Daktronics (DAKT) 10-Q 5 Sep 14 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DAKTRONICS INC /SD/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000915779	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--05-02	'
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	'	43,287,362
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	2-Aug-14	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$60,058	$45,054
Restricted cash	1,082	514
Marketable securities	25,479	25,398
Accounts receivable, net	86,511	82,500
Inventories, net	62,086	62,228
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	28,681	33,400
Current maturities of long-term receivables	3,951	5,235
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,393	6,758
Deferred income taxes	10,727	10,694
Income tax receivables	1,900	2,459
Total current assets	288,868	274,240
Long-term receivables, less current maturities	7,890	7,877
Goodwill	4,506	4,558
Intangibles, net	1,640	2,680
Advertising rights, net and other assets	1,005	826
Deferred income taxes	1,759	2,000
Total noncurrent assets	16,800	17,941
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:	'	'
Land	2,180	2,539
Buildings	61,647	59,363
Machinery and equipment	75,745	72,787
Office furniture and equipment	15,693	15,754
Computer software and hardware	46,428	45,329
Equipment held for rental	803	868
Demonstration equipment	7,326	7,532
Transportation equipment	5,012	4,823
Property and equipment, gross	214,834	208,995
Less accumulated depreciation	145,330	143,725
Property and equipment, net	69,504	65,270
TOTAL ASSETS	375,172	357,451
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	49,087	45,913
Accrued expenses	24,857	23,462
Warranty obligations	14,878	14,476
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	22,858	22,483
Customer deposits (billed or collected)	20,917	17,654
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)	8,566	7,722
Current portion of other long-term obligations	856	809
Income taxes payable	1,077	1,162
Deferred income taxes	26	27
Total current liabilities	143,122	133,708
Long-term warranty obligations	14,392	12,774
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected)	4,891	4,978
Other long-term obligations, less current maturities	3,591	2,871
Deferred income taxes	1	1
Total long-term liabilities	22,875	20,624
TOTAL LIABILITIES	165,997	154,332
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 43,268,011 and 43,166,731 shares issued at August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014, respectively	44,935	43,935
Additional paid-in capital	30,701	29,923
Retained earnings	133,688	129,266
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,680 shares	-9	-9
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-140	4
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	209,175	203,119
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$375,172	$357,451

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014
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
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$166,618	$138,722
Cost of goods sold	123,215	103,221
Gross profit	43,403	35,501
Operating expenses:	'	'
Selling expense	15,046	13,617
General and administrative	7,937	7,299
Product design and development	6,803	5,989
Total operating expenses	29,786	26,905
Operating income	13,617	8,596
Nonoperating income (expense):	'	'
Interest income	300	343
Interest expense	-68	-115
Other (expense) income, net	-172	-392
Income before income taxes	13,677	8,432
Income tax expense	4,932	2,712
Net income	$8,745	$5,720
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	43,261	42,528
Diluted (in shares)	43,641	42,766
Earnings per share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.13
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.13
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.12

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$8,745	$5,720
Other comprehensive loss:	'	'
Cumulative translation adjustments	-137	32
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-7	-30
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-144	2
Comprehensive income	$8,601	$5,722

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$8,745	$5,720
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	3,625	3,757
Amortization	91	65
Amortization of premium/discount on marketable securities	49	59
(Gain) loss on sale of property, equipment and other assets	-1,132	-31
Share-based compensation	767	722
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-11	-3
Provision for doubtful accounts	94	417
Deferred income taxes, net	207	-8
Change in operating assets and liabilities	12,026	-14,924
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	24,461	-4,226
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-8,146	-4,042
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and other assets	3,509	68
Purchases of marketable securities	-1,522	-1,187
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	1,389	500
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	-570	-1,298
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,340	-5,959
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Payments on notes payable	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	187	293
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	11	3
Principal payments on long-term obligations	21	3,374
Dividends paid	-4,323	-5,097
Net cash used in financing activities	-4,146	-8,175
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	29	-146
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	15,004	-18,506
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	45,054	'
End of period	60,058	'
Cash payments for:	'	'
Interest	151	18
Income taxes, net of refunds	4,420	4,356
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	26	63
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	2,327	1,080
Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan	$813	$766

