Daktronics (DAKT) 10-Q 28 Feb 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DAKTRONICS INC /SD/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000915779	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--04-26	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	43,121,407
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	25-Jan-14	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$55,914	$40,628
Restricted cash	26	48
Marketable securities	25,290	24,052
Accounts receivable, net	66,320	63,227
Inventories, net	57,149	49,045
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	32,139	39,355
Current maturities of long-term receivables	5,063	4,807
Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,690	6,185
Deferred income taxes	12,444	12,755
Income tax receivables	1,304	46
Total current assets	261,339	240,148
Long-term receivables, less current maturities	8,866	11,325
Goodwill	4,548	3,306
Intangibles, net	2,752	1,181
Advertising rights, net and other assets	641	772
Deferred income taxes	1,147	1,061
Total noncurrent assets	17,954	17,645
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:	'	'
Land	2,356	1,497
Buildings	59,464	57,012
Machinery and equipment	70,143	65,600
Office furniture and equipment	16,106	16,118
Computer software and hardware	43,389	41,745
Equipment held for rental	868	868
Demonstration equipment	7,481	8,400
Transportation equipment	4,439	4,026
Property and equipment, gross	204,246	195,266
Less accumulated depreciation	141,570	133,641
Property and equipment, net	62,676	61,625
TOTAL ASSETS	341,969	319,418
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	36,499	38,651
Accrued expenses	21,651	24,331
Warranty obligations	13,618	13,933
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	16,352	14,245
Customer deposits (billed or collected)	18,868	12,375
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)	8,584	9,112
Current portion of other long-term obligations	773	356
Income taxes payable	747	1,689
Total current liabilities	117,092	114,692
Long-term warranty obligations	12,054	11,213
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected)	5,874	4,424
Other long-term obligations, less current maturities	2,972	843
Total long-term liabilities	20,900	16,480
TOTAL LIABILITIES	137,992	131,172
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 43,133,277 and 42,393,456 shares issued at January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, respectively	43,588	37,429
Additional paid-in capital	29,219	27,194
Retained earnings	131,322	123,750
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,680 shares	-9	-9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-143	-118
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	203,977	188,246
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$341,969	$319,418

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, no par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	43,133,277	42,393,456
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	19,680	19,680

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$115,369	$111,050	$415,730	$393,840
Cost of goods sold	86,280	84,001	307,774	288,049
Gross profit	29,089	27,049	107,956	105,791
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling expense	13,188	13,652	40,110	39,528
General and administrative	6,685	6,717	20,788	20,148
Product design and development	5,649	5,611	17,330	17,477
Total operating expenses	25,522	25,980	78,228	77,153
Operating income	3,567	1,069	29,728	28,638
Nonoperating income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	290	386	945	1,165
Interest expense	-62	-28	-189	-151
Other (expense) income, net	-237	-193	-351	-224
Income before income taxes	3,558	1,234	30,133	29,428
Income tax expense (benefit)	687	-1,476	9,753	8,493
Net income	$2,871	$2,710	$20,380	$20,935
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	43,039	42,343	42,772	42,206
Diluted (in shares)	43,613	42,539	43,397	42,447
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.06	$0.48	$0.50
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.06	$0.47	$0.49
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.62	$0.30	$0.73

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$2,871	$2,710	$20,380	$20,935
Other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'
Cumulative translation adjustments	-335	-5	-12	-13
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	7	-13	-13	-51
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-328	-18	-25	-64
Comprehensive income	$2,543	$2,692	$20,355	$20,871

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$20,380	$20,935
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	10,678	11,614
Amortization	274	171
Amortization of premium/discount on marketable securities	170	140
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment	-90	33
Share-based compensation	2,206	2,344
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-106	-61
Provision for doubtful accounts	-47	-197
Deferred income taxes, net	619	-258
Change in operating assets and liabilities	5,159	-1,466
Net cash provided by operating activities	39,243	33,255
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-9,421	-6,799
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	182	175
Purchases of marketable securities	-9,432	-13,301
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	8,000	12,820
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	-1,298	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-11,969	-7,105
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Payments on notes payable	0	-1,460
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,607	1,146
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	106	61
Principal payments on long-term obligations	3,682	0
Dividends paid	-12,808	-30,859
Net cash used in financing activities	-11,777	-31,112
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	-211	43
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	15,286	-4,919
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	40,628	29,423
End of period	55,914	24,504
Cash payments for:	'	'
Interest	98	204
Income taxes, net of refunds	11,365	5,579
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	249	542
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	446	948
Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan	$1,552	$1,482

