Daktronics (DAKT) 10-K 22 Jun 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Jun. 15, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	May 2, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	DAKTRONICS INC /SD/
Entity Central Index Key	915,779
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 Public Float			$ 577,558,461
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		43,756,906
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 57,284	$ 45,054
Restricted cash	496	514
Marketable securities	25,346	25,398
Accounts receivable, net	80,857	82,500
Inventories, net	64,389	62,228
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	35,068	33,400
Current maturities of long-term receivables	3,784	5,235
Prepaid expenses and other assets	7,688	6,758
Deferred income taxes	10,640	10,694
Income tax receivables	5,543	2,459
Total current assets	291,095	274,240
Property and equipment, net	72,844	65,270
Long-term receivables, less current maturities	6,090	7,877
Goodwill	5,269	4,558
Intangibles, net	1,824	2,680
Investment in affiliates and other assets	1,655	826
Deferred income taxes	702	2,000
TOTAL ASSETS	379,479	357,451
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	52,747	45,913
Accrued expenses	26,063	23,462
Warranty obligations	11,838	14,476
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	23,797	22,483
Customer deposits (billed or collected)	16,828	17,654
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)	9,524	7,722
Current portion of other long-term obligations	587	809
Income taxes payable	636	1,162
Deferred income taxes	0	27
Total current liabilities	142,020	133,708
Long-term warranty obligations	14,643	12,774
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected)	3,914	4,978
Other long-term obligations, less current maturities	3,190	2,871
Long-term income tax payable	2,734	0
Deferred income taxes	939	1
Total long-term liabilities	25,420	20,624
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 43,643,801 and 43,166,731 shares issued at May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014, respectively	48,960	43,935
Additional paid-in capital	32,693	29,923
Retained earnings	132,771	129,266
Treasury Stock, at cost, 19,680 shares	(9)	(9)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,376)	4
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	212,039	203,119
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 379,479	$ 357,451

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	May. 02, 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)	43,643,801	43,166,731
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	19,680	19,680

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 615,942	$ 551,970	$ 518,322
Cost of goods sold	471,363	410,260	384,428
Gross profit	144,579	141,710	133,894
Operating expenses:
Selling expense	57,963	53,794	52,759
General and administrative	30,679	27,984	27,404
Product design and development	24,652	23,375	23,131
Total operating expenses	113,294	105,153	103,294
Operating income	31,285	36,557	30,600
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	1,119	1,294	1,523
Interest expense	(223)	(255)	(355)
Other (expense) income, net	(498)	(355)	(839)
Income before income taxes	31,683	37,241	30,929
Income tax expense	10,801	15,035	8,150
Net income	$ 20,882	$ 22,206	$ 22,779
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	43,514	42,886	42,280
Diluted (in shares)	44,443	43,762	42,621
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.52	$ 0.54
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.47	0.51	0.53
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.40	$ 0.39	$ 0.73

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 20,882	$ 22,206	$ 22,779
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Cumulative translation adjustments	(2,358)	147	(102)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(22)	(25)	(49)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(2,380)	122	(151)
Comprehensive income	$ 18,502	$ 22,328	$ 22,628

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at Beginning of Period at Apr. 28, 2012	$ 190,805	$ 34,631	$ 24,320	$ 131,830	$ (9)	$ 33
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	22,779			22,779
Cumulative translation adjustments	(102)					(102)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(49)					(49)
Share-based compensation	3,037		3,037
Exercise of stock options	1,153	1,316	(163)
Employee savings plan activity	1,482	1,482
Dividends paid	(30,859)			(30,859)
Balance at End of Period at Apr. 27, 2013	188,246	37,429	27,194	123,750	(9)	(118)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	22,206			22,206
Cumulative translation adjustments	147					147
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(25)					(25)
Net tax benefit (deduction) related to share-based compensation	119		119
Share-based compensation	2,897		2,897
Exercise of stock options	4,667	4,954	(287)
Employee savings plan activity	1,552	1,552
Dividends paid	(16,690)			(16,690)
Balance at End of Period at Apr. 26, 2014	203,119	43,935	29,923	129,266	(9)	4
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	20,882			20,882
Cumulative translation adjustments	(2,358)					(2,358)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(22)					(22)
Net tax benefit (deduction) related to share-based compensation	38		38
Share-based compensation	3,038		3,038
Exercise of stock options	2,207	2,513	(306)
Employee savings plan activity	2,512	2,512
Dividends paid	(17,377)			(17,377)
Balance at End of Period at May. 02, 2015	$ 212,039	$ 48,960	$ 32,693	$ 132,771	$ (9)	$ (2,376)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 20,882	$ 22,206	$ 22,779
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	14,764	14,137	15,379
Amortization	204	364	228
Amortization of premium/discount on marketable securities	168	221	190
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(1,207)	(72)	42
Share-based compensation	3,038	2,897	3,037
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(38)	(119)	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	(222)	(190)	331
Deferred income taxes, net	2,146	1,543	(4,340)
Change in operating assets and liabilities	13,433	(4,788)	13,103
Net cash provided by operating activities	53,168	36,199	50,749
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	(21,837)	(13,519)	(9,674)
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets	4,037	238	198
Purchases of marketable securities	(15,653)	(15,550)	(16,506)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	15,532	13,953	17,451
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(6,306)	(1,480)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,227)	(16,358)	(8,531)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on notes payable	(81)	0	(1,459)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,513	4,954	1,316
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	38	119	0
Principal payments on long-term obligations	(1,163)	(3,704)	0
Dividends paid	(17,377)	(16,690)	(30,859)
Net cash used in financing activities	(16,070)	(15,321)	(31,002)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	(641)	(94)	(11)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	12,230	4,426	11,205
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period	45,054	40,628	29,423
End of period	$ 57,284	$ 45,054	$ 40,628

