			33,782
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	—			432			48,593			417			(4,081		)	45,361
Intercompany payables	162,127			454,557			—			11,759			(628,443		)	—
Other liabilities	3,168			—			1,711			3			—			4,882
Total liabilities	359,499			736,373			249,064			15,178			(632,694		)	727,420
Total stockholders' equity	484,934			809,617			1,533,644			8,315			(2,351,576		)	484,934
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	844,433		$	1,545,990		$	1,782,708		$	23,493		$	(2,984,270	)	$	1,212,354
Schedule of Condensed Income Statement	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED April 25, 2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Dycom Consolidated
	Contract revenues	$	—		$	—		$	490,351		$	2,012		$	—		$	492,363
	Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	—			—			386,689			1,550			—			388,239
	General and administrative	13,249			131			28,552			2,775			—			44,707
	Depreciation and amortization	1,410			—			21,344			1,231			—			23,985
	Intercompany charges (income), net	(16,294		)	—			16,877			(583		)	—			—
	Interest expense, net	(1,635		)	(5,002		)	(9		)	—			—			(6,646		)
	Other income, net	—			—			3,438			33			—			3,471
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	—			(5,133		)	40,318			(2,928		)	—			32,257
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	—			(1,889		)	14,965			(1,077		)	—			11,999
	Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(3,244		)	25,353			(1,851		)	—			20,258
	Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	20,258			23,502			(10		)	—			(43,750		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	20,258		$	20,258		$	25,343		$	(1,851	)	$	(43,750	)	$	20,258
	Foreign currency translation gains, net of tax	38			38			—			38			(76		)	38
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	20,296		$	20,296		$	25,343		$	(1,813	)	$	(43,826	)	$	20,296
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 26, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Dycom Consolidated
	Contract revenues	$	—		$	—		$	423,853		$	2,431		$	—		$	426,284
	Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	—			—			348,602			1,750			—			350,352
	General and administrative	9,878			211			26,308			2,765			—			39,162
	Depreciation and amortization	1,164			—			20,506			1,056			—			22,726
	Intercompany charges (income), net	(12,608		)	—			12,669			(61		)	—			—
	Interest expense, net	(1,566		)	(4,997		)	—			—			—			(6,563		)
	Other income, net	—			—			5,554			39			—			5,593
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(5,208		)	21,322			(3,040		)	—			13,074
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	—			(2,063		)	8,447			(1,205		)	—			5,179
	Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	—			(3,145		)	12,875			(1,835		)	—			7,895
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	7,895			11,040			70			—			(19,005		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	7,895		$	7,895		$	12,945		$	(1,835	)	$	(19,005	)	$	7,895
	Foreign currency translation losses, net of tax	(46		)	(46		)	—			(46		)	92			(46		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	7,849		$	7,849		$	12,945		$	(1,881	)	$	(18,913	)	$	7,849
Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
	FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 25, 2015 (Dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elim-inations			Dycom Consolidated
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(9,001	)	$	(4,350	)	$	136,999		$	(64	)	$	—		$	123,584
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(9,821		)	—			—			(9,821		)
	Capital expenditures	(7,171		)	—			(63,421		)	(6,233		)	—			(76,825		)
	Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			6,756			8			—			6,764
	Return of capital from subsidiaries	—			2,149			—			—			(2,149		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	—			(406,749		)	(400		)	—			407,149			—
	Changes in restricted cash	(541		)	—			—			—			—			(541		)
	Other investing activities	—			—			—			(4,000		)	—			(4,000		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(7,712		)	(404,600		)	(66,886		)	(10,225		)	405,000			(84,423		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Borrowings on senior Credit Agreement	310,750			—			—			—			—			310,750
	Principal payments on senior Credit Agreement	(321,563		)	—			—			—			—			(321,563		)
	Debt issuance costs	(3,527		)	—			—			—			—			(3,527		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(30,687		)	—			—			—			—			(30,687		)
	Exercise of stock options	6,842			—			—			—			—			6,842
	Restricted stock tax withholdings	(4,330		)	—			—			—			—			(4,330		)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	5,224			—			—			—			—			5,224
	Intercompany funding	54,004			408,950			(460,517		)	(2,437		)	—			—
	Receipt of capital contributions, net	—			—			391,944			13,056			(405,000		)	—
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	16,713			408,950			(68,573		)	10,619			(405,000		)	(37,291		)
	Net increase in cash and equivalents	—			—			1,540			330			—			1,870
	CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	—			—			19,739			933			—			20,672
	CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	—		$	—		$	21,279		$	1,263		$	—		$	22,542
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
	FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 26, 2014 (Dollars in thousands)
		Parent			Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Elim-inations			Dycom Consolidated
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	2,007		$	(4,261	)	$	102,153		$	(2,408	)	$	—		$	97,491
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			(700		)	—			(700		)
	Capital expenditures	(6,901		)	—			(59,504		)	(4,180		)	—			(70,585		)
	Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			7,813			1,612			—			9,425
	Return of capital from subsidiaries	—			683			—			—			(683		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	—			(4,635		)	(185		)	—			4,820			—
	Changes in restricted cash	(305		)	—			—			—			—			(305		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(7,206		)	(3,952		)	(51,876		)	(3,268		)	4,137			(62,165		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Borrowings on senior credit agreement	337,000			—			—			—			—			337,000
	Principal payments on senior credit agreement	(375,469		)	—			—			—			—			(375,469		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(9,999		)	—			—			—			—			(9,999		)
	Exercise of stock options	14,010			—			—			—			—			14,010
	Restricted stock tax withholdings	(3,590		)	—			—			—			—			(3,590		)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	2,837			—			—			—			—			2,837
	Intercompany funding	40,410			8,213			(50,434		)	5,948			(4,137		)	—
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	5,199			8,213			(50,434		)	5,948			(4,137		)	(35,211		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	—			—			(157		)	272			—			115
	CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	—			—			18,166			441			—			18,607
	CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	—		$	—		$	18,009		$	713		$	—		$	18,722

