Patterson Companies (PDCO) 10-K 29 Jun 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jun. 20, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	PDCO
Entity Registrant Name	PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	891,024
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		99,098,699
Entity Public Float			$ 4,691

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS CAD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 25, 2015USD ($)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 137,453	$ 347,260
Short-term investments	0	53,372
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,008 and $7,678	796,693	586,263
Inventory	722,140	408,422
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	91,255	59,561
Current assets held for sale	0	118,347
Total current assets	1,747,541	1,573,225
Property and equipment, net	293,315	204,133
Long-term receivables, net	88,248	71,686
Goodwill	816,592	299,924
Identifiable intangibles, net	509,297	125,025
Other non-current assets	65,811	35,461
Long-term assets held for sale	0	635,794
Total assets	3,520,804	2,945,248
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	566,253	323,294
Accrued payroll expense	75,448	72,464
Other accrued liabilities	151,134	142,611
Current maturities of long-term debt	16,500	0
Borrowings on revolving credit	20,000	0
Current liabilities held for sale	0	39,316
Total current liabilities	829,335	577,685
Long-term debt	1,022,155	722,542
Deferred income taxes	206,896	41,413
Other non-current liabilities	20,672	40,071
Long-term liabilities held for sale	0	49,414
Total liabilities	2,079,058	1,431,125
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value: 600,000 shares authorized; 99,107 and 103,278 shares issued and outstanding	991	1,033
Additional paid-in capital	48,477	21,026
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(67,964)	(60,346)
Retained earnings	1,529,158	1,630,148
Unearned ESOP shares	(68,916)	(77,738)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,441,746	1,514,123
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 3,520,804	$ 2,945,248

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 12,008	$ 7,678
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	99,107,000	103,278,000
Common stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	99,107,000	103,278,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,386,703	$ 3,910,865	$ 3,585,141
Cost of sales	4,063,955	2,850,316	2,566,444
Gross profit	1,322,748	1,060,549	1,018,697
Operating expenses	975,035	755,963	724,971
Operating income from continuing operations	347,713	304,586	293,726
Other income (expense):
Other income, net	4,045	3,425	3,250
Interest expense	(50,065)	(33,693)	(35,713)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	301,693	274,318	261,263
Income tax expense	116,009	94,235	89,931
Net income from continuing operations	185,684	180,083	171,332
Net income from discontinued operations	1,500	43,178	29,280
Net income	$ 187,184	$ 223,261	$ 200,612
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ 1.91	$ 1.82	$ 1.70
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0.02	0.44	0.29
Basic (in usd per share)	1.93	2.26	1.99
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	1.90	1.81	1.69
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0.01	0.43	0.28
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 1.91	$ 2.24	$ 1.97
Weighted average shares:
Basic (in shares)	97,222	98,989	100,727
Diluted (in shares)	97,902	99,694	101,643
Dividends declared per common share (in usd per share)	$ 0.9	$ 0.82	$ 0.68
Comprehensive income
Net income	$ 187,184	$ 223,261	$ 200,612
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(9,552)	(73,271)	6,059
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	1,934	(12,445)	(5,854)
Comprehensive income	$ 179,566	$ 137,545	$ 200,817

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Unearned ESOP Shares [Member]
Beginning Balance at Apr. 27, 2013	$ 1,394,455	$ 1,056	$ 0	$ 25,165	$ 1,463,358	$ (95,124)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Apr. 27, 2013		105,570
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Foreign currency translation	6,059			6,059
Cash flow hedges	(5,854)			(5,854)
Net income	200,612				200,612
Dividends declared	(72,413)				(72,413)
Common stock issued and related tax benefits	27,468	$ 7	27,461
Common stock issued and related tax benefits (in shares)		749
Repurchase of common stock	(96,486)	$ (23)	(36,104)		(60,359)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(2,354)
Stock based compensation	8,643		8,643
ESOP activity	9,180					9,180
Ending Balance at Apr. 26, 2014	1,471,664	$ 1,040		25,370	1,531,198	(85,944)
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 26, 2014		103,965
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Foreign currency translation	(73,271)			(73,271)
Cash flow hedges	(12,445)			(12,445)
Net income	223,261				223,261
Dividends declared	(82,531)				(82,531)
Common stock issued and related tax benefits	11,336	$ 5	11,331
Common stock issued and related tax benefits (in shares)		507
Repurchase of common stock	(47,539)	$ (12)	(5,747)		(41,780)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(1,194)
Stock based compensation	15,442		15,442
ESOP activity	8,206					8,206
Ending Balance at Apr. 25, 2015	$ 1,514,123	$ 1,033	21,026	(60,346)	1,630,148	(77,738)
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 25, 2015	103,278	103,278
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Foreign currency translation	$ (9,552)			(9,552)
Cash flow hedges	1,934			1,934
Net income	187,184				187,184
Dividends declared	(88,218)				(88,218)
Common stock issued and related tax benefits	12,877	$ 2	12,875
Common stock issued and related tax benefits (in shares)		208
Repurchase of common stock	(200,000)	$ (44)			(199,956)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(4,379)
Stock based compensation	14,576		14,576
ESOP activity	8,822					8,822
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2016	$ 1,441,746	$ 991	$ 48,477	$ (67,964)	$ 1,529,158	$ (68,916)
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2016	99,107	99,107

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 187,184	$ 223,261	$ 200,612
Net income from discontinued operations	1,500	43,178	29,280
Net income from continuing operations	185,684	180,083	171,332
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	34,315	23,768	23,843
Amortization	48,068	20,755	18,603
Bad debt expense	8,246	2,546	2,544
Non-cash employee compensation	28,851	23,070	16,932
Accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs on early retirement of debt	5,153	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(2,656)	(255)	(1,290)
Deferred income taxes	(16,034)	460	5,533
Change in assets and liabilities net of acquired:
Receivables	(57,249)	(40,696)	(49,784)
Inventory	(118,351)	(21,754)	(41,501)
Accounts payable	119,690	10,286	13,828
Accrued liabilities	(4,055)	42,555	15,828
Long term receivables	(38,882)	814	(5,108)
Other changes from operating activities, net	2,093	(36,568)	(22,543)
Net cash provided by operating activities- continuing operations	194,873	205,064	148,217
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities- discontinued operations	(38,544)	57,627	47,619
Net cash provided by operating activities	156,329	262,691	195,836
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(79,354)	(60,662)	(34,041)
Acquisitions and equity investments, net of cash assumed	(1,106,583)	(10,515)	(145,815)
Proceeds from sale of securities	48,744	40,775	0
Purchase of investments	0	(543)	(99,672)
Other investing activities	22,320	18,035	(4,436)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,114,873)	(12,910)	(283,964)
Net cash provided by investing activities- discontinued operations	714,239	3,311	200
Net cash used in investing activities	(400,634)	(9,599)	(283,764)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid	(90,597)	(81,760)	(85,657)
Repurchases of common stock	(200,000)	(47,539)	(96,486)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,000,000	250,000	0
Debt issuance costs	(11,600)	0	0
Retirement of long-term debt	(682,375)	(250,000)	0
Settlement of swap	0	(29,003)	0
Draw on revolver	20,000	0	0
Common stock issued, net	4,825	7,300	20,217
ESOP activity	(133)	(188)	435
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,749	255	1,290
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	42,869	(150,935)	(160,201)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(8,371)	(19,805)	7,809
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(209,807)	82,352	(240,320)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	347,260	264,908	505,228
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	137,453	347,260	264,908
Supplemental disclosures:
Income taxes paid	151,662	110,909	108,374
Interest paid	$ 37,883	$ 34,076	$ 34,933

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Patterson Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as “Patterson” or in the first person notations “we,” “our,” and “us”) is a value-added specialty distributor serving the U.S. and Canadian dental supply and the U.S., Canadian and U.K. animal health supply markets. Patterson has three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The respective assets of PDC Funding Company, LLC and PDC Funding Company II, LLC would be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of their respective creditors. There are no known creditors of PDC Funding Company, LLC or PDC Funding Company II, LLC. Fiscal Year End We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April. Fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016 ended on April 26, 2014, April 25, 2015 and April 30, 2016, respectively. Fiscal years 2014 and 2015 consisted of 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2016 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal year 2017 will end on April 29, 2017 and will consist of 52 weeks. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist primarily of investments in money market funds and government securities. The maturity of these securities at the time of purchase is 90 days or less. All cash and cash equivalents are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value, which approximates cost. Inventory Inventory consists of merchandise held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for all inventories, except for foreign inventories, which are valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Inventories valued at LIFO represent 84% and 79% of total inventories at April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively. The accumulated LIFO reserve was $76,501 at April 30, 2016 and $73,381 at April 25, 2015 . We believe that inventory replacement cost exceeds the inventory balance by an amount approximating the LIFO reserve. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of up to 39 years for buildings or the expected remaining life of purchased buildings, the term of the lease for leasehold improvements, 3 years for laptops, 5 years for computer hardware and software, and 5 to 10 years for office furniture and equipment. Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We have three reporting units as of April 30, 2016 , which are the same as our reportable segments. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets include copyrights, trade names and trademarks. We evaluate goodwill at least annually. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test. In fiscal 2016 , we determined it was appropriate to perform a two-step impairment test. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined primarily by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recorded. The determination of fair value involves uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. Patterson conducts impairment testing based on current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions, as well as future expectations. Additionally, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the reasonableness of the implied control premium is considered based on market capitalizations and recent market transactions. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of an asset with its fair value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The determination of fair value involves assumptions, including projected revenues and gross profit levels, as well as consideration of any factors that may indicate potential impairment. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 , management completed its annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests and determined there was no impairment and that none of our reporting units are at risk of failing step 1. Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows derived from such assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of an exclusive distribution agreement and customer lists. When impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value. No impairment was recognized in the periods presented. Financial Instruments We account for derivative financial instruments under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Our use of derivative financial instruments is generally limited to managing well-defined interest rate risks. We do not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading purposes. Revenue Recognition Revenues are generated from the sale of consumable products, equipment, software products and services, technical service parts and labor, freight and delivery charges, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sale. Estimates for returns, damaged goods, rebates, loyalty programs and other revenue allowances are made at the time the revenue is recognized based on the historical experience for such items. In addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable products under conventional arrangements (buy/sell agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded as revenue, the animal health segment may earn a small amount of commission income for services provided under agency agreements with certain pharmaceutical manufacturers. The services generally consist of detailing the product and taking the customer’s order. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that the animal health segment does not purchase and handle the product or bill and collect from the customer in an agency relationship with a vendor. Consumable product sales are recorded upon delivery, except in those circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, in which case sales are recorded upon shipment. Commissions under agency agreements are recorded when the services are provided. Equipment and software product revenues are recognized upon delivery and, if necessary, installation. In those circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, revenues are recognized when products are transferred to the shipping carrier. Revenue derived from post contract customer support for software is deferred and recognized ratably over the period in which the support is provided. Patterson provides financing for select equipment and software sales. Revenue is recorded at the present value of the finance contract, with discount, if any, and interest income recognized over the life of the finance contract as other income, net in our consolidated statement of income. See Note 7 for more information regarding customer financing. Other revenue, including freight and delivery charges and technical service parts and labor, is recognized when the related product revenue is recognized or when the product or services are provided to the customer. The receivables that result from the recognition of revenue are reported net of the related allowances discussed above. Patterson maintains a valuation allowance based upon the expected collectability of receivables held. Estimates are used to determine the valuation allowance and are based on several factors, including historical collection data, economic trends and credit worthiness of customers. Receivables are written off when we determine the amounts to be uncollectible, typically upon customer bankruptcy or non-response to continuous collection efforts. The portions of receivable amounts that are not expected to be collected during the next twelve months are classified as long-term. Patterson has a relatively large, dispersed customer base and no single customer accounts for more than 10% of consolidated net sales. In addition, the equipment sold to customers under finance contracts generally serves as collateral for the contract and the customer provides a personal guarantee as well. Net sales do not include sales tax as we are considered a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax. Patterson Advantage Loyalty Program The Dental segment provides a point-based awards program to qualifying customers involving the issuance of “Patterson Advantage dollars” which can be used toward equipment and technology purchases. The program was initiated on January 1, 2009 and runs on a calendar year schedule. Patterson Advantage dollars earned during a program year expire one year after the end of the program year. The cost and corresponding liability associated with the program are recognized as contra-revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605-50, “Revenue Recognition-Customer Payments and Incentives.” As of April 30, 2016 , we believe we have sufficient experience with the program to reasonably estimate the amount of Patterson Advantage dollars that will not be redeemed and thus have recorded a liability for 87% of the maximum potential amount that could be redeemed. We use the redemption recognition method and we recognize the estimated value of unused Advantage dollars as a percentage of Patterson Advantage dollars earned. Breakage recognized was immaterial to all periods presented. Freight and Delivery Charges Freight and delivery charges are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising We expense all advertising and promotional costs as incurred, except for direct marketing expenses, which are expensed over the shorter of the life of the asset or one year. Total advertising and promotional expenses were $12,113 , $10,181 and $10,471 for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. There were no deferred direct-marketing expenses included in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 . Income Taxes The liability method is used to account for income tax expense. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets if, after assessment of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized. Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") Compensation expense related to our defined contribution ESOP is computed based on the shares allocated method. Self-insurance Patterson is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile, workers’ compensation and medical claims. We estimate our liabilities based upon an analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates. While current estimates are believed reasonable based on information currently available, actual results could differ and affect financial results due to changes in the amount or frequency of claims, medical cost inflation or other factors. Historically, actual results related to these types of claims have not varied significantly from estimated amounts. Stock-based Compensation We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on estimated grant date fair values. The grant date fair value of stock options and stock purchases made through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and our Capital Accumulation Plan are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The grant date fair value of performance stock units that vest upon meeting certain market conditions is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. These valuations require estimates to be made including expected stock price volatility which considers historical volatility trends, implied future volatility based on certain traded options and other factors. We estimate the expected life of awards based on several factors, including types of participants, vesting schedules, contractual terms and various factors surrounding exercise behavior of different groups. The grant date fair value of time-based restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is calculated based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized over the requisite service period (or to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier) for awards that are expected to vest. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is computed as net income plus certain other items that are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. Significant items included in comprehensive income are foreign currency translation adjustments and the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments do not include a provision for income tax because earnings from foreign operations are considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. The income tax expense (benefit) related to cash flow hedge losses was $883 , $(10,843) and $0 for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 , April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively. Earnings Per Share The amount of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. The amount of diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and common share equivalents, when dilutive, during the period. The following table sets forth the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. There were no material adjustments to the numerator. Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 April 26, 2014 Denominator Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares 97,222 98,989 100,727 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and stock purchase plans 680 705 916 Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares 97,902 99,694 101,643 Potentially dilutive securities representing 765 , 147 and 39 shares for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effects were anti-dilutive. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016 and May 2016 within ASU 2015-04, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12, respectively. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605),” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this pronouncement by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date, which for annual periods was December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Topic 835-30)." This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by this ASU. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, which clarified that debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements could continue to be presented as an asset and be subsequently amortized over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the arrangement. We early adopted ASU 2015-03 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 and reclassified $3,970 and $2,458 of debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to our long term debt at April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015, respectively. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than LIFO or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, and plan to do so at that time. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect of adopting this pronouncement, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our financial statements once implemented. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This ASU requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this ASU require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect of adopting this pronouncement, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our financial statements once implemented. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Income Taxes.” This ASU eliminates the requirement for an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts in a classified balance sheet. This ASU requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in the classified balance sheet. We early adopted the ASU in the fourth quarter of 2016 with a prospective application and prior period amounts were not reclassified. The ASU did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments- Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10)”, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including the requirement to measure certain equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We are required to adopt the ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by most leases, as well as requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. We are required to adopt the ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU eliminates the APIC pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. The ASU also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents At April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following: April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Cash on hand $ 122,844 $ 256,691 Money market funds 14,609 90,569 Total $ 137,453 $ 347,260 Cash on hand is generally in interest earning accounts.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for each of our reportable segments for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 are as follows: Balance at April 25, 2015 Acquisition Activity and Divestitures Other Activity Balance at April 30, 2016 Dental $ 139,449 $ — $ (320 ) $ 139,129 Animal Health 160,475 517,965 (977 ) 677,463 Corporate — — — — Total $ 299,924 $ 517,965 $ (1,297 ) $ 816,592 The increase in the acquisition activity column reflects the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. The other activity column is comprised primarily of the impact from foreign currency translation. Balances of other intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are as follows: April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Unamortized – indefinite lived: Copyrights, trade names and trademarks $ 29,900 $ 17,600 Amortized: Distribution agreement, customer lists and other 641,236 221,359 Less: Accumulated amortization (161,839 ) (113,934 ) Net amortized intangible assets 479,397 107,425 Total identifiable intangible assets, net $ 509,297 $ 125,025 In 2006, we extended our exclusive North American distribution agreement with Dentsply Sirona, Inc. (“Sirona”), for Sirona’s CEREC dental restorative system . We paid a $100,000 distribution fee to extend the agreement for a 10 -year period that began in October 2007, which is included in identifiable intangibles, net in the consolidated balance sheet. The amortization of the distribution agreement fee is recorded over the expected life, with amortization based on estimates of the pattern in which the economic benefits of the fee are expected to be realized, consisting primarily of revenues generated from the sale of CEREC dental restorative systems. Amortization expense in any year may differ significantly from other years. In fiscal 2013, we expanded our exclusive distribution relationship with Sirona to add Sirona imaging products to our exclusive offerings, as well as add mechanisms to adjust the exclusivity term depending on performance. No additional monies were exchanged as part of this expanded relationship. This is not a “take-or-pay” contract. With respect to the amortized intangible assets, future amortization expense is expected to approximate $52,911 , $51,568 , $49,597 , $38,040 and $35,107 for fiscal years 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 and 2021 , respectively. Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, actual revenues generated from the sale of CEREC dental restorative systems, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions During our first fiscal quarter of 2016, we completed the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc., a leading production animal health distribution company in the U.S. This acquisition more than doubled the revenue previously attributable to our animal health business, which was previously focused on the companion animal health market. Our animal health business now offers an expanded range of products and services to a broader base of customers in North America and the U.K. Under terms of the merger agreement, we acquired all of Animal Health International, Inc.’s stock for $1,106,583 in cash, net of cash assumed. In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a credit agreement consisting of a $1,000,000 unsecured term loan and a $500,000 unsecured cash flow revolving line of credit, described further in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The acquisition has been accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations , with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. A valuation of the assets and liabilities from the business acquisition was performed utilizing cost, income and market approaches resulting in $588,618 allocated to identifiable net assets. The following table summarizes the total purchase price consideration and the fair value amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the acquisition, as of the acquisition date: Total purchase price consideration $ 1,106,583 Receivables $ 161,427 Inventory 195,367 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,320 Property and equipment 47,405 Identifiable intangibles 434,300 Other long-term assets 38,300 Total assets acquired 912,119 Accounts payable 122,129 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 21,227 Deferred tax liability 180,145 Total liabilities assumed 323,501 Identifiable net assets acquired 588,618 Goodwill 517,965 Net assets acquired $ 1,106,583 As a result of recording the stepped up fair market basis for GAAP purposes, but receiving primarily carryover basis for tax purposes in the acquisition, we recorded a deferred tax liability of $180,145 . The goodwill of $517,965 resulting from the acquisition reflects the excess of our purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition primarily reflects the value of the assembled workforce, cost synergies, and the potential to integrate and expand existing product lines. We allocated all of the goodwill to our Animal Health reporting segment. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes, and as such, no deferred taxes have been recorded related to goodwill. Revenues of $1,396,118 and operating income of $37,230 attributable to the acquisition are included in our consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 . Included in operating income for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 is amortization expense of $28,112 related to the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the transaction. The following summarizes the intangible assets acquired, excluding goodwill. Intangible assets are amortized using methods that approximate the pattern of economic benefit provided by the utilization of the assets. Gross Carrying Weighted Unamortized – indefinite lived: Trade names $ 12,300 indefinite Amortized: Customer relationships 291,900 15.0 Trade names 111,400 10.0 Developed technology and other 18,700 12.2 Total amortized intangible assets 422,000 13.6 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 434,300 The following unaudited pro forma financial results for the combined results of Patterson and Animal Health International, Inc. for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 assume the acquisition occurred on April 27, 2014. The unaudited pro forma financial results may not be indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisition been completed as of April 27, 2014, nor are they indicative of future results of operations. Fiscal Years Ended April 30, April 25, Pro forma net sales $ 5,579,739 $ 5,452,056 Pro forma net income from continuing operations 193,794 176,744 Pro forma net income from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 includes $12,300 of income tax expense related to the repatriation of foreign earnings, described further in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2013, we completed the acquisition of all the outstanding stock of National Veterinary Services Limited (“NVS”) from Dechra Pharmaceuticals, PLC. NVS is the largest veterinary products distributor in the U.K. Total cash consideration paid for NVS was $142,693 . Operating results for this acquisition are included in the Animal Health reporting segment. The acquisition contributed net sales of $419,340 to the segment during fiscal year 2014. A listing of acquisitions completed during the periods covered by these financial statements is presented below. We acquired 100% of all companies listed. Entity Segment Fiscal 2016: Animal Health International, Inc. Animal Health Fiscal 2015: Holt Dental Supply Dental C.A.P.L. Limited and Abbey Veterinary Services Animal Health Fiscal 2014: Mercer Mastery Dental National Veterinary Services Limited Animal Health