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 26, 2014 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 26, 2014, 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.
	Daktronics, Inc. operates on a 52 to 53 week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13 week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53 week year, each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period, and an additional week is added to the first quarter of that fiscal year. The fiscal year ended April 26, 2014 consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2015 will be a 53-week year; therefore, the quarter ended August 2, 2014 contains operating results for 14 weeks while the quarter ended July 27, 2013 contains operating results for 13 weeks.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals should be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Additionally, the new guidance requires that a business that qualifies as held for sale upon acquisition should be reported as discontinued operations. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2016 and applies prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new topic, Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict 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. The new standard will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively, and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2018 and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS

Earnings Per Share EPS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 months ended August 2, 2014 and July 27, 2013:
		Net income		Shares	Per share income
	For the three months ended August 2, 2014:
	Basic earnings per share	$	8,745	43,261	$	0.2
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		380	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	8,745	43,641	$	0.2
	For the three months ended July 27, 2013:
	Basic earnings per share	$	5,720	42,528	$	0.13
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		238	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	5,720	42,766	$	0.13
	Options outstanding to purchase 1,455 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $18.51 for the three months ended August 2, 2014 and 2,267 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $16.04 for the three months ended July 27, 2013 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Segment_Disclosure

Segment Disclosure	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Disclosure	'
	Segment Disclosure
	We have organized our business into five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting: Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, Transportation, and International business units. These segments are based on the type of customer or 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 High School Park and Recreation business unit (formerly known as 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.  Upon the sale of our automated rigging systems for theatre applications we, change the name of this business unit. There was no change to the composition of the segment. 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 26, 2014.  Unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, Transportation, and High School Park and Recreation 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
		August 2,			July 27,
		2014			2013
	Net sales:
	Commercial	$	39,782		$	33,701
	Live Events	75,674			55,077
	High School Park and Recreation	20,111			17,917
	Transportation	13,313			13,042
	International	17,738			18,985
		166,618			138,722
	Contribution margin:
	Commercial	6,912			5,944
	Live Events	12,047			8,342
	High School Park and Recreation	5,158			3,148
	Transportation	3,281			2,145
	International	959			2,305
		28,357			21,884
	Non-allocated operating expenses:
	General and administrative	7,937			7,299
	Product design and development	6,803			5,989
	Operating income	13,617			8,596
	Nonoperating income (expense):
	Interest income	300			343
	Interest expense	(68		)	(115		)
	Other (expense) income, net	(172		)	(392		)
	Income before income taxes	13,677			8,432
	Income tax expense	4,932			2,712
	Net income	$	8,745		$	5,720
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Commercial	$	1,207		$	1,052
	Live Events	1,147			1,147
	High School Park and Recreation	453			546
	Transportation	265			286
	International	250			236
	Unallocated corporate depreciation	394			555
		$	3,716		$	3,822
	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
		August 2,			July 27,
		2014			2013
	Net sales:
	United States	$	141,830		$	115,770
	Outside U.S.	24,788			22,952
		$	166,618		$	138,722
		August 2,			April 26,
		2014			2014
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	65,325		$	60,846
	Outside U.S.	4,179			4,424
		$	69,504		$	65,270
	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	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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) income.  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 August 2, 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 August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	Balance as of August 2, 2014:
	Certificates of deposit	$	7,962	$	—	$	—		$	7,962
	U.S. Government securities	1,500		2		—			1,502
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	9,149		—		(11		)	9,138
	Municipal obligations	6,865		12		—			6,877
		$	25,476	$	14	$	(11	)	$	25,479
	Balance as of April 26, 2014:
	Certificates of deposit	$	7,734	$	—	$	—		$	7,734
	U.S. Government securities	2,000		2		—			2,002
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	8,349		—		(8		)	8,341
	Municipal obligations	7,309		12		—			7,321
		$	25,392	$	14	$	(8	)	$	25,398
	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) income” and into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the three months ended August 2, 2014 and July 27, 2013, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to net assets were immaterial. Realized gains and losses on sales or maturities of investments were immaterial in the three months ended August 2, 2014 and July 27, 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 August 2, 2014 were as follows:
		Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
	Certificates of deposit	$	3,953	$	4,009	$	7,962
	U.S. Government securities	1,001		501		1,502
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		9,138		9,138
	Municipal obligations	3,779		3,098		6,877
		$	8,733	$	16,746	$	25,479