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Acco2

Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014
	subsidiary
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	1
Number of subsidiaries	2
Contract revenues	$492,363,000	$426,284,000	$1,443,833,000	$1,329,522,000
Restricted cash	4,500,000		4,500,000		4,000,000
Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets	4,000,000		4,000,000
Investment dividend rate	5.25%
Senior Subordinated Notes | 7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate (in percent)	7.13%		7.13%		7.13%
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenues	$2,000,000	$2,500,000	$9,800,000	$7,900,000

Computation_of_Earnings_Per_Co2

Computation of Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Basic earnings per unit
Net income	$20,258	$7,895	$50,497	$23,488
Weighted-average number of common shares (in shares)	34,107,262	33,860,832	34,081,381	33,707,957
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.59	$0.23	$1.48	$0.70
Diluted earnings per unit
Weighted-average number of common shares (in shares)	34,107,262	33,860,832	34,081,381	33,707,957
Potential common stock arising from stock options, and unvested restricted share units (in shares)	921,694	902,203	1,010,263	1,059,443
Total shares-diluted (in shares)	35,028,956	34,763,035	35,091,644	34,767,400
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.58	$0.23	$1.44	$0.68
Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	158,113	576,257	159,484	570,859

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 25, 2014	Jan. 24, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015
		business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				$269,088,000	$269,465,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross				558,710,000	614,702,000
Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition payments	8,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	5,900,000
Cable Installation Contractors
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition payments		1,500,000
Number of businesses acquired		2
Telecommunications Specialty Construction Contractor, Canada
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition payments			700,000
Watts Brothers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition payments				16,400,000
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid For Working Capital	2,600,000
Goodwill	1,600,000
Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross	8,500,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$3,700,000

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014	21-May-15
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Contract billings	$246,876,000	$258,254,000
Retainage and other receivables	19,894,000	15,323,000
Total	266,770,000	273,577,000
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-998,000	-836,000
Accounts receivable, net	265,772,000	272,741,000
Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets	4,000,000
Corporation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	17,700,000
Accounts receivable, net	13,100,000
Collection of Past Due Receivable Balance	7,100,000
Corporation | Subsequent Event
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Collection of Past Due Receivable Balance			$5,800,000