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations In August 2015, we sold all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary responsible for our rehabilitation supply business known as Patterson Medical (“Patterson Medical”), for $716,886 in cash to Madison Dearborn Partners. As additional consideration for the shares of Patterson Medical, we obtained a number of common units of the parent company of the buyer equal to 10% of the common units outstanding at closing. Unlike the other common units, these units will only become entitled to begin participating in distributions to the common unit holders at such time, if any, as the Madison Dearborn Partners’ investor cash inflows equal or exceed 2.5 times the Madison Dearborn Partners’ investor cash outflows. These units are non-transferable. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $24,328 on the sale of Patterson Medical during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 within discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income. In connection with the above described transaction, we also entered into a transition services agreement with our former subsidiary, pursuant to which Patterson Medical, as owned by Madison Dearborn Partners, is paying us to provide, among other things, certain information technology, distribution, facilities, finance, tax and treasury, and human resources services for up to 24 months after closing. As of April 30, 2016 , we classified Patterson Medical’s results of operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of income. The assets and liabilities of Patterson Medical were reflected as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of April 25, 2015. The operations and cash flows of Patterson Medical have been eliminated from our continuing operations, which were previously recorded as the rehabilitation supply reportable segment. The following summarizes the assets and liabilities of Patterson Medical as of April 25, 2015: April 25, 2015 Assets held for sale Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts $ 57,876 Inventory 48,265 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 12,206 Property and equipment, net 22,672 Goodwill 537,175 Identifiable intangibles, net 74,804 Other long-term assets 1,143 Total assets held for sale $ 754,141 Liabilities held for sale Accounts payable $ 26,341 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 12,975 Long-term liabilities 49,414 Total liabilities held for sale $ 88,730 The following summarizes the results of operations of our discontinued Patterson Medical operations for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Net sales $ 168,504 $ 464,155 $ 478,574 Cost of sales 107,359 286,498 298,993 Operating expenses 54,954 108,816 127,551 Gain on sale (24,328 ) — — Other expense 150 488 381 Income before taxes 30,369 68,353 51,649 Income tax expense 28,869 25,175 22,369 Net income from discontinued operations $ 1,500 $ 43,178 $ 29,280 (a) Includes activity up until the sale date of August 28, 2015. Operating expenses for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 include professional fees of $13,692 incurred in connection with the sale of Patterson Medical. Depreciation and amortization were ceased during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 in accordance with accounting for discontinued operations. Income taxes have been allocated to Patterson Medical based on the accounting requirements for presenting discontinued operations. Income taxes as a percent of income before taxes for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 are higher than in the prior periods as a result of the requirement to calculate the tax due on the sale of Patterson Medical including certain basis differences that were appropriately not previously recognized for financial reporting purposes.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following items: April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Land $ 11,585 $ 10,390 Buildings 111,386 109,064 Leasehold improvements 26,291 17,905 Furniture and equipment 169,110 130,348 Computer hardware and software 141,727 115,580 Construction-in-progress (1) 95,450 51,800 555,549 435,087 Accumulated depreciation (262,234 ) (230,954 ) Property and equipment, net $ 293,315 $ 204,133 (1) Includes $88,696 and $43,601 of capitalized software as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively.

Customer Financing

Customer Financing	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Customer Financing	Customer Financing As a convenience to our customers, we offer several different financing alternatives, including a third party program and a Patterson-sponsored program. For the third party program, we act as a facilitator between the customer and the third party financing entity with no on-going involvement in the financing transaction. Under our sponsored program, equipment purchased by customers with strong credit may be financed up to a maximum of $500 for any one customer. We generally sell our customers’ financing contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of our business. These financing arrangements are accounted for as a sale of assets under the provisions of ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing . We currently have two arrangements under which we sell these contracts. First, we operate under an agreement to sell a portion of our equipment finance contracts to commercial paper conduits with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. serving as the agent. We utilize a special purpose entity (“SPE”), PDC Funding, a consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, to fulfill a requirement of participating in the commercial paper conduit. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale. At least 9% of the proceeds are held by the conduit as security against eventual performance of the portfolio. This percentage can be greater and is based upon certain ratios defined in the agreement. The capacity under the agreement at April 30, 2016 was $575,000 . Second, we also maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank whereby the bank purchases customers’ financing contracts. We established another SPE, PDC Funding II, a consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary, which sells financing contracts to the bank. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale. At least 10% of the proceeds are held by the conduit as security against eventual performance of the portfolio. This percentage can be greater and is based upon certain ratios defined in the agreement. The capacity under the agreement at April 30, 2016 was $100,000 . We retain servicing responsibilities under both agreements, for which we are paid a servicing fee. The servicing fees we receive are considered adequate compensation for services rendered. Accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded. The portion of the purchase price for the receivables held by the conduits is a deferred purchase price receivable, which is paid to the SPE as payments on the receivables are collected from customers. The difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold under these programs and the sum of the cash and fair value of the deferred purchase price receivables received at time of transfer is recognized as a gain on sale of the related receivables and recorded in net sales in the consolidated statements of income. Expenses incurred related to customer financing activities were recorded in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income. During fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , we sold $359,646 , $312,303 and $282,698 , respectively, of contracts under these arrangements to outside institutions. We recorded net sales in the consolidated statements of income of $30,123 , $21,668 and $15,865 during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to these contracts sold. Included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets are $27,186 and $29,863 as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively, which represent cash collected from previously sold customer financing arrangements that have not yet been settled with the third party. Included in current receivables in the consolidated balance sheets are $87,406 , net of unearned income of $1,768 , and $88,470 , net of unearned income of $4,197 , as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively, of finance contracts we have not yet sold. A total of $600,961 of finance contracts receivable sold under the agreements was outstanding at April 30, 2016 . The deferred purchase price under the arrangements was $108,837 and $89,588 as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively. Since the internal financing program began in 1994, bad debt write-offs have amounted to less than 1% of the loans originated. The agreements require us to maintain a minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio. We were in compliance with those covenants at April 30, 2016 .

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Topic 835-30)." This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. We have adopted ASU 2015-03 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and reclassified $3,970 and $2,458 of debt issuance costs from other non-current assets to long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively. Our long-term debt consists of the following: Carrying Value Interest Rate April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Senior notes due fiscal 2018 1 5.75 % $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2019 2 2.95 % 60,000 60,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2022 2 3.59 % 165,000 165,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2024 2 3.74 % 100,000 100,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2025 3 3.48 % 250,000 250,000 Term loan due fiscal 2021 4 1.81 % 317,625 — Less: Deferred debt issuance costs (3,970 ) (2,458 ) Total debt 1,038,655 722,542 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (16,500 ) — Long-term debt $ 1,022,155 $ 722,542 1. Issued in March 2008. 2. Issued in December 2011. 3. Issued in March 2015. 4. Issued in June 2015. Interest rate is LIBOR plus 1.375% as of April 30, 2016. Expected future principal payments for our long-term debt are as follows as of April 30, 2016 : Fiscal Year 2017 $ 16,500 2018 174,750 2019 93,000 2020 33,000 2021 210,375 Thereafter 515,000 Total $ 1,042,625 In June 2015, we entered into a credit agreement with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. ("BTMU"), as administrative agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent (the “Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the lenders provided us with senior unsecured lending facilities of up to $1,500,000 , consisting of a $1,000,000 unsecured term loan and a $500,000 unsecured revolving line of credit. Interest on borrowings under the Credit Agreement is variable and is determined at our option as LIBOR plus a spread, which can range from 1.125% to 2.000% , or the BTMU prime rate plus a spread, which can range from 0.125% to 1.000% . These spreads, as well as a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility, are based on our leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The term loan and revolving credit facilities will mature no later than June 2020. Upon certain significant asset dispositions, we agreed to use proceeds from such dispositions to effect prepayment of outstanding loan balances under the Credit Agreement. On August 28, 2015, we completed the sale of Patterson Medical, as described further in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As a result of this sale, $670,000 was repaid on the original outstanding $1,000,000 unsecured term loan. We recorded $5,153 of accelerated debt issuance cost amortization within interest expense concurrent with this early repayment of debt. Additionally, principal payments of $12,375 were made during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 . As of April 30, 2016 , $317,625 was outstanding under the unsecured term loan at an interest rate of 1.81% . In June 2015, our previous $300,000 credit facility, which was due to expire in December 2016, was terminated and replaced by the revolving line of credit under the Credit Agreement. As of April 30, 2016 , $20,000 was outstanding under our current revolving line of credit at an interest rate of 3.875% . There were no outstanding borrowings under the previous facility at April 25, 2015 . We are subject to various financial covenants under our debt agreements including the maintenance of leverage and interest coverage ratios. In the event of our default, any outstanding obligations may become due and payable immediately. We met the covenants under our debt agreements as of April 30, 2016 .