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies	'
	Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts therein.  Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from those estimates.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.  The balance sheet at April 27, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but it does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended April 27, 2013, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-02: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"), an update to Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to present either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items in the statement presenting net income. Additionally, disclosures about the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income are also required. ASU 2013-02 requires prospective application and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, and there was no impact to the Company's financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS

Earnings Per Share EPS	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share EPS	'
	Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
	Basic EPS is computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock sharing in our earnings.
	The following is a reconciliation of the income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013:
		Net income		Shares	Per share income
	For the three months ended January 25, 2014:
	Basic earnings per share	$	2,871	43,039	$	0.07
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		574	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2,871	43,613	$	0.07
	For the three months ended January 26, 2013:
	Basic earnings per share	$	2,710	42,343	$	0.06
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		196	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2,710	42,539	$	0.06
	For the nine months ended January 25, 2014:
	Basic earnings per share	$	20,380	42,772	$	0.48
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		625	(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings per share	$	20,380	43,397	$	0.47
	For the nine months ended January 26, 2013:
	Basic earnings per share	$	20,935	42,206	$	0.5
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		241	(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings per share	$	20,935	42,447	$	0.49
	Options outstanding to purchase 1,048 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $21.05 for the three months ended January 25, 2014 and 2,467 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $15.65 for the three months ended January 26, 2013 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
	Options outstanding to purchase 1,972 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $16.87 for the nine months ended January 25, 2014 and 3,268 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.92 for the nine months ended January 26, 2013 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Segment_Disclosure

Segment Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Disclosure	'
	Segment Disclosure
	We have organized our business into five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 280-10, Segment Reporting: Commercial, Live Events, Schools and Theatres, Transportation, and International business units. These segments are based on the type of customer and geography.
	Our Commercial business unit primarily consists of sales of our video display systems, digital billboards, Galaxy® and Fuelight™ product lines to resellers (primarily sign companies), outdoor advertisers, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos and petroleum retailers.  Our Live Events business unit primarily consists of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports facilities and convention centers and sales of our mobile display technology to video rental organizations and other live events type venues.  Our Schools and Theatres business unit primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary education facilities and sales of our Vortek® automated rigging systems for theatre applications.  Our Transportation business unit primarily consists of sales of our Vanguard® and Galaxy® product lines to governmental transportation departments, airlines and other transportation related customers.  Our International business unit consists of sales of all product lines outside the United States and Canada.
	Segment reports present results through contribution margin, which is comprised of gross profit less selling costs. Segment profit excludes general and administration expense, product development expense, interest income and expense, non-operating income and income tax expense.  Assets are not allocated to the segments.  Depreciation and amortization, excluding the portion related to non-allocated costs, are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures.  In general, our segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, Transportation, and Schools and Theatres business units based on cost of sales.  Shared manufacturing, building and utilities, and procurement costs are allocated based on payroll dollars, square footage and various other financial measures.
	We do not maintain information on sales by products; therefore, disclosure of such information is not practical.
	The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five operating segments for the periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		January 25,			January 26,			January 25,			January 26,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales:
	Commercial	$	39,016		$	30,997		$	117,690		$	109,127
	Live Events	33,428			26,528			146,680			121,641
	Schools & Theatres	11,010			11,778			47,750			51,639
	Transportation	13,531			23,546			41,811			57,713
	International	18,384			18,201			61,799			53,720
		115,369			111,050			415,730			393,840
	Contribution margin:
	Commercial	7,903			4,262			24,026			19,030
	Live Events	4,530			1,244			23,159			16,393
	Schools & Theatres	(217		)	80			5,286			6,091
	Transportation	2,842			6,317			9,747			18,321
	International	843			1,494			5,628			6,428
		15,901			13,397			67,846			66,263
	Non-allocated operating expenses:
	General and administrative	6,685			6,717			20,788			20,148
	Product design and development	5,649			5,611			17,330			17,477
	Operating income	3,567			1,069			29,728			28,638
	Nonoperating income (expense):
	Interest income	290			386			945			1,165
	Interest expense	(62		)	(28		)	(189		)	(151		)
	Other (expense) income, net	(237		)	(193		)	(351		)	(224		)
	Income before income taxes	3,558			1,234			30,133			29,428
	Income tax expense (benefit)	687			(1,476		)	9,753			8,493
	Net income	$	2,871		$	2,710		$	20,380		$	20,935
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Commercial	$	1,064		$	1,253		$	3,181		$	3,746
	Live Events	1,092			1,095			3,354			3,361
	Schools & Theatres	513			546			1,588			1,683
	Transportation	292			385			856			1,054
	International	210			206			629			565
	Unallocated corporate depreciation	410			469			1,344			1,376
		$	3,581		$	3,954		$	10,952		$	11,785
	No single geographic area comprises a material amount of net sales or long-lived assets net of accumulated depreciation other than the United States.  The following table presents information about net sales and long-lived assets in the United States and elsewhere:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		January 25,			January 26,			January 25,			January 26,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales:
	United States	$	94,454		$	89,300		$	343,536		$	330,995
	Outside U.S.	20,915			21,750			72,194			62,845
		$	115,369		$	111,050		$	415,730		$	393,840
		January 25,			April 27,
		2014			2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	58,481		$	60,060
	Outside U.S.	4,195			1,565
		$	62,676		$	61,625
	The increase in long-lived assets is due to a business combination as described in Note 5. We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services; therefore, we are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services except with respect to our dependence on a few large digital billboard customers in our Commercial business unit.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	Marketable Securities
	We have a cash management program which provides for the investment of cash balances not used in current operations.  We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions of ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.  Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  As it relates to fixed income marketable securities, we do not intend to sell any of these investments, and it is not more-likely-than-not we will be required to sell any of these investments before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In addition, as of January 25, 2014, we anticipate we will recover the entire amortized cost basis of such fixed income securities, and we have determined no other-than-temporary impairments associated with credit losses were required to be recognized. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Where quoted market prices are not available, we use the market price of similar types of securities traded in the market to estimate fair value.
	As of January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	Balance as of January 25, 2014:
	Certificates of deposit	$	7,632	$	—	$	—	$	7,632
	U.S. Government securities	3,001		—		—		3,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	4,750		—		—		4,750
	Municipal obligations	9,891		16		—		9,907
		$	25,274	$	16	$	—	$	25,290
	Balance as of April 27, 2013:
	Certificates of deposit	$	4,677	$	—	$	—	$	4,677
	U.S. Government securities	4,999		19		—		5,018
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	4,752		—		—		4,752
	Municipal obligations	9,596		9		—		9,605
		$	24,024	$	28	$	—	$	24,052
	Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations as other (expense) income, net. Upon the sale of a security classified as available-for-sale, the security’s specific unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of "accumulated other comprehensive loss” and into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the nine months ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net assets were immaterial. Realized gains and losses on sales or maturities of investments were immaterial in the nine months ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013.
	All available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets, as they are readily available to support our current operating needs. The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of January 25, 2014 were as follows:
		Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
	Certificates of deposit	$	4,443	$	3,189	$	7,632
	U.S. Government securities	2,001		1,000		3,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		4,750		4,750
	Municipal obligations	3,820		6,087		9,907
		$	10,264	$	15,026	$	25,290