Costs_and_Estimated_Earnings_i2

Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs incurred on contracts in progress	$228,683	$234,766
Estimated to date earnings	65,324	57,335
Total costs and estimated earnings	294,007	292,101
Less: billings to date	-60,299	-75,414
Total costs in excess of billings	233,708	216,687
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	247,979	230,569
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	-14,271	-13,882
Total costs in excess of billings	$233,708	$216,687

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$614,702,000		$614,702,000		$558,710,000
Less: accumulated depreciation	-388,374,000		-388,374,000		-353,297,000
Property and equipment, net	226,328,000		226,328,000		205,413,000
Depreciation expense	19,800,000	18,600,000	57,800,000	55,700,000
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,408,000		3,408,000		3,408,000
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	11,655,000		11,655,000		11,589,000
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	6,950,000		6,950,000		5,335,000
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	308,887,000		308,887,000		279,631,000
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	84,235,000		84,235,000		73,349,000
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,244,000		8,244,000		7,790,000
Equipment and machinery
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$191,323,000		$191,323,000		$177,608,000
Minimum | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			10 years
Minimum | Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			1 year
Minimum | Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			1 year
Minimum | Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			3 years
Minimum | Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			2 years
Minimum | Equipment and machinery
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			1 year
Maximum | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			35 years
Maximum | Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			10 years
Maximum | Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			5 years
Maximum | Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			10 years
Maximum | Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			7 years
Maximum | Equipment and machinery
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			10 years

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Oct. 25, 2014	Jan. 24, 2015
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$269,465,000	$269,465,000		269,088,000
Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets	4,100,000	12,400,000	14,100,000
Goodwill
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting units as a percent of consolidated goodwill balance				20.00%
Discount rate				11.50%
Fair value assumptions, expected term				7 years
Minimum | Goodwill
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Terminal growth rate range				1.50%
Maximum | Goodwill
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Terminal growth rate range				3.00%
Businesses Acquired in Fiscal 2013
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of Reporting Units that Exceeded Carrying Value				3
Excess carrying value, percent				25.00%
First Reporting Unit Acquired in Fiscal 2013
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				10,600,000
Second Reporting Unit Acquired in Fiscal 2013
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				4,800,000
Third Reporting Unit Acquired in Fiscal 2013
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				3,600,000
Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount					5,900,000
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	179,859,000	179,859,000		173,594,000		400,000
Customer relationships | Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	5,900,000	5,900,000
Contract backlog
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	8,076,000	8,076,000		15,285,000
Contract backlog | Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$7,200,000	$7,200,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	$464,855	$465,232
Goodwill acquisitions	377
Goodwill, gross, ending balance		465,232
Accumulated impairment losses		-195,767	-195,767
Goodwill		$269,465	$269,088

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill	$201,235		$202,179
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	91,204		86,063
Intangible assets, net	110,031		116,116
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	179,859	400	173,594
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	79,531		69,048
Contract backlog
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	8,076		15,285
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	7,121		13,490
Trade names
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	8,200		8,200
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	4,328		3,361
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying amount	400		400
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	224		164
UtiliQuest
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
UtiliQuest trade name	$4,700		$4,700

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Three months ending July 25, 2015	$4,147
2016	15,918
2017	14,403
2018	12,212
2019	9,792
2020	8,855
Thereafter	40,004
Total	$105,331

Accrued_Insurance_Claims_Detai

Accrued Insurance Claims (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014	Jul. 25, 2015
Accrued Insurance Claims [Line Items]
Insurance liability, annual retained risk loss	$250,000
Retained risk of loss per participant for employee health plan for claim amounts that aggregate across all participants in excess of $250,000	550,000
Health plan participant threshold	250,000
Accrued Insurance	77,500,000	66,000,000
Accrued insurance claims, Noncurrent	39,487,000	33,782,000
Scenario, Forecast
Accrued Insurance Claims [Line Items]
Aggregate stop loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability, and workers' compensation claims before adjustment			59,500,000
Maximum
Accrued Insurance Claims [Line Items]
Retained risk of loss, general liability and workers' compensation, maximum automobile liability	$1,000,000