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments We are a party to certain offsetting and identical interest rate cap agreements. These interest rate cap agreements are not designated for hedge accounting treatment and were entered into to fulfill certain covenants of an equipment finance contracts sale agreement between a commercial paper conduit managed by The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and PDC Funding. On November 24, 2015, this sale agreement was amended on terms generally consistent with the expiring agreement. The interest rate cap agreements provide a credit enhancement feature for the financing contracts sold by PDC Funding to the commercial paper conduit. The interest rate cap agreements are canceled and new agreements entered into periodically to maintain consistency with the dollar maximum of the sale agreements and the maturity of the underlying financing contracts. As of April 30, 2016 , PDC Funding had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of $575,000 and a maturity date of November 2023. We sold an identical interest rate cap to the same bank. Similar to the above agreements, PDC Funding II and Patterson entered into offsetting and identical interest rate cap agreements with a notional amount of $100,000 in fiscal 2014. In August 2015, these agreements were terminated and replaced with offsetting and identical interest rate cap agreements. The notional amount remained at $100,000 and the new maturity date is July 2023. In addition to the purchased and sold identical interest rate cap agreements described above, in May 2012 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a bank to economically hedge the interest rate risk associated with a portion of the finance contracts we had sold through the special purpose entities. This agreement expired in April 2015. These interest rate contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and, accordingly, we record the fair value of the agreements as an asset or liability and the change as income or expense during the period in which the change occurs. In March 2008 we entered into two forward starting interest rate swap agreements, each with notional amounts of $100,000 and accounted for as cash flow hedges, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of the issuance of the senior notes due fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2018 . Upon issuance of the hedged debt, we settled the forward starting interest rate swap agreements and recorded a $1,000 increase, net of income taxes, to other comprehensive income (loss), which is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the life of the related debt. In January 2014 we entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $250,000 and accounted for as a cash flow hedge, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of refinancing the 5.17% senior notes due March 25, 2015 with a loan for $250,000 and a term of ten years . This note was repaid on March 25, 2015 and replaced with new $250,000 3.48% senior notes due March 24, 2025 . A cash payment of $29,003 was made in March 2015 to settle the interest rate swap. This amount is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and will be recognized as interest expense over the life of the related debt. The following presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets: Derivative type Classification April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Assets: Interest rate contracts Other non-current assets $ 816 $ 1,255 Liabilities: Interest rate contracts Other non-current liabilities $ 816 $ 1,255 The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income ("OCI"): Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Fiscal Year Ended Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 April 26, 2014 Interest rate swap $ — $ (23,343 ) $ (5,660 ) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Fiscal Year Ended Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Income statement location April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 April 26, 2014 Interest rate swap Interest expense $ (2,817 ) $ (56 ) $ 194 We recorded no ineffectiveness during fiscal 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . As of April 30, 2016, the estimated pre-tax portion of accumulated other comprehensive loss that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months is $2,809 , which will be recorded as an increase to interest expense.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. The fair value hierarchy of measurements is categorized into one of three levels based on the lowest level of significant input used: Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available. These inputs reflect management’s assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Our hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows: April 30, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash equivalents $ 14,609 $ 14,609 $ — $ — Deferred purchase price receivable 108,837 — — 108,837 Derivative instruments 816 — 816 — Total assets $ 124,262 $ 14,609 $ 816 $ 108,837 Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 816 $ — $ 816 $ — April 25, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash equivalents $ 90,569 $ 90,569 $ — $ — Deferred purchase price receivable 89,588 — — 89,588 Derivative instruments 1,255 — 1,255 — Total assets $ 181,412 $ 90,569 $ 1,255 $ 89,588 Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 1,255 $ — $ 1,255 $ — Cash equivalents – We value cash equivalents at their current market rates. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value and maturities are less than three months. Deferred purchase price receivable – We value the deferred purchase price receivable based on a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable inputs, which include a forward yield curve, the estimated timing of payments and the credit quality of the underlying creditor. Significant changes in any of the significant unobservable inputs in isolation would not result in a materially different fair value estimate. The interrelationship between these inputs is insignificant. Derivative instruments – Patterson’s derivative instruments consist of interest rate contracts and interest rate swaps. These instruments are valued using inputs such as interest rates and credit spreads. Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments under certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. There were no fair value adjustments to such assets in fiscal years 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . Our debt is not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of our debt as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 was $1,064,752 and $746,685 , respectively, as compared to a carrying value of $1,038,655 and $722,542 at April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively. The fair value of debt was measured using a discounted cash flow analysis based on expected market based yields (i.e. level 2 inputs). The carrying amounts of receivables, net of allowances, accounts payable, and certain accrued and other current liabilities approximated fair value at April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 .

Securities

Securities	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Securities	Securities On October 25, 2013, we invested in three time deposits with total principal of $110,000 Canadian. On October 24, 2014, time deposits with a principal value of $45,000 Canadian matured with a value of $45,436 Canadian. The remaining time deposits with a principal value of $65,000 Canadian matured on October 28, 2015 with a value of $67,031 Canadian. Our time deposit securities were classified as held-to-maturity securities as of April 25, 2015 , as we had both the intent and ability to hold them until maturity. As of April 25, 2015 , these securities had a carrying value of $53,372 and were recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as short-term investments. They were carried at cost, adjusted for accrued interest and amortization. The carrying value was not materially different than fair value. The fair value was determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable inputs (i.e. level 3 inputs), which included a forward yield curve, the estimated timing of payments and the credit quality of the underlying creditor. Significant changes in any of the significant unobservable inputs in isolation would not have resulted in a materially lower fair value estimate. The interrelationship between these inputs was insignificant.

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease Commitments	Lease Commitments Patterson leases facilities for its branch office locations, a few small distribution facilities, and certain equipment. These leases are accounted for as operating leases. Future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows at April 30, 2016 : 2017 $ 22,891 2018 16,620 2019 11,403 2020 8,777 2021 6,364 Thereafter 6,870 Total $ 72,925 Rent expense was $23,315 , $16,909 and $16,410 for the years ended April 30, 2016 , April 25, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The components of income from continuing operations before taxes are as follows: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Income from continuing operations before taxes United States $ 270,501 $ 235,421 $ 230,486 International 31,192 38,897 30,777 Total $ 301,693 $ 274,318 $ 261,263 Significant components of income tax expense are as follows: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Current: Federal $ 105,104 $ 73,004 $ 66,747 Foreign 11,690 11,764 8,954 State 15,249 9,007 8,697 Total current 132,043 93,775 84,398 Deferred: Federal (14,308 ) 497 5,225 Foreign 323 44 (260 ) State (2,049 ) (81 ) 568 Total deferred (16,034 ) 460 5,533 Income tax expense $ 116,009 $ 94,235 $ 89,931 As of April 30, 2016 , we adopted ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the balance sheet presentation of deferred taxes that requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current. The pronouncement is being applied prospectively. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets (as of April 25, 2015 only) and other non-current assets and deferred income taxes on the consolidated balance sheets. Significant components of Patterson’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 are as follows: April 30, April 25, Deferred tax assets: Capital accumulation plan $ 5,898 $ 5,723 Inventory related items 6,776 4,484 Bad debt allowance 2,649 1,380 Stock based compensation expense 9,985 7,995 Interest rate swap 9,749 10,872 Foreign tax credit 9,300 — Net operating loss carryforwards 363 — Other 11,979 8,390 Gross deferred tax assets 56,699 38,844 Less: Valuation allowance (14,007 ) — Total net deferred tax assets 42,692 38,844 Deferred tax liabilities LIFO reserve (21,294 ) (19,173 ) Amortizable intangibles (156,782 ) (2,310 ) Goodwill (57,405 ) (52,140 ) Property, plant, equipment (11,748 ) (4,695 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (247,229 ) (78,318 ) Deferred net long-term income tax liability $ (204,537 ) $ (39,474 ) At April 30, 2016 , we had certain U.S. foreign tax credits and state net operating loss assets. The foreign tax credit will expire in 10 years and net operating losses have varying expiration dates. In addition to these carryforwards, we have additional attribute deferred tax assets which would give rise to tax capital losses if triggered in the future. These losses have a 5 year carryforward period and can only be used against capital gain income. At this time, we believe that it is more likely than not that the foreign tax credit and capital loss carryforward attributes totaling $14,007 will not be fully utilized prior to expiration. As a result, a full valuation allowance has been established against these assets. No provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that we intend to permanently invest or that may be remitted substantially tax-free. The total undistributed earnings that would be subject to federal income tax if remitted under existing law are approximately $102,411 as of April 30, 2016 . Determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation. If a future distribution of these earnings is made, we will be subject to U.S. taxes and withholding taxes payable to various foreign governments. A credit for foreign taxes already paid may be available to reduce the U.S. tax liability. In fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200,000 of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall cost of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The continuing operations tax impact of $12,300 from the repatriation was recorded in fiscal 2016. We have previously asserted that our foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. Except for the repatriations described above, there is no change in our on-going assertion. Income tax expense varies from the amount computed using the U.S. statutory rate. The reasons for this difference and the related tax effects are shown below: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Tax at U.S. statutory rate $ 105,593 $ 96,012 $ 91,442 State tax provision, net of federal benefit 7,364 6,479 6,554 Effect of foreign taxes (1,195 ) (1,806 ) (2,078 ) Permanent differences (3,693 ) (5,363 ) (4,835 ) Tax on dividends, net of foreign tax credit 12,300 — — Other (4,360 ) (1,087 ) (1,152 ) Income tax expense $ 116,009 $ 94,235 $ 89,931 We have accounted for the uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”. This standard clarifies the separate identification and reporting of estimated amounts that could be assessed upon audit. The potential assessments are considered unrecognized tax benefits, because, if it is ultimately determined they are unnecessary, the reversal of these previously recorded amounts will result in a beneficial impact to our financial statements. As of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , Patterson’s gross unrecognized tax benefits were $13,560 and $16,661 , respectively. If determined to be unnecessary, these amounts (net of deferred tax assets of $3,800 and $4,118 , respectively, related to the tax deductibility of the gross liabilities) would decrease our effective tax rate. The gross unrecognized tax benefits are included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. A summary of the changes in the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 is shown below: April 30, April 25, Balance at beginning of period $ 16,661 $ 17,256 Additions for tax positions related to the current year 1,794 2,516 Additions for tax positions of prior years 560 44 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1,599 ) (502 ) Statute expirations (3,486 ) (2,653 ) Settlements (370 ) — Balance at end of period $ 13,560 $ 16,661 We also recognize both interest and penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , we had recorded $1,438 and $1,760 , respectively, for interest and penalties. These amounts are also included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These amounts, net of related deferred tax assets, if determined to be unnecessary, would decrease our effective tax rate. During the year ended April 30, 2016 , we recorded as part of tax expense $258 related to an increase in our estimated liability for interest and penalties. Patterson files income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions. During fiscal 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed an audit of our fiscal years ended April 27, 2013 and April 26, 2014. The outcome of this audit did not have a material adverse impact on our financial statements. The IRS has either examined or waived examination for all periods up to and including our fiscal year ended April 28, 2012, resulting in these periods being closed. Periodically, state, local and foreign income tax returns are examined by various taxing authorities. We do not believe that the outcome of these various examinations would have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

Segment and Geographic Data

Segment and Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Data	Segment and Geographic Data Through fiscal 2015, Patterson was comprised of three reportable segments: dental supply, veterinary supply and rehabilitation supply. In fiscal 2016, we reorganized our reportable segments as a result of our acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. and our divestiture of our wholly-owned subsidiary Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., the entity through which we operated the rehabilitation supply business. We now present three different reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate. Prior period segment results have been restated to conform to this revised current period presentation. Our Dental and Animal Health reportable business segments are strategic business units that offer similar products and services to different customer bases. Dental provides a virtually complete range of consumable dental products, equipment and software, turnkey digital solutions and value-added services to dentists and dental laboratories throughout North America. Animal Health, formerly our Patterson Veterinary reportable segment, is a leading, full-line distributor in North America and the U.K. of animal health products, services and technologies to both the production-animal and companion-pet markets. Our Corporate segment, which was previously included in our dental supply reporting segment through the end of fiscal 2015, is comprised of general and administrative expenses, including home office support costs in areas such as information technology, finance, legal, human resources and facilities. In addition, customer financing and other miscellaneous sales are reported within Corporate results. Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, property and equipment and long-term receivables. We evaluate segment performance based on operating income. The costs to operate the fulfillment centers are allocated to the operating units based on the through-put of the unit. The following table presents information about our reportable segments: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Net sales Dental $ 2,476,234 $ 2,415,003 $ 2,348,403 Animal Health 2,862,249 1,456,570 1,203,045 Corporate 48,220 39,292 33,693 Consolidated net sales $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865 $ 3,585,141 Operating income Dental $ 312,176 $ 300,357 $ 284,674 Animal Health 94,318 56,670 49,855 Corporate (58,781 ) (52,441 ) (40,803 ) Consolidated operating income $ 347,713 $ 304,586 $ 293,726 Depreciation and amortization Dental $ 18,903 $ 18,568 $ 17,416 Animal Health 44,243 8,861 7,237 Corporate 19,237 17,094 17,793 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 82,383 $ 44,523 $ 42,446 April 30, April 25, Total assets Dental $ 994,113 $ 1,022,257 Animal Health 2,064,302 631,445 Corporate 462,389 537,405 Total assets, excluding assets held for sale 3,520,804 2,191,107 Assets held for sale — 754,141 Total assets $ 3,520,804 $ 2,945,248 The following table presents sales information by product for each reportable segment: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Consolidated Consumable 1 $ 4,153,921 $ 2,697,581 $ 2,418,201 Equipment and software 857,001 865,013 839,152 Other 1 375,781 348,271 327,788 Total $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865 $ 3,585,141 Dental Consumable 1 $ 1,378,886 $ 1,319,407 $ 1,285,459 Equipment and software 806,993 818,342 795,132 Other 1 290,355 277,254 267,812 Total $ 2,476,234 $ 2,415,003 $ 2,348,403 Animal Health Consumable 1 $ 2,775,035 $ 1,378,174 $ 1,132,742 Equipment and software 50,008 46,671 44,020 Other 1 37,206 31,725 26,283 Total $ 2,862,249 $ 1,456,570 $ 1,203,045 Corporate Consumable 1 $ — $ — $ — Equipment and software — — — Other 1 48,220 39,292 33,693 Total $ 48,220 $ 39,292 $ 33,693 1 Certain sales were reclassified from consumable to other in the current and prior periods. The following table presents information by geographic area. No individual country, except for the U.S. and the U.K., generated sales greater than 10% of consolidated net sales. There were no material sales between geographic areas. Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Net sales United States $ 4,457,254 $ 3,029,541 $ 2,933,091 United Kingdom 626,603 649,541 419,341 Canada 302,846 231,783 232,709 Total $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865 $ 3,585,141 April 30, April 25, Property and equipment, net United States $ 278,667 $ 190,618 United Kingdom 2,459 2,857 Canada 12,189 10,658 Total $ 293,315 $ 204,133