Business_Combination

Business Combination	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination	'
	Business Combination
	We acquired 100 percent ownership in OPEN Out-of Home Solutions ("OPEN"), a Belgian company, on May 8, 2013 for an undisclosed amount. The results of its operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. We have not made pro forma disclosures as the results of its operations are not material to our consolidated financial statements.
	OPEN is a European manufacturer of cabinets and street furniture for the third-party advertising market. This acquisition expanded our product offerings to third-party advertisers as they increasingly adopt digital technology and included a manufacturing plant in Belgium to manufacture digital advertising displays. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand and a five-year promissory note that matures in May 2018.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the purchase price allocation for the OPEN acquisition was completed. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill of $1,271. Included in the purchase price allocation was acquired identifiable intangibles valued at $1,160 representing trade names with a useful life of 20 years and a customer list valued at $582 with a useful life of nine years. There were no material adjustments to the original purchase price allocation.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the nine months ended January 25, 2014 were as follows:
		Live Events			Commercial			Transportation			International		Total
	Balance as of April 27, 2013:	$	2,417		$	725		$	164		$	—	$	3,306
	Acquisition, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			1,271		1,271
	Foreign currency translation	(40		)	(2		)	(39		)	52		(29		)
	Balance as of January 25, 2014:	$	2,377		$	723		$	125		$	1,323	$	4,548
	We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis. We performed our annual analysis based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third quarter in fiscal 2014, which was October 27, 2013.  The result of the analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed as of that date.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		January 25,		April 27,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	27,729	$	20,979
	Work-in-process	8,904		8,523
	Finished goods	20,516		19,543
		$	57,149	$	49,045