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and related taxes	$16,974,000	$18,429,000
Accrued employee benefit and incentive plan costs	21,060,000	17,677,000
Accrued construction costs	21,175,000	20,689,000
Accrued interest and related bank fees	5,591,000	872,000
Other current liabilities	13,424,000	18,467,000
Total other accrued liabilities	78,224,000	76,134,000
Accrued income taxes for other current liabilities		$5,200,000

Debt_Outstanding_Details

Debt - Outstanding (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	$446,692	$457,801
Long-term debt premium on 7.125% senior subordinated notes (amortizes to interest expense through January 2021)	2,900	3,200
Less: current portion	0	-10,938
Long-term debt	446,692	446,863
7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	280,400	280,700
Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	16,250	63,000
Credit Agreement - Term Loan (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	150,000	114,063
Senior Subordinated Notes | 7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate (in percent)	7.13%	7.13%
Debt and capital lease obligations	277,500	277,500
Long-term debt premium on 7.125% senior subordinated notes (amortizes to interest expense through January 2021)	$2,942	$3,238

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 24, 2015	Dec. 03, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	446,692,000	457,801,000
Long-term debt premium on 7.125% senior subordinated notes (amortizes to interest expense through January 2021)	2,900,000	3,200,000
7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	280,400,000	280,700,000
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt covenant compliance, consolidated leverage maximum (ratio)	3.5
Senior Subordinated Notes | 7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	277,500,000	277,500,000
Debt, interest rate (in percent)	7.13%	7.13%
Long-term debt premium on 7.125% senior subordinated notes (amortizes to interest expense through January 2021)	2,942,000	3,238,000
Long-term debt, fair value	289,600,000	297,600,000
Credit Agreement - Term Loan (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	150,000,000	114,063,000
Credit facility amount			150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.93%	2.15%
Debt covenant compliance, consolidated leverage maximum (ratio)	2.25
Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement, December 3, 2012, Maturing December 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)		0.35%
Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement, December 3, 2012, Maturing December 2017 | Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)		2.00%
Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	16,250,000	63,000,000
Line of credit current borrowing capacity			450,000,000	275,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	3.20%	2.55%
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)	0.35%
Additional borrowing availability	379,300,000	162,600,000
Line of Credit Facility Incremental Additional Facilities Option Amount			150,000,000
Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit current borrowing capacity			200,000,000	150,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount	54,400,000	49,400,000
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)	1.75%	2.00%
Federal Fund Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
Eurodollar [Member] | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member] | Swingline Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%	2.00%
Administrative Agent Base Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member] | Swingline Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.75%	1.00%
Minimum | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)			0.25%
Minimum | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member] | Commercial Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)			0.63%
Minimum | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)			1.25%
Maximum | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)			0.40%
Maximum | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member] | Commercial Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)			1.00%
Maximum | Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020) | Credit Agreement [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unutilized commitment fee (in percent)			2.00%

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income taxes payable		$5.20
Unrecognized tax benefit	2.4	2.4
Payment of interest and penalties accrued	0.9	0.8
Other Assets
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income taxes receivable	$3.20	$2.20

Other_Income_Net_Details

Other Income, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Gain on sale of fixed assets	$3,067	$5,469	$6,249	$7,904
Miscellaneous income, net	404	124	752	296
Total other income, net	$3,471	$5,593	$7,001	$8,200

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Aug. 27, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of Shares Repurchased	763,768		360,900
Average Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$40.18		$27.71
Total Consideration (Dollars in thousands)	$30,687,000	$9,999,000	$10,000,000
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	138,535	130,195
Value of Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	4,300,000	3,600,000
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	26,500,000
Common stock authorized repurchase amount				$40,000,000

StockBased_Awards_Details

Stock-Based Awards (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options	$3.50
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years 8 months 12 days
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options	6.9
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years 6 months
Granted	100,360
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	350,746	398,931
Performance RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options	15.5
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	1 year 7 months 6 days
Compensation expense	$5.30
RSUs outstanding	357,331
Granted	416,987
Forfeited or cancelled		312,163
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Awards Other than Options, Target Shares Expected to be Canceled		48,313
Share-based Compensation by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Awards Other than Options, Supplemental Shares Expected to be Canceled		263,850
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	955,286	1,190,184
Target Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	725,438
Supplemental Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	59,656
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	229,848

