Patterson Companies (PDCO) 10-Q 7 Dec 16 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Dec. 02, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 29, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	PDCO
Entity Registrant Name	PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	891,024
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-29
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		97,909,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 29, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 110,387	$ 137,453
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	822,734	796,693
Inventory	795,454	722,140
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	104,257	91,255
Total current assets	1,832,832	1,747,541
Property and equipment, net	303,342	293,315
Long-term receivables, net	97,114	88,248
Goodwill	812,419	816,592
Identifiable intangibles, net	479,977	509,297
Other	64,684	65,811
Total assets	3,590,368	3,520,804
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	545,366	566,253
Accrued payroll expense	69,271	75,448
Other accrued liabilities	148,407	151,134
Current maturities of long-term debt	20,625	16,500
Borrowings on revolving credit	163,000	20,000
Total current liabilities	946,669	829,335
Long-term debt	1,010,211	1,022,155
Other non-current liabilities	227,436	227,568
Total liabilities	2,184,316	2,079,058
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	982	991
Additional paid-in capital	57,542	48,477
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(101,352)	(67,964)
Retained earnings	1,517,796	1,529,158
Unearned ESOP shares	(68,916)	(68,916)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,406,052	1,441,746
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 3,590,368	$ 3,520,804

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,418,241	$ 1,389,210	$ 2,750,677	$ 2,532,080
Cost of sales	1,099,281	1,058,311	2,114,539	1,912,937
Gross profit	318,960	330,899	636,138	619,143
Operating expenses	239,157	247,436	490,919	473,503
Operating income from continuing operations	79,803	83,463	145,219	145,640
Other income (expense):
Other income, net	1,622	954	3,986	1,624
Interest expense	(10,097)	(17,154)	(20,259)	(29,297)
Income from continuing operations before taxes	71,328	67,263	128,946	117,967
Income tax expense	25,572	24,700	44,284	55,093
Net income from continuing operations	45,756	42,563	84,662	62,874
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	(7,142)	0	2,250
Net income	$ 45,756	$ 35,421	$ 84,662	$ 65,124
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in USD per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.43	$ 0.89	$ 0.64
Discontinued operations (in USD per share)	0	(0.07)	0	0.02
Net basic earnings per share (in USD per share)	0.48	0.36	0.89	0.66
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in USD per share)	0.48	0.43	0.88	0.63
Discontinued operations (in USD per share)	0	(0.07)	0	0.02
Net diluted earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.36	$ 0.88	$ 0.65
Weighted average shares:
Basic (in shares)	95,290	98,525	95,510	98,981
Diluted (in shares)	95,904	99,185	96,138	99,674
Dividends declared per common share (in USD per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.22	$ 0.48	$ 0.44
Comprehensive income
Net income	$ 45,756	$ 35,421	$ 84,662	$ 65,124
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(14,001)	6,941	(34,258)	(4,334)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	437	437	870	1,054
Comprehensive income	$ 32,192	$ 42,799	$ 51,274	$ 61,844

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 84,662	$ 65,124
Net income from discontinued operations	0	2,250
Net income from continuing operations	84,662	62,874
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	18,010	16,791
Amortization	23,997	21,609
Bad debt expense	58	5,674
Non-cash employee compensation	14,693	13,541
Accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs on early retirement of debt	0	5,153
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	(1,686)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquired	(196,726)	(137,923)
Net cash used in operating activities- continuing operations	(55,306)	(13,967)
Net cash used in operating activities- discontinued operations	0	(38,985)
Net cash used in operating activities	(55,306)	(52,952)
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(29,377)	(40,978)
Acquisitions and equity investments, net of cash assumed	0	(1,105,229)
Proceeds from sale of securities	0	48,744
Other investing activities	23,115	0
Net cash used in investing activities- continuing operations	(6,262)	(1,097,463)
Net cash provided by investing activities- discontinued operations	0	715,430
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,262)	(382,033)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid	(47,655)	(45,356)
Repurchases of common stock	(50,000)	(160,579)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	1,000,000
Debt issuance costs	0	(11,600)
Retirement of long-term debt	(8,250)	(674,125)
Draw on revolver	143,000	80,000
Other financing activities	974	2,894
Net cash provided by financing activities	38,069	191,234
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(3,567)	(8,058)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(27,066)	(251,809)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	137,453	347,260
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 110,387	$ 95,451