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Dividends The following table presents our declared and paid cash dividends per share on our common stock for the past three years. The dividend declared in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 was paid early in the subsequent quarter; all other dividends were declared and paid in the same period. We expect to continue paying a quarterly cash dividend into the foreseeable future. Quarter Fiscal year 1 2 3 4 2016 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 2015 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.22 2014 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.20 Share Repurchases During fiscal 2016 , we repurchased and retired 4,379 shares of our common stock for $200,000 , or an average of $45.68 per share. During fiscal 2015 , we repurchased and retired 1,194 shares of our common stock for $47,539 , or an average of $39.81 per share. During fiscal 2014 , we repurchased and retired 2,354 shares of our common stock for $96,486 , or an average of $40.99 per share. In March 2013, Patterson’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan. Under the plan, up to 25,000 shares may be repurchased in open market transactions through March 19, 2018. As of April 30, 2016 , 16,497 shares remain available under the current repurchase authorization. Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") During 1990, Patterson’s Board of Directors adopted a leveraged ESOP. In fiscal 1991, under the provisions of the plan and related financing arrangements, Patterson loaned the ESOP $22,000 (the “1990 note”) for the purpose of acquiring its then outstanding preferred stock, which was subsequently converted to common stock. The Board of Directors determines the contribution from the Company to the ESOP annually. The contribution is used to retire a portion of the debt, which triggers a release of shares that are then allocated to the employee participants. Shares of stock acquired by the plan are allocated to each participant who has completed 1000 hours of service during the plan year. In fiscal 2011, the final payment on the 1990 note was made and all remaining shares were released for allocation to participants. In fiscal 2002, Patterson’s ESOP and an ESOP sponsored by the Thompson Dental Company (“Thompson”) were used to facilitate the acquisition and merger of Thompson into Patterson. The net result of this transaction was an additional loan of $12,612 being made to the ESOP and the ESOP acquiring 666 shares of common stock. The loan bears interest at current rates but principal did not begin to amortize until fiscal 2012. Beginning in fiscal 2012 and through fiscal 2020, an annual payment of $200 plus interest is due and in fiscal 2020, a final payment of any outstanding principal and interest balance is due. Prepayments of principal can be made at any time without penalty. Of the 666 shares issued in the transaction, 98 were previously allocated to Thompson employees. The remaining 568 shares began to be allocated in fiscal 2004 as interest was paid on the loan. On September 11, 2006, we entered into a third loan agreement with the ESOP and loaned $105,000 (the “2006 note”) for the sole purpose of enabling the ESOP to purchase shares of our common stock. The ESOP purchased 3,160 shares with the proceeds from the 2006 note. Interest on the unpaid principal balance accrues at a rate equal to six-month LIBOR, with the rate resetting semi-annually. Interest payments were not required during the period from and including September 11, 2006 through April 30, 2010. On April 30, 2010, accrued and unpaid interest was added to the outstanding principal balance under the note, with interest thereafter accruing on the increased principal amount. Unpaid interest accruing after April 30, 2010 is due and payable on each successive April 30 occurring through September 10, 2026. Principal payments aren't due until September 10, 2026; however, prepayments can be made without penalty. In fiscal 2012, Patterson contributed $20,214 to the ESOP, which then purchased 844 shares for allocation to the participants. No shares secured by the 2006 note were released prior to fiscal 2011. Unearned ESOP shares are not considered outstanding for the computation of earnings per share until the shares are committed for release to the participants. During fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, the compensation expense recognized related to the ESOP was $11,953 , $9,939 and $10,199 , respectively. At April 30, 2016 , a total of 11,985 shares of common stock that have been allocated to participants remained in the ESOP and had a fair market value of $519,531 . Related to the shares from the Thompson transaction, committed-to-be-released shares were 10 and suspense shares were 436 . Finally, with respect to the 2006 note, committed-to-be-released shares were 259 and suspense shares were 1,783 . We anticipate the allocation of the remaining suspense, or unearned, shares to occur over a period of approximately 5 to 10 years . As of April 30, 2016 , the fair value of all unearned shares held by the ESOP was $107,814 . We will recognize an income tax deduction as the unearned ESOP shares are released. Such deductions will be limited to the ESOP’s original cost to acquire the shares. Dividends on allocated shares are passed through to the ESOP participants. Dividends on unallocated shares are used by the ESOP to make debt service payments on the notes due to Patterson.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation The consolidated statements of income for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 include pre-tax (after-tax) stock-based compensation expense of $16,898 ( $11,120 ), $13,958 ( $9,171 ) and $8,041 ( $5,416 ). Pre-tax expense is included in operating expenses within the consolidated statements of income. Tax benefits associated with tax deductions in excess of recognized stock-based compensation expense are presented as a financing cash inflow. As of April 30, 2016 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards was $34,772 , and it is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.3 years . 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan In September 2015, our shareholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan"). The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued is 4,000 . The Incentive Plan authorizes various award types to be issued under the plan, including stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, non-employee director awards, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards. We issue new shares for stock option exercises, restricted stock award grants and also for vesting of restricted stock units and performance stock units. Awards that expire or are canceled without delivery of shares generally become available for reissuance under the plan. At April 30, 2016 , there were 3,784 shares available for awards under the Incentive Plan. As a result of the approval of the Incentive Plan, awards are no longer granted under any prior equity incentive plan, but all outstanding awards previously granted under such prior plans will remain outstanding and subject to the terms of such prior plans. At April 30, 2016 , there were 1,073 shares outstanding under prior plans. Stock Option Awards Stock options granted to employees expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant. Awards typically vest over 3 or 5 years . The fair value of stock options granted was estimated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Expected dividend yield 1.8 % 2.0 % 1.8 % Expected stock price volatility 25.6 % 26.3 % 30.0 % Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 2.1 % 1.5 % Expected life (years) 6.7 7.0 7.1 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 9.66 $ 9.78 $ 11.02 The following is a summary of stock option activity: Number of Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance as of April 25, 2015 338 $ 36.22 Granted 923 55.39 Exercised (87 ) 36.49 Canceled (64 ) 39.03 Balance as of April 30, 2016 1,110 $ 52.09 $ 1,402 Vested or expected to vest as of April 30, 2016 1,046 $ 52.17 $ 1,279 Exercisable as of April 30, 2016 49 $ 35.22 $ 402 The weighted average remaining contractual lives of options outstanding and options exercisable as of April 30, 2016 were 8.6 and 4.3 years, respectively. Related to stock options exercised, the intrinsic value, cash received and tax benefits realized were $901 , $3,173 and $854 , respectively, in fiscal 2016 ; $290 , $1,710 and $286 , respectively, in fiscal 2015 ; and $1,722 , $12,309 and $1,273 , respectively, in fiscal 2014 . Restricted Stock Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units granted to employees generally vest over a five , seven or nine year period. Certain restricted stock awards, which are held by branch managers, are subject to accelerated vesting provisions beginning three years after the grant date, based on certain operating goals. Restricted stock awards are also granted to non-employee directors annually and vest over 1 or 3 years . The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is based on the closing stock price on the day of the grant. The total fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that vested in fiscal 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $19,805 , $8,474 and $6,831 , respectively. The following is a summary of restricted stock award activity: Restricted Stock Awards Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at April 25, 2015 1,168 $ 34.39 Granted 191 48.91 Vested (421 ) 33.33 Forfeitures (178 ) 36.34 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 760 $ 38.18 The following is a summary of restricted stock unit activity: Restricted Stock Units Shares Weighted- Outstanding at April 25, 2015 122 35.30 Granted 66 44.88 Vested (6 ) 39.54 Forfeitures (111 ) 35.03 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 71 $ 44.26 Performance Unit Awards In fiscal 2015 and 2014, we granted performance unit awards, primarily to executive management, which are earned at the end of a three year period if certain operating goals are met. Accordingly, we recognize expense over the requisite service period based on the outcome that is probable for these awards. In fiscal 2016, we granted performance unit awards with a market-based condition to certain executives. The number of shares to be received at vesting will range from 0% - 200% of the target number of stock units based on Patterson's total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the performance of companies in the S&P Midcap 400 Index measured over a 3 year period. We estimate the grant date fair value of the TSR awards using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The total fair value of performance unit awards that vested in fiscal 2016 was $2,966 . No performance unit awards vested in fiscal 2015 and 2014. The following is a summary of performance unit award activity at target: Performance Unit Awards Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at April 25, 2015 205 $ 38.91 Granted 87 54.55 Vested (78 ) 37.70 Forfeitures and cancellations (57 ) 40.69 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 157 $ 47.56 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") We sponsor an ESPP under which a total of 6,750 shares have been reserved for purchase by employees. Eligible employees may purchase shares at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of our common stock on the beginning of the annual offering period, or on the end of each quarterly purchase period, which occur on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The offering periods begin on January 1 of each calendar year and end on December 31 of each calendar year. At April 30, 2016 , there were 1,269 shares available for purchase under the ESPP. We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our ESPP using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Expected dividend yield 2.0 % 1.6 % 1.6 % Expected stock price volatility 21.1 % 31.0 % 31.0 % Risk-free interest rate 0.5 % 0.1 % 0.2 % Expected life (years) 0.6 0.5 0.5 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 9.16 $ 10.74 $ 9.46 Capital Accumulation Plan ("CAP") We also sponsor an employee CAP. A total of 6,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the CAP. Key employees of Patterson are eligible to participate by purchasing common stock through payroll deductions at 75% of the price of the common stock at the beginning of or the end of the calendar year, whichever is lower. The shares issued are restricted stock and are held in the custody of Patterson until the restrictions lapse. The restriction period is typically three years from the beginning of the plan year, and shares are subject to forfeiture provisions. At April 30, 2016 , 2,018 shares were available for purchase under the CAP. We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our CAP using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Expected dividend yield 2.0 % 1.6 % 1.6 % Expected stock price volatility 19.7 % 31.0 % 31.0 % Risk-free interest rate 0.6 % 0.3 % 0.3 % Expected life (years) 1.0 1.0 1.0 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 14.13 $ 17.67 $ 15.00

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation	Litigation In September 2015, we were served with a summons and complaint in an action commenced in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled SourceOne Dental, Inc. v. Patterson Companies, Inc., Henry Schein, Inc. and Benco Dental Supply Company, Civil Action No. 15-cv-05440-JMA-GRB. SourceOne, as plaintiff, alleges that, through its website, it markets and sells dental supplies and equipment to dentists. SourceOne alleges in the complaint, among other things, that we, along with the defendants Henry Schein and Benco, conspired to eliminate plaintiff as a competitor and to exclude them from the market for the marketing, distribution and sale of dental supplies and equipment in the U.S. and that defendants unlawfully agreed with one another to boycott dentists, manufacturers, and state dental associations that deal with, or considered dealing with, plaintiff. Plaintiff asserts the following claims: (i) unreasonable restraint of trade in violation of state and federal antitrust laws; (ii) tortious interference with prospective business relations; (iii) civil conspiracy; and (iv) aiding and abetting the other defendants’ ongoing tortious and anticompetitive conduct. Plaintiff seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, punitive damages, interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. Plaintiff has not specified a damage amount in its complaint. We intend to defend ourselves against the action vigorously. We do not anticipate that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Beginning in January 2016, purported class action complaints were filed against defendants Henry Schein, Inc., Benco Dental Supply Co. and Patterson Companies, Inc. Although there were factual and legal variations among these complaints, each alleged that defendants conspired to foreclose and exclude competitors by boycotting manufacturers, state dental associations, and others that deal with defendants’ competitors. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ordered all of these actions, and all other actions filed thereafter asserting substantially similar claims against defendants, consolidated for pre-trial purposes. On February 26, 2016, a consolidated class action complaint was filed by Arnell Prato, D.D.S., P.L.L.C., d/b/a Down to Earth Dental, Evolution Dental Sciences, LLC, Howard M. May, DDS, P.C., Casey Nelson, D.D.S., Jim Peck, D.D.S., Bernard W. Kurek, D.M.D., Larchmont Dental Associates, P.C., and Keith Schwartz, D.M.D., P.A. (collectively, the “putative class representatives”) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled In re Dental Supplies Antitrust Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:16-CV-00696-BMC-GRB. Subject to certain exclusions, the putative class representatives seek to represent all persons who purchased dental supplies or equipment in the U.S. directly from any of the defendants, or non-defendant Burkhart Dental Supply Company, Inc., since August 31, 2008. In the consolidated class action complaint, putative class representatives allege a nationwide agreement among Henry Schein, Benco, Patterson and Burkhart not to compete on price. The consolidated class action complaint asserts a single count under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, interest, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. Putative class representatives have not specified a damage amount in their complaint. While the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain, we believe the consolidated class action complaint is without merit, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this litigation.