Nature of Business and Summary

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of business : Daktronics Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged principally in the design, manufacture and sale of a wide range of electronic display systems and related products which are sold in a variety of markets throughout the world and the rendering of related maintenance and professional services. Our products are designed primarily to inform and entertain people through the communication of content. Fiscal year : We operate on a 52 or 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 of that fiscal year and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period. The fiscal years ended April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2015 is a 53 -week year. Principles of consolidation : The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliates over which we do not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. We have evaluated our relationships with affiliates and have determined that these entities are not variable interest entities. Our proportional share of the respective affiliate’s earnings or losses is included in other (expense) income in our consolidated statements of operations. The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $ 1,071 and $ 224 at May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively. There have not been any identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on their fair value and it is not practical to estimate their fair value. Use of estimates : The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the estimated total costs on construction-type contracts, estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties, excess and obsolete inventory, the reserve for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation, goodwill impairment and income taxes. Changes in estimates are reflected in the periods in which they become known. Cash and cash equivalents : All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents and consist primarily of government repurchase agreements, savings accounts and money market accounts that are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. We maintain our cash in bank deposit accounts, the balances of which at times may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts. Restricted cash : Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees. Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Market is determined on the basis of estimated net realizable values. Revenue recognition : Net sales are reported net of estimated sales returns and exclude sales taxes. We estimate our sales returns reserve based on historical return rates and analysis of specific accounts. Our sales returns reserve was $15 and $14 at May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively. Long-term construction-type contracts: Earnings on construction-type contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract. Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance. Indirect costs include charges for such items as facilities, engineering, and project management. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are probable and capable of being estimated. We combine contracts for accounting purposes when they are negotiated as a package with an overall profit margin objective, essentially represent an agreement to do a single project for a customer, involve interrelated construction activities, and are performed concurrently or sequentially. When a group of contracts is combined, revenue and profit are recognized uniformly over the performance of the combined projects. We segment revenues in accordance with contract segmenting criteria in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 650-35, Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. Equipment other than construction-type contracts: We recognize revenue on equipment sales, other than construction-type contracts, when title passes, which is usually upon shipment and then only if the terms of the arrangement are fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We record estimated sales returns and discounts as a reduction of net sales in the same period revenue is recognized. Product maintenance: In connection with the sale of our products, we also occasionally sell separately priced extended warranties and product maintenance contracts. The revenue related to such contracts is deferred and recognized ratably as net sales over the terms of the contracts, which vary up to 10 years. We record unrealized revenue in deferred revenue (billed or collected) in the liability section of the balance sheet. Services: Revenues generated by us for services, such as event support, control room design, on-site training, equipment service and technical support of our equipment, are recognized as net sales when the services are performed. Net sales from services and product maintenance approximated 8.2 percent , 8.4 percent and 9.0 percent of net sales for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 , respectively. Multiple-element arrangements: We generate revenue from the sale of equipment and related services, including customization, installation and maintenance services. In these limited cases, we provide some or all of such equipment and services to our customers under the terms of a single multiple-element sales arrangement. These arrangements typically involve the sale of equipment bundled with some or all of these services, but they may also involve instances in which we have contracted to deliver multiple pieces of equipment over time rather than at a single point in time. When a sales arrangement involves multiple elements, the items included in the arrangement (deliverables) are evaluated pursuant to ASC 605-25, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables and ASC 605-35 , Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts, to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting. We perform this evaluation at the inception of an arrangement and as we deliver each item in the arrangement. We first consider the separation criteria of ASC 605-35. Deliverables not within the scope of ASC 605-35 are evaluated for separation under ASC 605-25. For those elements falling under the guidance of ASC 605-25, we generally account for a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) separately if the delivered item(s) has standalone value to the customer and if we have given the customer a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s) and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) or service(s) is probable and substantially in our control. When items included in a multiple-element arrangement represent separate units of accounting, we allocate the arrangement consideration to the individual items based on their relative fair values. The amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the delivered item(s) is limited to the amount not contingent on us delivering additional products or services. Once we have determined the amount, if any, of arrangement consideration allocable to the delivered item(s), we apply the applicable revenue recognition policy to determine when and by which method such amount may be recognized as revenue. We generally determine if objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the items included in a multiple-element arrangement exists based on whether we have vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the price for which we sell an item on a standalone basis. If we do not have VSOE for the item, we will use the price charged by a competitor selling a comparable product or service on a standalone basis to similarly situated customers, if available. If neither VSOE nor third party evidence is available, we use our best estimate of the selling price for that deliverable. Long-term receivables and advertising rights: We occasionally sell and install our products at facilities in exchange for the rights to sell or to retain future advertising revenues. For these transactions, we recognize revenue for the amount of the present value of the future advertising payments if enough advertising is sold to obtain normal margins on the contract and we record the related receivable in long-term receivables. We recognize imputed interest as earned. Property and equipment : Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings 7 - 40 Machinery and equipment 5 - 7 Office furniture and equipment 3 - 5 Computer software and hardware 3 - 5 Equipment held for rental 2 - 7 Demonstration equipment 3 - 5 Transportation equipment 5 - 7 Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Our depreciation expense was $14,764 , $14,137 and $15,379 for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 , respectively. Long-Lived Assets : Long-lived assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, described in " Note 6. Long-Lived Assets ", which are separately tested for impairment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated fair value. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis will be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset. Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. Software costs : We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in property and equipment on our consolidated balance sheets. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed when incurred. Insurance : We are self-insured for certain losses related to health and liability claims and workers’ compensation. We obtain third-party insurance to limit our exposure to these claims. We estimate our self-insured liabilities using a number of factors, including historical claims experience. Our self-insurance liability was $1,783 and $1,656 at May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively, and is included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency translation : Our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are generally translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The operating results of foreign operations are translated at weighted average exchange rates. The related translation gains or losses are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income . Income taxes : We operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally. Our annual tax rate is determined based on our income, statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes in each tax jurisdiction. Tax laws require certain items be included in the tax return at different times than are reflected in the financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities and reflect the enacted income tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We consider a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is "more likely than not" some or all of the benefits will not be realized. Because we operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally, management must determine the appropriate allocation of income and expenses to each of these jurisdictions based on current interpretations of complex income tax regulations. Income tax authorities in these jurisdictions regularly perform audits of our income tax filings. Income tax audits associated with the allocation of income, expenses and other complex issues, including transfer pricing methodologies, may require an extended period of time to resolve and may result in significant income tax adjustments if changes to the income allocation are required between jurisdictions with different income tax rates. Comprehensive (loss) income : We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income , which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive (loss) income reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For us, comprehensive (loss) income represents net income (loss) adjusted for foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in comprehensive (loss) income has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent. In accordance with ASC 220 and Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, we disclose comprehensive (loss) income on a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Product design and development : All expenses related to product design and development are charged to operations as incurred. Our product development activities include the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products. Advertising costs : We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $2,318 , $1,694 and $1,584 for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Shipping and handling costs : Shipping and handling costs collected from our customers in connection with our sales are recorded as revenue. We record shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped. 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 which may occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock which share in our earnings. The following is a reconciliation of the income and common stock share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 : Net income Shares Per share income (loss) For the year ended May 2, 2015: Basic earnings per share $ 20,882 43,514 $ 0.48 Dilution associated with stock compensation plans — 929 (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 20,882 44,443 $ 0.47 For the year ended April 26, 2014: Basic earnings per share $ 22,206 42,886 $ 0.52 Dilution associated with stock compensation plans — 876 (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 22,206 43,762 $ 0.51 For the year ended April 27, 2013: Basic earnings per share $ 22,779 42,280 $ 0.54 Dilution associated with stock compensation plans — 341 (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 22,779 42,621 $ 0.53 Options outstanding to purchase 1,462 , 1,564 and 2,672 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $18.42 , $18.64 and $15.09 per share during the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the weighted average exercise price of those instruments exceeded the average market price of the common shares during the year. Share-based compensation : We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, we measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. See Note 11. Shareholders’ Equity and Share-Based Compensation for additional information and the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value of share-based employee compensation. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which was issued as a new topic, 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, providing guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively and improving guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The FASB recently announced plans to defer the effective adoption date by one year. This ASU is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2019 and can be adopted by the Company 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.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Note 2. Segment Reporting 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 division 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. We focus on product lines related to integrated scoring and video display systems for sports and commercial applications, out-of-home advertising products, and European transportation related products. 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. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ". 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, buildings 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: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Net sales: Commercial $ 165,793 $ 154,754 $ 144,596 Live Events 231,877 197,246 158,562 High School Park and Recreation 67,657 59,531 66,128 Transportation 48,333 54,861 73,270 International 102,282 85,578 75,766 615,942 551,970 518,322 Contribution margin: Commercial 28,541 30,313 24,241 Live Events 27,334 30,503 19,071 High School Park and Recreation 11,125 5,474 8,150 Transportation 10,404 12,810 21,330 International 9,212 8,816 8,343 86,616 87,916 81,135 Non-allocated operating expenses: General and administrative 30,679 27,984 27,404 Product design and development 24,652 23,375 23,131 Operating income 31,285 36,557 30,600 Nonoperating income (expense): Interest income 1,119 1,294 1,523 Interest expense (223 ) (255 ) (355 ) Other (expense) income, net (498 ) (355 ) (839 ) Income before income taxes 31,683 37,241 30,929 Income tax expense 10,801 15,035 8,150 Net income $ 20,882 $ 22,206 $ 22,779 Depreciation and amortization: Commercial $ 4,846 $ 4,243 $ 4,940 Live Events 4,610 4,461 4,473 High School Park and Recreation 1,836 2,053 2,233 Transportation 1,148 1,132 1,375 International 1,053 873 717 Unallocated corporate depreciation 1,475 1,739 1,869 $ 14,968 $ 14,501 $ 15,607 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: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Net sales: United States $ 494,860 $ 453,468 $ 430,242 Outside U.S. 121,082 98,502 88,080 $ 615,942 $ 551,970 $ 518,322 Long-lived assets: United States $ 67,882 $ 60,846 $ 60,060 Outside U.S. 4,962 4,424 1,565 $ 72,844 $ 65,270 $ 61,625 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	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Note 3. 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 ASU 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 May 2, 2015 , 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 May 2, 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 May 2, 2015: Certificates of deposit $ 11,409 $ — $ — $ 11,409 U.S. Government securities 1,000 1 — 1,001 U.S. Government sponsored entities 7,951 — (9 ) 7,942 Municipal bonds 4,989 5 — 4,994 $ 25,349 $ 6 $ (9 ) $ 25,346 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 bonds 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 ” into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 and April 26, 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 May 2, 2015 were as follows: Less than 12 months 1-5 Years Total Certificates of deposit $ 3,211 $ 8,198 $ 11,409 U.S. Government securities 1,001 — 1,001 U.S. Government sponsored entities — 7,942 7,942 Municipal obligations 4,687 307 4,994 $ 8,899 $ 16,447 $ 25,346

Business Combinations (Notes)

Business Combinations (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Note 4. Business Combinations Open Acquisition We acquired 100 percent ownership in OPEN Out-of Home Solutions ("OPEN"), a Belgian company, on May 8, 2013 for an undisclosed amount. The results of its operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. We have not made pro forma disclosures as the results of its operations are not material to our consolidated financial statements. OPEN is a European manufacturer of cabinets and street furniture for the third-party advertising market. This acquisition expanded our product offerings to third-party advertisers as they increasingly adopt digital technology and included a manufacturing plant in Belgium to manufacture digital advertising displays. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand and a five-year promissory note that matures in May 2018. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the purchase price allocation for the OPEN acquisition was completed. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill of $1,249 which primarily related to the value of an assembled workforce and is not deductible for tax purposes. Included in the purchase price allocation were acquired identifiable intangibles valued at $1,160 representing trade names with a useful life of 20 years and a customer list valued at $582 with a useful life of nine years. Also included in the purchase was $2,658 of property and equipment, $2,038 of inventory, $833 of other current assets offset by current operating liabilities of $1,230 and long and short term debt of $4,155 . There were no material adjustments to the original purchase price allocation. The purchase price includes deferred payments of $2,375 to be made over five years unless certain conditions in the business are not met. We have included the payment obligation in other long-term obligations in our consolidated balance sheet. OPEN's sales were included in the International business unit results and contributed $4,218 of net sales during fiscal 2014. General and administrative expenses included $44 and $146 for the years ended April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013, respectively, for professional fees relating to the acquisition. Data Display Acquisition We acquired 100 percent ownership in Data Display, a European transportation display company, on August 11, 2014 for an undisclosed amount. The results of its operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. We have not made pro forma disclosures as the results of its operations are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Data Display is a European based company focused on the design and manufacture of transportation displays. This acquisition will allow our Company to better service transportation customers world-wide and broadens 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. 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 using independent appraisals and other analysis. We are in the process of determining final working capital adjustments. The excess of purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill of $1,249 which primarily related to the value of an assembled workforce and is not deductible for tax purposes. Included in the purchase price allocation were acquired identifiable intangibles valued at $480 representing trademarks and technology with a useful life of 20 years and customer relationships valued at $84 with a useful life of 18 years. Based on the preliminary fair value measurements, also included in the purchase price was $1,433 of property and equipment, $437 of investments for affiliates, $2,773 of inventory, $3,380 of accounts receivable, and $1,869 of other current assets, which was offset by current operating liabilities of $3,616 and long term obligations of $950 . The purchase price allocation is expected to be completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Data Display contributed net sales of $8,138 during fiscal 2015. General and administrative expenses included $434 during fiscal 2015 for professional fees relating to the acquisition.

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufac

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufacturing (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5. Sale of Theatre Rigging Division In July 2014, we sold our automated rigging systems division for theatre applications. Related to the sale, we recorded a $1,261 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 2. Segment Reporting " for a further description. As part of the transaction, we sold assets of $2,817 that primarily consisted of accounts receivable, patents, inventory, and manufacturing equipment net of $355 of accounts payable.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Lived Assets	Note 6. Long-Lived Assets Goodwill and other intangible assets : We account for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under these provisions, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment testing is required more often than annually if an event or circumstance indicates an impairment or a decline in value may have occurred. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a worsening trend of orders and sales without a corresponding way to preserve future cash flows or a significant decline in our stock price. In conducting our impairment testing, we compare the fair value of each of our business units (reporting unit) to the related carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. We utilize an income approach to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. We selected this method because we believe it most appropriately measures our income producing assets. We considered using the market approach and cost approach, but concluded they were not appropriate in valuing our reporting units given the lack of relevant and available market comparisons. The income approach is based on the projected cash flows, which are discounted to their present value using discount rates which consider the timing and risk of the forecasted cash flows. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term operating cash performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of the cyclical trends occurring in the industry. Fair value is estimated using internally-developed forecasts and assumptions. The discount rate used is the average estimated value of a market participant’s cost of capital and debt, derived using customary market metrics. Other significant assumptions include terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures, and changes in future working capital requirements. We also compare and reconcile our overall fair value to our market capitalization. Although there are inherent uncertainties related to the assumptions used and to our application of these assumptions to this analysis, we believe the income approach provides a reasonable estimate of the fair value of our reporting units. The foregoing assumptions to a large degree were consistent with our long-term performance, with limited exceptions. We believe our future investments for capital expenditures as a percent of revenue will remain similar to the historical rates as a percentage of sales in future years. Our investments are expected to relate to equipment replacements and new product line manufacturing equipment needs, and to keep our information technology infrastructure robust. We also believe long-term receivables will decrease as we grow. We also have assumed through the recent economic downturn that our markets have not contracted for the long term; however, it may be a number of years before they fully recover. These assumptions could deviate materially from actual results. 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 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . The result of our analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the fiscal year ended May 2, 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 division for theatre applications (22 ) — — — (22 ) Acquisition, net of cash acquired — — — 1,249 1,249 Foreign currency translation (38 ) (2 ) (38 ) (438 ) (516 ) Balance as of May 2, 2015: $ 2,321 $ 721 $ 91 $ 2,136 $ 5,269 As required by ASC 350, intangibles with finite lives are amortized. We evaluate indefinite lived assets for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. The net value of intangible assets is shown on our consolidated balance sheets. Estimated amortization expense based on intangibles as of May 2, 2015 is $141 for each of the fiscal years 2016 through 2017 , $132 for fiscal 2018 , $132 for each of the fiscal years 2019 through 2020 , and $1,146 in the aggregate for fiscal years after 2020 . The following table sets forth the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by major intangible class as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 : May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 Weighted Average Life (in years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Value Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Value Definite-lived: Patents 10 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,282 $ 1,730 $ 552 Registered Trademarks 20 1,461 116 1,345 1,216 59 1,157 Other 10 608 129 479 648 78 570 17 2,069 245 1,824 4,146 1,867 2,279 Indefinite-lived: Registered trademarks — — — 401 — 401 $ 2,069 $ 245 $ 1,824 $ 4,547 $ 1,867 $ 2,680 Impairment of long-lived assets : In the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 , and April 27, 2013 , the pretax impairment charges for other long-lived assets, including property and equipment, were immaterial. The impairment charges related to technology or equipment obsoleted due to technology improvements or to custom demo equipment with no resale value. Impairment charges during fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were included primarily in product development and selling expense.

