Daktronics (DAKT) 10-Q 6 Mar 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	DAKTRONICS INC /SD/
Entity Central Index Key	915779
Current Fiscal Year End Date	3
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		43,622,125
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$41,751	$45,054
Restricted cash	772	514
Marketable securities	25,662	25,398
Accounts receivable, net	78,496	82,500
Inventories, net	67,660	62,228
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	30,821	33,400
Current maturities of long-term receivables	3,688	5,235
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,510	6,758
Deferred income taxes	11,692	10,694
Income tax receivables	4,654	2,459
Total current assets	271,706	274,240
Long-term receivables, less current maturities	6,550	7,877
Goodwill	5,254	4,558
Intangibles, net	1,883	2,680
Investment in affiliates and other assets	1,515	826
Deferred income taxes	734	2,000
Total noncurrent assets	15,936	17,941
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land	2,153	2,539
Buildings	63,864	59,363
Machinery and equipment	78,132	72,787
Office furniture and equipment	15,823	15,754
Computer software and hardware	48,150	45,329
Equipment held for rental	803	868
Demonstration equipment	7,300	7,532
Transportation equipment	5,595	4,823
Property and equipment, gross	221,820	208,995
Less accumulated depreciation	151,857	143,725
Property and equipment, net	69,963	65,270
TOTAL ASSETS	357,605	357,451
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, bank	26	0
Accounts payable	40,875	45,913
Accrued expenses	27,353	23,462
Warranty obligations	12,785	14,476
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	14,485	22,483
Customer deposits (billed or collected)	18,096	17,654
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)	9,337	7,722
Current portion of other long-term obligations	721	809
Income taxes payable	944	1,162
Deferred income taxes	22	27
Total current liabilities	124,644	133,708
Long-term warranty obligations	14,844	12,774
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected)	4,125	4,978
Other long-term obligations, less current maturities	3,116	2,871
Deferred income taxes	2	1
Total long-term liabilities	22,087	20,624
TOTAL LIABILITIES	146,731	154,332
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 43,632,681 and 43,166,731 shares issued at January 31, 2015 and April 26, 2014, respectively	48,096	43,935
Additional paid-in capital	31,993	29,923
Retained earnings	133,294	129,266
Treasury Stock, at cost, 19,680 shares	-9	-9
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-2,500	4
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	210,874	203,119
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$357,605	$357,451

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	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)	43,632,681	43,166,731
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. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$118,123	$115,369	$457,856	$415,730
Cost of goods sold	93,061	86,280	348,514	307,774
Gross profit	25,062	29,089	109,342	107,956
Operating expenses:
Selling expense	13,694	13,188	43,405	40,110
General and administrative	7,133	6,685	22,890	20,788
Product design and development	5,820	5,649	18,773	17,330
Total operating expenses	26,647	25,522	85,068	78,228
Operating (loss) income	-1,585	3,567	24,274	29,728
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	250	290	825	945
Interest expense	-59	-62	-183	-189
Other income (expense), net	179	-237	-218	-351
(Loss) income before income taxes	-1,215	3,558	24,698	30,133
Income tax (benefit) expense	-1,776	687	7,655	9,753
Net income	$561	$2,871	$17,043	$20,380
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	43,612	43,039	43,435	42,772
Diluted (in shares)	43,991	43,613	44,204	43,397
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.07	$0.39	$0.48
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.07	$0.39	$0.47
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.09	$0.30	$0.30

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$561	$2,871	$17,043	$20,380
Other comprehensive loss:
Cumulative translation adjustments	-1,386	-335	-2,501	-12
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	8	7	-3	-13
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,378	-328	-2,504	-25
Comprehensive (loss) income	($817)	$2,543	$14,539	$20,355