Sale_of_Theatre_Rigging_Manufa

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufacturing (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufacturing
	In July 2014, we sold our automated rigging systems for theatre applications. Related to the sale, we recorded a $1.3 million gain which is included in cost of goods sold in the High School Park and Recreation business unit. In connection with the sale, we changed the name of the business unit to more accurately describe it.
	As part of the transaction, we sold assets of $2.8 million that primarily consisted of accounts receivable, patents, inventory, and manufacturing equipment net of $0.4 million of accounts payable.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the three months ended August 2, 2014 were as follows:
		Live Events			Commercial		Transportation		International			Total
	Balance as of April 26, 2014:	$	2,381		$	723	$	129	$	1,325		$	4,558
	Disposal of automated rigging systems for theatre applications	(22		)	—		—		—			(22		)
	Foreign currency translation	6			—		5		(41		)	(30		)
	Balance as of August 2, 2014:	$	2,365		$	723	$	134	$	1,284		$	4,506
	We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis. We complete this annual analysis during our third quarter of each fiscal year, 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	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		August 2,		April 26,
		2014		2014
	Raw materials	$	26,761	$	27,660
	Work-in-process	9,899		11,835
	Finished goods	25,426		22,733
		$	62,086	$	62,228

Receivables

Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,633 and $2,539 at August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014, 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 $11,841 and $13,112 as of August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014, 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 $13,866 as of August 2, 2014 and $14,892 as of April 26, 2014.  Included in accounts receivable as of August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014 was $2,187 and $2,098, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 August 2, 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 as of August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014.  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.  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 three months ended August 2, 2014 consisted of the following:
			Amount
	Beginning accrued warranty costs		$	27,250
	Warranties issued during the period		3,485
	Settlements made during the period		(2,861		)
	Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations		1,396
	Ending accrued warranty costs		$	29,270
	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 August 2, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $9,869 and $15,463, 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 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 facilities 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 $692 and $724 for the three months ended August 2, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively.
	Future minimum payments under non-cancelable 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 August 2, 2014:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	1,974
	2016	2,055
	2017	1,044
	2018	210
	2019	19
		$	5,302
	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 August 2, 2014, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $850 in conditional purchase commitments.
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	1,008
	2016	1,091
	2017	250
	2018	250
	2019	100
		$	2,699

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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, our 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 August 2, 2014, we had $498 of unrecognized tax benefits which would affect our effective tax rate if recognized.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 a 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 August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014 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 August 2, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	60,058	$	—		$	60,058
	Restricted cash	1,082		—			1,082
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,962			7,962
	U.S. Government securities	1,502		—			1,502
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		9,138			9,138
	Municipal obligations	—		6,877			6,877
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		(19		)	(19		)
		$	62,642	$	23,958		$	86,600
	Balance as of April 26, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	45,054	$	—		$	45,054
	Restricted cash	514		—			514
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,734			7,734
	U.S. Government securities	2,002		—			2,002
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		8,341			8,341
	Municipal obligations	—		7,321			7,321
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		(85		)	(85		)
		$	47,570	$	23,311		$	70,881
	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 will utilize the fair value measurement standard to value the assets and liabilities for the business combination involving Data Display, which occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. See Note 13 for more information on the business combination. We utilized the fair value measurement standard, primarily Level 3 inputs, to value the assets and liabilities for the business combination involving OPEN, which occurred during the first three months of fiscal 2014. We did not make any material business combinations or recognize any significant impairment losses during fiscal 2014.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014, 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 August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		August 2, 2014		April 26, 2014
		U.S.	Foreign	U.S.	Foreign
		Dollars	Currency	Dollars	Currency
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
	U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	670	723	455	512
	U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	2,591	2,828	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	3,560	2,131	2,484	1,500
	U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars	1,035	1,300	1,035	1,300
	U.S. Dollars/New Zealand Dollars	932	1,090	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/Euros	1,011	755	1,314	973
	As of August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014, there was a net liability of $19 and $85, 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	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On September 4, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per share payable on September 26, 2014 to shareholders of record of our common stock on September 15, 2014.
	Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, Daktronics Inc. acquired 100 percent ownership in Data Display, a European transportation display company, for an undisclosed amount.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals should be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Additionally, the new guidance requires that a business that qualifies as held for sale upon acquisition should be reported as discontinued operations. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2016 and applies prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new topic, Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict 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. The new standard will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively, and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2018 and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings Per Share EPS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 months ended August 2, 2014 and July 27, 2013:
		Net income		Shares	Per share income
	For the three months ended August 2, 2014:
	Basic earnings per share	$	8,745	43,261	$	0.2
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		380	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	8,745	43,641	$	0.2
	For the three months ended July 27, 2013:
	Basic earnings per share	$	5,720	42,528	$	0.13
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		238	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	5,720	42,766	$	0.13