Quarterly Results (unaudited)

Quarterly Results (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results (unaudited)	Quarterly Results (unaudited) Quarterly results are determined in accordance with the accounting policies used for annual data and include certain items based upon estimates for the entire year. All fiscal quarters include results for 13 weeks except for the quarter ended August 1, 2015, which included 14 weeks. Revenues attributable to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. are $403,580 , $406,588 , $414,028 and $171,922 for the quarters ended April 30, 2016, January 30, 2016, October 31, 2015 and August 1, 2015, respectively. Operating income attributable to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. is $15,034 , $9,827 , $10,716 and $1,653 for the quarters ended April 30, 2016, January 30, 2016, October 31, 2015 and August 1, 2015, respectively. Quarter Ended April 30, (1) January 30, October 31, August 1, Net sales $ 1,453,770 $ 1,400,853 $ 1,389,210 $ 1,142,870 Gross profit 363,741 339,864 330,899 288,244 Operating income from continuing operations 106,344 95,729 83,463 62,177 Net income from continuing operations 65,620 57,190 42,563 20,311 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations — (750 ) (7,142 ) 9,392 Net income 65,620 56,440 35,421 29,703 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.69 $ 0.60 $ 0.43 $ 0.20 Discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.07 ) 0.10 Net basic earnings per share $ 0.69 $ 0.59 $ 0.36 $ 0.30 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.68 $ 0.60 $ 0.43 $ 0.20 Discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.07 ) 0.10 Net diluted earnings per share $ 0.68 $ 0.59 $ 0.36 $ 0.30 Quarter Ended April 25, January 24, October 25, July 26, Net sales $ 1,035,061 $ 958,628 $ 978,220 $ 938,956 Gross profit 288,203 262,442 259,287 250,617 Operating income from continuing operations 89,073 77,377 72,140 65,996 Net income from continuing operations 53,459 46,434 41,865 38,325 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations 11,059 8,242 11,913 11,964 Net income 64,518 54,676 53,778 50,289 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ 0.42 $ 0.39 Discontinued operations 0.11 0.08 0.12 0.12 Net basic earnings per share $ 0.65 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.51 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ 0.42 $ 0.38 Discontinued operations 0.11 0.08 0.12 0.12 Net diluted earnings per share $ 0.65 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.50 (1) During the first quarter of fiscal 2016 , we incurred $9,302 , or $0.09 per diluted share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis, of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. Also during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200,000 of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall costs of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The tax impact of the repatriation recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was $11,800 , or $0.12 per diluted per share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL")	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL as of April 30, 2016 : Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustment Total AOCL at April 25, 2015 $ (18,668 ) $ (41,678 ) $ (60,346 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (20,635 ) (20,635 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,934 11,083 13,017 AOCL at April 30, 2016 $ (16,734 ) $ (51,230 ) $ (67,964 ) The amounts reclassified from AOCL during fiscal 2016 represent gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $883 , and amounts reclassified related to the divestiture of Patterson Medical of $11,083 . The impact to the consolidated statements of income was an increase to interest expense of $2,817 .

Schedule II Valuation And Quali

Schedule II Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC. (In thousands) Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts Deductions Balance at End of Period Year ended April 30, 2016 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,678 $ 8,246 $ 1,947 $ 5,863 $ 12,008 LIFO inventory adjustment $ 73,381 $ 3,120 $ — $ — $ 76,501 Inventory obsolescence reserve 4,218 15,547 1,550 14,694 6,621 Total inventory reserve $ 77,599 $ 18,667 $ 1,550 $ 14,694 $ 83,122 Year ended April 25, 2015 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,322 $ 2,546 $ — $ 3,190 $ 7,678 LIFO inventory adjustment $ 71,596 $ 1,785 $ — $ — $ 73,381 Inventory obsolescence reserve 3,498 17,624 — 16,904 4,218 Total inventory reserve $ 75,094 $ 19,409 $ — $ 16,904 $ 77,599 Year ended April 26, 2014 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,093 $ 2,544 $ 3,552 $ 1,867 $ 8,322 LIFO inventory adjustment $ 67,187 $ 4,409 $ — $ — $ 71,596 Inventory obsolescence reserve 3,288 12,642 391 12,823 3,498 Total inventory reserve $ 70,475 $ 17,051 $ 391 $ 12,823 $ 75,094

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Patterson Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as “Patterson” or in the first person notations “we,” “our,” and “us”) is a value-added specialty distributor serving the U.S. and Canadian dental supply and the U.S., Canadian and U.K. animal health supply markets. Patterson has three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate.
Basis of Presentation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The respective assets of PDC Funding Company, LLC and PDC Funding Company II, LLC would be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of their respective creditors. There are no known creditors of PDC Funding Company, LLC or PDC Funding Company II, LLC.
Fiscal Year End	We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April. Fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016 ended on April 26, 2014, April 25, 2015 and April 30, 2016, respectively. Fiscal years 2014 and 2015 consisted of 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2016 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal year 2017 will end on April 29, 2017 and will consist of 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash equivalents consist primarily of investments in money market funds and government securities. The maturity of these securities at the time of purchase is 90 days or less. All cash and cash equivalents are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value, which approximates cost.
Inventory	Inventory consists of merchandise held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for all inventories, except for foreign inventories, which are valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of up to 39 years for buildings or the expected remaining life of purchased buildings, the term of the lease for leasehold improvements, 3 years for laptops, 5 years for computer hardware and software, and 5 to 10 years for office furniture and equipment.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We have three reporting units as of April 30, 2016 , which are the same as our reportable segments. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets include copyrights, trade names and trademarks. We evaluate goodwill at least annually. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a two-step impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the two-step impairment test. In fiscal 2016 , we determined it was appropriate to perform a two-step impairment test. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined primarily by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recorded. The determination of fair value involves uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. Patterson conducts impairment testing based on current business strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions, as well as future expectations. Additionally, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the reasonableness of the implied control premium is considered based on market capitalizations and recent market transactions. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of an asset with its fair value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The determination of fair value involves assumptions, including projected revenues and gross profit levels, as well as consideration of any factors that may indicate potential impairment.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows derived from such assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of an exclusive distribution agreement and customer lists. When impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value.
Financial Instruments	We account for derivative financial instruments under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Our use of derivative financial instruments is generally limited to managing well-defined interest rate risks. We do not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading purposes.
Revenue Recognition	Revenues are generated from the sale of consumable products, equipment, software products and services, technical service parts and labor, freight and delivery charges, and other sources. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sale. Estimates for returns, damaged goods, rebates, loyalty programs and other revenue allowances are made at the time the revenue is recognized based on the historical experience for such items. In addition to revenues generated from the distribution of consumable products under conventional arrangements (buy/sell agreements) where the full market value of the product is recorded as revenue, the animal health segment may earn a small amount of commission income for services provided under agency agreements with certain pharmaceutical manufacturers. The services generally consist of detailing the product and taking the customer’s order. The agency agreement contrasts to a buy/sell agreement in that the animal health segment does not purchase and handle the product or bill and collect from the customer in an agency relationship with a vendor. Consumable product sales are recorded upon delivery, except in those circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, in which case sales are recorded upon shipment. Commissions under agency agreements are recorded when the services are provided. Equipment and software product revenues are recognized upon delivery and, if necessary, installation. In those circumstances where terms of the sale are FOB shipping point, revenues are recognized when products are transferred to the shipping carrier. Revenue derived from post contract customer support for software is deferred and recognized ratably over the period in which the support is provided. Patterson provides financing for select equipment and software sales. Revenue is recorded at the present value of the finance contract, with discount, if any, and interest income recognized over the life of the finance contract as other income, net in our consolidated statement of income. See Note 7 for more information regarding customer financing. Other revenue, including freight and delivery charges and technical service parts and labor, is recognized when the related product revenue is recognized or when the product or services are provided to the customer. The receivables that result from the recognition of revenue are reported net of the related allowances discussed above. Patterson maintains a valuation allowance based upon the expected collectability of receivables held. Estimates are used to determine the valuation allowance and are based on several factors, including historical collection data, economic trends and credit worthiness of customers. Receivables are written off when we determine the amounts to be uncollectible, typically upon customer bankruptcy or non-response to continuous collection efforts. The portions of receivable amounts that are not expected to be collected during the next twelve months are classified as long-term. Patterson has a relatively large, dispersed customer base and no single customer accounts for more than 10% of consolidated net sales. In addition, the equipment sold to customers under finance contracts generally serves as collateral for the contract and the customer provides a personal guarantee as well. Net sales do not include sales tax as we are considered a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax.
Patterson Advantage Loyalty Program	The Dental segment provides a point-based awards program to qualifying customers involving the issuance of “Patterson Advantage dollars” which can be used toward equipment and technology purchases. The program was initiated on January 1, 2009 and runs on a calendar year schedule. Patterson Advantage dollars earned during a program year expire one year after the end of the program year. The cost and corresponding liability associated with the program are recognized as contra-revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605-50, “Revenue Recognition-Customer Payments and Incentives.” As of April 30, 2016 , we believe we have sufficient experience with the program to reasonably estimate the amount of Patterson Advantage dollars that will not be redeemed and thus have recorded a liability for 87% of the maximum potential amount that could be redeemed. We use the redemption recognition method and we recognize the estimated value of unused Advantage dollars as a percentage of Patterson Advantage dollars earned. Breakage recognized was immaterial to all periods presented.
Freight and Delivery Charges	Freight and delivery charges are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
Advertising	We expense all advertising and promotional costs as incurred, except for direct marketing expenses, which are expensed over the shorter of the life of the asset or one year.
Income Taxes	The liability method is used to account for income tax expense. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets if, after assessment of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be fully realized.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)	Compensation expense related to our defined contribution ESOP is computed based on the shares allocated method.
Self-insurance	Patterson is self-insured for certain losses related to general liability, product liability, automobile, workers’ compensation and medical claims. We estimate our liabilities based upon an analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates. While current estimates are believed reasonable based on information currently available, actual results could differ and affect financial results due to changes in the amount or frequency of claims, medical cost inflation or other factors. Historically, actual results related to these types of claims have not varied significantly from estimated amounts.
Stock-based Compensation	We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on estimated grant date fair values. The grant date fair value of stock options and stock purchases made through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and our Capital Accumulation Plan are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The grant date fair value of performance stock units that vest upon meeting certain market conditions is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. These valuations require estimates to be made including expected stock price volatility which considers historical volatility trends, implied future volatility based on certain traded options and other factors. We estimate the expected life of awards based on several factors, including types of participants, vesting schedules, contractual terms and various factors surrounding exercise behavior of different groups. The grant date fair value of time-based restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is calculated based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized over the requisite service period (or to the date a participant becomes eligible for retirement, if earlier) for awards that are expected to vest.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive income is computed as net income plus certain other items that are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. Significant items included in comprehensive income are foreign currency translation adjustments and the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments do not include a provision for income tax because earnings from foreign operations are considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S.
Earnings Per Share	The amount of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. The amount of diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and common share equivalents, when dilutive, during the period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016 and May 2016 within ASU 2015-04, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12, respectively. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605),” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this pronouncement by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date, which for annual periods was December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Topic 835-30)." This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by this ASU. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, which clarified that debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements could continue to be presented as an asset and be subsequently amortized over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the arrangement. We early adopted ASU 2015-03 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 and reclassified $3,970 and $2,458 of debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to our long term debt at April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015, respectively. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than LIFO or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, and plan to do so at that time. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect of adopting this pronouncement, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our financial statements once implemented. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This ASU requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this ASU require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect of adopting this pronouncement, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our financial statements once implemented. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Income Taxes.” This ASU eliminates the requirement for an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts in a classified balance sheet. This ASU requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in the classified balance sheet. We early adopted the ASU in the fourth quarter of 2016 with a prospective application and prior period amounts were not reclassified. The ASU did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments- Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10)”, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including the requirement to measure certain equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We are required to adopt the ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by most leases, as well as requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. We are required to adopt the ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU eliminates the APIC pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. The ASU also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this pronouncement.

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. There were no material adjustments to the numerator. Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 April 26, 2014 Denominator Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares 97,222 98,989 100,727 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and stock purchase plans 680 705 916 Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares 97,902 99,694 101,643

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tabl

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	At April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following: April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Cash on hand $ 122,844 $ 256,691 Money market funds 14,609 90,569 Total $ 137,453 $ 347,260

Goodwill and Other Intangible30

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for each of our reportable segments for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 are as follows: Balance at April 25, 2015 Acquisition Activity and Divestitures Other Activity Balance at April 30, 2016 Dental $ 139,449 $ — $ (320 ) $ 139,129 Animal Health 160,475 517,965 (977 ) 677,463 Corporate — — — — Total $ 299,924 $ 517,965 $ (1,297 ) $ 816,592
Balances of Other Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill	Balances of other intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are as follows: April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Unamortized – indefinite lived: Copyrights, trade names and trademarks $ 29,900 $ 17,600 Amortized: Distribution agreement, customer lists and other 641,236 221,359 Less: Accumulated amortization (161,839 ) (113,934 ) Net amortized intangible assets 479,397 107,425 Total identifiable intangible assets, net $ 509,297 $ 125,025

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the total purchase price consideration and the fair value amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the acquisition, as of the acquisition date: Total purchase price consideration $ 1,106,583 Receivables $ 161,427 Inventory 195,367 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,320 Property and equipment 47,405 Identifiable intangibles 434,300 Other long-term assets 38,300 Total assets acquired 912,119 Accounts payable 122,129 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 21,227 Deferred tax liability 180,145 Total liabilities assumed 323,501 Identifiable net assets acquired 588,618 Goodwill 517,965 Net assets acquired $ 1,106,583
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes the intangible assets acquired, excluding goodwill. Intangible assets are amortized using methods that approximate the pattern of economic benefit provided by the utilization of the assets. Gross Carrying Weighted Unamortized – indefinite lived: Trade names $ 12,300 indefinite Amortized: Customer relationships 291,900 15.0 Trade names 111,400 10.0 Developed technology and other 18,700 12.2 Total amortized intangible assets 422,000 13.6 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 434,300
Summary of Pro Forma Financial Information	The following unaudited pro forma financial results for the combined results of Patterson and Animal Health International, Inc. for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 assume the acquisition occurred on April 27, 2014. The unaudited pro forma financial results may not be indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisition been completed as of April 27, 2014, nor are they indicative of future results of operations. Fiscal Years Ended April 30, April 25, Pro forma net sales $ 5,579,739 $ 5,452,056 Pro forma net income from continuing operations 193,794 176,744
Acquisitions Completed	A listing of acquisitions completed during the periods covered by these financial statements is presented below. We acquired 100% of all companies listed. Entity Segment Fiscal 2016: Animal Health International, Inc. Animal Health Fiscal 2015: Holt Dental Supply Dental C.A.P.L. Limited and Abbey Veterinary Services Animal Health Fiscal 2014: Mercer Mastery Dental National Veterinary Services Limited Animal Health

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale and Results of Operations Under Discontinued Operation Activities	The following summarizes the assets and liabilities of Patterson Medical as of April 25, 2015: April 25, 2015 Assets held for sale Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts $ 57,876 Inventory 48,265 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 12,206 Property and equipment, net 22,672 Goodwill 537,175 Identifiable intangibles, net 74,804 Other long-term assets 1,143 Total assets held for sale $ 754,141 Liabilities held for sale Accounts payable $ 26,341 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 12,975 Long-term liabilities 49,414 Total liabilities held for sale $ 88,730 The following summarizes the results of operations of our discontinued Patterson Medical operations for the periods presented: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Net sales $ 168,504 $ 464,155 $ 478,574 Cost of sales 107,359 286,498 298,993 Operating expenses 54,954 108,816 127,551 Gain on sale (24,328 ) — — Other expense 150 488 381 Income before taxes 30,369 68,353 51,649 Income tax expense 28,869 25,175 22,369 Net income from discontinued operations $ 1,500 $ 43,178 $ 29,280 (a) Includes activity up until the sale date of August 28, 2015.