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$17,043	$20,380
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	11,056	10,678
Amortization	169	274
Amortization of premium/discount on marketable securities	132	170
Gain on sale of property, equipment and other assets	-1,192	-90
Share-based compensation	2,341	2,206
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-35	-106
Provision for doubtful accounts	-295	-47
Deferred income taxes, net	353	619
Change in operating assets and liabilities	-2,255	5,159
Net cash provided by operating activities	27,317	39,243
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	-15,328	-9,421
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and other assets	4,011	182
Purchases of marketable securities	-10,647	-9,432
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	10,256	8,000
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-6,223	-1,298
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,931	-11,969
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on notes payable	-42	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,424	4,607
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	35	106
Principal payments on long-term obligations	1,185	3,682
Dividends paid	-13,016	-12,808
Net cash used in financing activities	-11,784	-11,777
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	-905	-211
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-3,303	15,286
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period	45,054	40,628
End of period	41,751	55,914
Cash payments for:
Interest	256	98
Income taxes, net of refunds	9,961	11,365
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	69	249
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable	1,025	446
Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan	$1,737	$1,552

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies	Note 1. 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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, an additional week is added to the first quarter and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period. The fiscal year ended April 26, 2014 consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2015 is a 53-week year; therefore, the nine months ended January 31, 2015 contains operating results for 40 weeks while the nine months ended January 25, 2014 contained operating results for 39 weeks.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. ASU 2015-01 eliminates the requirement that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in our third quarter of fiscal 2016 and applies prospectively as of the date of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued 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 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	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share EPS	Note 2. 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 31, 2015 and January 25, 2014:
		Net income		Shares	Per share income
	For the three months ended January 31, 2015
	Basic earnings per share	$	561	43,612	$	0.01
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		379	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	561	43,991	$	0.01
	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 nine months ended January 31, 2015
	Basic earnings per share	$	17,043	43,435	$	0.39
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		769	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	17,043	44,204	$	0.39
	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
	Options outstanding to purchase 1,457 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $18.39 for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 1,048 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $21.05 for the three months ended January 25, 2014 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
	Options outstanding to purchase 1,479 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $18.38 for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 1,972 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $16.87 for the nine months ended January 25, 2014 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. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Disclosure	Note 3. 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. These segments are based on the type of customer or geography and are the same as our business units.
	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 in July 2014, we changed the name of this business unit. Other than such sale, 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 are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures; however, some depreciation and amortization are corporate in nature and remain unallocated.  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						Nine Months Ended
		January 31,			January 25,			January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net sales:
	Commercial	$	37,762		$	39,016		$	121,472		$	117,690
	Live Events	33,496			33,428			171,811			146,680
	High School Park and Recreation	10,771			11,010			55,125			47,750
	Transportation	9,479			13,531			34,807			41,811
	International	26,615			18,384			74,641			61,799
		118,123			115,369			457,856			415,730
	Contribution margin:
	Commercial	5,702			7,903			21,822			24,026
	Live Events	2,072			4,530			20,629			23,159
	High School Park and Recreation	27			(217		)	9,616			5,286
	Transportation	1,317			2,842			7,027			9,747
	International	2,250			843			6,843			5,628
		11,368			15,901			65,937			67,846
	Non-allocated operating expenses:
	General and administrative	7,133			6,685			22,890			20,788
	Product design and development	5,820			5,649			18,773			17,330
	Operating (loss) income	(1,585		)	3,567			24,274			29,728
	Nonoperating income (expense):
	Interest income	250			290			825			945
	Interest expense	(59		)	(62		)	(183		)	(189		)
	Other income (expense), net	179			(237		)	(218		)	(351		)
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(1,215		)	3,558			24,698			30,133
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(1,776		)	687			7,655			9,753
	Net income	$	561		$	2,871		$	17,043		$	20,380
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Commercial	$	1,205		$	1,064		$	3,630		$	3,181
	Live Events	1,145			1,092			3,460			3,354
	High School Park and Recreation	460			513			1,381			1,588
	Transportation	297			292			840			856
	International	254			210			809			629
	Unallocated corporate depreciation	363			410			1,105			1,344
		$	3,724		$	3,581		$	11,225		$	10,952
	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 31,			January 25,			January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net sales:
	United States	$	90,127		$	94,454		$	370,168		$	343,536
	Outside U.S.	27,996			20,915			87,688			72,194
		$	118,123		$	115,369		$	457,856		$	415,730
		January 31,			April 26,
		2015			2014
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	65,215		$	60,846
	Outside U.S.	4,748			4,424
		$	69,963		$	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	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Note 4. 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 likely we will be required to sell any of these investments before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In addition, as of January 31, 2015, we anticipate we will recover the entire amortized cost basis of such fixed income securities, and we have determined that 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 31, 2015 and April 26, 2014, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	Balance as of January 31, 2015
	Certificates of deposit	$	9,673	$	—	$	—		$	9,673
	U.S. Government securities	1,000		1		—			1,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	8,650		—		—			8,650
	Municipal obligations	6,332		6		—			6,338
		$	25,655	$	7	$	—		$	25,662
	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 nine months ended January 31, 2015 and January 25, 2014, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to net assets were immaterial.
	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 31, 2015 were as follows:
		Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
	Certificates of deposit	$	3,212	$	6,461	$	9,673
	U.S. Government securities	1,001		—		1,001
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	—		8,650		8,650
	Municipal obligations	5,363		975		6,338
		$	9,576	$	16,086	$	25,662