Segment_Disclosure_Tables

Segment Disclosure (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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
		August 2,			July 27,
		2014			2013
	Net sales:
	Commercial	$	39,782		$	33,701
	Live Events	75,674			55,077
	High School Park and Recreation	20,111			17,917
	Transportation	13,313			13,042
	International	17,738			18,985
		166,618			138,722
	Contribution margin:
	Commercial	6,912			5,944
	Live Events	12,047			8,342
	High School Park and Recreation	5,158			3,148
	Transportation	3,281			2,145
	International	959			2,305
		28,357			21,884
	Non-allocated operating expenses:
	General and administrative	7,937			7,299
	Product design and development	6,803			5,989
	Operating income	13,617			8,596
	Nonoperating income (expense):
	Interest income	300			343
	Interest expense	(68		)	(115		)
	Other (expense) income, net	(172		)	(392		)
	Income before income taxes	13,677			8,432
	Income tax expense	4,932			2,712
	Net income	$	8,745		$	5,720
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Commercial	$	1,207		$	1,052
	Live Events	1,147			1,147
	High School Park and Recreation	453			546
	Transportation	265			286
	International	250			236
	Unallocated corporate depreciation	394			555
		$	3,716		$	3,822
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
		August 2,			July 27,
		2014			2013
	Net sales:
	United States	$	141,830		$	115,770
	Outside U.S.	24,788			22,952
		$	166,618		$	138,722
		August 2,			April 26,
		2014			2014
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	65,325		$	60,846
	Outside U.S.	4,179			4,424
		$	69,504		$	65,270

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	As of August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	Balance as of August 2, 2014:
	Certificates of deposit	$	7,962	$	—	$	—		$	7,962
	U.S. Government securities	1,500		2		—			1,502
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	9,149		—		(11		)	9,138
	Municipal obligations	6,865		12		—			6,877
		$	25,476	$	14	$	(11	)	$	25,479
	Balance as of April 26, 2014:
	Certificates of deposit	$	7,734	$	—	$	—		$	7,734
	U.S. Government securities	2,000		2		—			2,002
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	8,349		—		(8		)	8,341
	Municipal obligations	7,309		12		—			7,321
		$	25,392	$	14	$	(8	)	$	25,398
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 August 2, 2014 were as follows:
		Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
	Certificates of deposit	$	3,953	$	4,009	$	7,962
	U.S. Government securities	1,001		501		1,502
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		9,138		9,138
	Municipal obligations	3,779		3,098		6,877
		$	8,733	$	16,746	$	25,479

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 three months ended August 2, 2014 were as follows:
		Live Events			Commercial		Transportation		International			Total
	Balance as of April 26, 2014:	$	2,381		$	723	$	129	$	1,325		$	4,558
	Disposal of automated rigging systems for theatre applications	(22		)	—		—		—			(22		)
	Foreign currency translation	6			—		5		(41		)	(30		)
	Balance as of August 2, 2014:	$	2,365		$	723	$	134	$	1,284		$	4,506

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		August 2,		April 26,
		2014		2014
	Raw materials	$	26,761	$	27,660
	Work-in-process	9,899		11,835
	Finished goods	25,426		22,733
		$	62,086	$	62,228

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	'
	Changes in our warranty liability for the three months ended August 2, 2014 consisted of the following:
			Amount
	Beginning accrued warranty costs		$	27,250
	Warranties issued during the period		3,485
	Settlements made during the period		(2,861		)
	Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations		1,396
	Ending accrued warranty costs		$	29,270
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum payments under non-cancelable 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 August 2, 2014:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	1,974
	2016	2,055
	2017	1,044
	2018	210
	2019	19
		$	5,302
Long-term Purchase Commitment	'
	As of August 2, 2014, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $850 in conditional purchase commitments.
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	1,008
	2016	1,091
	2017	250
	2018	250
	2019	100
		$	2,699