General

General	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
General	General Basis of Presentation In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Patterson Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as "Patterson" or in the first person notations "we," "our," and "us") as of October 29, 2016 , and our results of operations and cash flows for the periods ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 . Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the periods ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2016. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets and liabilities of PDC Funding Company, LLC ("PDC Funding") and PDC Funding Company II, LLC ("PDC Funding II"), which are our wholly owned subsidiaries and separate legal entities formed under Minnesota law. PDC Funding and PDC Funding II are fully consolidated special purpose entities established to sell customer installment sale contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of their business. The assets of PDC Funding and PDC Funding II would be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of its creditors. There are no known creditors of PDC Funding or PDC Funding II. Fiscal Year End We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April. The second quarter of fiscal 2017 and 2016 represents the 13 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2015 , respectively. The six months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 included 26 and 27 weeks, respectively. Fiscal 2017 will include 52 weeks and fiscal 2016 included 53 weeks of operations. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is computed as net income including 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 related to cash flow hedges was $265 and $265 for the three months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 , respectively. The income tax expense related to cash flow hedges was $527 and $350 for the six months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 , respectively. Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of the weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares 95,290 98,525 95,510 98,981 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and stock purchase plans 614 660 628 693 Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted average shares 95,904 99,185 96,138 99,674 Potentially dilutive securities representing 1,453 and 1,218 shares for the three and six months ended October 29, 2016 , respectively, and 899 and 899 shares for the three and six months ended October 31, 2015 , respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effects were anti-dilutive. Recently Issued 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 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12, respectively. ASU No. 2014-09 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 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 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 No. 2016-01 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)," which 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 ASU 2016-02 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." ASU No. 2016-09 eliminates the additional paid-in capital pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. ASU No. 2016-09 also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU No. 2016-09. As a result of this adoption, we recognized $108 and $1,992 of excess tax benefits related to share-based payments in our provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended October 29, 2016 , respectively. These items were historically recorded in additional paid-in capital. In addition, for the six months ended October 29, 2016 , cash flows related to excess tax benefits are classified as an operating activity along with other income tax cash flows. Prior periods have not been adjusted. Cash paid on employees' behalf related to shares withheld for tax purposes continues to be classified as a financing activity. Our share-based compensation expense in each period continues to reflect estimated forfeitures. Reclassifications None.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 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 ("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. 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. We classified Patterson Medical’s results of operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the condensed consolidated statements of income. 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. Net sales from discontinued operations were $37,693 and $168,504 for the three and six months ending October 31, 2015 , respectively.

Customer Financing

Customer Financing	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Receivables [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 $1,000 . 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. ("BTMU") serving as the agent. We utilize PDC Funding to fulfill a requirement of participating in the commercial paper conduit. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to BTMU. 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 with BTMU. The capacity under the agreement with BTMU at October 29, 2016 was $575,000 . Second, we maintain an agreement with Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") whereby the bank purchases customers’ financing contracts. PDC Funding II sells financing contracts to Fifth Third. We receive the proceeds of the contracts upon sale to Fifth Third. 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 with Fifth Third. The capacity under the agreement with Fifth Third at October 29, 2016 was $100,000 . We retain servicing responsibilities for the financing contracts under both arrangements, 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 deemed a deferred purchase price receivable, which is paid to the applicable special purpose entity as payments on the customers’ financing contracts 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 condensed consolidated statements of income. During the three and six months ended October 29, 2016 we sold $62,663 and $172,257 , respectively, of contracts under these arrangements. During the three and six months ended October 31, 2015 we sold $48,172 and $142,939 , respectively, of contracts under these arrangements. We recorded net sales in the condensed consolidated statements of income of $4,331 and $14,516 during the three and six months ended October 29, 2016 , respectively, related to these contracts sold. We recorded net sales in the condensed consolidated statements of income of $9,016 and $14,903 during the three and six months ended October 31, 2015 , respectively, related to these contracts sold. Included in cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are $22,809 and $27,186 as of October 29, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , respectively, which represent cash collected from previously sold customer financing contracts that have not yet been settled. Included in current receivables in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are $82,591 , net of unearned income of $2,334 , and $87,406 , net of unearned income of $1,768 , as of October 29, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , respectively, of finance contracts we have not yet sold. A total of $600,760 of finance contracts receivable sold under the arrangements was outstanding at October 29, 2016 . The deferred purchase price under the arrangements was $118,059 and $108,837 as of October 29, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , respectively. Since the internal financing program began in 1994, bad debt write-offs have amounted to less than 1% of the loans originated. The arrangements require us to maintain a minimum current ratio and maximum leverage ratio. We were in compliance with those covenants at October 29, 2016 .