Business_Combination

Business Combination	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Note 5. Business Combination
	We acquired 100 percent ownership in Data Display, a European transportation display company, on August 11, 2014 for an undisclosed amount.
	Data Display is a European based company focused on the design and manufacture of transportation displays. This acquisition will allow our organization to better service transportation customers world-wide and broaden our leadership position on a global scale. This acquisition included a manufacturing plant in Ireland to manufacture transportation displays. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand. The results of 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 operations are not material to our consolidated financial statements.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we prepared the preliminary fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date. The excess of purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill of $1.2 million. Included in the purchase price allocation were acquired identifiable intangibles valued at $0.5 million representing trademarks and technology with a useful life of 20 years and customer relationships valued at $0.1 million with a useful life of 18 years. The purchase price allocation is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2015.
	Data Display contributed net sales of $4.9 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2015. General and administrative expenses included $0.4 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 for professional fees relating to the acquisition.

Sale_of_Theatre_Rigging_Manufa

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufacturing (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6. 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 from Schools and Theatres to High School Park and Recreation to more accurately describe it. See Note 3. Segment Disclosure for further description.
	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	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Note 7. Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 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		)
	Acquisition, net of cash required	—			—			—			1,244			1,244
	Foreign currency translation	(55		)	(3		)	(54		)	(414		)	(526		)
	Balance as of January 31, 2015	$	2,304		$	720		$	75		$	2,155		$	5,254
	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 2015, which was November 2, 2014. The result of the analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed as of that date.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 8. Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		January 31,		April 26,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	28,717	$	27,660
	Work-in-process	10,073		11,835
	Finished goods	28,870		22,733
		$	67,660	$	62,228

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Note 9. Receivables
	Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,244 and $2,539 at January 31, 2015 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 $10,238 and $13,112 as of January 31, 2015 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 $11,931 as of January 31, 2015 and $14,892 as of April 26, 2014.  Included in accounts receivable as of January 31, 2015 and April 26, 2014 was $1,788 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	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 10. 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 an incurrence of loss 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 31, 2015, we did not believe there was a reasonable probability that 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 January 31, 2015 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 nine months ended January 31, 2015 consisted of the following:
			Amount
	Beginning accrued warranty costs		$	27,250
	Warranties issued during the period		8,975
	Settlements made during the period		(10,325		)
	Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations		1,729
	Ending accrued warranty costs		$	27,629
	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 31, 2015, we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amounts of $5,102 and $16,711, 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 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 $2,048 and $2,083 for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and January 25, 2014, 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 January 31, 2015:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	690
	2016	2,392
	2017	1,216
	2018	287
	2019	33
		$	4,618
	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 31, 2015, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $750 in conditional purchase commitments:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	395
	2016	1,916
	2017	1,000
	2018	250
	2019	100
		$	3,661