StockBased_Awards_Tax_Benefit_

Stock-Based Awards - Tax Benefit Recognized (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$3,219	$2,671	$10,773	$9,721
Tax benefit recognized in the statement of operations	$1,248	$1,071	$4,221	$3,736

StockBased_Awards_Stock_Option

Stock-Based Awards - Stock Options (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
Stock Options
Stock Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of	2,044,893
Granted	90,686
Options exercised	-536,538
Forfeited or canceled	-484,126
Outstanding as of	1,114,915
Exercisable options	856,647
Stock Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of	$18.68
Granted	$31.46
Options exercised	$12.75
Forfeited or canceled	$34.48
Outstanding as of	$15.72
Exercisable options	$12.77

StockBased_Awards_RSUs_and_Per

Stock-Based Awards - RSU's and Performance RSU's (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015
RSUs
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of	398,931
Granted	100,360
Share units vested	-134,764
Forfeited or canceled	-13,781
Outstanding as of	350,746
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of	$20.61
Granted	$31.15
Share units vested	$19.55
Forfeited or canceled	$19.27
Outstanding as of	$24.09
Performance RSUs
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of	1,190,184
Granted	416,987
Share units vested	-317,908
Forfeited or canceled	-333,977
Outstanding as of	955,286
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of	$21.73
Granted	$31.03
Share units vested	$21.59
Forfeited or canceled	$19.98
Outstanding as of	$26.45

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Real property and equipment leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total expense under lease agreements	$648	$562	$1,952	$1,731
Subcontractors and materials expense
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total expense under lease agreements	$792	$366	$1,981	$994

Concentration_of_Credit_Risk_D

Concentration of Credit Risk (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers classified as highly concentrated	5		5
Customer Concentration Risk | Five Unnamed Customers
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	60.10%	58.50%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Customer Concentration Risk | AT&T Inc.
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	21.50%	18.90%	21.30%	20.80%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Customer Concentration Risk | CenturyLink, Inc.
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	13.70%	14.30%	13.90%	12.80%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Customer Concentration Risk | Comcast Corporation
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	13.00%	11.50%	13.30%	12.10%
Trade Accounts Receivable and Costs and Estimated Earnings | Customer Concentration Risk | AT&T Inc.
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	20.70%				17.90%
Accounts receivable, costs, and estimated earnings in excess of billings	103.5		103.5		$87.60
Trade Accounts Receivable and Costs and Estimated Earnings | Customer Concentration Risk | CenturyLink, Inc.
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	11.10%				9.90%
Accounts receivable, costs, and estimated earnings in excess of billings	55.5		55.5		48.9
Trade Accounts Receivable and Costs and Estimated Earnings | Customer Concentration Risk | Comcast Corporation
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	11.20%				9.80%
Accounts receivable, costs, and estimated earnings in excess of billings	56.2		56.2		48.2
Trade Accounts Receivable and Costs and Estimated Earnings | Customer Concentration Risk | Another Customer
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.20%				4.70%
Accounts receivable, costs, and estimated earnings in excess of billings	51		51		$20.50

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought	2.6
Performance Guarantee and Surety Bond
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds	308.7	$446.80

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin2

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	$446,692	$457,801
7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	280,400	280,700
7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2021 | Senior Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations	$277,500	$277,500