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 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 entered into to fulfill certain covenants of the equipment finance contract sale agreements. The interest rate cap agreements also provide a credit enhancement feature for the financing contracts sold by PDC Funding and PDC Funding II to the commercial paper conduit. The interest rate cap agreements are canceled and new agreements are entered into periodically to maintain consistency with the dollar maximum of the sale agreements and the maturity of the underlying financing contracts. As of October 29, 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. As of October 29, 2016, PDC Funding II had purchased an interest rate cap from a bank with a notional amount of $100,000 and a maturity date of July 2024. We sold an identical interest rate cap to the same bank. These interest rate cap agreements 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 cash flow hedge, to hedge interest rate fluctuations in anticipation of refinancing the 5.17% senior notes due March 25, 2015 . These notes were 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 is recognized as interest expense over the life of the related debt. The following presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets: Derivative type Classification October 29, 2016 April 30, 2016 Assets: Interest rate cap agreements Other noncurrent assets $ 790 $ 816 Liabilities: Interest rate cap agreements Other noncurrent liabilities 790 816 The following table presents 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) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Income statement location October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Interest rate swap Interest expense $ (702 ) $ (703 ) $ (1,397 ) $ (1,405 ) We recorded no effective portion of gains or losses on derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships in OCI during the current period. We recorded no ineffectiveness during the three and six month periods ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 . As of October 29, 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	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 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: October 29, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash equivalents $ 3,506 $ 3,506 $ — $ — Deferred purchase price receivable 118,059 — — 118,059 Derivative instruments 790 — 790 — Total assets $ 122,355 $ 3,506 $ 790 $ 118,059 Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 790 $ — $ 790 $ — 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 $ — 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 – Our derivative instruments consist of interest rate cap agreements 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 during the six month periods ended October 29, 2016 or October 31, 2015 . Our debt is not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of our debt as of October 29, 2016 and April 30, 2016 was $1,058,252 and $1,064,752 , respectively, as compared to a carrying value of $1,030,836 and $1,038,655 at October 29, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , 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 October 29, 2016 and April 30, 2016 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three months ended October 29, 2016 was 35.9% compared to 36.7% for the three months ended October 31, 2015 , and for the six months ended October 29, 2016 was 34.3% compared to 46.7% for the six months ended October 31, 2015 . The decrease in the rate for the three and six months ended October 29, 2016 was primarily due to the prior year impact of cash repatriation and transaction-related costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of Animal Health International, Inc. In addition, the current period rates included excess tax benefits from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 of $108 and $1,992 for the three and six months ended October 29, 2016 , respectively. In 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 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 during the first six months of fiscal 2016.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting We present three reportable segments: Dental, Animal Health and Corporate. Dental and Animal Health 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, dental laboratories, institutions, and other healthcare professionals throughout North America. Animal Health 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 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: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, Net sales Dental $ 601,553 $ 601,322 $ 1,156,568 $ 1,176,439 Animal Health 807,146 774,453 1,569,777 1,331,750 Corporate 9,542 13,435 24,332 23,891 Consolidated net sales $ 1,418,241 $ 1,389,210 $ 2,750,677 $ 2,532,080 Operating income (loss) from continuing operations Dental $ 77,043 $ 74,094 $ 137,338 $ 141,346 Animal Health 21,854 25,177 36,683 38,149 Corporate (19,094 ) (15,808 ) (28,802 ) (33,855 ) Consolidated operating income from continuing operations $ 79,803 $ 83,463 $ 145,219 $ 145,640 October 29, April 30, Total assets Dental $ 930,541 $ 994,113 Animal Health 2,148,059 2,064,302 Corporate 511,768 462,389 Total assets $ 3,590,368 $ 3,520,804 The following table presents sales information by product for all of our reportable segments: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, Net sales Consumable $ 1,112,232 $ 1,087,489 $ 2,188,453 $ 1,982,796 Equipment and software 217,194 207,809 378,140 361,292 Other 88,815 93,912 184,084 187,992 Consolidated net sales $ 1,418,241 $ 1,389,210 $ 2,750,677 $ 2,532,080