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 11. 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 2012, 2013, and 2014 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 31, 2015, we had $0.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits which would affect our effective tax rate if recognized.
	On December 19, 2014, the President signed into law The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. Under prior law, a taxpayer was entitled to a research tax credit for qualifying amounts paid or incurred on or before December 31, 2013. The 2014 Tax Increase Prevention Act extends the research credit for one year to December 31, 2014. The extension of the research credit is retroactive and includes amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2013. As a result of the retroactive extension, we recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 approximately $1.3 million in tax benefits for the credit.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Note 12. 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 January 31, 2015 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 January 31, 2015
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,751	$	—		$	41,751
	Restricted cash	772		—			772
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		9,673			9,673
	U.S. Government securities	1,001		—			1,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		8,650			8,650
	Municipal obligations	—		6,338			6,338
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		643			643
		$	43,524	$	25,304		$	68,828
	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 13. Derivative Financial Instruments 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 5. Business Combination for more information. 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	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Note 13. 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 31, 2015 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 income (expense), net.
	The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange United States Dollars at January 31, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		January 31, 2015		April 26, 2014
		U.S. Dollars	Foreign	U.S.	Foreign
			Currency	Dollars	Currency
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
	U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	1,805	2,241	455	512
	U.S. Dollars/Japanese Yen	773	91,281	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	3,888	4,399	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	809	507	2,484	1,500
	U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars	1,193	1,601	1,035	1,300
	U.S. Dollars/New Zealand Dollars	597	804	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/Euros	2,219	1,904	1,314	973
	As of January 31, 2015 and April 26, 2014, there was a net asset and liability of $643 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	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 14. Subsequent Events
	On March 5, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per share payable on March 27, 2015 to shareholders of record of our common stock on March 16, 2015.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. ASU 2015-01 eliminates the requirement that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in our third quarter of fiscal 2016 and applies prospectively as of the date of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued 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 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)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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 31, 2015 and January 25, 2014:
		Net income		Shares	Per share income
	For the three months ended January 31, 2015
	Basic earnings per share	$	561	43,612	$	0.01
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		379	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	561	43,991	$	0.01
	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 nine months ended January 31, 2015
	Basic earnings per share	$	17,043	43,435	$	0.39
	Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		769	—
	Diluted earnings per share	$	17,043	44,204	$	0.39
	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

Segment_Disclosure_Tables

Segment Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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 31,			January 25,			January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net sales:
	Commercial	$	37,762		$	39,016		$	121,472		$	117,690
	Live Events	33,496			33,428			171,811			146,680
	High School Park and Recreation	10,771			11,010			55,125			47,750
	Transportation	9,479			13,531			34,807			41,811
	International	26,615			18,384			74,641			61,799
		118,123			115,369			457,856			415,730
	Contribution margin:
	Commercial	5,702			7,903			21,822			24,026
	Live Events	2,072			4,530			20,629			23,159
	High School Park and Recreation	27			(217		)	9,616			5,286
	Transportation	1,317			2,842			7,027			9,747
	International	2,250			843			6,843			5,628
		11,368			15,901			65,937			67,846
	Non-allocated operating expenses:
	General and administrative	7,133			6,685			22,890			20,788
	Product design and development	5,820			5,649			18,773			17,330
	Operating (loss) income	(1,585		)	3,567			24,274			29,728
	Nonoperating income (expense):
	Interest income	250			290			825			945
	Interest expense	(59		)	(62		)	(183		)	(189		)
	Other income (expense), net	179			(237		)	(218		)	(351		)
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(1,215		)	3,558			24,698			30,133
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(1,776		)	687			7,655			9,753
	Net income	$	561		$	2,871		$	17,043		$	20,380
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Commercial	$	1,205		$	1,064		$	3,630		$	3,181
	Live Events	1,145			1,092			3,460			3,354
	High School Park and Recreation	460			513			1,381			1,588
	Transportation	297			292			840			856
	International	254			210			809			629
	Unallocated corporate depreciation	363			410			1,105			1,344
		$	3,724		$	3,581		$	11,225		$	10,952
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 31,			January 25,			January 31,			January 25,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net sales:
	United States	$	90,127		$	94,454		$	370,168		$	343,536
	Outside U.S.	27,996			20,915			87,688			72,194
		$	118,123		$	115,369		$	457,856		$	415,730
		January 31,			April 26,
		2015			2014
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	65,215		$	60,846
	Outside U.S.	4,748			4,424
		$	69,963		$	65,270