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin3

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements - Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$22,542	$20,672	$18,722	$18,607
Accounts receivable, net	265,772	272,741
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	247,979	230,569
Inventories	45,205	49,095
Deferred tax assets, net	19,278	19,932
Other current assets	20,112	12,727
Total current assets	620,888	605,736
Property and equipment, net	226,328	205,413
Goodwill	269,465	269,088
Intangible assets, net	110,031	116,116
Deferred tax assets, net non-current	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other	30,404	16,001
Total non-current assets	636,228	606,618
Total assets	1,257,116	1,212,354
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	64,463	63,318
Current portion of debt	0	10,938
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	14,271	13,882
Accrued insurance claims	38,036	32,260
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	78,224	76,134
Total current liabilities	194,994	196,532
Long-term debt	446,692	446,863
Accrued insurance claims	39,487	33,782
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	48,815	45,361
Intercompany payables	0	0
Other liabilities	4,942	4,882
Total liabilities	734,930	727,420
Total stockholders' equity	522,186	484,934
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,257,116	1,212,354
Parent
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net	3,191	3,822
Other current assets	11,673	4,956
Total current assets	14,864	8,778
Property and equipment, net	20,272	18,108
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net non-current	375	182
Investment in subsidiaries	860,114	809,617
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other	18,229	7,748
Total non-current assets	898,990	835,655
Total assets	913,854	844,433
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,494	3,083
Current portion of debt	0	10,938
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	0	0
Accrued insurance claims	166	612
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	10,959	12,668
Total current liabilities	12,619	27,301
Long-term debt	166,250	166,125
Accrued insurance claims	56	778
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	0	0
Intercompany payables	209,597	162,127
Other liabilities	3,146	3,168
Total liabilities	391,668	359,499
Total stockholders' equity	522,186	484,934
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	913,854	844,433
Issuer
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net	0	0
Other current assets	36	16
Total current assets	36	16
Property and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net non-current	52	0
Investment in subsidiaries	2,003,652	1,540,338
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other	5,118	5,636
Total non-current assets	2,008,822	1,545,974
Total assets	2,008,858	1,545,990
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current portion of debt	0	0
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	0	0
Accrued insurance claims	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	80	80
Other accrued liabilities	5,458	566
Total current liabilities	5,538	646
Long-term debt	280,442	280,738
Accrued insurance claims	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	485	432
Intercompany payables	862,279	454,557
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	1,148,744	736,373
Total stockholders' equity	860,114	809,617
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,008,858	1,545,990
Subsidiary Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	21,279	19,739	18,009	18,166
Accounts receivable, net	264,290	269,760
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	246,539	228,541
Inventories	45,205	49,095
Deferred tax assets, net	16,161	16,193
Other current assets	7,716	7,237
Total current assets	601,190	590,565
Property and equipment, net	186,187	171,158
Goodwill	269,465	269,088
Intangible assets, net	109,492	115,483
Deferred tax assets, net non-current	3,556	3,884
Investment in subsidiaries	1,660	1,621
Intercompany receivables	1,082,143	628,443
Other	2,960	2,466
Total non-current assets	1,655,463	1,192,143
Total assets	2,256,653	1,782,708
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	61,803	58,970
Current portion of debt	0	0
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	14,271	13,882
Accrued insurance claims	37,827	31,599
Deferred tax liabilities	14	66
Other accrued liabilities	60,911	61,284
Total current liabilities	174,826	165,801
Long-term debt	0	0
Accrued insurance claims	39,402	32,959
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	51,128	48,593
Intercompany payables	0	0
Other liabilities	1,792	1,711
Total liabilities	267,148	249,064
Total stockholders' equity	1,989,505	1,533,644
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,256,653	1,782,708
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	1,263	933	713	441
Accounts receivable, net	1,482	2,981
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	1,440	2,028
Inventories	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net	76	87
Other current assets	687	518
Total current assets	4,948	6,547
Property and equipment, net	19,869	16,147
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	539	633
Deferred tax assets, net non-current	333	15
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other	4,097	151
Total non-current assets	24,838	16,946
Total assets	29,786	23,493
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,166	1,265
Current portion of debt	0	0
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	0	0
Accrued insurance claims	43	49
Deferred tax liabilities	56	24
Other accrued liabilities	896	1,616
Total current liabilities	2,161	2,954
Long-term debt	0	0
Accrued insurance claims	29	45
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	1,518	417
Intercompany payables	10,267	11,759
Other liabilities	4	3
Total liabilities	13,979	15,178
Total stockholders' equity	15,807	8,315
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	29,786	23,493
Eliminations and Reclassifications
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net	-150	-170
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	-150	-170
Property and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net non-current	-4,316	-4,081
Investment in subsidiaries	-2,865,426	-2,351,576
Intercompany receivables	-1,082,143	-628,443
Other	0	0
Total non-current assets	-3,951,885	-2,984,100
Total assets	-3,952,035	-2,984,270
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current portion of debt	0	0
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	0	0
Accrued insurance claims	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	-150	-170
Other accrued liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	-150	-170
Long-term debt	0	0
Accrued insurance claims	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current	-4,316	-4,081
Intercompany payables	-1,082,143	-628,443
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	-1,086,609	-632,694
Total stockholders' equity	-2,865,426	-2,351,576
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	($3,952,035)	($2,984,270)