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL")	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL as of October 29, 2016 : Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustment Total AOCL at April 30, 2016 $ (16,734 ) $ (51,230 ) $ (67,964 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (34,258 ) (34,258 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 870 — 870 AOCL at October 29, 2016 $ (15,864 ) $ (85,488 ) $ (101,352 ) The amounts reclassified from AOCL during fiscal 2017 represent gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $527 . The impact to the condensed consolidated statements of income was an increase to interest expense of $1,397 .

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	Legal Proceedings 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 are vigorously defending ourselves in this litigation. 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. Burkhart Dental Supply Company, Inc. was added as a defendant on October 22, 2016. 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, 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 are vigorously defending ourselves in this litigation.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, we extended our exclusive North American distribution relationship with Sirona Dental Systems for Sirona’s CEREC 3D dental restorative system. At that time, we paid a $100,000 distribution fee to extend the existing exclusive relationship for at least a 10 -year period beginning in 2007. This distribution fee has been accounted for as an intangible asset that has been amortized since October 2007. Based on our November 2016 decision not to extend sales exclusivity for the full Sirona portfolio of products, we expect to record a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of approximately $36,000 , or approximately $22,000 after taxes or $0.23 per diluted share in our fiscal 2017 third quarter, related to the distribution fee associated with the CEREC product component of this arrangement.

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Patterson Companies, Inc. (referred to herein as "Patterson" or in the first person notations "we," "our," and "us") as of October 29, 2016 , and our results of operations and cash flows for the periods ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 . Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the periods ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2016. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets and liabilities of PDC Funding Company, LLC ("PDC Funding") and PDC Funding Company II, LLC ("PDC Funding II"), which are our wholly owned subsidiaries and separate legal entities formed under Minnesota law. PDC Funding and PDC Funding II are fully consolidated special purpose entities established to sell customer installment sale contracts to outside financial institutions in the normal course of their business. The assets of PDC Funding and PDC Funding II would be available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of its creditors. There are no known creditors of PDC Funding or PDC Funding II.
Fiscal Year End	Fiscal Year End We operate with a 52-53 week accounting convention with our fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in April. The second quarter of fiscal 2017 and 2016 represents the 13 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2015 , respectively. The six months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 included 26 and 27 weeks, respectively. Fiscal 2017 will include 52 weeks and fiscal 2016 included 53 weeks of operations.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is computed as net income including 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.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued 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 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12, respectively. ASU No. 2014-09 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 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 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 No. 2016-01 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)," which 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 ASU 2016-02 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." ASU No. 2016-09 eliminates the additional paid-in capital pool concept and requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recorded in the income statement when awards are settled. ASU No. 2016-09 also addresses simplifications related to statement of cash flows classification, accounting for forfeitures, and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted ASU No. 2016-09. As a result of this adoption, we recognized $108 and $1,992 of excess tax benefits related to share-based payments in our provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended October 29, 2016 , respectively. These items were historically recorded in additional paid-in capital. In addition, for the six months ended October 29, 2016 , cash flows related to excess tax benefits are classified as an operating activity along with other income tax cash flows. Prior periods have not been adjusted. Cash paid on employees' behalf related to shares withheld for tax purposes continues to be classified as a financing activity. Our share-based compensation expense in each period continues to reflect estimated forfeitures.