Selected Financial Statement Da

Selected Financial Statement Data	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Selected Financial Statement Data	Note 7. Selected Financial Statement Data Inventories consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Raw materials $ 28,325 $ 27,660 Work-in-process 7,512 11,835 Finished goods 28,552 22,733 $ 64,389 $ 62,228 Inventories are reported net of the allowance for excess and obsolete inventory of $3,998 and $2,692 as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively. Property and equipment consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Land $ 2,147 $ 2,539 Buildings 64,186 59,363 Machinery and equipment 80,664 72,787 Office furniture and equipment 15,823 15,754 Computer software and hardware 51,083 45,329 Equipment held for rental 803 868 Demonstration equipment 7,299 7,532 Transportation equipment 6,012 4,823 228,017 208,995 Less accumulated depreciation 155,173 143,725 $ 72,844 $ 65,270 Accrued expenses consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Compensation $ 12,137 $ 14,189 Taxes, other than income taxes 4,223 2,977 Other 9,703 6,296 $ 26,063 $ 23,462 Other (expense) income, net consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (514 ) $ (292 ) $ (319 ) Other 16 (63 ) (520 ) $ (498 ) $ (355 ) $ (839 )

Uncompleted Contracts

Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Contractors [Abstract]
Uncompleted Contracts	Note 8. Uncompleted Contracts Uncompleted contracts consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Costs incurred $ 708,029 $ 486,430 Estimated earnings 237,239 166,250 945,268 652,680 Less billings to date 933,997 641,763 $ 11,271 $ 10,917 Uncompleted contracts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows: May 2, April 26, Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings $ 35,068 $ 33,400 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (23,797 ) (22,483 ) $ 11,271 $ 10,917

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Note 9. Receivables We sell our products throughout the United States and in certain foreign countries on credit terms we establish for each customer. On the sale of certain products, we have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral and to file claims against surety bonds to protect our interest in receivables. Foreign sales are at times secured by irrevocable letters of credit or bank guarantees. Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,316 and $2,539 at May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively. We make estimates regarding the collectability of our accounts receivable, long-term receivables, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and other receivables. In evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, we analyze specific balances, customer creditworthiness, changes in customer payment cycles, and current economic trends. If the financial condition of any customer were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We charge off receivables at such time as it is determined collection will not occur. Charge-offs of receivables and our allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables are not material to our financial results. 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 United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), 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 $9,874 and $13,112 as of May 2, 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 $10,976 as of May 2, 2015 and $14,892 as of April 26, 2014 . Included in accounts receivable as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 was $385 and $2,098 , respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which are expected to be collected within one year.

Financing Agreements

Financing Agreements	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Financing Agreements	Note 10. Financing Agreements We have a credit agreement with a U.S. bank for a $35,000 line of credit, which includes up to $15,000 for standby letters of credit. The line of credit, which was amended on November 15, 2013, is due on November 15, 2016. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 145 basis points to LIBOR plus 195 basis points depending on the ratio of our interest-bearing debt to EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as net income before deductions for income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, all as determined in accordance with GAAP. The effective interest rate was 1.6 percent at May 2, 2015 . We are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum of any non-used portion of the loan. As of May 2, 2015 , there were no advances to us under the line of credit, and the balance of letters of credit outstanding was approximately $10,960 . The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to be in compliance with the following financial ratios: • A minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year. The ratio is equal to (a) EBITDA less dividends or other distributions, a capital expenditure reserve of $6,000 , and income tax expenses, over (b) all principal and interest payments with respect to debt, excluding principal payments on the line of credit; and • A ratio of interest-bearing debt, excluding any marketing obligations, to EBITDA of less than 1 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter. We have an additional credit agreement with another U.S. bank which supports our credit needs outside of the United States. It was also amended on November 15, 2013 and becomes due on November 15, 2016. The facility provides for a $40,000 line of credit and includes facilities for letters of credit and bank guarantees and to secure foreign loans for our international subsidiaries. This credit agreement is unsecured. It contains the same covenants as the credit agreement on the line of credit and contains an inter creditor agreement whereby the debt has a cross default provision with the primary credit agreement described above. The total credit allowed between the two credit agreements is limited to $40,000 . As of May 2, 2015 , there were no advances outstanding and approximately $2,655 in bank guarantees under this line of credit. We were in compliance with all applicable covenants as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 . The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as of May 2, 2015 was 47 -to-1, and the ratio of interest-bearing debt to EBITDA as of May 2, 2015 was 0.04 -to-1.