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,769 and $2,729 at January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, respectively.
	In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and sales-type leases.  The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and profit is recognized to the extent the present value is in excess of cost.  We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid.  The present value of long-term contracts and lease receivables, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $13,929 and $16,132 as of January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, respectively.  Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 5.0 to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through July 2022.  The face amount of long-term receivables was $15,907 as of January 25, 2014 and $18,731 as of April 27, 2013.  Included in accounts receivable as of January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013 was $3,538 and $803, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation:  We are a party to legal proceedings and claims which arise during the ordinary course of business. We review our legal proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews and inspections and other legal matters on an ongoing basis and follow appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We establish accruals for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and we disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements to not be misleading. We do not record an accrual when the likelihood of loss that has been incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the loss is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote, although disclosures will be made for material matters as required by ASC 450-20, Loss Contingencies. Our assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on our assessment and consultation with legal counsel regarding the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals.
	As of January 25, 2014, we did not believe there was a reasonable probability any material loss for these various claims or legal actions, including reviews, inspections or other legal proceedings, if any, will be incurred. Accordingly, no accrual or disclosure of a potential range of loss has been made related to these matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of all unresolved legal proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.
	Guarantees:  In connection with the sale of equipment to various customers, we have entered into contractual arrangements whereby we agreed to repurchase equipment at the end of the lease term at a fixed price. Our total obligations under these fixed price arrangements were $1,100 and $1,285 as of January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, respectively.  In accordance with the provisions of ASC 460, Guarantees, there is no guarantee liability in accrued expenses that needed to be recognized, in connection with these arrangements.
	Warranties:  We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from one to five years for most of our products.  We also offer additional types of warranties to include on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support.  In addition, the terms of warranties on some installations can vary from one to 10 years and sometimes more.  The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary primarily depending on the type of the product sold.  We estimate the costs which may be incurred under the warranty obligations and record a liability in the amount of such estimated costs at the time the revenue is recognized.  Factors affecting our estimate of the cost of our warranty obligations include historical experience and expectations of future conditions.  We continually assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty reserves and, to the extent we experience any changes in warranty claim activity or costs associated with servicing those claims, our warranty obligation is adjusted accordingly.
	Changes in our warranty liability for the nine months ended January 25, 2014 consisted of the following:
			Amount
	Beginning accrued warranty costs		$	25,146
	Warranties issued during the period		7,304
	Settlements made during the period		(10,654		)
	Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations		3,876
	Ending accrued warranty costs		$	25,672
	Performance guarantees:  We have entered into standby letters of credit and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of future performance on contracts, primarily construction type contracts.  As of January 25, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $5,815 and $13,591, respectively.  Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract.  These performance guarantees have various terms, which are generally less than one year.
	Leases:  We lease vehicles, office space and various equipment for various sales and service locations throughout the world, including manufacturing space in the United States and China. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The lease for the facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota can be extended for an additional three years past its current term, which ends December 31, 2016, and it contains an option to purchase the property subject to the lease from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 for $8,400, which approximates fair value.  If the lease is extended, the purchase option increases to $8,600 for the year ending December 31, 2017 and $8,800 for the year ending December 31, 2018.  Rental expense for operating leases was $2,083 and $2,090 for the nine months ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013, respectively.
	Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at January 25, 2014:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2014	$	1,565
	2015	2,688
	2016	2,033
	2017	1,051
	2018	180
	Thereafter	26
		$	7,543
	Purchase commitments:  From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, information technology maintenance and support services, and various other products and services over periods extending beyond one year.  As of January 25, 2014, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $950 in conditional purchase commitments.
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2014	$	684
	2015	1,217
	2016	1,081
	2017	250
	2018	250
	Thereafter	100
		$	3,582