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following items: April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Land $ 11,585 $ 10,390 Buildings 111,386 109,064 Leasehold improvements 26,291 17,905 Furniture and equipment 169,110 130,348 Computer hardware and software 141,727 115,580 Construction-in-progress (1) 95,450 51,800 555,549 435,087 Accumulated depreciation (262,234 ) (230,954 ) Property and equipment, net $ 293,315 $ 204,133 (1) Includes $88,696 and $43,601 of capitalized software as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 , respectively.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Our long-term debt consists of the following: Carrying Value Interest Rate April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Senior notes due fiscal 2018 1 5.75 % $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2019 2 2.95 % 60,000 60,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2022 2 3.59 % 165,000 165,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2024 2 3.74 % 100,000 100,000 Senior notes due fiscal 2025 3 3.48 % 250,000 250,000 Term loan due fiscal 2021 4 1.81 % 317,625 — Less: Deferred debt issuance costs (3,970 ) (2,458 ) Total debt 1,038,655 722,542 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (16,500 ) — Long-term debt $ 1,022,155 $ 722,542 1. Issued in March 2008. 2. Issued in December 2011. 3. Issued in March 2015. 4. Issued in June 2015. Interest rate is LIBOR plus 1.375% as of April 30, 2016.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Expected future principal payments for our long-term debt are as follows as of April 30, 2016 : Fiscal Year 2017 $ 16,500 2018 174,750 2019 93,000 2020 33,000 2021 210,375 Thereafter 515,000 Total $ 1,042,625

Derivative Financial Instrume35

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Interest Rate Contracts Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets: Derivative type Classification April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 Assets: Interest rate contracts Other non-current assets $ 816 $ 1,255 Liabilities: Interest rate contracts Other non-current liabilities $ 816 $ 1,255
Effect of Interest Rate Contracts and Interest Rate Swaps on Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income ("OCI"): Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Fiscal Year Ended Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 April 26, 2014 Interest rate swap $ — $ (23,343 ) $ (5,660 ) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Fiscal Year Ended Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Income statement location April 30, 2016 April 25, 2015 April 26, 2014 Interest rate swap Interest expense $ (2,817 ) $ (56 ) $ 194

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Our hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows: April 30, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash equivalents $ 14,609 $ 14,609 $ — $ — Deferred purchase price receivable 108,837 — — 108,837 Derivative instruments 816 — 816 — Total assets $ 124,262 $ 14,609 $ 816 $ 108,837 Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 816 $ — $ 816 $ — April 25, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash equivalents $ 90,569 $ 90,569 $ — $ — Deferred purchase price receivable 89,588 — — 89,588 Derivative instruments 1,255 — 1,255 — Total assets $ 181,412 $ 90,569 $ 1,255 $ 89,588 Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 1,255 $ — $ 1,255 $ —

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Rental Payments under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	Future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows at April 30, 2016 : 2017 $ 22,891 2018 16,620 2019 11,403 2020 8,777 2021 6,364 Thereafter 6,870 Total $ 72,925

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Provision for Income Taxes	The components of income from continuing operations before taxes are as follows: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Income from continuing operations before taxes United States $ 270,501 $ 235,421 $ 230,486 International 31,192 38,897 30,777 Total $ 301,693 $ 274,318 $ 261,263 Significant components of income tax expense are as follows: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Current: Federal $ 105,104 $ 73,004 $ 66,747 Foreign 11,690 11,764 8,954 State 15,249 9,007 8,697 Total current 132,043 93,775 84,398 Deferred: Federal (14,308 ) 497 5,225 Foreign 323 44 (260 ) State (2,049 ) (81 ) 568 Total deferred (16,034 ) 460 5,533 Income tax expense $ 116,009 $ 94,235 $ 89,931
Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	Significant components of Patterson’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 are as follows: April 30, April 25, Deferred tax assets: Capital accumulation plan $ 5,898 $ 5,723 Inventory related items 6,776 4,484 Bad debt allowance 2,649 1,380 Stock based compensation expense 9,985 7,995 Interest rate swap 9,749 10,872 Foreign tax credit 9,300 — Net operating loss carryforwards 363 — Other 11,979 8,390 Gross deferred tax assets 56,699 38,844 Less: Valuation allowance (14,007 ) — Total net deferred tax assets 42,692 38,844 Deferred tax liabilities LIFO reserve (21,294 ) (19,173 ) Amortizable intangibles (156,782 ) (2,310 ) Goodwill (57,405 ) (52,140 ) Property, plant, equipment (11,748 ) (4,695 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (247,229 ) (78,318 ) Deferred net long-term income tax liability $ (204,537 ) $ (39,474 )
Summary of Effective Income Tax Expense Reconciliation	Income tax expense varies from the amount computed using the U.S. statutory rate. The reasons for this difference and the related tax effects are shown below: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Tax at U.S. statutory rate $ 105,593 $ 96,012 $ 91,442 State tax provision, net of federal benefit 7,364 6,479 6,554 Effect of foreign taxes (1,195 ) (1,806 ) (2,078 ) Permanent differences (3,693 ) (5,363 ) (4,835 ) Tax on dividends, net of foreign tax credit 12,300 — — Other (4,360 ) (1,087 ) (1,152 ) Income tax expense $ 116,009 $ 94,235 $ 89,931
Summary of Changes in Gross Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A summary of the changes in the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 30, 2016 and April 25, 2015 is shown below: April 30, April 25, Balance at beginning of period $ 16,661 $ 17,256 Additions for tax positions related to the current year 1,794 2,516 Additions for tax positions of prior years 560 44 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1,599 ) (502 ) Statute expirations (3,486 ) (2,653 ) Settlements (370 ) — Balance at end of period $ 13,560 $ 16,661

Segment and Geographic Data (Ta

Segment and Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information about Reportable Segments	The following table presents information about our reportable segments: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Net sales Dental $ 2,476,234 $ 2,415,003 $ 2,348,403 Animal Health 2,862,249 1,456,570 1,203,045 Corporate 48,220 39,292 33,693 Consolidated net sales $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865 $ 3,585,141 Operating income Dental $ 312,176 $ 300,357 $ 284,674 Animal Health 94,318 56,670 49,855 Corporate (58,781 ) (52,441 ) (40,803 ) Consolidated operating income $ 347,713 $ 304,586 $ 293,726 Depreciation and amortization Dental $ 18,903 $ 18,568 $ 17,416 Animal Health 44,243 8,861 7,237 Corporate 19,237 17,094 17,793 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 82,383 $ 44,523 $ 42,446 April 30, April 25, Total assets Dental $ 994,113 $ 1,022,257 Animal Health 2,064,302 631,445 Corporate 462,389 537,405 Total assets, excluding assets held for sale 3,520,804 2,191,107 Assets held for sale — 754,141 Total assets $ 3,520,804 $ 2,945,248
Sales Information by Product	The following table presents sales information by product for each reportable segment: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Consolidated Consumable 1 $ 4,153,921 $ 2,697,581 $ 2,418,201 Equipment and software 857,001 865,013 839,152 Other 1 375,781 348,271 327,788 Total $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865 $ 3,585,141 Dental Consumable 1 $ 1,378,886 $ 1,319,407 $ 1,285,459 Equipment and software 806,993 818,342 795,132 Other 1 290,355 277,254 267,812 Total $ 2,476,234 $ 2,415,003 $ 2,348,403 Animal Health Consumable 1 $ 2,775,035 $ 1,378,174 $ 1,132,742 Equipment and software 50,008 46,671 44,020 Other 1 37,206 31,725 26,283 Total $ 2,862,249 $ 1,456,570 $ 1,203,045 Corporate Consumable 1 $ — $ — $ — Equipment and software — — — Other 1 48,220 39,292 33,693 Total $ 48,220 $ 39,292 $ 33,693 1 Certain sales were reclassified from consumable to other in the current and prior periods.
Information by Geographical Area	The following table presents information by geographic area. No individual country, except for the U.S. and the U.K., generated sales greater than 10% of consolidated net sales. There were no material sales between geographic areas. Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Net sales United States $ 4,457,254 $ 3,029,541 $ 2,933,091 United Kingdom 626,603 649,541 419,341 Canada 302,846 231,783 232,709 Total $ 5,386,703 $ 3,910,865 $ 3,585,141 April 30, April 25, Property and equipment, net United States $ 278,667 $ 190,618 United Kingdom 2,459 2,857 Canada 12,189 10,658 Total $ 293,315 $ 204,133

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Cash Dividends Declared and Paid	The following table presents our declared and paid cash dividends per share on our common stock for the past three years. The dividend declared in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 was paid early in the subsequent quarter; all other dividends were declared and paid in the same period. We expect to continue paying a quarterly cash dividend into the foreseeable future. Quarter Fiscal year 1 2 3 4 2016 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.24 2015 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.22 2014 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.20

Stock-based Compensation (Table

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions	The fair value of stock options granted was estimated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Expected dividend yield 1.8 % 2.0 % 1.8 % Expected stock price volatility 25.6 % 26.3 % 30.0 % Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 2.1 % 1.5 % Expected life (years) 6.7 7.0 7.1 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 9.66 $ 9.78 $ 11.02
Summary of Stock Options	The following is a summary of stock option activity: Number of Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance as of April 25, 2015 338 $ 36.22 Granted 923 55.39 Exercised (87 ) 36.49 Canceled (64 ) 39.03 Balance as of April 30, 2016 1,110 $ 52.09 $ 1,402 Vested or expected to vest as of April 30, 2016 1,046 $ 52.17 $ 1,279 Exercisable as of April 30, 2016 49 $ 35.22 $ 402
Summary of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Unit Awards	The following is a summary of restricted stock unit activity: Restricted Stock Units Shares Weighted- Outstanding at April 25, 2015 122 35.30 Granted 66 44.88 Vested (6 ) 39.54 Forfeitures (111 ) 35.03 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 71 $ 44.26 The following is a summary of performance unit award activity at target: Performance Unit Awards Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at April 25, 2015 205 $ 38.91 Granted 87 54.55 Vested (78 ) 37.70 Forfeitures and cancellations (57 ) 40.69 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 157 $ 47.56 The following is a summary of restricted stock award activity: Restricted Stock Awards Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at April 25, 2015 1,168 $ 34.39 Granted 191 48.91 Vested (421 ) 33.33 Forfeitures (178 ) 36.34 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 760 $ 38.18
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions	We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our ESPP using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Expected dividend yield 2.0 % 1.6 % 1.6 % Expected stock price volatility 21.1 % 31.0 % 31.0 % Risk-free interest rate 0.5 % 0.1 % 0.2 % Expected life (years) 0.6 0.5 0.5 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 9.16 $ 10.74 $ 9.46
Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) [Member]
Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions	We estimate the grant date fair value of shares purchased under our CAP using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions: Fiscal Year Ended April 30, April 25, April 26, Expected dividend yield 2.0 % 1.6 % 1.6 % Expected stock price volatility 19.7 % 31.0 % 31.0 % Risk-free interest rate 0.6 % 0.3 % 0.3 % Expected life (years) 1.0 1.0 1.0 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 14.13 $ 17.67 $ 15.00

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Results	Quarter Ended April 30, (1) January 30, October 31, August 1, Net sales $ 1,453,770 $ 1,400,853 $ 1,389,210 $ 1,142,870 Gross profit 363,741 339,864 330,899 288,244 Operating income from continuing operations 106,344 95,729 83,463 62,177 Net income from continuing operations 65,620 57,190 42,563 20,311 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations — (750 ) (7,142 ) 9,392 Net income 65,620 56,440 35,421 29,703 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.69 $ 0.60 $ 0.43 $ 0.20 Discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.07 ) 0.10 Net basic earnings per share $ 0.69 $ 0.59 $ 0.36 $ 0.30 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.68 $ 0.60 $ 0.43 $ 0.20 Discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.07 ) 0.10 Net diluted earnings per share $ 0.68 $ 0.59 $ 0.36 $ 0.30 Quarter Ended April 25, January 24, October 25, July 26, Net sales $ 1,035,061 $ 958,628 $ 978,220 $ 938,956 Gross profit 288,203 262,442 259,287 250,617 Operating income from continuing operations 89,073 77,377 72,140 65,996 Net income from continuing operations 53,459 46,434 41,865 38,325 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations 11,059 8,242 11,913 11,964 Net income 64,518 54,676 53,778 50,289 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ 0.42 $ 0.39 Discontinued operations 0.11 0.08 0.12 0.12 Net basic earnings per share $ 0.65 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.51 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.54 $ 0.47 $ 0.42 $ 0.38 Discontinued operations 0.11 0.08 0.12 0.12 Net diluted earnings per share $ 0.65 $ 0.55 $ 0.54 $ 0.50 (1) During the first quarter of fiscal 2016 , we incurred $9,302 , or $0.09 per diluted share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis, of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. Also during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved a one-time repatriation of approximately $200,000 of foreign earnings. This one-time repatriation reduced the overall costs of funding the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, certain foreign cash at Patterson Medical was required to be repatriated as part of the sale transaction. The tax impact of the repatriation recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was $11,800 , or $0.12 per diluted per share from continuing operations on an after-tax basis.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi43

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL as of April 30, 2016 : Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustment Total AOCL at April 25, 2015 $ (18,668 ) $ (41,678 ) $ (60,346 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (20,635 ) (20,635 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,934 11,083 13,017 AOCL at April 30, 2016 $ (16,734 ) $ (51,230 ) $ (67,964 )

Summary of Significant Accoun44

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)reporting_unitSegmentshares	Apr. 25, 2015USD ($)Segmentshares	Apr. 26, 2014USD ($)shares
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment		3	3
Maturity period of maximum (in days)		90 days
Inventories valued at LIFO as % of total inventories	84.00%	84.00%	79.00%
Accumulated LIFO reserve	$ 76,501,000	$ 76,501,000	$ 73,381,000
Number of reporting units | reporting_unit		3
Goodwill impairment	0
Asset impairment charges		$ 0	0	$ 0
Consolidated net sales, percentage		10.00%
Percentage of liability recorded		87.00%
Total advertising and promotional expenses		$ 12,113,000	10,181,000	10,471,000
Deferred direct-marketing expenses included in prepaid and other current assets	0	0	0
The income tax expense (benefit) related to cash flow hedge losses		$ 883,000	$ (10,843,000)	$ 0
Securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share | shares		765	147	39
Debt issuance costs	3,970,000	$ 3,970,000	$ 2,458,000
Building [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		39 years
Computer Equipment [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Computer Hardware and Software [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		5 years
Office Furniture And Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		5 years
Office Furniture And Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		10 years
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	(3,970,000)	$ (3,970,000)	(2,458,000)
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$ 3,970,000	$ 3,970,000	$ 2,458,000

Summary of Significant Accoun45

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares	97,222	98,989	100,727
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and stock purchase plans	680	705	916
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares	97,902	99,694	101,643

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Deta

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash on hand	$ 122,844	$ 256,691
Money market funds	14,609	90,569
Total	$ 137,453	$ 347,260	$ 264,908	$ 505,228