General (Tables)

General (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS)	The following table sets forth the computation of the weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares 95,290 98,525 95,510 98,981 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock and stock purchase plans 614 660 628 693 Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted average shares 95,904 99,185 96,138 99,674

Derivative Financial Instrume17

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Interest Rate Contracts Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets: Derivative type Classification October 29, 2016 April 30, 2016 Assets: Interest rate cap agreements Other noncurrent assets $ 790 $ 816 Liabilities: Interest rate cap agreements Other noncurrent liabilities 790 816
Effect of Interest Rate Contracts on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)	The following table presents 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) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Income statement location October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Interest rate swap Interest expense $ (702 ) $ (703 ) $ (1,397 ) $ (1,405 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 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: October 29, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash equivalents $ 3,506 $ 3,506 $ — $ — Deferred purchase price receivable 118,059 — — 118,059 Derivative instruments 790 — 790 — Total assets $ 122,355 $ 3,506 $ 790 $ 118,059 Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 790 $ — $ 790 $ — 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 $ —

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information about Reportable Segments	The following table presents information about our reportable segments: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, Net sales Dental $ 601,553 $ 601,322 $ 1,156,568 $ 1,176,439 Animal Health 807,146 774,453 1,569,777 1,331,750 Corporate 9,542 13,435 24,332 23,891 Consolidated net sales $ 1,418,241 $ 1,389,210 $ 2,750,677 $ 2,532,080 Operating income (loss) from continuing operations Dental $ 77,043 $ 74,094 $ 137,338 $ 141,346 Animal Health 21,854 25,177 36,683 38,149 Corporate (19,094 ) (15,808 ) (28,802 ) (33,855 ) Consolidated operating income from continuing operations $ 79,803 $ 83,463 $ 145,219 $ 145,640 October 29, April 30, Total assets Dental $ 930,541 $ 994,113 Animal Health 2,148,059 2,064,302 Corporate 511,768 462,389 Total assets $ 3,590,368 $ 3,520,804
Sales Information by Product	The following table presents sales information by product for all of our reportable segments: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, Net sales Consumable $ 1,112,232 $ 1,087,489 $ 2,188,453 $ 1,982,796 Equipment and software 217,194 207,809 378,140 361,292 Other 88,815 93,912 184,084 187,992 Consolidated net sales $ 1,418,241 $ 1,389,210 $ 2,750,677 $ 2,532,080

Accumulated Other Comprehensi20

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL as of October 29, 2016 : Cash Flow Hedges Currency Translation Adjustment Total AOCL at April 30, 2016 $ (16,734 ) $ (51,230 ) $ (67,964 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (34,258 ) (34,258 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 870 — 870 AOCL at October 29, 2016 $ (15,864 ) $ (85,488 ) $ (101,352 )

General - Additional Informatio

General - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Income tax expense related to cash flow hedges	$ 265	$ 265	$ 527	$ 350
Securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	1,453	899	1,218	899
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments recognized	$ 108		$ 1,992

General - Computation of Basic

General - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares (in shares)	95,290	98,525	95,510	98,981
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options, restricted stock and stock purchase plans (in shares)	614	660	628	693
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted average shares (in shares)	95,904	99,185	96,138	99,674

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Proceeds from the sale including working capital adjustment	$ 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
Transition services agreement, period of involvement	24 months
Net sales from discontinued operations		$ 37,693	$ 168,504

Customer Financing (Details)

Customer Financing (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)finance_agreement	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 25, 2015USD ($)
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Maximum credit financed for equipment purchases for any one customer	$ 1,000,000		$ 1,000,000
Number of customer financing contracts | finance_agreement			2
Financing contracts sold under ASC 860	62,663,000	$ 48,172,000	$ 172,257,000	$ 142,939,000
Revenues from Sale of Financing Contracts	4,331,000	9,016,000	14,516,000	14,903,000
Cash and cash equivalents	110,387,000	$ 95,451,000	110,387,000	$ 95,451,000	$ 137,453,000	$ 347,260,000
Current receivables of finance contracts not yet sold	82,591,000		82,591,000		87,406,000
Unearned income	2,334,000		2,334,000		1,768,000
Finance contracts receivable sold and outstanding	600,760,000		600,760,000
Deferred purchase price	118,059,000		$ 118,059,000		108,837,000
Bad debt write-offs, percentage (less than)			1.00%
Unsettled Financing Arrangements [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	22,809,000		$ 22,809,000		$ 27,186,000
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		$ 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		$ 100,000,000