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin4

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements - Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract revenues	$492,363	$426,284	$1,443,833	$1,329,522
EXPENSES:
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	388,239	350,352	1,147,136	1,087,824
General and administrative	44,707	39,162	131,218	120,799
Depreciation and amortization	23,985	22,726	70,179	69,713
Intercompany charges (income), net	0	0	0	0
Interest expense, net	-6,646	-6,563	-20,126	-20,249
Other income, net	3,471	5,593	7,001	8,200
Income before income taxes	32,257	13,074	82,175	39,137
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	11,999	5,179	31,678	15,649
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	20,258	7,895	50,497	23,488
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Net income	20,258	7,895	50,497	23,488
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax	38	-46	-688	-332
Comprehensive income	20,296	7,849	49,809	23,156
Parent
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract revenues	0	0	0	0
EXPENSES:
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	13,249	9,878	38,056	31,398
Depreciation and amortization	1,410	1,164	3,953	3,058
Intercompany charges (income), net	-16,294	-12,608	-47,124	-39,713
Interest expense, net	-1,635	-1,566	-5,115	-5,260
Other income, net	0	0	0	3
Income before income taxes	0	0	0	0
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	20,258	7,895	50,497	23,488
Net income	20,258	7,895	50,497	23,488
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax	38	-46	-688	-332
Comprehensive income	20,296	7,849	49,809	23,156
Issuer
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract revenues	0	0	0	0
EXPENSES:
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	131	211	371	651
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Intercompany charges (income), net	0	0	0	0
Interest expense, net	-5,002	-4,997	-15,001	-14,985
Other income, net	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	-5,133	-5,208	-15,372	-15,636
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	-1,889	-2,063	-5,926	-6,252
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	-3,244	-3,145	-9,446	-9,384
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	23,502	11,040	59,943	32,872
Net income	20,258	7,895	50,497	23,488
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax	38	-46	-688	-332
Comprehensive income	20,296	7,849	49,809	23,156
Subsidiary Guarantors
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract revenues	490,351	423,853	1,434,010	1,321,684
EXPENSES:
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	386,689	348,602	1,139,962	1,081,975
General and administrative	28,552	26,308	83,222	80,574
Depreciation and amortization	21,344	20,506	62,715	63,357
Intercompany charges (income), net	16,877	12,669	48,799	40,049
Interest expense, net	-9	0	-10	-4
Other income, net	3,438	5,554	7,132	8,130
Income before income taxes	40,318	21,322	106,434	63,855
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	14,965	8,447	41,030	25,533
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	25,353	12,875	65,404	38,322
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	-10	70	-261	70
Net income	25,343	12,945	65,143	38,392
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	25,343	12,945	65,143	38,392
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract revenues	2,012	2,431	9,823	7,838
EXPENSES:
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	1,550	1,750	7,174	5,849
General and administrative	2,775	2,765	9,569	8,176
Depreciation and amortization	1,231	1,056	3,511	3,298
Intercompany charges (income), net	-583	-61	-1,675	-336
Interest expense, net	0	0	0	0
Other income, net	33	39	-131	67
Income before income taxes	-2,928	-3,040	-8,887	-9,082
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	-1,077	-1,205	-3,426	-3,632
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	-1,851	-1,835	-5,461	-5,450
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Net income	-1,851	-1,835	-5,461	-5,450
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax	38	-46	-688	-332
Comprehensive income	-1,813	-1,881	-6,149	-5,782
Eliminations and Reclassifications
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract revenues	0	0	0	0
EXPENSES:
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Intercompany charges (income), net	0	0	0	0
Interest expense, net	0	0	0	0
Other income, net	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0	0	0
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries	-43,750	-19,005	-110,179	-56,430
Net income	-43,750	-19,005	-110,179	-56,430
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax	-76	92	1,376	664
Comprehensive income	($43,826)	($18,913)	($108,803)	($55,766)