Shareholders' Equity and Share-

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation	Note 11. Shareholders’ Equity and Share-Based Compensation Common stock : Our authorized shares of 120,000,000 consist of 115,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of “undesignated stock.” Our Board of Directors has the power to issue any or all of the shares of undesignated stock without shareholder approval, including the authority to establish the rights and preferences of the undesignated stock. Each outstanding share of our common stock includes one common share purchase right. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one-tenth of one share of common stock at a price of $100 per common share, subject to adjustment and the terms of the shareholder rights agreement under which the dividend was declared and paid. The rights become exercisable immediately after the earlier of (i) 10 business days following a public announcement that a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of our outstanding common shares (subject to certain exclusions) or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer for our common shares, the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 15 percent or more of our outstanding common shares. The rights expire on November 19, 2018, which date may be extended by our Board subject to certain additional conditions. Stock incentive plans : During fiscal 2008, we established the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”) and ceased granting options under the 2001 Incentive Stock Option Plan and the 2001 Outside Directors Option Plan (“2001 Plans”). The 2007 Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock, to employees, directors and consultants. Stock options issued to employees under the plans generally have a 10 -year life, an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date and a five -year annual vesting period. Stock options granted to independent directors under these plans have a seven -year life and an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant. Stock options granted to independent directors prior to fiscal 2010 vested annually over three years, and options granted in or after fiscal 2010 vest in one year. The restricted stock granted to independent directors vests in one year, provided that they remain on the Board. Restricted stock units are granted to employees and have a five -year annual vesting period. As with stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit ownership cannot be transferred during the vesting period. At May 2, 2015 , the aggregate number of shares available for future grant under the 2007 Plan for stock options and restricted stock awards was 27 shares . Full value awards such as restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards reduce the number of shares available for issuance by a factor of two, and if such an award were forfeited or terminated without delivery of the shares, the number of shares again becoming eligible for issuance would be multiplied by a factor of two. Although the 2001 Plans remain in effect for options outstanding, no new options can be granted under these plans. Restricted stock and restricted stock units : We issue restricted stock to our non-employee directors and restricted stock units to employees. The fair value of restricted stock and our restricted stock unit awards are measured on the grant date based on the market value of our common stock. The related compensation expense as calculated under ASC 718, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the applicable vesting period. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards was approximately $2,751 at May 2, 2015 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years. The total fair value of restricted stock vested was $1,089 , $804 , and $666 for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. A summary of nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units for the years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 is as follows: Year Ended May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 April 27, 2013 Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding at beginning of year 318 $ 9.59 279 $ 9.74 242 $ 9.81 Granted 150 12.25 147 10.03 119 8.50 Vested (111 ) 9.83 (85 ) 9.47 (69 ) 12.05 Forfeited (13 ) 10.70 (23 ) 9.37 (13 ) 9.63 Outstanding at end of year 344 10.63 318 9.59 279 9.74 Stock Options : We issue incentive stock options to our employees and non-qualified stock options to our independent directors. A summary of stock option activity under all stock option plans during the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 is as follows: Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at April 26, 2014 2,935 $ 13.77 5.00 $ 6,333 Granted 205 13.31 — — Canceled or forfeited (167 ) 14.57 — — Exercised (232 ) 10.84 — 533 Outstanding at May 2, 2015 2,741 $ 13.94 4.63 $ 2,258 Shares vested and expected to vest 2,714 $ 13.96 4.60 $ 2,244 Exercisable at May 2, 2015 2,018 $ 14.96 3.54 $ 1,802 The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options represents the difference between the exercise price of stock options and the fair market value of the underlying common stock for all in-the-money options. We define in-the-money options at May 2, 2015 as options having exercise prices lower than the $10.75 per share market price of our common stock on that date. There were in-the-money options to purchase 953 shares exercisable at May 2, 2015 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $533 , $1,534 , and $562 , respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested was $1,294 , $1,541 , and $1,898 for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We recognize the fair value of the stock options on a straight-line basis as compensation expense. All options are recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. ASC 718 requires us to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards expected to vest. The following factors are the significant assumptions used in the computation of the fair value of options: Expected life . The expected life of options granted represents the period of time they are expected to be outstanding. We estimate the expected life of options granted based on historical exercise patterns, which we believe are representative of future behavior. We have examined our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there were any discernible patterns of activity based on certain demographic characteristics. Demographic characteristics tested included age, salary level, job level and geographic location. We have determined there were no meaningful differences in option exercise activity based on the demographic characteristics tested. Expected volatility . We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on historical volatility consistent with ASC 718 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share Based Payments . Our decision to use historical volatility instead of implied volatility was based upon analyzing historical data along with the lack of availability of history of actively traded options on our common stock. Risk-free interest rate. The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a term similar to the expected life of the options. Dividend yield. We use an expected dividend yield consistent with our dividend yield over the period of time we have paid dividends. The following table provides the weighted-average fair value of options granted and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Fair value of options granted $ 5.44 $ 4.91 $ 3.43 Risk-free interest rate 1.93 - 2.14% 2.03 - 2.34% 0.71 - 1.13% Expected dividend rate 2.60 % 2.32% 2.43% Expected volatility 48.01 - 51.89% 54.09 - 54.37% 45.60 - 46.15% Expected life of option 5.84 - 6.95 years 5.9 - 6.9 years 5.9 - 6.8 years Employee stock purchase plan : We have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), which enables employees after six months of continuous employment to elect, in advance and semi-annually, to contribute up to 15 percent of their compensation, subject to certain limitations, toward the purchase of our common stock at a purchase price equal to 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of the participation period. The ESPP requires participants to hold any shares purchased under the ESPP for a minimum period of one year after the date of purchase. Compensation expense recognized on shares issued under our ESPP is based on the value of a traded option to purchase shares of our stock at a 15 percent discount to the stock price. The total number of shares reserved under the ESPP is 2,500 . The number of shares of common stock issued under the ESPP totaled 248 , 195 , and 214 shares in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The number of shares of common stock reserved for future employee purchases under the ESPP totaled 742 shares at May 2, 2015 . The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Total share-based compensation expense : As of May 2, 2015 , there was $5,136 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under all equity compensation plans. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. We expect to recognize the cost over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years. The following table presents a summary of the share-based compensation expense by equity type as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Stock options $ 1,311 $ 1,451 $ 1,812 Restricted stock and stock units 1,234 1,000 765 Employee stock purchase plans 493 446 460 $ 3,038 $ 2,897 $ 3,037 A summary of the share-based compensation expenses for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares issued under the ESPP for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 is as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Cost of goods sold $ 737 $ 657 $ 633 Selling 825 810 856 General and administrative 908 859 980 Product design and development 568 571 568 $ 3,038 $ 2,897 $ 3,037 We received $2,513 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 . The tax (expense) benefit related to non-qualified options and restricted stock units under all share-based payment arrangements totaled $3 , $(126) , and $346 for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 12. Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan under which eligible U.S. employees may choose to make voluntary contributions of such employees' compensation on a pretax basis, subject to certain Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits. We make matching contributions equal to 50 percent of the employee's qualifying contribution up to six percent of such employee's compensation plus other discretionary contributions as authorized by our Board of Directors. Employees are eligible to participate upon completion of one year of service if they have attained the age of 21 and have worked more than 1000 hours during such plan year. We contributed $2,115 , $1,859 and $1,713 to the plan for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. We have unfunded deferred compensation agreements with one individual who is a former officer and another individual who is a former officer and director under which interest is credited each year to each participant’s account in an amount equal to the five -year Treasury note rate as of January 1 of each plan year. Total amounts accrued for these plans as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 was $433 and $522 , respectively. Contributions for each of the fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were $23 , $23 and $23 , respectively. The amounts accrued under the plans are not funded and are subject to the claims of the participants’ creditors. Participants may elect various forms of withdrawals upon retirement, including a lump sum distribution or annual payments over five or 10 years. In 2015 , a payment of $93 was distributed to one participant, which represented the first of five years of payments.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 13. Income Taxes The pretax income attributable to domestic and foreign operations was as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Domestic $ 29,194 $ 35,699 $ 27,667 Foreign 2,489 1,542 3,262 Income before income taxes $ 31,683 $ 37,241 $ 30,929 Income tax expense consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Current: Federal $ 6,657 $ 11,342 $ 9,517 State 1,150 1,454 2,219 Foreign 848 696 754 Deferred: Federal 1,906 1,241 (3,114 ) State 307 667 (1,090 ) Foreign (67 ) (365 ) (136 ) $ 10,801 $ 15,035 $ 8,150 A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate to income before income taxes is as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Computed income tax expense (benefit) at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates $ 11,089 $ 13,035 $ 10,825 State taxes, net federal benefit 1,016 1,433 684 Research and development tax credit (1,292 ) (750 ) (1,804 ) Meals and entertainment 369 344 308 Stock compensation 566 586 466 Dividends paid to retirement plan (352 ) (328 ) (616 ) Domestic production activities deduction (529 ) (1,012 ) (976 ) Change in valuation allowances (2,295 ) 2,301 — Change in uncertain tax positions 2,357 111 (70 ) Other, net (128 ) (685 ) (667 ) $ 10,801 $ 15,035 $ 8,150 The components of the net deferred tax asset were as follows: May 2, April 26, Deferred tax assets: Warranty reserves $ 10,038 $ 10,432 Vacation accrual 1,808 1,510 Net losses on equity investments — 2,870 Deferred maintenance revenue 745 1,332 Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory 939 981 Equity compensation 828 899 Allowance for doubtful accounts 613 797 Inventory capitalization 531 306 Accrued compensation and benefits 1,124 1,397 Intangible assets — 56 Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange 554 206 Net operating loss carry forwards 791 766 Other 344 379 18,315 21,931 Valuation allowance on equity investments (52 ) (2,297 ) 18,263 19,634 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (7,249 ) (6,232 ) Prepaid expenses (577 ) (574 ) Other (34 ) (162 ) (7,860 ) (6,968 ) $ 10,403 $ 12,666 The classification of net deferred tax assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is: May 2, April 26, Current assets $ 10,640 $ 10,694 Current liabilities — (27 ) Non-current assets 702 2,000 Non-current liabilities (939 ) (1 ) $ 10,403 $ 12,666 The changes in the amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions are: May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 April 27, 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 494 $ 379 $ 449 Gross increases related to prior period tax positions 6 16 — Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions — — (11 ) Gross increases related to current period tax positions 2,496 99 129 Lapse of statute of limitations (105 ) — (188 ) Balance at end of year $ 2,891 $ 494 $ 379 All of our unrecognized tax benefits would have an impact on the effective tax rate if recognized. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change due to one or more of the following events in the next 12 months: expiring statutes, audit activity, tax payments, or competent authority proceedings. We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount or the future periods in which changes in unrecognized tax benefits may be resolved; however, we do not anticipate any significant changes within the next 12 months. Interest and penalties incurred associated with uncertain tax positions are included in other (expense) income. Our fiscal 2014 financial results included a deferred asset tax valuation allowance of $2,297 for a one-time valuation allowance. The corresponding deferred tax asset was related to potential capital losses from an investment in an affiliate ("affiliate") that is a United States entity. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we were notified that the affiliate had sold off a significant portion of its operations for a substantial loss. This loss puts us in doubt of any financial recovery of our investment in affiliate. Although the full capital loss of the affiliate has not yet been triggered under the Code, we have concluded that it would be more likely than not a capital loss if the affiliate goes out of business or we abandon the partnership. A tax court case solidified capital loss treatment versus ordinary gain treatment in abandonments. The Tax Court's decision in Pilgrim's Pride Corporation v. Commissioner and Code Sections 165 and 1234A state that loss deductions related to worthless security abandonments would be treated as a capital loss versus an ordinary loss. In fiscal 2015, the Tax Court's decision in Pilgrim's Pride Corporation v. Commissioner was overturned by the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Hence, we abandoned our partnership interest and will record an ordinary loss on our 2015 federal tax return, thereby moving the asset and valuation allowance into our current tax provision and recording a current deduction. Because our position has a chance of being disallowed, we believe we cannot reach the more-likely-than not conclusion that this ordinary loss will be realized. Therefore, we have maintained an uncertain tax provision reserve. We will continue to evaluate the facts and circumstances of this case and adjust our reserve accordingly. Additional tax information: In the normal course of business, income tax authorities in various income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally conduct routine audits of our income tax returns filed in prior years. Income tax years are open for the United States jurisdiction for fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014. International jurisdictions have open tax years varying by location beginning in fiscal 2005. We have no deferred tax liability recognized relating to our investment in foreign subsidiaries where the earnings have been indefinitely reinvested. If circumstances change and it becomes apparent that some or all of the undistributed untaxed earnings of a subsidiary will be remitted to the United States, we will accrue a tax expense at the time of the remittance. We have approximately $10,437 of untaxed earnings which have indefinitely been reinvested. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these is not practicable. We have income tax net operating loss carryforwards related to our international operations of approximately $2,386 and a $791 deferred tax asset. These loss carryforwards do not expire; therefore, the deferred tax asset has an indefinite life. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset will be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced. We recognized an expense of $14 , $20 and $10 in net interest and penalties during the years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 , respectively. Interest and penalties recognized are recorded in income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations. We had accrued $16 and $15 in net interest or penalties as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively.

Cash Flow Information

Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash Flow Information	Note 14. Cash Flow Information The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, (Increase) decrease: Restricted cash $ 18 $ (466 ) $ 1,120 Account receivable 6,412 (18,293 ) 3,364 Long-term receivables 3,234 3,027 2,348 Inventories (1,907 ) (12,771 ) 6,656 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (1,667 ) 5,955 (16,335 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (575 ) (536 ) (658 ) Income taxes receivable (3,084 ) (2,414 ) 5,944 Advertising rights and other assets 912 64 386 Increase (decrease): Current marketing obligations and other payables (146 ) 372 3 Accounts payable 5,594 6,701 4,749 Customer deposits (1,315 ) 4,931 (450 ) Accrued liabilities 2,860 165 2,909 Warranty obligations (2,638 ) 543 884 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 1,314 8,238 (140 ) Long-term warranty obligations 1,869 1,560 2,048 Income taxes payable (666 ) (527 ) 1,023 Deferred revenue (250 ) (836 ) (577 ) Long-term marketing obligations and other payables 3,468 (501 ) (171 ) $ 13,433 $ (4,788 ) $ 13,103 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Cash payments for: Interest $ 289 $ 198 $ 420 Income taxes, net of refunds 8,690 16,521 5,422 Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory $ 34 $ 255 $ 612 Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable 1,510 2,099 1,207 Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan 2,512 1,552 1,482

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Note 15. 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 which 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 May 2, 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 May 2, 2015: Cash and cash equivalents $ 57,284 $ — $ 57,284 Restricted cash 496 — 496 Available-for-sale securities: Certificates of deposit — 11,409 11,409 U.S. Government securities 1,001 — 1,001 U.S. Government sponsored entities — 7,942 7,942 Municipal obligations — 4,994 4,994 Derivatives - currency forward contracts — (283 ) (283 ) $ 58,781 $ 24,062 $ 82,843 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 : Consist 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 : Consist 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 two 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 a valuation from a third-party bank. See Note 16. 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 utilized the fair value measurement standard, using primarily level 3 inputs, to value the assets and liabilities for the business combinations involving OPEN and Data Display, and determination of goodwill associated with the Vortek disposal. See " Note 4. Business Combinations " for more information. We did not make any material business combinations or recognize significant impairment losses during fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014 .

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Note 16. 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 accounts receivable 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 May 2, 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 (expense) income, net. The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange United States Dollars at May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows: May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 U.S. Dollars Foreign Currency U.S. Dollars Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts: U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars 1,487 1,918 455 512 U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars 4,129 4,923 — — U.S. Dollars/British Pounds 1,679 1,123 2,484 1,500 U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars 1,176 1,601 1,035 1,300 U.S. Dollars/Euros (229 ) 174 1,314 973 U.S. Dollars/Swiss Franc 5,662 5,500 — — U.S. Dollars/Japanese Yen 764 91,282 — — As of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , there was a net liability of $283 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.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 17. 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 being 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 May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , we did not believe there was a reasonable possibility that any material loss for these various claims or legal actions, including reviews, inspections or other legal proceedings, if any, would be incurred. Accordingly, no accrual or disclosure of a potential range of loss has been made related to these matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of all unresolved legal proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources. Guarantees: In connection with the sale of equipment to various customers, we have entered into contractual arrangements whereby we agreed to repurchase equipment at the end of the lease term at a fixed price. Our total obligations under these fixed price arrangements were $1,100 and $1,100 as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 , respectively. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 460, Guarantees , there was 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 fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 consisted of the following: May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 Beginning accrued warranty costs $ 27,250 $ 25,146 Warranties issued during the period 14,113 13,008 Settlements made during the period (13,829 ) (13,796 ) Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations (1,053 ) 2,892 Ending accrued warranty costs $ 26,481 $ 27,250 Performance guarantees: We have entered into standby letters of credit and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on contracts, primarily construction type contracts. As of May 2, 2015 , we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $13,615 and $42,720 , 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 various sales and service locations throughout the world, including manufacturing space in the United States and China. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase. The lease for the facilities 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 $2,714 , $2,742 and $2,749 for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 , respectively. Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at May 2, 2015 : Fiscal years ending Amount 2016 $ 2,490 2017 1,324 2018 325 2019 68 2020 38 Thereafter — $ 4,245 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 that extend beyond one year. As of May 2, 2015 , we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $700 in conditional purchase commitments: Fiscal years ending Amount 2016 $ 1,973 2017 1,090 2018 295 2019 100 2020 — Thereafter — $ 3,458 Other long-term obligations: We are obligated to pay the following payments for an acquisition and for other various obligations. May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 Advertising $ 700 $ 620 Deferred purchase price 1,476 2,375 Total Outstanding 2,176 2,995 Less: current liability 555 728 Other long-term obligations $ 1,621 $ 2,267

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 18. Subsequent Events On May 29, 2015 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share on our common stock for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 , payable on June 23, 2015 to holders of record of our common stock on June 12, 2015 .