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014 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 August 2, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	60,058	$	—		$	60,058
	Restricted cash	1,082		—			1,082
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,962			7,962
	U.S. Government securities	1,502		—			1,502
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		9,138			9,138
	Municipal obligations	—		6,877			6,877
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		(19		)	(19		)
		$	62,642	$	23,958		$	86,600
	Balance as of April 26, 2014:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	45,054	$	—		$	45,054
	Restricted cash	514		—			514
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		7,734			7,734
	U.S. Government securities	2,002		—			2,002
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		8,341			8,341
	Municipal obligations	—		7,321			7,321
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		(85		)	(85		)
		$	47,570	$	23,311		$	70,881

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 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 August 2, 2014 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		August 2, 2014		April 26, 2014
		U.S.	Foreign	U.S.	Foreign
		Dollars	Currency	Dollars	Currency
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
	U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	670	723	455	512
	U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	2,591	2,828	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	3,560	2,131	2,484	1,500
	U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars	1,035	1,300	1,035	1,300
	U.S. Dollars/New Zealand Dollars	932	1,090	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/Euros	1,011	755	1,314	973

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Reconci

Earnings Per Share EPS - Reconciliation of Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
Net income	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$8,745	$5,720
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	0	0
Diluted earnings per share	$8,745	$5,720
Shares	'	'
Basic earnings per share (in shares)	43,261	42,528
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in shares)	380	238
Diluted earnings per share (in shares)	43,641	42,766
Per share income	'	'
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.13
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.13

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Antidil

Earnings Per Share EPS - Antidilutive Shares Excluded (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
Stock Options	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,455	2,267
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share)	$18.51	$16.04

Segment_Disclosure_Net_Income_

Segment Disclosure - Net Income by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
	segment
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Number of business units	5	'
Net sales	$166,618	$138,722
Contribution margin	28,357	21,884
Depreciation and amortization	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,716	3,822
Non-allocated operating expenses:	'	'
General and administrative	7,937	7,299
Product design and development	6,803	5,989
Operating income	13,617	8,596
Nonoperating income (expense):	'	'
Interest income	300	343
Interest expense	-68	-115
Other (expense) income, net	-172	-392
Income before income taxes	13,677	8,432
Income tax expense	4,932	2,712
Net income	8,745	5,720
Commerical	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net sales	39,782	33,701
Contribution margin	6,912	5,944
Depreciation and amortization	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,207	1,052
Live Events	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net sales	75,674	55,077
Contribution margin	12,047	8,342
Depreciation and amortization	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,147	1,147
Schools & Theatres	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net sales	20,111	17,917
Contribution margin	5,158	3,148
Depreciation and amortization	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	453	546
Transportation	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net sales	13,313	13,042
Contribution margin	3,281	2,145
Depreciation and amortization	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	265	286
International	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net sales	17,738	18,985
Contribution margin	959	2,305
Depreciation and amortization	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	250	236
Unallocated	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$394	$555

Segment_Disclosure_Net_Sales_a

Segment Disclosure - Net Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013	Apr. 26, 2014
Net sales:	'	'	'
Net sales	$166,618	$138,722	'
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	69,504	'	65,270
United States	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'
Sales	141,830	115,770	'
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	65,325	'	60,846
Outside U.S.	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'
Sales	24,788	22,952	'
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	$4,179	'	$4,424

Marketable_Securities_Availabl

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	$25,476	$25,392
Unrealized Gains	14	14
Unrealized Losses	-11	-8
Fair Value	25,479	25,398
Certificates of deposit	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	7,962	7,734
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	7,962	7,734
U.S. Government securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,500	2,000
Unrealized Gains	2	2
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1,502	2,002
U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	9,149	8,349
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	-11	-8
Fair Value	9,138	8,341
Municipal obligations	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,865	7,309
Unrealized Gains	12	12
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$6,877	$7,321

Marketable_Securities_Availabl1

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale by Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	$8,733
Greater than 12 months	16,746
Total	25,479
Certificates of deposit	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	3,953
Greater than 12 months	4,009
Total	7,962
U.S. Government securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	1,001
Greater than 12 months	501
Total	1,502
U.S. Government sponsored entities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	0
Greater than 12 months	9,138
Total	9,138
Municipal obligations	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
Less than 12 months	3,779
Greater than 12 months	3,098
Total	$6,877