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities	As of January 31, 2015 and April 26, 2014, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	Balance as of January 31, 2015
	Certificates of deposit	$	9,673	$	—	$	—		$	9,673
	U.S. Government securities	1,000		1		—			1,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	8,650		—		—			8,650
	Municipal obligations	6,332		6		—			6,338
		$	25,655	$	7	$	—		$	25,662
	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 January 31, 2015 were as follows:
		Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
	Certificates of deposit	$	3,212	$	6,461	$	9,673
	U.S. Government securities	1,001		—		1,001
	U.S. Government sponsored agencies	—		8,650		8,650
	Municipal obligations	5,363		975		6,338
		$	9,576	$	16,086	$	25,662

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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 31, 2015 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		)
	Acquisition, net of cash required	—			—			—			1,244			1,244
	Foreign currency translation	(55		)	(3		)	(54		)	(414		)	(526		)
	Balance as of January 31, 2015	$	2,304		$	720		$	75		$	2,155		$	5,254

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following:
		January 31,		April 26,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	28,717	$	27,660
	Work-in-process	10,073		11,835
	Finished goods	28,870		22,733
		$	67,660	$	62,228

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	Changes in our warranty liability for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 consisted of the following:
			Amount
	Beginning accrued warranty costs		$	27,250
	Warranties issued during the period		8,975
	Settlements made during the period		(10,325		)
	Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations		1,729
	Ending accrued warranty costs		$	27,629
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 January 31, 2015:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	690
	2016	2,392
	2017	1,216
	2018	287
	2019	33
		$	4,618
Long-term Purchase Commitment	As of January 31, 2015, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $750 in conditional purchase commitments:
	Fiscal years ending	Amount
	2015	$	395
	2016	1,916
	2017	1,000
	2018	250
	2019	100
		$	3,661

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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 31, 2015 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 January 31, 2015
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,751	$	—		$	41,751
	Restricted cash	772		—			772
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Certificates of deposit	—		9,673			9,673
	U.S. Government securities	1,001		—			1,001
	U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		8,650			8,650
	Municipal obligations	—		6,338			6,338
	Derivatives - currency forward contracts	—		643			643
		$	43,524	$	25,304		$	68,828
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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 31, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows:
		January 31, 2015		April 26, 2014
		U.S. Dollars	Foreign	U.S.	Foreign
			Currency	Dollars	Currency
	Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
	U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	1,805	2,241	455	512
	U.S. Dollars/Japanese Yen	773	91,281	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	3,888	4,399	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	809	507	2,484	1,500
	U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars	1,193	1,601	1,035	1,300
	U.S. Dollars/New Zealand Dollars	597	804	—	—
	U.S. Dollars/Euros	2,219	1,904	1,314	973

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. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Net income
Basic earnings per share	$561	$2,871	$17,043	$20,380
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	0	0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share	$561	$2,871	$17,043	$20,380
Shares
Basic earnings per share (in shares)	43,612	43,039	43,435	42,772
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in shares)	379	574	769	625
Diluted earnings per share (in shares)	43,991	43,613	44,204	43,397
Per share income
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.07	$0.39	$0.48
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.07	$0.39	$0.47