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Note 19. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data: Fiscal 2015 Quarter Ended August 2, November 1, January 31, May 2, Net sales $ 166,618 $ 173,115 $ 118,123 $ 158,086 Gross profit 43,403 40,877 25,062 35,237 Net income 8,745 7,737 561 3,839 Basic earnings per share 0.20 0.18 0.01 0.09 Diluted earnings per share 0.20 0.18 0.01 0.09 Fiscal 2014 Quarter Ended July 27, October 26, January 25, April 26, Net sales $ 138,722 $ 161,639 $ 115,369 $ 136,240 Gross profit 35,502 43,365 29,089 33,754 Net income 5,719 11,790 2,871 1,826 Basic earnings per share 0.13 0.28 0.07 0.04 Diluted earnings per share 0.13 0.27 0.07 0.04

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUA

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	DAKTRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING (in thousands) Additions Description Balance at Charged to Expenses Charged to Deductions Balance For the year ended May 2, 2015: Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,539 $ (146 ) $ — $ (73 ) (b) $ 2,320 Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories 2,692 2,701 2 (a) (1,397 ) (c) 3,998 For the year ended April 26, 2014: Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts 2,718 860 — (1,039 ) (b) 2,539 Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories 3,286 1,219 (1 ) (a) (1,812 ) (c) 2,692 For the year ended April 27, 2013: Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts 2,398 782 — (462 ) (b) 2,718 Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories 2,851 3,094 1 (a) (2,660 ) (c) 3,286 (a) Translation adjustment on foreign subsidiary balances (b) Write-off of uncollected accounts, net of collections (c) Obsolete and excess inventory disposals

Nature of Business and Summar28

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of business	Nature of business : Daktronics Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged principally in the design, manufacture and sale of a wide range of electronic display systems and related products which are sold in a variety of markets throughout the world and the rendering of related maintenance and professional services. Our products are designed primarily to inform and entertain people through the communication of content.
Fiscal year	Fiscal year : We operate on a 52 or 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 of that fiscal year and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period.
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation : The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliates over which we do not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investees operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. We have evaluated our relationships with affiliates and have determined that these entities are not variable interest entities. Our proportional share of the respective affiliate’s earnings or losses is included in other (expense) income in our consolidated statements of operations.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates : The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the estimated total costs on construction-type contracts, estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties, excess and obsolete inventory, the reserve for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation, goodwill impairment and income taxes. Changes in estimates are reflected in the periods in which they become known.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents : All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents and consist primarily of government repurchase agreements, savings accounts and money market accounts that are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. We maintain our cash in bank deposit accounts, the balances of which at times may exceed federally insured limits.
Restricted cash	Restricted cash : Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.
Inventories	Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Market is determined on the basis of estimated net realizable values.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition : Net sales are reported net of estimated sales returns and exclude sales taxes. We estimate our sales returns reserve based on historical return rates and analysis of specific accounts.
Revenue recognition - Long-term construction-type contracts	Long-term construction-type contracts: Earnings on construction-type contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract. Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance. Indirect costs include charges for such items as facilities, engineering, and project management. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are probable and capable of being estimated. We combine contracts for accounting purposes when they are negotiated as a package with an overall profit margin objective, essentially represent an agreement to do a single project for a customer, involve interrelated construction activities, and are performed concurrently or sequentially. When a group of contracts is combined, revenue and profit are recognized uniformly over the performance of the combined projects. We segment revenues in accordance with contract segmenting criteria in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 650-35, Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.
Revenue recognition - Equipment other than construction-type contracts	Equipment other than construction-type contracts: We recognize revenue on equipment sales, other than construction-type contracts, when title passes, which is usually upon shipment and then only if the terms of the arrangement are fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We record estimated sales returns and discounts as a reduction of net sales in the same period revenue is recognized.
Revenue recognition - Product maintenance	Product maintenance: In connection with the sale of our products, we also occasionally sell separately priced extended warranties and product maintenance contracts. The revenue related to such contracts is deferred and recognized ratably as net sales over the terms of the contracts, which vary up to 10 years. We record unrealized revenue in deferred revenue (billed or collected) in the liability section of the balance sheet.
Revenue recognition - Services	Services: Revenues generated by us for services, such as event support, control room design, on-site training, equipment service and technical support of our equipment, are recognized as net sales when the services are performed.
Revenue recognition - Multiple-element arrangements	Multiple-element arrangements: We generate revenue from the sale of equipment and related services, including customization, installation and maintenance services. In these limited cases, we provide some or all of such equipment and services to our customers under the terms of a single multiple-element sales arrangement. These arrangements typically involve the sale of equipment bundled with some or all of these services, but they may also involve instances in which we have contracted to deliver multiple pieces of equipment over time rather than at a single point in time. When a sales arrangement involves multiple elements, the items included in the arrangement (deliverables) are evaluated pursuant to ASC 605-25, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables and ASC 605-35 , Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts, to determine whether they represent separate units of accounting. We perform this evaluation at the inception of an arrangement and as we deliver each item in the arrangement. We first consider the separation criteria of ASC 605-35. Deliverables not within the scope of ASC 605-35 are evaluated for separation under ASC 605-25. For those elements falling under the guidance of ASC 605-25, we generally account for a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) separately if the delivered item(s) has standalone value to the customer and if we have given the customer a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s) and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) or service(s) is probable and substantially in our control. When items included in a multiple-element arrangement represent separate units of accounting, we allocate the arrangement consideration to the individual items based on their relative fair values. The amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the delivered item(s) is limited to the amount not contingent on us delivering additional products or services. Once we have determined the amount, if any, of arrangement consideration allocable to the delivered item(s), we apply the applicable revenue recognition policy to determine when and by which method such amount may be recognized as revenue. We generally determine if objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the items included in a multiple-element arrangement exists based on whether we have vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the price for which we sell an item on a standalone basis. If we do not have VSOE for the item, we will use the price charged by a competitor selling a comparable product or service on a standalone basis to similarly situated customers, if available. If neither VSOE nor third party evidence is available, we use our best estimate of the selling price for that deliverable.
Revenue recognition - Long-term receivables and advertising rights	Long-term receivables and advertising rights: We occasionally sell and install our products at facilities in exchange for the rights to sell or to retain future advertising revenues. For these transactions, we recognize revenue for the amount of the present value of the future advertising payments if enough advertising is sold to obtain normal margins on the contract and we record the related receivable in long-term receivables. We recognize imputed interest as earned.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment : Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings 7 - 40 Machinery and equipment 5 - 7 Office furniture and equipment 3 - 5 Computer software and hardware 3 - 5 Equipment held for rental 2 - 7 Demonstration equipment 3 - 5 Transportation equipment 5 - 7 Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets : Long-lived assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, described in " Note 6. Long-Lived Assets ", which are separately tested for impairment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated fair value. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis will be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset. Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows.
Software costs	Software costs : We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are included in property and equipment on our consolidated balance sheets. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed when incurred.
Insurance	Insurance : We are self-insured for certain losses related to health and liability claims and workers’ compensation. We obtain third-party insurance to limit our exposure to these claims. We estimate our self-insured liabilities using a number of factors, including historical claims experience.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation : Our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are generally translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The operating results of foreign operations are translated at weighted average exchange rates. The related translation gains or losses are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income .
Income taxes	Income taxes : We operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally. Our annual tax rate is determined based on our income, statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes in each tax jurisdiction. Tax laws require certain items be included in the tax return at different times than are reflected in the financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities and reflect the enacted income tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We consider a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is "more likely than not" some or all of the benefits will not be realized. Because we operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally, management must determine the appropriate allocation of income and expenses to each of these jurisdictions based on current interpretations of complex income tax regulations. Income tax authorities in these jurisdictions regularly perform audits of our income tax filings. Income tax audits associated with the allocation of income, expenses and other complex issues, including transfer pricing methodologies, may require an extended period of time to resolve and may result in significant income tax adjustments if changes to the income allocation are required between jurisdictions with different income tax rates.
Comprehensive income (loss)	Comprehensive (loss) income : We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income , which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive (loss) income reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For us, comprehensive (loss) income represents net income (loss) adjusted for foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in comprehensive (loss) income has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent. In accordance with ASC 220 and Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, we disclose comprehensive (loss) income on a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Product design and development	Product design and development : All expenses related to product design and development are charged to operations as incurred. Our product development activities include the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products.
Advertising costs	Advertising costs : We expense advertising costs as incurred.
Shipping and handling cost	Shipping and handling costs : Shipping and handling costs collected from our customers in connection with our sales are recorded as revenue. We record shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.
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 which may occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock which share in our earnings.
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation : We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, we measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. See Note 11. Shareholders’ Equity and Share-Based Compensation for additional information and the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value of share-based employee compensation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which was issued as a new topic, 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, providing guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively and improving guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The FASB recently announced plans to defer the effective adoption date by one year. This ASU is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2019 and can be adopted by the Company 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.