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as the income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions.  As a result of the completion of examinations by the Internal Revenue Service on prior years and the expiration of statutes of limitations, fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013 are the remaining years open under statutes of limitations.  Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2005.
	As of January 25, 2014, we had $496 of unrecognized tax benefits which would affect our effective tax rate if recognized.
	On January 2, 2013, the President signed into law The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Under prior law, a taxpayer was entitled to a research tax credit for qualifying amounts paid or incurred on or before December 31, 2011. The 2012 Taxpayer Relief Act extends the research credit for two years to December 31, 2013. The extension of the research credit is retroactive and includes amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2011. As a result of the retroactive extension, we recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 approximately
	$1,860 in tax benefits for the credit.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer the liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The fair value hierarchy within ASC 820 distinguishes between the following three levels of inputs that may be utilized when measuring fair value.
	Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (for example, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or market-corroborated input).
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities.
	The fair values for fixed-rate contracts receivable are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently being offered for contracts with similar terms to customers with similar credit quality. The carrying amounts reported on our consolidated balance sheets for contracts receivable approximate fair value and have been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.  Fair values for fixed-rate long-term marketing obligations are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation applying interest rates currently being offered for debt with similar terms and underlying collateral.  The total carrying value of long-term marketing obligations as reported on our consolidated balance sheets within other long-term obligations approximates fair value and has been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.
	The following table sets forth by Level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2		Total
	Balance as of January 25, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	55,914	$	—	$	55,914
	Restricted cash	26		—		26
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,632		7,632
	U.S. Government securities	3,001		—		3,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		4,750		4,750
	Municipal obligations	—		9,907		9,907
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		201		201
		$	58,941	$	22,490	$	81,431
	Balance as of April 27, 2013:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	40,628	$	—	$	40,628
	Restricted cash	48		—		48
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		4,677		4,677
	U.S. Government securities	5,018		—		5,018
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		4,752		4,752
	Municipal obligations	—		9,605		9,605
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		7		7
		$	45,694	$	19,041	$	64,735
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument.  There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments.
	Cash and cash equivalents: Consists of cash on hand in bank deposits and highly liquid investments, primarily money market accounts.  The fair value was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.
	Restricted cash: Consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.  The fair value of restricted cash was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.
	Certificates of deposit: Consists of time deposit accounts with original maturities of less than three years and various yields.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments from a third-party financial institution.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.
	U.S. Government securities:  Consists of U.S. Government treasury bills, notes, and bonds with original maturities of less than three years and various yields. The fair value of these securities was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.
	U.S. Government sponsored entities: Consists of Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Bank investment grade debt securities trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments.  The contractual maturities of these investments vary from one month to three years.
	Municipal obligations: Consists of investment grade municipal bonds trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The contractual maturities of these investments vary from one month to three years.   The fair value of these bonds was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments.
	Derivatives – currency forward contracts: Consists of currency forward contracts trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuation from a third-party bank. See Note 12 for more information regarding our derivatives.
	The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  For example, certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value in connection with business combinations or when an impairment is recognized and the related assets are written down to fair value.  We utilized the fair value measurement standard to value the assets and liabilities for the business combination involving OPEN, which occurred during the first three months of fiscal 2014. See Note 5 for more information on the business combination. We did not make any material business combinations or recognize any significant impairment losses during fiscal 2013.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar.  We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks.  We account for all derivatives on the balance sheet within other assets or accounts payable measured at fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net investment hedges. As of January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as accounting hedges, and thus we recorded the changes in fair value in other (expense) income, net.
	The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange United States Dollars at January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013 were as follows:
		January 25, 2014		April 27, 2013
		U.S.	Foreign	U.S.	Foreign
		Dollars	Currency	Dollars	Currency
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
	U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	3,818	4,127	2,944	2,873
	U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	35	37	492	492
	U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	1,277	781	1,554	1,005
	U.S. Dollars/Euros	1,789	1,334	153	114
	As of January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, there was a net asset of $201 and $7, respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which was determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On February 27, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.09 per share payable on March 21, 2014 to shareholders of record of our common stock on March 10, 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-02: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"), an update to Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to present either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items in the statement presenting net income. Additionally, disclosures about the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income are also required. ASU 2013-02 requires prospective application and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, and there was no impact to the Company's financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings Per Share EPS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013:
		Net income		Shares	Per share income
	For the three months ended January 25, 2014:
	Basic earnings per share	$	2,871	43,039	$	0.07
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		574	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2,871	43,613	$	0.07
	For the three months ended January 26, 2013:
	Basic earnings per share	$	2,710	42,343	$	0.06
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		196	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2,710	42,539	$	0.06
	For the nine months ended January 25, 2014:
	Basic earnings per share	$	20,380	42,772	$	0.48
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		625	(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings per share	$	20,380	43,397	$	0.47
	For the nine months ended January 26, 2013:
	Basic earnings per share	$	20,935	42,206	$	0.5
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		241	(0.01		)
	Diluted earnings per share	$	20,935	42,447	$	0.49