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin5

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements - Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$123,584	$97,491
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-9,821	-700
Capital expenditures	-76,825	-70,585
Proceeds from sale of assets	6,764	9,425
Return of capital from subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Changes in restricted cash	-541	-305
Other investing activities	-4,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-84,423	-62,165
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loan	310,750	337,000
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loan	-321,563	-375,469
Debt issuance costs	-3,527	0
Repurchases of common stock	-30,687	-9,999	-10,000
Exercise of stock options	6,842	14,010
Restricted stock tax withholdings	-4,330	-3,590
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	5,224	2,837
Intercompany funding	0	0
Receipt of capital contributions, net	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-37,291	-35,211
Net increase in cash and equivalents	1,870	115
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	20,672	18,607	18,607
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	22,542	18,722	20,672
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-9,001	2,007
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Capital expenditures	-7,171	-6,901
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Return of capital from subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Changes in restricted cash	-541	-305
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-7,712	-7,206
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loan	310,750	337,000
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loan	-321,563	-375,469
Debt issuance costs	-3,527
Repurchases of common stock	-30,687	-9,999
Exercise of stock options	6,842	14,010
Restricted stock tax withholdings	-4,330	-3,590
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	5,224	2,837
Intercompany funding	54,004	40,410
Receipt of capital contributions, net	0
Net cash used in financing activities	16,713	5,199
Net increase in cash and equivalents	0	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	0	0	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	0	0
Issuer
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-4,350	-4,261
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Return of capital from subsidiaries	2,149	683
Investment in subsidiaries	-406,749	-4,635
Changes in restricted cash	0	0
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-404,600	-3,952
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Exercise of stock options	0	0
Restricted stock tax withholdings	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	0	0
Intercompany funding	408,950	8,213
Receipt of capital contributions, net	0
Net cash used in financing activities	408,950	8,213
Net increase in cash and equivalents	0	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	0	0	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	0	0
Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	136,999	102,153
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-9,821	0
Capital expenditures	-63,421	-59,504
Proceeds from sale of assets	6,756	7,813
Return of capital from subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-400	-185
Changes in restricted cash	0	0
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-66,886	-51,876
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Exercise of stock options	0	0
Restricted stock tax withholdings	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	0	0
Intercompany funding	-460,517	-50,434
Receipt of capital contributions, net	391,944
Net cash used in financing activities	-68,573	-50,434
Net increase in cash and equivalents	1,540	-157
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	19,739	18,166	18,166
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	21,279	18,009
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-64	-2,408
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	-700
Capital expenditures	-6,233	-4,180
Proceeds from sale of assets	8	1,612
Return of capital from subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Changes in restricted cash	0	0
Other investing activities	-4,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-10,225	-3,268
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Exercise of stock options	0	0
Restricted stock tax withholdings	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	0	0
Intercompany funding	-2,437	5,948
Receipt of capital contributions, net	13,056
Net cash used in financing activities	10,619	5,948
Net increase in cash and equivalents	330	272
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	933	441	441
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	1,263	713
Eliminations and Reclassifications
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Return of capital from subsidiaries	-2,149	-683
Investment in subsidiaries	407,149	4,820
Changes in restricted cash	0	0
Other investing activities	0
Net cash used in investing activities	405,000	4,137
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loan	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Exercise of stock options	0	0
Restricted stock tax withholdings	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards	0	0
Intercompany funding	0	-4,137
Receipt of capital contributions, net	-405,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-405,000	-4,137
Net increase in cash and equivalents	0	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	0	0	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$0	$0