Nature of Business and Summar29

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings 7 - 40 Machinery and equipment 5 - 7 Office furniture and equipment 3 - 5 Computer software and hardware 3 - 5 Equipment held for rental 2 - 7 Demonstration equipment 3 - 5 Transportation equipment 5 - 7 Property and equipment consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Land $ 2,147 $ 2,539 Buildings 64,186 59,363 Machinery and equipment 80,664 72,787 Office furniture and equipment 15,823 15,754 Computer software and hardware 51,083 45,329 Equipment held for rental 803 868 Demonstration equipment 7,299 7,532 Transportation equipment 6,012 4,823 228,017 208,995 Less accumulated depreciation 155,173 143,725 $ 72,844 $ 65,270
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation	The following is a reconciliation of the income and common stock share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 : Net income Shares Per share income (loss) For the year ended May 2, 2015: Basic earnings per share $ 20,882 43,514 $ 0.48 Dilution associated with stock compensation plans — 929 (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 20,882 44,443 $ 0.47 For the year ended April 26, 2014: Basic earnings per share $ 22,206 42,886 $ 0.52 Dilution associated with stock compensation plans — 876 (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 22,206 43,762 $ 0.51 For the year ended April 27, 2013: Basic earnings per share $ 22,779 42,280 $ 0.54 Dilution associated with stock compensation plans — 341 (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 22,779 42,621 $ 0.53

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 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: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Net sales: Commercial $ 165,793 $ 154,754 $ 144,596 Live Events 231,877 197,246 158,562 High School Park and Recreation 67,657 59,531 66,128 Transportation 48,333 54,861 73,270 International 102,282 85,578 75,766 615,942 551,970 518,322 Contribution margin: Commercial 28,541 30,313 24,241 Live Events 27,334 30,503 19,071 High School Park and Recreation 11,125 5,474 8,150 Transportation 10,404 12,810 21,330 International 9,212 8,816 8,343 86,616 87,916 81,135 Non-allocated operating expenses: General and administrative 30,679 27,984 27,404 Product design and development 24,652 23,375 23,131 Operating income 31,285 36,557 30,600 Nonoperating income (expense): Interest income 1,119 1,294 1,523 Interest expense (223 ) (255 ) (355 ) Other (expense) income, net (498 ) (355 ) (839 ) Income before income taxes 31,683 37,241 30,929 Income tax expense 10,801 15,035 8,150 Net income $ 20,882 $ 22,206 $ 22,779 Depreciation and amortization: Commercial $ 4,846 $ 4,243 $ 4,940 Live Events 4,610 4,461 4,473 High School Park and Recreation 1,836 2,053 2,233 Transportation 1,148 1,132 1,375 International 1,053 873 717 Unallocated corporate depreciation 1,475 1,739 1,869 $ 14,968 $ 14,501 $ 15,607
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: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Net sales: United States $ 494,860 $ 453,468 $ 430,242 Outside U.S. 121,082 98,502 88,080 $ 615,942 $ 551,970 $ 518,322 Long-lived assets: United States $ 67,882 $ 60,846 $ 60,060 Outside U.S. 4,962 4,424 1,565 $ 72,844 $ 65,270 $ 61,625

Marketable Securities (Tables)

Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities	As of May 2, 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 May 2, 2015: Certificates of deposit $ 11,409 $ — $ — $ 11,409 U.S. Government securities 1,000 1 — 1,001 U.S. Government sponsored entities 7,951 — (9 ) 7,942 Municipal bonds 4,989 5 — 4,994 $ 25,349 $ 6 $ (9 ) $ 25,346 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 bonds 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 May 2, 2015 were as follows: Less than 12 months 1-5 Years Total Certificates of deposit $ 3,211 $ 8,198 $ 11,409 U.S. Government securities 1,001 — 1,001 U.S. Government sponsored entities — 7,942 7,942 Municipal obligations 4,687 307 4,994 $ 8,899 $ 16,447 $ 25,346

Long-Lived Assets (Tables)

Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 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 fiscal year ended May 2, 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 division for theatre applications (22 ) — — — (22 ) Acquisition, net of cash acquired — — — 1,249 1,249 Foreign currency translation (38 ) (2 ) (38 ) (438 ) (516 ) Balance as of May 2, 2015: $ 2,321 $ 721 $ 91 $ 2,136 $ 5,269
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table sets forth the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by major intangible class as of May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 : May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 Weighted Average Life (in years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Value Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Value Definite-lived: Patents 10 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,282 $ 1,730 $ 552 Registered Trademarks 20 1,461 116 1,345 1,216 59 1,157 Other 10 608 129 479 648 78 570 17 2,069 245 1,824 4,146 1,867 2,279 Indefinite-lived: Registered trademarks — — — 401 — 401 $ 2,069 $ 245 $ 1,824 $ 4,547 $ 1,867 $ 2,680

Selected Financial Statement 33

Selected Financial Statement Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Raw materials $ 28,325 $ 27,660 Work-in-process 7,512 11,835 Finished goods 28,552 22,733 $ 64,389 $ 62,228
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings 7 - 40 Machinery and equipment 5 - 7 Office furniture and equipment 3 - 5 Computer software and hardware 3 - 5 Equipment held for rental 2 - 7 Demonstration equipment 3 - 5 Transportation equipment 5 - 7 Property and equipment consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Land $ 2,147 $ 2,539 Buildings 64,186 59,363 Machinery and equipment 80,664 72,787 Office furniture and equipment 15,823 15,754 Computer software and hardware 51,083 45,329 Equipment held for rental 803 868 Demonstration equipment 7,299 7,532 Transportation equipment 6,012 4,823 228,017 208,995 Less accumulated depreciation 155,173 143,725 $ 72,844 $ 65,270
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Compensation $ 12,137 $ 14,189 Taxes, other than income taxes 4,223 2,977 Other 9,703 6,296 $ 26,063 $ 23,462
Schedule of Other (Expense) Income	Other (expense) income, net consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Foreign currency transaction (losses) $ (514 ) $ (292 ) $ (319 ) Other 16 (63 ) (520 ) $ (498 ) $ (355 ) $ (839 )

Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)

Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Contractors [Abstract]
Summary of Uncompleted Contracts	Uncompleted contracts consisted of the following: May 2, April 26, Costs incurred $ 708,029 $ 486,430 Estimated earnings 237,239 166,250 945,268 652,680 Less billings to date 933,997 641,763 $ 11,271 $ 10,917
Costs in Excess of Billings	Uncompleted contracts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows: May 2, April 26, Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings $ 35,068 $ 33,400 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings (23,797 ) (22,483 ) $ 11,271 $ 10,917

Shareholders' Equity and Shar35

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	A summary of nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units for the years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 is as follows: Year Ended May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 April 27, 2013 Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Number of Nonvested Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding at beginning of year 318 $ 9.59 279 $ 9.74 242 $ 9.81 Granted 150 12.25 147 10.03 119 8.50 Vested (111 ) 9.83 (85 ) 9.47 (69 ) 12.05 Forfeited (13 ) 10.70 (23 ) 9.37 (13 ) 9.63 Outstanding at end of year 344 10.63 318 9.59 279 9.74
Schedule of Stock Option Award Activity	A summary of stock option activity under all stock option plans during the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 is as follows: Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at April 26, 2014 2,935 $ 13.77 5.00 $ 6,333 Granted 205 13.31 — — Canceled or forfeited (167 ) 14.57 — — Exercised (232 ) 10.84 — 533 Outstanding at May 2, 2015 2,741 $ 13.94 4.63 $ 2,258 Shares vested and expected to vest 2,714 $ 13.96 4.60 $ 2,244 Exercisable at May 2, 2015 2,018 $ 14.96 3.54 $ 1,802
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions	The following table provides the weighted-average fair value of options granted and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Fair value of options granted $ 5.44 $ 4.91 $ 3.43 Risk-free interest rate 1.93 - 2.14% 2.03 - 2.34% 0.71 - 1.13% Expected dividend rate 2.60 % 2.32% 2.43% Expected volatility 48.01 - 51.89% 54.09 - 54.37% 45.60 - 46.15% Expected life of option 5.84 - 6.95 years 5.9 - 6.9 years 5.9 - 6.8 years
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Expense by Award Type	The following table presents a summary of the share-based compensation expense by equity type as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Stock options $ 1,311 $ 1,451 $ 1,812 Restricted stock and stock units 1,234 1,000 765 Employee stock purchase plans 493 446 460 $ 3,038 $ 2,897 $ 3,037
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Expense	A summary of the share-based compensation expenses for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares issued under the ESPP for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 , April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013 is as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Cost of goods sold $ 737 $ 657 $ 633 Selling 825 810 856 General and administrative 908 859 980 Product design and development 568 571 568 $ 3,038 $ 2,897 $ 3,037

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Pretax Income Domestic and Foreign	The pretax income attributable to domestic and foreign operations was as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Domestic $ 29,194 $ 35,699 $ 27,667 Foreign 2,489 1,542 3,262 Income before income taxes $ 31,683 $ 37,241 $ 30,929
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense	Income tax expense consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Current: Federal $ 6,657 $ 11,342 $ 9,517 State 1,150 1,454 2,219 Foreign 848 696 754 Deferred: Federal 1,906 1,241 (3,114 ) State 307 667 (1,090 ) Foreign (67 ) (365 ) (136 ) $ 10,801 $ 15,035 $ 8,150
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate to income before income taxes is as follows: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Computed income tax expense (benefit) at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates $ 11,089 $ 13,035 $ 10,825 State taxes, net federal benefit 1,016 1,433 684 Research and development tax credit (1,292 ) (750 ) (1,804 ) Meals and entertainment 369 344 308 Stock compensation 566 586 466 Dividends paid to retirement plan (352 ) (328 ) (616 ) Domestic production activities deduction (529 ) (1,012 ) (976 ) Change in valuation allowances (2,295 ) 2,301 — Change in uncertain tax positions 2,357 111 (70 ) Other, net (128 ) (685 ) (667 ) $ 10,801 $ 15,035 $ 8,150
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the net deferred tax asset were as follows: May 2, April 26, Deferred tax assets: Warranty reserves $ 10,038 $ 10,432 Vacation accrual 1,808 1,510 Net losses on equity investments — 2,870 Deferred maintenance revenue 745 1,332 Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory 939 981 Equity compensation 828 899 Allowance for doubtful accounts 613 797 Inventory capitalization 531 306 Accrued compensation and benefits 1,124 1,397 Intangible assets — 56 Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange 554 206 Net operating loss carry forwards 791 766 Other 344 379 18,315 21,931 Valuation allowance on equity investments (52 ) (2,297 ) 18,263 19,634 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (7,249 ) (6,232 ) Prepaid expenses (577 ) (574 ) Other (34 ) (162 ) (7,860 ) (6,968 ) $ 10,403 $ 12,666
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Current and Non Current	The classification of net deferred tax assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is: May 2, April 26, Current assets $ 10,640 $ 10,694 Current liabilities — (27 ) Non-current assets 702 2,000 Non-current liabilities (939 ) (1 ) $ 10,403 $ 12,666
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The changes in the amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions are: May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 April 27, 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 494 $ 379 $ 449 Gross increases related to prior period tax positions 6 16 — Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions — — (11 ) Gross increases related to current period tax positions 2,496 99 129 Lapse of statute of limitations (105 ) — (188 ) Balance at end of year $ 2,891 $ 494 $ 379

Cash Flow Information (Tables)

Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities	The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, (Increase) decrease: Restricted cash $ 18 $ (466 ) $ 1,120 Account receivable 6,412 (18,293 ) 3,364 Long-term receivables 3,234 3,027 2,348 Inventories (1,907 ) (12,771 ) 6,656 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (1,667 ) 5,955 (16,335 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (575 ) (536 ) (658 ) Income taxes receivable (3,084 ) (2,414 ) 5,944 Advertising rights and other assets 912 64 386 Increase (decrease): Current marketing obligations and other payables (146 ) 372 3 Accounts payable 5,594 6,701 4,749 Customer deposits (1,315 ) 4,931 (450 ) Accrued liabilities 2,860 165 2,909 Warranty obligations (2,638 ) 543 884 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 1,314 8,238 (140 ) Long-term warranty obligations 1,869 1,560 2,048 Income taxes payable (666 ) (527 ) 1,023 Deferred revenue (250 ) (836 ) (577 ) Long-term marketing obligations and other payables 3,468 (501 ) (171 ) $ 13,433 $ (4,788 ) $ 13,103
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Cash payments for: Interest $ 289 $ 198 $ 420 Income taxes, net of refunds 8,690 16,521 5,422
Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities	Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consisted of the following: Year Ended May 2, April 26, April 27, Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory $ 34 $ 255 $ 612 Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable 1,510 2,099 1,207 Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan 2,512 1,552 1,482