Segment_Disclosure_Tables

Segment Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five operating segments for the periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		January 25,			January 26,			January 25,			January 26,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales:
	Commercial	$	39,016		$	30,997		$	117,690		$	109,127
	Live Events	33,428			26,528			146,680			121,641
	Schools & Theatres	11,010			11,778			47,750			51,639
	Transportation	13,531			23,546			41,811			57,713
	International	18,384			18,201			61,799			53,720
		115,369			111,050			415,730			393,840
	Contribution margin:
	Commercial	7,903			4,262			24,026			19,030
	Live Events	4,530			1,244			23,159			16,393
	Schools & Theatres	(217		)	80			5,286			6,091
	Transportation	2,842			6,317			9,747			18,321
	International	843			1,494			5,628			6,428
		15,901			13,397			67,846			66,263
	Non-allocated operating expenses:
	General and administrative	6,685			6,717			20,788			20,148
	Product design and development	5,649			5,611			17,330			17,477
	Operating income	3,567			1,069			29,728			28,638
	Nonoperating income (expense):
	Interest income	290			386			945			1,165
	Interest expense	(62		)	(28		)	(189		)	(151		)
	Other (expense) income, net	(237		)	(193		)	(351		)	(224		)
	Income before income taxes	3,558			1,234			30,133			29,428
	Income tax expense (benefit)	687			(1,476		)	9,753			8,493
	Net income	$	2,871		$	2,710		$	20,380		$	20,935
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Commercial	$	1,064		$	1,253		$	3,181		$	3,746
	Live Events	1,092			1,095			3,354			3,361
	Schools & Theatres	513			546			1,588			1,683
	Transportation	292			385			856			1,054
	International	210			206			629			565
	Unallocated corporate depreciation	410			469			1,344			1,376
		$	3,581		$	3,954		$	10,952		$	11,785
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	'
	The following table presents information about net sales and long-lived assets in the United States and elsewhere:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		January 25,			January 26,			January 25,			January 26,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales:
	United States	$	94,454		$	89,300		$	343,536		$	330,995
	Outside U.S.	20,915			21,750			72,194			62,845
		$	115,369		$	111,050		$	415,730		$	393,840
		January 25,			April 27,
		2014			2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	58,481		$	60,060
	Outside U.S.	4,195			1,565
		$	62,676		$	61,625

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	As of January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
	Balance as of January 25, 2014:
	Certificates of deposit	$	7,632	$	—	$	—	$	7,632
	U.S. Government securities	3,001		—		—		3,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	4,750		—		—		4,750
	Municipal obligations	9,891		16		—		9,907
		$	25,274	$	16	$	—	$	25,290
	Balance as of April 27, 2013:
	Certificates of deposit	$	4,677	$	—	$	—	$	4,677
	U.S. Government securities	4,999		19		—		5,018
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	4,752		—		—		4,752
	Municipal obligations	9,596		9		—		9,605
		$	24,024	$	28	$	—	$	24,052
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	'
	All available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets, as they are readily available to support our current operating needs. The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of January 25, 2014 were as follows:
		Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
	Certificates of deposit	$	4,443	$	3,189	$	7,632
	U.S. Government securities	2,001		1,000		3,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		4,750		4,750
	Municipal obligations	3,820		6,087		9,907
		$	10,264	$	15,026	$	25,290

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the nine months ended January 25, 2014 were as follows:
		Live Events			Commercial			Transportation			International		Total
	Balance as of April 27, 2013:	$	2,417		$	725		$	164		$	—	$	3,306
	Acquisition, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			1,271		1,271
	Foreign currency translation	(40		)	(2		)	(39		)	52		(29		)
	Balance as of January 25, 2014:	$	2,377		$	723		$	125		$	1,323	$	4,548

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		January 25,		April 27,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	27,729	$	20,979
	Work-in-process	8,904		8,523
	Finished goods	20,516		19,543
		$	57,149	$	49,045

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	'
	Changes in our warranty liability for the nine months ended January 25, 2014 consisted of the following:
			Amount
	Beginning accrued warranty costs		$	25,146
	Warranties issued during the period		7,304
	Settlements made during the period		(10,654		)
	Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations		3,876
	Ending accrued warranty costs		$	25,672
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at January 25, 2014:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2014	$	1,565
	2015	2,688
	2016	2,033
	2017	1,051
	2018	180
	Thereafter	26
		$	7,543
Long-term Purchase Commitment	'
	As of January 25, 2014, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $950 in conditional purchase commitments.
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2014	$	684
	2015	1,217
	2016	1,081
	2017	250
	2018	250
	Thereafter	100
		$	3,582

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value	'
	The following table sets forth by Level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2		Total
	Balance as of January 25, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	55,914	$	—	$	55,914
	Restricted cash	26		—		26
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,632		7,632
	U.S. Government securities	3,001		—		3,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		4,750		4,750
	Municipal obligations	—		9,907		9,907
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		201		201
		$	58,941	$	22,490	$	81,431
	Balance as of April 27, 2013:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	40,628	$	—	$	40,628
	Restricted cash	48		—		48
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		4,677		4,677
	U.S. Government securities	5,018		—		5,018
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		4,752		4,752
	Municipal obligations	—		9,605		9,605
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		7		7
		$	45,694	$	19,041	$	64,735