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. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,457	1,048	1,479	1,972
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, weighted average exercise price (dollars per share)	$18.39	$21.05	$18.38	$16.87

Segment_Disclosure_Net_Income_

Segment Disclosure - Net Income by Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
			segment
Segment Reporting Information
Number of business units			5
Net sales	$118,123	$115,369	$457,856	$415,730
Contribution margin	11,368	15,901	65,937	67,846
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	3,724	3,581	11,225	10,952
Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative	7,133	6,685	22,890	20,788
Product design and development	5,820	5,649	18,773	17,330
Operating (loss) income	-1,585	3,567	24,274	29,728
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	250	290	825	945
Interest expense	-59	-62	-183	-189
Other income (expense), net	179	-237	-218	-351
(Loss) income before income taxes	-1,215	3,558	24,698	30,133
Income tax (benefit) expense	-1,776	687	7,655	9,753
Net income	561	2,871	17,043	20,380
Commerical
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales	37,762	39,016	121,472	117,690
Contribution margin	5,702	7,903	21,822	24,026
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,205	1,064	3,630	3,181
Live Events
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales	33,496	33,428	171,811	146,680
Contribution margin	2,072	4,530	20,629	23,159
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,145	1,092	3,460	3,354
High School Park and Recreation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales	10,771	11,010	55,125	47,750
Contribution margin	27	-217	9,616	5,286
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	460	513	1,381	1,588
Transportation
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales	9,479	13,531	34,807	41,811
Contribution margin	1,317	2,842	7,027	9,747
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	297	292	840	856
International
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales	26,615	18,384	74,641	61,799
Contribution margin	2,250	843	6,843	5,628
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	254	210	809	629
Unallocated
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization	$363	$410	$1,105	$1,344

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. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014
Net sales:
Net sales	$118,123	$115,369	$457,856	$415,730
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	69,963		69,963		65,270
United States
Net sales:
Sales	90,127	94,454	370,168	343,536
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	65,215		65,215		60,846
Outside U.S.
Net sales:
Sales	27,996	20,915	87,688	72,194
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	$4,748		$4,748		$4,424

Marketable_Securities_Availabl

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$25,655	$25,392
Unrealized Gains	7	14
Unrealized Losses	0	-8
Fair Value	25,662	25,398
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	9,673	7,734
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	9,673	7,734
U.S. Government securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	1,000	2,000
Unrealized Gains	1	2
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1,001	2,002
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	8,650	8,349
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	-8
Fair Value	8,650	8,341
Municipal obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	6,332	7,309
Unrealized Gains	6	12
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$6,338	$7,321

Marketable_Securities_Availabl1

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale by Maturity Date (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	$9,576
Greater than 12 months	16,086
Total	25,662
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	3,212
Greater than 12 months	6,461
Total	9,673
U.S. Government securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	1,001
Greater than 12 months	0
Total	1,001
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	0
Greater than 12 months	8,650
Total	8,650
Municipal obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	5,363
Greater than 12 months	975
Total	$6,338

Business_Combination_Details

Business Combination (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 11, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired						100.00%
Goodwill acquired during period			$1,244,000
Net sales	118,123,000	115,369,000	457,856,000	415,730,000
General and administrative	7,133,000	6,685,000	22,890,000	20,788,000
Data Display
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during period					1,244,000
International
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during period			1,244,000
Net sales	26,615,000	18,384,000	74,641,000	61,799,000
International | Data Display
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales			4,900,000
General and administrative			400,000
Transportation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during period			0
Net sales	9,479,000	13,531,000	34,807,000	41,811,000
Unpatented Technology | Data Display
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset					500,000
Weighted average useful life					20 years
Customer Relationships | Data Display
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset					$100,000
Weighted average useful life					18 years