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 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 May 2, 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 May 2, 2015: Cash and cash equivalents $ 57,284 $ — $ 57,284 Restricted cash 496 — 496 Available-for-sale securities: Certificates of deposit — 11,409 11,409 U.S. Government securities 1,001 — 1,001 U.S. Government sponsored entities — 7,942 7,942 Municipal obligations — 4,994 4,994 Derivatives - currency forward contracts — (283 ) (283 ) $ 58,781 $ 24,062 $ 82,843 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 Instrume39

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 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 May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 were as follows: May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 U.S. Dollars Foreign Currency U.S. Dollars Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts: U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars 1,487 1,918 455 512 U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars 4,129 4,923 — — U.S. Dollars/British Pounds 1,679 1,123 2,484 1,500 U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars 1,176 1,601 1,035 1,300 U.S. Dollars/Euros (229 ) 174 1,314 973 U.S. Dollars/Swiss Franc 5,662 5,500 — — U.S. Dollars/Japanese Yen 764 91,282 — —

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	Changes in our warranty liability for the fiscal years ended May 2, 2015 and April 26, 2014 consisted of the following: May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 Beginning accrued warranty costs $ 27,250 $ 25,146 Warranties issued during the period 14,113 13,008 Settlements made during the period (13,829 ) (13,796 ) Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations (1,053 ) 2,892 Ending accrued warranty costs $ 26,481 $ 27,250
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at May 2, 2015 : Fiscal years ending Amount 2016 $ 2,490 2017 1,324 2018 325 2019 68 2020 38 Thereafter — $ 4,245
Long-term Purchase Commitment	As of May 2, 2015 , we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $700 in conditional purchase commitments: Fiscal years ending Amount 2016 $ 1,973 2017 1,090 2018 295 2019 100 2020 — Thereafter — $ 3,458
Other Long-term Obligations	We are obligated to pay the following payments for an acquisition and for other various obligations. May 2, 2015 April 26, 2014 Advertising $ 700 $ 620 Deferred purchase price 1,476 2,375 Total Outstanding 2,176 2,995 Less: current liability 555 728 Other long-term obligations $ 1,621 $ 2,267

Quarterly Financial Data (Una41

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data: Fiscal 2015 Quarter Ended August 2, November 1, January 31, May 2, Net sales $ 166,618 $ 173,115 $ 118,123 $ 158,086 Gross profit 43,403 40,877 25,062 35,237 Net income 8,745 7,737 561 3,839 Basic earnings per share 0.20 0.18 0.01 0.09 Diluted earnings per share 0.20 0.18 0.01 0.09 Fiscal 2014 Quarter Ended July 27, October 26, January 25, April 26, Net sales $ 138,722 $ 161,639 $ 115,369 $ 136,240 Gross profit 35,502 43,365 29,089 33,754 Net income 5,719 11,790 2,871 1,826 Basic earnings per share 0.13 0.28 0.07 0.04 Diluted earnings per share 0.13 0.27 0.07 0.04

Nature of Business and Summar42

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cost method investments	$ 1,071	$ 224

Nature of Business and Summar43

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Sales returns, reserve	$ 15	$ 14
Deferred revenue period for recognition of product maintenance contracts	10 years
Percentage of net sales from services	8.20%	8.40%	9.00%

Nature of Business and Summar44

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 14,764	$ 14,137	$ 15,379
Buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	40 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Computer software and hardware | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Computer software and hardware | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Equipment held for rental | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	2 years
Equipment held for rental | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years
Demonstration equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Demonstration equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Transportation equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Transportation equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years

Nature of Business and Summar45

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Accrued expenses
Self-insurance liability	$ 1,783	$ 1,656

Nature of Business and Summar46

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Advertising Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Advertising expense	$ 2,318	$ 1,694	$ 1,584

Nature of Business and Summar47

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2013	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Net income
Basic earnings per share	$ 3,839	$ 561	$ 7,737	$ 8,745	$ 1,826	$ 2,871	$ 11,790	$ 5,719	$ 20,882	$ 22,206	$ 22,779
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans									0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share									$ 20,882	$ 22,206	$ 22,779
Shares
Basic earnings per share (in shares)									43,514	42,886	42,280
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in shares)									929	876	341
Diluted earnings per share (in shares)									44,443	43,762	42,621
Per share income (loss)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.01	$ 0.18	$ 0.20	$ 0.04	$ 0.07	$ 0.28	$ 0.13	$ 0.48	$ 0.52	$ 0.54
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in dollars per share)									(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.01)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.01	$ 0.18	$ 0.20	$ 0.04	$ 0.07	$ 0.27	$ 0.13	$ 0.47	$ 0.51	$ 0.53
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)									1,462	1,564	2,672
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)									$ 18.42	$ 18.64	$ 15.09

Segment Reporting - Net Income

Segment Reporting - Net Income by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 25, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 26, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 27, 2013USD ($)	May. 02, 2015USD ($)segment	Apr. 26, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 27, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information
Number of business units | segment									5
Net sales	$ 158,086	$ 118,123	$ 173,115	$ 166,618	$ 136,240	$ 115,369	$ 161,639	$ 138,722	$ 615,942	$ 551,970	$ 518,322
Contribution margin									86,616	87,916	81,135
Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative									30,679	27,984	27,404
Product design and development									24,652	23,375	23,131
Operating income									31,285	36,557	30,600
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income									1,119	1,294	1,523
Interest expense									(223)	(255)	(355)
Other (expense) income, net									(498)	(355)	(839)
Income before income taxes									31,683	37,241	30,929
Income tax expense									10,801	15,035	8,150
Net income	$ 3,839	$ 561	$ 7,737	$ 8,745	$ 1,826	$ 2,871	$ 11,790	$ 5,719	20,882	22,206	22,779
Depreciation and amortization									14,968	14,501	15,607
Commerical
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									165,793	154,754	144,596
Contribution margin									28,541	30,313	24,241
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation and amortization									4,846	4,243	4,940
Live Events
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									231,877	197,246	158,562
Contribution margin									27,334	30,503	19,071
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation and amortization									4,610	4,461	4,473
High School Park and Recreation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									67,657	59,531	66,128
Contribution margin									11,125	5,474	8,150
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation and amortization									1,836	2,053	2,233
Transportation
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									48,333	54,861	73,270
Contribution margin									10,404	12,810	21,330
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation and amortization									1,148	1,132	1,375
International
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									102,282	85,578	75,766
Contribution margin									9,212	8,816	8,343
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation and amortization									1,053	873	717
Unallocated corporate depreciation
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation and amortization									$ 1,475	$ 1,739	$ 1,869

Segment Reporting - Net Sales a

Segment Reporting - Net Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 615,942	$ 551,970	$ 518,322
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	72,844	65,270	61,625
United States
Net sales:
Net sales	494,860	453,468	430,242
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	67,882	60,846	60,060
Outside U.S.
Net sales:
Net sales	121,082	98,502	88,080
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	$ 4,962	$ 4,424	$ 1,565

Marketable Securities - Availab

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 25,349	$ 25,392
Unrealized Gains	6	14
Unrealized Losses	(9)	(8)
Fair Value	25,346	25,398
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	11,409	7,734
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	11,409	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	7,951	8,349
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	(9)	(8)
Fair Value	7,942	8,341
Municipal obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	4,989	7,309
Unrealized Gains	5	12
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$ 4,994	$ 7,321

Marketable Securities - Avail51

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale by Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	$ 8,899
Greater than 12 months	16,447
Total	25,346
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	3,211
Greater than 12 months	8,198
Total	11,409
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	7,942
Total	7,942
Municipal obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	4,687
Greater than 12 months	307
Total	$ 4,994

Business Combinations (Details)

Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

May. 02, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Nov. 01, 2014

Aug. 02, 2014

Apr. 26, 2014

Jan. 25, 2014

Oct. 26, 2013

Jul. 27, 2013

May. 02, 2015

Apr. 26, 2014

Apr. 27, 2013

Aug. 11, 2014

May. 08, 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill acquired

$ 1,249

Net sales

$ 158,086

$ 118,123

$ 173,115

$ 166,618

$ 136,240

$ 115,369

$ 161,639

$ 138,722

615,942

$ 551,970

$ 518,322

General and administrative

30,679

27,984

27,404

International

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill acquired

1,249

Net sales

102,282

85,578

$ 75,766

OPEN

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage acquired

100.00%

Goodwill acquired

1,249

Property and equipment acquired

2,658

Inventory acquired

2,038

Other current assets acquired

833

Liabilities acquired

1,230

Long-term debt acquired

4,155

Deferred payments

$ 2,375

Deferred payments period

5 years

OPEN | International

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Net sales

4,218

General and administrative

44

$ 146

OPEN | Trade Names

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 1,160

Acquired intangible assets useful life

20 years

OPEN | Customer Lists

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 582

Acquired intangible assets useful life

9 years

Data Display [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage acquired

100.00%

Goodwill acquired

1,249

Property and equipment acquired

$ 1,433

Other Noncurrent Assets acquired

437

Inventory acquired

2,773

Receivables acquired

3,380

Other current assets acquired

1,869

Liabilities acquired

3,616

Long term debt obligations

$ 950

Data Display [Member] | International

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Net sales

8,138

General and administrative

$ 434

Data Display [Member] | Unpatented Technology [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 480

Acquired intangible assets useful life

20 years

Data Display [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 84

Acquired intangible assets useful life

18 years

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manuf53

Sale of Theatre Rigging Manufacturing (Details) - Theatre Rigging Manufacturing [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain from sale of division	$ 1,261
Assets sold		$ 2,817
Accounts payable sold		$ 355

Long-Lived Assets - Goodwill (D

Long-Lived Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	$ 4,558
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	(22)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	1,249
Foreign currency translation	(516)
Balance as of May 2, 2015:	5,269
Live Events
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	2,381
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	(22)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(38)
Balance as of May 2, 2015:	2,321
Commerical
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	723
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(2)
Balance as of May 2, 2015:	721
Transportation
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	129
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(38)
Balance as of May 2, 2015:	91
International
Goodwill
Balance as of April 26, 2014:	1,325
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	1,249
Foreign currency translation	(438)
Balance as of May 2, 2015:	$ 2,136

Long-Lived Assets - Narrative (

Long-Lived Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated amortization, 2016	$ 141
Estimated amortization, 2017	141
Estimated amortization, 2018	132
Estimated amortization, 2019	132
Estimated amortization, 2020	132
Estimated amortization, after 2020	$ 1,146