Sale_of_Theatre_Rigging_Manufa1

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufacturing (Details) (Theatre Rigging Manufacturing [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Theatre Rigging Manufacturing [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Gain from sale of division	$1.30	'
Assets sold	'	2.8
Accounts payable sold	'	$0.40

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	$4,558
Disposal of Property, Equipment, and Other Assets	-22
Foreign currency translation	-30
Balance as of August 2, 2014:	4,506
Live Events	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	2,381
Disposal of Property, Equipment, and Other Assets	-22
Foreign currency translation	6
Balance as of August 2, 2014:	2,365
Commerical	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	723
Disposal of Property, Equipment, and Other Assets	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance as of August 2, 2014:	723
Transportation	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	129
Disposal of Property, Equipment, and Other Assets	0
Foreign currency translation	5
Balance as of August 2, 2014:	134
International	'
Goodwill	'
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	1,325
Disposal of Property, Equipment, and Other Assets	0
Foreign currency translation	-41
Balance as of August 2, 2014:	$1,284

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$26,761	$27,660
Work-in-process	9,899	11,835
Finished goods	25,426	22,733
Inventories	$62,086	$62,228

Receivables_Details

Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Financing Receivable	Financing Receivable	Financing Receivable	Financing Receivable
					Minimum	Maximum
Receivables	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,633	$2,539	'	'	'	'
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, present value	'	'	11,841	13,112	'	'
Contract and lease receivables annual interest rates	'	'	'	'	5.00%	10.00%
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, face amount	'	'	13,866	14,892	'	'
Retainage on construction-type contracts, expected to be collected in one year	$2,187	$2,098	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Guarantees and Warranties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual	'
Beginning accrued warranty costs	$27,250
Warranties issued during the period	3,485
Settlements made during the period	-2,861
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	1,396
Ending accrued warranty costs	29,270
Minimum	'
Warranties:	'
Standard parts warranty period	'1 year
Installation warranty period	'1 year
Maximum	'
Warranties:	'
Standard parts warranty period	'5 years
Installation warranty period	'10 years
Repurchase of equipment guarantees	'
Guarantees:	'
Guarantees total obligations	1,100
Performance guarantees | Letter of credit and bank guarantees agreements	'
Guarantees:	'
Performance guarantees outstanding	9,869
Performance guarantees | Surety bonds	'
Guarantees:	'
Performance guarantees outstanding	$15,463

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Leases (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013
Operating Leased Assets	'	'
Operating leases, rent expense	$692	$724
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity	'	'
2015	1,974	'
2016	2,055	'
2017	1,044	'
2018	210	'
2019	19	'
Total	5,302	'
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 $)	Aug. 02, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Conditional purchase commitment	$850
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity	'
2015	1,008
2016	1,091
2017	250
2018	250
2019	100
Total	$2,699

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective tax rate if recognized	$498

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	$25,479	$25,398
Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	7,962	7,734
U.S. Government securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	1,502	2,002
U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	9,138	8,341
Municipal obligations	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	6,877	7,321
Recurring Basis | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	60,058	45,054
Restricted cash	1,082	514
Derivatives - currency forward contracts	0	0
Assets, net	62,642	47,570
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:	1,502	2,002
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	-19	-85
Assets, net	23,958	23,311
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	7,962	7,734
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:	9,138	8,341
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Municipal obligations	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	6,877	7,321
Recurring Basis | Total	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	60,058	45,054
Restricted cash	1,082	514
Derivatives - currency forward contracts	-19	-85
Assets, net	86,600	70,881
Recurring Basis | Total | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	7,962	7,734
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. Government securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	1,502	2,002
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. Government sponsored entities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	9,138	8,341
Recurring Basis | Total | Municipal obligations	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	$6,877	$7,321

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

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

USD to SGD

USD to SGD

USD to SGD

USD to SGD

USD to NZD

USD to NZD

USD to NZD

USD to NZD

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 ($)

SGD

USD ($)

SGD

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:

'

'

$670

723

$455

512

$2,591

2,828

$0

0

$3,560

£ 2,131

$2,484

£ 1,500

$1,035

1,300

$1,035

1,300

$932

1,090

$0

0

$1,011

€ 755

$1,314

€ 973

Fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts

($19)

($85)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013	Sep. 04, 2014	Aug. 11, 2014
			Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
				Data Display [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.12	$0.10	'
Ownership percentage purchased	'	'	'	10000.00%