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	'
	The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange United States Dollars at January 25, 2014 and April 27, 2013 were as follows:
		January 25, 2014		April 27, 2013
		U.S.	Foreign	U.S.	Foreign
		Dollars	Currency	Dollars	Currency
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
	U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	3,818	4,127	2,944	2,873
	U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	35	37	492	492
	U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	1,277	781	1,554	1,005
	U.S. Dollars/Euros	1,789	1,334	153	114

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Reconci

Earnings Per Share EPS - Reconciliation of Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
Net income	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$2,871	$2,710	$20,380	$20,935
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	0	0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share	$2,871	$2,710	$20,380	$20,935
Shares	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share (in shares)	43,039	42,343	42,772	42,206
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in shares)	574	196	625	241
Diluted earnings per share (in shares)	43,613	42,539	43,397	42,447
Per share income	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.06	$0.48	$0.50
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	($0.01)	($0.01)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.06	$0.47	$0.49

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Antidil

Earnings Per Share EPS - Antidilutive Shares Excluded (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,048	2,467	1,972	3,268
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share)	$21.05	$15.65	$16.87	$13.92

Segment_Disclosure_Net_Income_

Segment Disclosure - Net Income by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
			segment
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Number of business units	'	'	5	'
Net sales	$115,369	$111,050	$415,730	$393,840
Contribution margin	15,901	13,397	67,846	66,263
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,581	3,954	10,952	11,785
Non-allocated operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	6,685	6,717	20,788	20,148
Product design and development	5,649	5,611	17,330	17,477
Operating income	3,567	1,069	29,728	28,638
Nonoperating income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	290	386	945	1,165
Interest expense	-62	-28	-189	-151
Other (expense) income, net	-237	-193	-351	-224
Income before income taxes	3,558	1,234	30,133	29,428
Income tax expense (benefit)	687	-1,476	9,753	8,493
Net income	2,871	2,710	20,380	20,935
Commerical	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net sales	39,016	30,997	117,690	109,127
Contribution margin	7,903	4,262	24,026	19,030
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,064	1,253	3,181	3,746
Live Events	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net sales	33,428	26,528	146,680	121,641
Contribution margin	4,530	1,244	23,159	16,393
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,092	1,095	3,354	3,361
Schools & Theatres	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net sales	11,010	11,778	47,750	51,639
Contribution margin	-217	80	5,286	6,091
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	513	546	1,588	1,683
Transportation	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net sales	13,531	23,546	41,811	57,713
Contribution margin	2,842	6,317	9,747	18,321
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	292	385	856	1,054
International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'
Net sales	18,384	18,201	61,799	53,720
Contribution margin	843	1,494	5,628	6,428
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	210	206	629	565
Unallocated	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$410	$469	$1,344	$1,376

Segment_Disclosure_Net_Sales_a

Segment Disclosure - Net Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Apr. 27, 2013
Net sales:	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$115,369	$111,050	$415,730	$393,840	'
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	62,676	'	62,676	'	61,625
United States	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	94,454	89,300	343,536	330,995	'
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	58,481	'	58,481	'	60,060
Outside U.S.	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	20,915	21,750	72,194	62,845	'
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	$4,195	'	$4,195	'	$1,565

Marketable_Securities_Availabl

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	$25,274	$24,024
Unrealized Gains	16	28
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	25,290	24,052
Certificates of deposit	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	7,632	4,677
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	7,632	4,677
U.S. Government securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,001	4,999
Unrealized Gains	0	19
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	3,001	5,018
U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	4,750	4,752
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	4,750	4,752
Municipal obligations	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	9,891	9,596
Unrealized Gains	16	9
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$9,907	$9,605

Marketable_Securities_Availabl1

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale by Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	$10,264
Greater than 12 months	15,026
Total	25,290
Certificates of deposit	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	4,443
Greater than 12 months	3,189
Total	7,632
U.S. Government securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	2,001
Greater than 12 months	1,000
Total	3,001
U.S. Government sponsored entities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	0
Greater than 12 months	4,750
Total	4,750
Municipal obligations	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	3,820
Greater than 12 months	6,087
Total	$9,907

Business_Combination_Details

Business Combination (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014
Business Combination, Recognized Goodwill [Abstract]	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$1,271
Trade Names [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	1,160
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'20 years
Customer Lists [Member]	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount	$582
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'9 years