Goodwill and Other Intangible47

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 299,924
Acquisition Activity and Divestitures	517,965
Other Activity	(1,297)
Ending Balance	816,592
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	139,449
Acquisition Activity and Divestitures	0
Other Activity	(320)
Ending Balance	139,129
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Health [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	160,475
Acquisition Activity and Divestitures	517,965
Other Activity	(977)
Ending Balance	677,463
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Acquisition Activity and Divestitures	0
Other Activity	0
Ending Balance	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible48

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Balances of Other Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Unamortized – indefinite lived:
Copyrights, trade names and trademarks	$ 29,900	$ 17,600
Amortized:
Distribution agreement, customer lists and other	641,236	221,359
Less: Accumulated amortization	(161,839)	(113,934)
Net amortized intangible assets	479,397	107,425
Total identifiable intangible assets, net	$ 509,297	$ 125,025

Goodwill and Other Intangible49

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2006	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Distribution fee	$ 100,000
Distribution agreement period	10 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017		$ 52,911
2,018		51,568
2,019		49,597
2,020		38,040
2,021		$ 35,107

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Oct. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 816,592,000				$ 299,924,000				$ 816,592,000	$ 299,924,000
Net sales		1,453,770,000	$ 1,400,853,000	$ 1,389,210,000	$ 1,142,870,000	1,035,061,000	$ 958,628,000	$ 978,220,000	$ 938,956,000	5,386,703,000	3,910,865,000	$ 3,585,141,000
Operating income		106,344,000	95,729,000	83,463,000	62,177,000	$ 89,073,000	$ 77,377,000	$ 72,140,000	$ 65,996,000	347,713,000	$ 304,586,000	293,726,000
Tax impact of repatriation of foreign earnings					11,800,000					12,300,000
Animal Health International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cash paid					1,106,583,000
Identifiable net assets acquired					588,618,000
Deferred tax liability					180,145,000
Goodwill					517,965,000
Goodwill recognized, deductible for income tax purpose					0
Deferred taxes recorded related to goodwill					0
Net sales										1,396,118,000
Operating income		15,034,000	9,827,000	10,716,000	1,653,000					37,230,000
Amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets										28,112,000
Net sales		$ 403,580,000	$ 406,588,000	$ 414,028,000	171,922,000
Patterson and Animal Health International, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tax impact of repatriation of foreign earnings										$ 12,300,000
National Veterinary Services Limited (NVS) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cash paid	$ 142,693,000
Net sales												$ 419,340,000
Term Loan [Member] | Animal Health International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan					1,000,000,000
Unsecured Revolving Line of Credit [Member] | Animal Health International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 500,000,000

Acquisitions - Summary of Total

Acquisitions - Summary of Total Purchase Price Consideration and Preliminary Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 816,592	$ 299,924
Animal Health International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price consideration	$ 1,106,583
Receivables	161,427
Inventory	195,367
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,320
Property and equipment	47,405
Identifiable intangibles	434,300
Other long-term assets	38,300
Total assets acquired	912,119
Accounts payable	122,129
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities	21,227
Deferred tax liability	180,145
Total liabilities assumed	323,501
Identifiable net assets acquired	588,618
Goodwill	517,965
Net assets acquired	$ 1,106,583

Acquisitions - Summary of Acqui

Acquisitions - Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill (Details) - Animal Health International [Member] $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets	$ 422,000
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average life (years)	13 years 7 months 6 days
Total identifiable intangible assets	$ 434,300
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets	$ 291,900
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average life (years)	15 years
Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets	$ 111,400
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average life (years)	10 years
Developed Technology and Other [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total amortized intangible assets	$ 18,700
Finite lived intangible assets, weighted average life (years)	12 years 2 months 12 days
Unamortized Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Unamortized - indefinite lived	$ 12,300
Indefinite lived intangible assets, weighted average life (years)	indefinite

Acquisitions - Summary of Unaud

Acquisitions - Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Results (Details) - Patterson and Animal Health International, Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma net sales	$ 5,579,739	$ 5,452,056
Pro forma net income from continuing operations	$ 193,794	$ 176,744

Acquisitions - Acquisitions Com

Acquisitions - Acquisitions Completed (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Animal Health International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of entity acquired	100.00%
Acquisition by segment	Animal Health
Holt Dental Supply [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of entity acquired		100.00%
Acquisition by segment		Dental
C.A.P.L Limited and Abbey Veterinary Services [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of entity acquired		100.00%
Acquisition by segment		Animal Health
Mercer Mastery [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of entity acquired			100.00%
Acquisition by segment			Dental
National Veterinary Services Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of entity acquired			100.00%
Acquisition by segment			Animal Health

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) - Patterson Medical [Member] - Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration receivable as per definitive agreement	$ 716,886
Percentage of common units obtained	10.00%
Ratio of acquirer cash inflows to cash outflows at which common units obtained begin participating in distributions	2.5
Pre-tax gain on sale		$ 24,328	$ 0	$ 0
Transition services agreement, period of involvement		24 months
Professional fees		$ 13,692

Discontinued Operations - Summa

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Assets held for sale
Total assets held for sale	$ 0	$ 754,141
Liabilities held for sale
Long-term liabilities	$ 0	49,414
Patterson Medical [Member] | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member]
Assets held for sale
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts		57,876
Inventory		48,265
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		12,206
Property and equipment, net		22,672
Goodwill		537,175
Identifiable intangibles, net		74,804
Other long-term assets		1,143
Total assets held for sale		754,141
Liabilities held for sale
Accounts payable		26,341
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities		12,975
Long-term liabilities		49,414
Total liabilities held for sale		$ 88,730

Discontinued Operations - Sum57

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Results of Operations Under Discontinued Operation Activities (Details) - Patterson Medical [Member] - Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 168,504	$ 464,155	$ 478,574
Cost of sales	107,359	286,498	298,993
Operating expenses	54,954	108,816	127,551
Gain on sale	(24,328)	0	0
Other expense	150	488	381
Income before taxes	30,369	68,353	51,649
Income tax expense	28,869	25,175	22,369
Net income from discontinued operations	$ 1,500	$ 43,178	$ 29,280

Property and Equipment - Schedu

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$ 11,585	$ 10,390
Buildings	111,386	109,064
Leasehold improvements	26,291	17,905
Furniture and equipment	169,110	130,348
Computer hardware and software	141,727	115,580
Construction-in-progress	95,450	51,800
Property and equipment, gross	555,549	435,087
Accumulated depreciation	(262,234)	(230,954)
Property and equipment, net	$ 293,315	$ 204,133

Property and Equipment - Sche59

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capitalized software	$ 88,696	$ 43,601

Customer Financing (Details)

Customer Financing (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)contract	Apr. 25, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 27, 2013USD ($)
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Maximum credit financed for equipment purchases for any one customer	$ 500,000
Number of customer financing contracts | contract	2
Financing contracts sold under ASC 860	$ 359,646,000	$ 312,303,000	$ 282,698,000
Net sales from sales of financing contracts	30,123,000	21,668,000	15,865,000
Cash and cash equivalents	137,453,000	347,260,000	$ 264,908,000	$ 505,228,000
Current receivables of finance contracts not yet sold	87,406,000	88,470,000
Unearned income	1,768,000	4,197,000
Finance contracts receivable sold and outstanding	600,961,000
Deferred purchase price receivable	$ 108,837,000	89,588,000
Maximum bad debt write-offs (percentage)	1.00%
Unsettled Financing Arrangements [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 27,186,000	$ 29,863,000
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount of financing contracts held as collateral (at least)	9.00%
Capacity under agreement	$ 575,000,000
Fifth Third Bank [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount of financing contracts held as collateral (at least)	10.00%
Capacity under agreement	$ 100,000,000

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 28, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs			$ 3,970,000	$ 2,458,000
Outstanding borrowings			$ 20,000,000	0
Available revolving credit facility		$ 300,000,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest floating rate			3.875%
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs			$ (3,970,000)	(2,458,000)
Long-term Debt [Member] | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs			$ 3,970,000	$ 2,458,000
Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,500,000,000
Credit Agreement [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest floating rate			1.375%
Credit Agreement [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest floating rate		1.125%
Credit Agreement [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest floating rate		2.00%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest floating rate		0.125%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest floating rate		1.00%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,000,000,000
Repayments of lines of credit	$ 670,000,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ (5,153,000)
Principal payment			$ 12,375,000
Outstanding borrowings			$ 317,625,000
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 500,000,000
Senior Notes 1.81% [Member] | Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fixed rate			1.81%

Debt - Long-Term Debt (Details)

Debt - Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Deferred debt issuance costs	$ (3,970)	$ (2,458)
Total	1,038,655	722,542
Less: current debt obligations	(16,500)	0
Long-term debt	$ 1,022,155	$ 722,542
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest floating rate	3.875%
Senior Notes 5.75% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed rate	5.75%	5.75%
Fixed rate senior notes due fiscal 2018 to 2025	$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Senior Notes 2.95% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed rate	2.95%	2.95%
Fixed rate senior notes due fiscal 2018 to 2025	$ 60,000	$ 60,000
Senior Notes 3.59% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed rate	3.59%	3.59%
Fixed rate senior notes due fiscal 2018 to 2025	$ 165,000	$ 165,000
Senior Notes 3.74% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed rate	3.74%	3.74%
Fixed rate senior notes due fiscal 2018 to 2025	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Senior Notes 3.48% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed rate	3.48%	3.48%
Fixed rate senior notes due fiscal 2018 to 2025	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Senior Notes 1.81% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed rate	1.81%	1.81%
Fixed rate senior notes due fiscal 2018 to 2025	$ 317,625	$ 0

Debt - Schedule of Debt Maturit

Debt - Schedule of Debt Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 16,500
2,018	174,750
2,019	93,000
2,020	33,000
2,021	210,375
Thereafter	515,000
Total	$ 1,042,625

Derivative Financial Instrume64

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2008USD ($)agreement	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 25, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 25, 2015USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Settlement of swap				$ 0	$ 29,003,000	$ 0
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives				$ 575,000,000
New Interest Rate Cap Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives						$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives		$ 250,000,000
Number of interest rate swap agreements | agreement			2
Notional amount of derivative asset			$ 100,000,000
Increase to other comprehensive income			$ 1,000,000
Percentage of senior notes		5.17%
Senior notes amount due		$ 250,000,000
Settlement of swap	$ 29,003,000
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Period of long-term loan		10 years
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Member] | Senior Notes 3.48% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of senior notes								3.48%
Aggregate principal amount								$ 250,000,000

Derivative Financial Instrume65

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Interest Rate Contracts Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate contracts, assets, fair value	$ 816	$ 1,255
Interest rate, liabilities, fair value	816	1,255
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate contracts, assets, fair value	816	1,255
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate, liabilities, fair value	$ 816	$ 1,255

Derivative Financial Instrume66

Derivative Financial Instruments - Effect of Interest Rate Contracts and Interest Rate Swaps on Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months	(2,809,000)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Income, Net [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effect of interest rate contracts	0	(23,343,000)	(5,660,000)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effect of interest rate contracts	$ (2,817,000)	$ (56,000)	$ 194,000

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 14,609	$ 90,569
Deferred purchase price receivable	108,837	89,588
Derivative instruments	816	1,255
Total assets	124,262	181,412
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	816	1,255
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	14,609	90,569
Deferred purchase price receivable	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets	14,609	90,569
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Deferred purchase price receivable	0	0
Derivative instruments	816	1,255
Total assets	816	1,255
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	816	1,255
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Deferred purchase price receivable	108,837	89,588
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets	108,837	89,588
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of debt	$ 1,064,752	$ 746,685
Long-term debt	$ 1,038,655	$ 722,542

Securities (Details)

Securities (Details) CAD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Oct. 25, 2013CADtime_deposit	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2015CAD	Apr. 25, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 24, 2014CAD
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Number of time deposits | time_deposit	3
Total principal amount	CAD 110,000		CAD 65,000		CAD 45,000
Short-term investments		$ 0		$ 53,372	CAD 45,436
Maturity value of time deposits			CAD 67,031
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Total principal amount | $				$ 53,372

Lease Commitments - Future Mini

Lease Commitments - Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 22,891
2,018	16,620
2,019	11,403
2,020	8,777
2,021	6,364
Thereafter	6,870
Total	$ 72,925

Lease Commitments - Additional

Lease Commitments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 23,315	$ 16,909	$ 16,410

Income Taxes - Income From Cont

Income Taxes - Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 270,501	$ 235,421	$ 230,486
International	31,192	38,897	30,777
Income from continuing operations before taxes	$ 301,693	$ 274,318	$ 261,263

Income Taxes - Components of Pr

Income Taxes - Components of Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Current:
Federal	$ 105,104	$ 73,004	$ 66,747
Foreign	11,690	11,764	8,954
State	15,249	9,007	8,697
Total current	132,043	93,775	84,398
Deferred:
Federal	(14,308)	497	5,225
Foreign	323	44	(260)
State	(2,049)	(81)	568
Total deferred	(16,034)	460	5,533
Income tax expense	$ 116,009	$ 94,235	$ 89,931

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Capital accumulation plan	$ 5,898	$ 5,723
Inventory related items	6,776	4,484
Bad debt allowance	2,649	1,380
Stock based compensation expense	9,985	7,995
Interest rate swap	9,749	10,872
Foreign tax credit	9,300	0
Net operating loss carryforwards	363	0
Other	11,979	8,390
Gross deferred tax assets	56,699	38,844
Less: Valuation allowance	(14,007)	0
Total net deferred tax assets	42,692	38,844
Deferred tax liabilities
LIFO reserve	(21,294)	(19,173)
Amortizable intangibles	(156,782)	(2,310)
Goodwill	(57,405)	(52,140)
Property, plant, equipment	(11,748)	(4,695)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(247,229)	(78,318)
Deferred net long-term income tax liability	$ (204,537)	$ (39,474)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards		$ 14,007
Undistributed earnings subject to federal income tax		102,411
Repatriation of foreign earnings	$ 200,000	200,000
Tax impact of repatriation of foreign earnings	$ 11,800	12,300
Gross unrecognized tax benefits		13,560	$ 16,661	$ 17,256
Deferred tax assets, deductibility of gross liabilities		3,800	4,118
Deferred tax assets, net		42,692	38,844
Interest and penalties		1,438	$ 1,760
Increase in interest and penalties expense		$ 258
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Expiration period		10 years
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Expiration period		5 years

Income Taxes - Summary of Effec

Income Taxes - Summary of Effective Income Tax Expense Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax at U.S. statutory rate	$ 105,593	$ 96,012	$ 91,442
State tax provision, net of federal benefit	7,364	6,479	6,554
Effect of foreign taxes	(1,195)	(1,806)	(2,078)
Permanent differences	(3,693)	(5,363)	(4,835)
Tax on dividends, net of foreign tax credit	12,300	0	0
Other	(4,360)	(1,087)	(1,152)
Income tax expense	$ 116,009	$ 94,235	$ 89,931