Derivative Financial Instrume25

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 25, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2008USD ($)agreement	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Effective portion of gains or losses recognized in OCI							$ 0
Ineffectiveness recorded during period					$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Increase (decrease) in interest expense							(2,809,000)
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives					575,000,000		575,000,000
New Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives					100,000,000		100,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements | agreement				2
Notional amount of derivative asset				$ 100,000,000
Increase to other comprehensive income				1,000,000
Increase (decrease) in interest expense					$ (702,000)	$ (703,000)	$ (1,397,000)	$ (1,405,000)
Interest Rate Swap Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative asset				$ 100,000,000
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives			$ 250,000,000
Percentage of senior notes			5.17%
Settlement of swap		$ 29,003,000
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Member] | 5.17% Senior Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity date of long-term loan			Mar. 25, 2015
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Member] | Senior Notes 3.48% [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of senior notes	3.48%
Maturity date of long-term loan	Mar. 24, 2025
Aggregate principal amount	$ 250,000,000

Derivative Financial Instrume26

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Interest Rate Contracts Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 29, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate contracts, assets, fair value	$ 790	$ 816
Interest rate contracts, liabilities, fair value	790	816
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate contracts, assets, fair value	790	816
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate contracts, liabilities, fair value	$ 790	$ 816

Derivative Financial Instrume27

Derivative Financial Instruments - Effect of Interest Rate Contracts on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be reclassified into earnings			$ (2,809)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be reclassified into earnings	$ (702)	$ (703)	$ (1,397)	$ (1,405)

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 29, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 3,506	$ 14,609
Deferred purchase price receivable	118,059	108,837
Derivative instruments	790	816
Total assets	122,355	124,262
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	790	816
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	3,506	14,609
Deferred purchase price receivable	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets	3,506	14,609
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Deferred purchase price receivable	0	0
Derivative instruments	790	816
Total assets	790	816
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	790	816
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Deferred purchase price receivable	118,059	108,837
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets	118,059	108,837
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 29, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of debt	$ 1,058,252	$ 1,064,752
Carrying value of debt	$ 1,030,836	$ 1,038,655

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	35.90%	36.70%		34.30%	46.70%
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments recognized	$ 108			$ 1,992
Repatriation of foreign earnings			$ 200,000
Tax impact of repatriation of foreign earnings					$ 12,300

Segment Reporting - Information

Segment Reporting - Information about Reportable Segments (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)Segment	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,418,241	$ 1,389,210	$ 2,750,677	$ 2,532,080
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	79,803	83,463	145,219	145,640
Total assets	3,590,368		3,590,368		$ 3,520,804
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	601,553	601,322	1,156,568	1,176,439
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	77,043	74,094	137,338	141,346
Total assets	930,541		930,541		994,113
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Health [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	807,146	774,453	1,569,777	1,331,750
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	21,854	25,177	36,683	38,149
Total assets	2,148,059		2,148,059		2,064,302
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	9,542	13,435	24,332	23,891
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	(19,094)	$ (15,808)	(28,802)	$ (33,855)
Total assets	$ 511,768		$ 511,768		$ 462,389

Segment Reporting - Sales Infor

Segment Reporting - Sales Information by Product (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,418,241	$ 1,389,210	$ 2,750,677	$ 2,532,080
Consumable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,112,232	1,087,489	2,188,453	1,982,796
Equipment and Software [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	217,194	207,809	378,140	361,292
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 88,815	$ 93,912	$ 184,084	$ 187,992

Accumulated Other Comprehensi33

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016USD ($)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCL Beginning Balance	$ 1,441,746
AOCL Ending Balance	1,406,052
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCL Beginning Balance	(16,734)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	870
AOCL Ending Balance	(15,864)
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCL Beginning Balance	(51,230)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(34,258)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0
AOCL Ending Balance	(85,488)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCL Beginning Balance	(67,964)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(34,258)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	870
AOCL Ending Balance	$ (101,352)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi34

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCL") - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Income tax expense related to cash flow hedges	$ 265	$ 265	$ 527	$ 350
Increase in interest expense			$ 1,397

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2017	Jul. 30, 2005
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Distribution fee paid		$ 100,000
Distribution relationship term extension		10 years
Distribution Rights [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge before tax	$ 36,000
Non-cash impairment charge after tax	$ 22,000
Non-cash impairment charge per diluted share (in USD per share)	$ 0.23