Sale_of_Theatre_Rigging_Manufa1

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufacturing (Details) (Theatre Rigging Manufacturing [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014	$4,558
Disposal of automated rigging systems for theatre applications	-22
Acquisition, net of cash required	1,244
Foreign currency translation	-526
Balance as of January 31, 2015	5,254
Live Events
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014	2,381
Disposal of automated rigging systems for theatre applications	-22
Acquisition, net of cash required	0
Foreign currency translation	-55
Balance as of January 31, 2015	2,304
Commerical
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014	723
Disposal of automated rigging systems for theatre applications	0
Acquisition, net of cash required	0
Foreign currency translation	-3
Balance as of January 31, 2015	720
Transportation
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014	129
Disposal of automated rigging systems for theatre applications	0
Acquisition, net of cash required	0
Foreign currency translation	-54
Balance as of January 31, 2015	75
International
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014	1,325
Disposal of automated rigging systems for theatre applications	0
Acquisition, net of cash required	1,244
Foreign currency translation	-414
Balance as of January 31, 2015	$2,155

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$28,717	$27,660
Work-in-process	10,073	11,835
Finished goods	28,870	22,733
Inventories	$67,660	$62,228

Receivables_Details

Receivables (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Receivables
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,244	$2,539
Retainage on construction-type contracts, expected to be collected in one year	1,788	2,098
Financing Receivable
Receivables
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, present value	10,238	13,112
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, face amount	11,931	$14,892
Financing Receivable | Minimum
Receivables
Contract and lease receivables annual interest rates	5.00%
Financing Receivable | Maximum
Receivables
Contract and lease receivables annual interest rates	10.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Guarantees and Warranties (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual
Beginning accrued warranty costs	$27,250
Warranties issued during the period	8,975
Settlements made during the period	-10,325
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	1,729
Ending accrued warranty costs	27,629
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	5,102
Performance guarantees | Surety bonds
Guarantees:
Performance guarantees outstanding	$16,711

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Leases (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014
Operating Leased Assets
Operating leases, rent expense	$2,048	$2,083
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
2015	690
2016	2,392
2017	1,216
2018	287
2019	33
Total	4,618
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. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Conditional purchase commitment	$750
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity
2015	395
2016	1,916
2017	1,000
2018	250
2019	100
Total	$3,661

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective tax rate if recognized	$530,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount	$1,300,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	$25,662	$25,398
Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	9,673	7,734
U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	1,001	2,002
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	8,650	8,341
Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	6,338	7,321
Recurring Basis | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	41,751	45,054
Restricted cash	772	514
Derivatives-currency forward contract, asset	0
Derivatives - currency forward contracts, liability		0
Assets, net	43,524	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:	1,001	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 contract, asset	643
Derivatives - currency forward contracts, liability		85
Assets, net	25,304	23,311
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	9,673	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:	8,650	8,341
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	6,338	7,321
Recurring Basis | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	41,751	45,054
Restricted cash	772	514
Derivatives-currency forward contract, asset	643
Derivatives - currency forward contracts, liability		85
Assets, net	68,828	70,881
Recurring Basis | Total | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	9,673	7,734
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	1,001	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:	8,650	8,341
Recurring Basis | Total | Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	$6,338	$7,321

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

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

USD to JPY [Member]

USD to JPY [Member]

USD to JPY [Member]

USD to JPY [Member]

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 ($)

PLN

USD ($)

PLN

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

SGD

USD ($)

SGD

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative

Derivatives-currency forward contract, asset

$643

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:

1,805

2,241

455

512

773

91,281

0

0

3,888

4,399

0

0

809

507

2,484

1,500

1,193

1,601

1,035

1,300

597

804

0

0

2,219

1,904

1,314

973

Derivatives - currency forward contracts, liability

$85

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2014	Mar. 06, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.09	$0.30	$0.30
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)					$0.10