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 27, 2013:	$3,306
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	1,271
Foreign currency translation	-29
Balance as of January 25, 2014:	4,548
Live Events	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 27, 2013:	2,417
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	-40
Balance as of January 25, 2014:	2,377
Commerical	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 27, 2013:	725
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	-2
Balance as of January 25, 2014:	723
Transportation	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 27, 2013:	164
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	-39
Balance as of January 25, 2014:	125
International	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 27, 2013:	0
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	1,271
Foreign currency translation	52
Balance as of January 25, 2014:	$1,323

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$27,729	$20,979
Work-in-process	8,904	8,523
Finished goods	20,516	19,543
Inventories	$57,149	$49,045

Receivables_Details

Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Financing Receivable	Financing Receivable	Financing Receivable	Financing Receivable
					Minimum	Maximum
Receivables	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,769	$2,729	'	'	'	'
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, present value	'	'	13,929	16,132	'	'
Contract and lease receivables annual interest rates	'	'	'	'	5.00%	10.00%
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, face amount	'	'	15,907	18,731	'	'
Retainage on construction-type contracts, expected to be collected in one year	$3,538	$803	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Guarantees and Warranties (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014
		Minimum	Maximum	Repurchase of equipment guarantees	Repurchase of equipment guarantees	Performance guarantees	Performance guarantees
						Letter of credit and bank guarantees agreements	Surety bonds
Guarantees:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantees total obligations	'	'	'	$1,100	$1,285	'	'
Performance guarantees outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	5,815	13,591
Warranties:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Standard parts warranty period	'	'1 year	'5 years	'	'	'	'
Installation warranty period	'	'1 year	'10 years	'	'	'	'
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning accrued warranty costs	25,146	'	'	'	'	'	'
Warranties issued during the period	7,304	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlements made during the period	-10,654	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	3,876	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending accrued warranty costs	$25,672	'	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Leases (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013
Operating Leased Assets	'	'
Operating leases, rent expense	$2,083	$2,090
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity	'	'
2014	1,565	'
2015	2,688	'
2016	2,033	'
2017	1,051	'
2018	180	'
Thereafter	26	'
Total	7,543	'
January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'
Operating leases, purchase option price	8,400	'
Year ending December 2017	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'
Operating leases, purchase option price	8,600	'
Year ending December 2018	'	'
Operating Leased Assets	'	'
Operating leases, purchase option price	$8,800	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Purchase Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Conditional purchase commitment	$950
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity	'
2014	684
2015	1,217
2016	1,081
2017	250
2018	250
Thereafter	100
Total	$3,582

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective tax rate if recognized	'	$496
Research Tax Credit	$1,860	'

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	$25,290	$24,052
Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	7,632	4,677
U.S. Government securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	3,001	5,018
U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	4,750	4,752
Municipal obligations	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	9,907	9,605
Recurring Basis | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	55,914	40,628
Restricted cash	26	48
Derivatives - currency forward contracts	0	0
Assets, net	58,941	45,694
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | U.S. Government securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	3,001	5,018
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Municipal obligations	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Derivatives - currency forward contracts	201	7
Assets, net	22,490	19,041
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	7,632	4,677
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | U.S. Government securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	4,750	4,752
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Municipal obligations	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	9,907	9,605
Recurring Basis | Total	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	55,914	40,628
Restricted cash	26	48
Derivatives - currency forward contracts	201	7
Assets, net	81,431	64,735
Recurring Basis | Total | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	7,632	4,677
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. Government securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	3,001	5,018
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	4,750	4,752
Recurring Basis | Total | Municipal obligations	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	$9,907	$9,605

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)

Jan. 25, 2014

Apr. 27, 2013

Jan. 25, 2014

Jan. 25, 2014

Apr. 27, 2013

Apr. 27, 2013

Jan. 25, 2014

Jan. 25, 2014

Apr. 27, 2013

Apr. 27, 2013

Jan. 25, 2014

Jan. 25, 2014

Apr. 27, 2013

Apr. 27, 2013

Jan. 25, 2014

Jan. 25, 2014

Apr. 27, 2013

Apr. 27, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Recurring Basis

Recurring Basis

U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/British Pounds

U.S. Dollars/British Pounds

U.S. Dollars/British Pounds

U.S. Dollars/British Pounds

U.S. Dollars/Euros

U.S. Dollars/Euros

U.S. Dollars/Euros

U.S. Dollars/Euros

Level 2

Level 2

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:

'

'

$3,818

4,127

$2,944

2,873

$35

37

$492

492

$1,277

£ 781

$1,554

£ 1,005

$1,789

€ 1,334

$153

€ 114

Fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts

$201

$7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 26, 2013	Feb. 27, 2014
					Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.62	$0.30	$0.73	$0.09