Income Taxes - Summary of Chang

Income Taxes - Summary of Changes in Gross Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 16,661	$ 17,256
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	1,794	2,516
Additions for tax positions of prior years	560	44
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(1,599)	(502)
Statute expirations	(3,486)	(2,653)
Settlements	(370)	0
Balance at end of period	$ 13,560	$ 16,661

Segment and Geographic Data - A

Segment and Geographic Data - Additional Information (Details) - Segment	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3	3
Maximum percentage of sales generated by other than United States	10.00%

Segment and Geographic Data - I

Segment and Geographic Data - Information about Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Oct. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,453,770	$ 1,400,853	$ 1,389,210	$ 1,142,870	$ 1,035,061	$ 958,628	$ 978,220	$ 938,956	$ 5,386,703	$ 3,910,865	$ 3,585,141
Operating income	106,344	$ 95,729	$ 83,463	$ 62,177	89,073	$ 77,377	$ 72,140	$ 65,996	347,713	304,586	293,726
Depreciation and amortization									82,383	44,523	42,446
Total assets, excluding assets held for sale	3,520,804				2,191,107				3,520,804	2,191,107
Assets held for sale	0				754,141				0	754,141
Total assets	3,520,804				2,945,248				3,520,804	2,945,248
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,476,234	2,415,003	2,348,403
Operating income									312,176	300,357	284,674
Depreciation and amortization									18,903	18,568	17,416
Total assets	994,113				1,022,257				994,113	1,022,257
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Health [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,862,249	1,456,570	1,203,045
Operating income									94,318	56,670	49,855
Depreciation and amortization									44,243	8,861	7,237
Total assets	2,064,302				631,445				2,064,302	631,445
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									48,220	39,292	33,693
Operating income									(58,781)	(52,441)	(40,803)
Depreciation and amortization									19,237	17,094	$ 17,793
Total assets	$ 462,389				$ 537,405				$ 462,389	$ 537,405

Segment and Geographic Data - S

Segment and Geographic Data - Sales Information by Product (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Oct. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,453,770	$ 1,400,853	$ 1,389,210	$ 1,142,870	$ 1,035,061	$ 958,628	$ 978,220	$ 938,956	$ 5,386,703	$ 3,910,865	$ 3,585,141
Consumable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									4,153,921	2,697,581	2,418,201
Equipment and software [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									857,001	865,013	839,152
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									375,781	348,271	327,788
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,476,234	2,415,003	2,348,403
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental [Member] | Consumable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,378,886	1,319,407	1,285,459
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental [Member] | Equipment and software [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									806,993	818,342	795,132
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									290,355	277,254	267,812
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Health [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,862,249	1,456,570	1,203,045
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Health [Member] | Consumable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,775,035	1,378,174	1,132,742
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Health [Member] | Equipment and software [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									50,008	46,671	44,020
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Health [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									37,206	31,725	26,283
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									48,220	39,292	33,693
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Consumable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Equipment and software [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 48,220	$ 39,292	$ 33,693

Segment and Geographic Data -81

Segment and Geographic Data - Information by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Oct. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,453,770	$ 1,400,853	$ 1,389,210	$ 1,142,870	$ 1,035,061	$ 958,628	$ 978,220	$ 938,956	$ 5,386,703	$ 3,910,865	$ 3,585,141
Property and equipment, net	293,315				204,133				293,315	204,133
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									4,457,254	3,029,541	2,933,091
Property and equipment, net	278,667				190,618				278,667	190,618
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									626,603	649,541	419,341
Property and equipment, net	2,459				2,857				2,459	2,857
Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									302,846	231,783	$ 232,709
Property and equipment, net	$ 12,189				$ 10,658				$ 12,189	$ 10,658

Stockholders' Equity - Cash Div

Stockholders' Equity - Cash Dividends Declared and Paid (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Oct. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend paid (in usd per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.22	$ 0.22	$ 0.22	$ 0.22	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 11, 2006	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2002	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 1991
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Common stock repurchased and retired, shares		4,379,000	1,194,000	2,354,000
Common stock repurchased and retired, value		$ 200,000	$ 47,539	$ 96,486
Average cost of common shares repurchased and retired (in usd per share)		$ 45.68	$ 39.81	$ 40.99
Shares authorized for repurchase under share repurchase program							25,000,000
Remaining shares available under repurchase program		16,497,000
Hours of service completed in order to be allocated shares of stock acquired by plan		1000 hours
ESOP share based compensation expense		$ 11,953	$ 9,939	$ 10,199
Number of shares allocated to ESOP		11,985,000
Number of shares allocated to ESOP, Fair value		$ 519,531
Fair value of unearned shares by ESOP		$ 68,916	$ 77,738
Minimum [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Unearned shares held by ESOP to occur over a period		5 years
Maximum [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Unearned shares held by ESOP to occur over a period		10 years
Unearned ESOP Shares [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Fair value of unearned shares by ESOP		$ 107,814
Thompson Dental Company [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Additional loan to ESOP						$ 12,612
ESOP acquiring shares during acquisition						666,000
Interest due from ESOP					$ 200
Total shares allocated to ESOP						98,000
Remaining shares in ESOP						568,000
Committed-to-be-released shares		10,000
Suspense shares		436,000
1990 Note [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
ESOP company loan								$ 22,000
2006 Senior Notes [Member]
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
ESOP company loan	$ 105,000
ESOP acquiring shares during acquisition	3,160,000				844,000
Contributed to ESOP					$ 20,214
Committed-to-be-released shares		259,000
Suspense shares		1,783,000

Stock-based Compensation - Addi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense recognized	$ 16,898	$ 13,958	$ 8,041
After-tax stock-based compensation expense	11,120	$ 9,171	5,416
Compensation cost before income taxes related to non-vested awards yet to be recognized	$ 34,772
Total compensation cost expected to be recognized over a weighted average period	2 years 4 months
Number of shares outstanding	1,110,000	338,000
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of options outstanding	8 years 6 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of options exercisable	4 years 3 months
Stock options exercised, intrinsic value	$ 901	$ 290	1,722
Stock options exercised, cash received	3,173	1,710	12,309
Stock options exercised, tax benefits realized	$ 854	$ 286	$ 1,273
Performance Unit Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of performance units vested	78,000	0	0
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance				4,000,000
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for awards	3,784,000
Prior Equity Incentive Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding	1,073,000
Employee Stock Option Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
Employee Stock Option Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Employee Stock Option Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total fair value of restricted stock awards vested in period	$ 19,805	$ 8,474	$ 6,831
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock vesting period	5 years
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock vesting period	7 years
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock vesting period	9 years
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Management [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock vesting period	3 years
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Minimum restriction period for restricted stock and restricted stock units	1 year
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Minimum restriction period for restricted stock and restricted stock units	3 years
Performance Unit Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock vesting period	3 years	3 years	3 years
Total fair value of restricted stock awards vested in period	$ 2,966
Performance Unit Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares to be received at vesting	0.00%
Performance Unit Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares to be received at vesting	200.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance	6,750,000
Number of shares available for awards	1,269,000
Percentage of fair market value of the common stock	85.00%
Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance	6,000,000
Number of shares available for awards	2,018,000
Minimum restriction period for restricted stock and restricted stock units	3 years
Percentage of fair market value of the common stock	75.00%

Stock-based Compensation - Summ

Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Director And Employee Stock Option Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	1.80%	2.00%	1.80%
Expected stock price volatility	25.60%	26.30%	30.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	2.10%	1.50%
Expected life (years)	6 years 8 months 1 day	7 years	7 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average grant date fair value per share (in usd per share)	$ 9.66	$ 9.78	$ 11.02
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	2.00%	1.60%	1.60%
Expected stock price volatility	21.10%	31.00%	31.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.50%	0.10%	0.20%
Expected life (years)	7 months	6 months	6 months
Weighted average grant date fair value per share (in usd per share)	$ 9.16	$ 10.74	$ 9.46
Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	2.00%	1.60%	1.60%
Expected stock price volatility	19.70%	31.00%	31.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.60%	0.30%	0.30%
Expected life (years)	1 year	1 year	1 year
Weighted average grant date fair value per share (in usd per share)	$ 14.13	$ 17.67	$ 15

Stock-based Compensation - Su86

Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number of Options
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares	338
Granted (in shares) | shares	923
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(87)
Canceled (in shares) | shares	(64)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares	1,110
Vested or expected to vest at end of year (in shares) | shares	1,046
Exercisable at end of year (in shares) | shares	49
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Beginning balance (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 36.22
Granted (in usd per share) | $ / shares	55.39
Exercised (in usd per share) | $ / shares	36.49
Canceled (in usd per share) | $ / shares	39.03
Ending balance (in usd per share) | $ / shares	52.09
Vested or expected to vest at end of year (in usd per share) | $ / shares	52.17
Exercisable at end of year (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 35.22
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance at end of year | $	$ 1,402
Vested or expected to vest at end of year | $	1,279
Exercisable at end of year | $	$ 402

Stock-based Compensation - Su87

Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Unit Awards (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Shares
Outstanding, Beginning balance (in shares)	1,168,000
Granted (in shares)	191,000
Vested (in shares)	(421,000)
Forfeitures and cancellations (in shares)	(178,000)
Outstanding, Ending balance (in shares)	760,000	1,168,000
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in usd per share)	$ 34.39
Granted (in usd per share)	48.91
Vested (in usd per share)	33.33
Forfeitures (in usd per share)	36.34
Ending balance (in usd per share)	$ 38.18	$ 34.39
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Shares
Outstanding, Beginning balance (in shares)	122,000
Granted (in shares)	66,000
Vested (in shares)	(6,000)
Forfeitures and cancellations (in shares)	(111,000)
Outstanding, Ending balance (in shares)	71,000	122,000
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in usd per share)	$ 35.30
Granted (in usd per share)	44.88
Vested (in usd per share)	39.54
Forfeitures (in usd per share)	35.03
Ending balance (in usd per share)	$ 44.26	$ 35.30
Performance Unit Awards [Member]
Shares
Outstanding, Beginning balance (in shares)	205,000
Granted (in shares)	87,000
Vested (in shares)	(78,000)	0	0
Forfeitures and cancellations (in shares)	(57,000)
Outstanding, Ending balance (in shares)	157,000	205,000
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in usd per share)	$ 38.91
Granted (in usd per share)	54.55
Vested (in usd per share)	37.70
Forfeitures (in usd per share)	40.69
Ending balance (in usd per share)	$ 47.56	$ 38.91

Quarterly Results (unaudited) -

Quarterly Results (unaudited) - Quarterly Results Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Oct. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 106,344	$ 95,729	$ 83,463	$ 62,177	$ 89,073	$ 77,377	$ 72,140	$ 65,996	$ 347,713	$ 304,586	$ 293,726
Diluted share (in usd per share)	$ 0.68	$ 0.59	$ 0.36	$ 0.30	$ 0.65	$ 0.55	$ 0.54	$ 0.50	$ 1.91	$ 2.24	$ 1.97
Repatriation of foreign earnings				$ 200,000					$ 200,000
Tax impact of repatriation of foreign earnings				$ 11,800					12,300
Tax impact of repatriation of foreign earnings per diluted share (in usd per share)				$ 0.12
Animal Health International [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 403,580	$ 406,588	$ 414,028	$ 171,922
Operating income	$ 15,034	$ 9,827	$ 10,716	1,653					$ 37,230
Pre-tax transaction costs				$ 9,302
Diluted share (in usd per share)				$ 0.09

Quarterly Results (unaudited)89

Quarterly Results (unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 25, 2015	Jan. 24, 2015	Oct. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,453,770	$ 1,400,853	$ 1,389,210	$ 1,142,870	$ 1,035,061	$ 958,628	$ 978,220	$ 938,956	$ 5,386,703	$ 3,910,865	$ 3,585,141
Gross profit	363,741	339,864	330,899	288,244	288,203	262,442	259,287	250,617	1,322,748	1,060,549	1,018,697
Operating income from continuing operations	106,344	95,729	83,463	62,177	89,073	77,377	72,140	65,996	347,713	304,586	293,726
Net income from continuing operations	65,620	57,190	42,563	20,311	53,459	46,434	41,865	38,325	185,684	180,083	171,332
Net income from discontinued operations	0	(750)	(7,142)	9,392	11,059	8,242	11,913	11,964
Net income	$ 65,620	$ 56,440	$ 35,421	$ 29,703	$ 64,518	$ 54,676	$ 53,778	$ 50,289	$ 187,184	$ 223,261	$ 200,612
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ 0.69	$ 0.60	$ 0.43	$ 0.20	$ 0.54	$ 0.47	$ 0.42	$ 0.39	$ 1.91	$ 1.82	$ 1.70
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0	(0.01)	(0.07)	0.10	0.11	0.08	0.12	0.12	0.02	0.44	0.29
Basic (in usd per share)	0.69	0.59	0.36	0.30	0.65	0.55	0.54	0.51	1.93	2.26	1.99
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in usd per share)	0.68	0.60	0.43	0.20	0.54	0.47	0.42	0.38	1.90	1.81	1.69
Discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0	(0.01)	(0.07)	0.10	0.11	0.08	0.12	0.12	0.01	0.43	0.28
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.68	$ 0.59	$ 0.36	$ 0.30	$ 0.65	$ 0.55	$ 0.54	$ 0.50	$ 1.91	$ 2.24	$ 1.97

Accumulated Other Comprehensi90

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 1,514,123
Ending Balance	1,441,746
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(18,668)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,934
Ending Balance	(16,734)
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(41,678)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(20,635)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	11,083
Ending Balance	(51,230)
Total [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(60,346)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(20,635)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	13,017
Ending Balance	$ (67,964)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi91

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges, tax	$ 883
Increase in interest expense	2,817
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] | Patterson Medical [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	$ 11,083

Schedule II Valuation and Qua92

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 25, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 7,678	$ 8,322	$ 4,093
Charged to Costs and Expenses	8,246	2,546	2,544
Charged to Other Accounts	1,947	0	3,552
Deductions	5,863	3,190	1,867
Balance at End of Period	12,008	7,678	8,322
LIFO inventory adjustment [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	73,381	71,596	67,187
Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,120	1,785	4,409
Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance at End of Period	76,501	73,381	71,596
Inventory obsolescence reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	4,218	3,498	3,288
Charged to Costs and Expenses	15,547	17,624	12,642
Charged to Other Accounts	1,550	0	391
Deductions	14,694	16,904	12,823
Balance at End of Period	6,621	4,218	3,498
Total inventory reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	77,599	75,094	70,475
Charged to Costs and Expenses	18,667	19,409	17,051
Charged to Other Accounts	1,550	0	391
Deductions	14,694	16,904	12,823
Balance at End of Period	$ 83,122	$ 77,599	$ 75,094