Long-Lived Assets - Intangible

Long-Lived Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	17 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,069	$ 4,146
Accumulated Amortization	245	1,867
Definite-lived, Net Value	1,824	2,279
Indefinite-lived assets	0	401
Definite-lived and Indefinite lived, Gross Carrying Amount	2,069	4,547
Intangibles, net	$ 1,824	2,680
Patents
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 0	2,282
Accumulated Amortization	0	1,730
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 0	552
Trademarks
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	20 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,461	1,216
Accumulated Amortization	116	59
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 1,345	1,157
Other
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 608	648
Accumulated Amortization	129	78
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 479	$ 570

Selected Financial Statement 57

Selected Financial Statement Data - Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 28,325	$ 27,660
Work-in-process	7,512	11,835
Finished goods	28,552	22,733
Inventories	64,389	62,228
Inventory allowance	$ 3,998	$ 2,692

Selected Financial Statement 58

Selected Financial Statement Data - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 228,017	$ 208,995
Less accumulated depreciation	155,173	143,725
Property and equipment, net	72,844	65,270
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	2,147	2,539
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	64,186	59,363
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	80,664	72,787
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	15,823	15,754
Computer software and hardware
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	51,083	45,329
Equipment held for rental
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	803	868
Demonstration equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,299	7,532
Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 6,012	$ 4,823

Selected Financial Statement 59

Selected Financial Statement Data - Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 12,137	$ 14,189
Taxes, other than income taxes	4,223	2,977
Other	9,703	6,296
Accrued expenses	$ 26,063	$ 23,462

Selected Financial Statement 60

Selected Financial Statement Data - Other (Expense) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$ (514)	$ (292)	$ (319)
Other	16	(63)	(520)
Other (expense) income, net	$ (498)	$ (355)	$ (839)

Uncompleted Contracts - Summary

Uncompleted Contracts - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs incurred	$ 708,029	$ 486,430
Estimated earnings	237,239	166,250
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	945,268	652,680
Less billings to date	933,997	641,763
Costs in excess of billings, net	$ 11,271	$ 10,917

Uncompleted Contracts - Costs i

Uncompleted Contracts - Costs in Excess of Billings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$ 35,068	$ 33,400
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(23,797)	(22,483)
Costs in excess of billings, net	$ 11,271	$ 10,917

Receivables - (Details)

Receivables - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Receivables
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,316	$ 2,539
Retainage on construction-type contracts, expected to be collected in one year	385	2,098
Financing Receivable
Receivables
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, present value	9,874	13,112
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, face amount	$ 10,976	$ 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%

Financing Agreements - (Details

Financing Agreements - (Details) - May. 02, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, actual, fixed charge coverage ratio	4700.00%
Debt instrument, actual, interest-bearing debt, ratio	4.00%
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 35,000
Effective interest rate	1.60%
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.125%
Debt instrument, restrictive covenants, fixed charge coverage ratio	200.00%
Debt instrument, restrictive covenants, capital expenditure reserve, amount	$ 6,000
Debt instrument, restrictive covenants, interest-bearing debt, ratio	100.00%
Standby Letters of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 15,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	10,960
Foreign Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 40,000
Debt instrument, restrictive covenants, fixed charge coverage ratio	200.00%
Debt instrument, restrictive covenants, capital expenditure reserve, amount	$ 6,000
Debt instrument, restrictive covenants, interest-bearing debt, ratio	100.00%
Bank Guarantees
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 2,655
LIBOR | Minimum | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	145.00%
LIBOR | Maximum | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	195.00%

Shareholders' Equity and Shar65

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Apr. 26, 2014USD ($)shares	Apr. 27, 2013USD ($)shares	May. 01, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	120,000,000
Common purchase right per common stock	1
Conversion ratio for rights to common stock	0.10
Share price | $ / shares	$ 100
Days following ownership announcement option one	10 days
Percentage of ownership	15.00%
Days following ownership announcement, option two	10 days
Shares available for grant	27,000
Weighted-average period for unrecognized costs	2 years 9 months 18 days
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	2,018,000
Exercised, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 533	$ 1,534	$ 562
Fair value of vested options | $	$ 1,294	$ 1,541	$ 1,898
Stock issued for ESPP	248,000	195,000	214,000
Nonvested unrecognized compensation expense | $	$ 5,136
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | $	2,513	$ 4,954	$ 1,316
Tax benefit from share based payments | $	$ 3	(126)	346
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award life	10 years
Vesting period	5 years
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Weighted-average period for unrecognized costs	3 years 1 month 6 days
Fair value | $	$ 1,089	$ 804	$ 666
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs | $	$ 2,751
In The Money Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 10.75
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	953,000
Employee Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Shares available for grant	2,500,000
Requisite service period	6 months
Employee maximum contribution percentage	15.00%
Percentage of purchase price at the lower of the fair market value	85.00%
Purchase discount percentage	15.00%
Shares reserved for future issuance	742,000
Independent Directors | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award life	7 years
Vesting period	1 year			3 years
Independent Directors | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	115,000,000
Undesignated Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	5,000,000

Shareholders' Equity and Shar66

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Nonvested Restricted Stock and RSU Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Number of Nonvested Shares
Outstanding at beginning of year, Nonvested Shares	318	279	242
Granted, Nonvested Shares	150	147	119
Vested, Nonvested Shares	(111)	(85)	(69)
Forfeited, Nonvested Shares	(13)	(23)	(13)
Outstanding at end of year, Nonvested Shares	344	318	279
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of year, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$ 9.59	$ 9.74	$ 9.81
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	12.25	10.03	8.50
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	9.83	9.47	12.05
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	10.70	9.37	9.63
Outstanding at end of year, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$ 10.63	$ 9.59	$ 9.74

Shareholders' Equity and Shar67

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Stock Options
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	2,935
Granted, Shares	205
Canceled or forfeited, Shares	(167)
Exercised, Shares	(232)
Outstanding at end of year, Shares	2,741	2,935
Shares vested and expected to vest	2,714
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	2,018
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of year, (usd per share)	$ 13.77
Granted, (usd per share)	13.31
Canceled or forfeited, (usd per share)	14.57
Exercised, (usd per share)	10.84
Outstanding at end of year, (usd per share)	13.94	$ 13.77
Shares vested and expected to vest (usd per share)	13.96
Exercisable at end of year (usd per share)	$ 14.96
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2	4 years 7 months 17 days	5 years
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2	4 years 7 months 17 days	5 years
Vested and expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 7 months 6 days
Exercisable at end of period, weighted average remaining contractual life	3 years 6 months 15 days
Outstanding, beginning of period, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 6,333
Exercised, aggregate intrinsic value	533	$ 1,534	$ 562
Outstanding, end of period, aggregate intrinsic value	2,258	$ 6,333
Shares vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	2,244
Exercisable at end of period, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 1,802

Shareholders' Equity and Shar68

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Assumptions used in Black-Scholes Model (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of options granted	$ 5.44	$ 4.91	$ 3.43
Expected dividend rate	2.60%	2.32%	2.43%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.93%	2.03%	0.71%
Expected volatility	48.01%	54.09%	45.60%
Expected life of option	5 years 10 months 2 days	5 years 10 months 24 days	5 years 10 months 24 days
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.14%	2.34%	1.13%
Expected volatility	51.89%	54.37%	46.15%
Expected life of option	6 years 11 months 12 days	6 years 10 months 24 days	6 years 9 months 18 days

Shareholders' Equity and Shar69

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense by Award Type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 3,038	$ 2,897	$ 3,037
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	1,311	1,451	1,812
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	1,234	1,000	765
Employee Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 493	$ 446	$ 460

Shareholders' Equity and Shar70

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 3,038	$ 2,897	$ 3,037
Cost of goods sold
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	737	657	633
Selling
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	825	810	856
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	908	859	980
Product design and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 568	$ 571	$ 568

Employee Benefit Plans - (Detai

Employee Benefit Plans - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of matching contribution	50.00%
Maximum annual contribution percentage	6.00%
Award requisite service period	1 year
Minimum age attained for award	21 years
Minimum hours worked	1000 hours
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	$ 2,115	$ 1,859	$ 1,713
Officers and Former Director
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	23	23	$ 23
Contribution plan, accrued interest	$ 433	$ 522
Lump sum distribution period, option one	5 years
Lump sum distribution period, option two	10 years
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	$ 93

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$ 52	$ 2,297
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	10,437
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, gross	18,315	21,931
Interest and penalties	14	20	$ 10
Accrued interest or penalties	16	$ 15
International
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	2,386
Deferred tax assets, gross	$ 800

Income Taxes - Pretax Income Do

Income Taxes - Pretax Income Domestic and Foreign (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 29,194	$ 35,699	$ 27,667
Foreign	2,489	1,542	3,262
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 31,683	$ 37,241	$ 30,929

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 6,657	$ 11,342	$ 9,517
State	1,150	1,454	2,219
Foreign	848	696	754
Deferred:
Federal	1,906	1,241	(3,114)
State	307	667	(1,090)
Foreign	(67)	(365)	(136)
Income tax expense	$ 10,801	$ 15,035	$ 8,150

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed income tax expense (benefit) at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates	$ 11,089	$ 13,035	$ 10,825
State taxes, net federal benefit	1,016	1,433	684
Research and development tax credit	(1,292)	(750)	(1,804)
Meals and entertainment	369	344	308
Stock compensation	566	586	466
Dividends paid to retirement plan	(352)	(328)	(616)
Domestic production activities deduction	(529)	(1,012)	(976)
Change in valuation allowances	(2,295)	2,301	0
Change in uncertain tax positions	2,357	111	(70)
Other, net	(128)	(685)	(667)
Income tax expense	$ 10,801	$ 15,035	$ 8,150

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Deferred taxes assets:
Warranty reserves	$ 10,038	$ 10,432
Vacation accrual	1,808	1,510
Net losses on equity investments	0	2,870
Deferred maintenance revenue	745	1,332
Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory	939	981
Equity compensation	828	899
Allowance for doubtful accounts	613	797
Inventory capitalization	531	306
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,124	1,397
Intangible assets	0	56
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses	554	206
Net operating loss carry forwards	791	766
Other	344	379
Deferred tax assets, gross	18,315	21,931
Valuation allowance on equity investments	(52)	(2,297)
Deferred tax assets net of valuation	18,263	19,634
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(7,249)	(6,232)
Prepaid expenses	(577)	(574)
Other	(34)	(162)
Deferred tax liabilities, gross	(7,860)	(6,968)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 10,403	$ 12,666

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax A77

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Current and Non Current (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 10,640	$ 10,694
Current liabilities	0	(27)
Non-current assets	702	2,000
Non-current liabilities	(939)	(1)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 10,403	$ 12,666

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$ 494	$ 379	$ 449
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	6	16	0
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	0	0	(11)
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	2,496	99	129
Lapse of statute of limitations	(105)	0	(188)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$ 2,891	$ 494	$ 379

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax A79

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets By Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Deferred Tax Assets By Location [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, gross	$ 18,315	$ 21,931
International
Deferred Tax Assets By Location [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, gross	$ 800

Cash Flow Information - Change

Cash Flow Information - Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
(Increase) decrease:
Restricted cash	$ 18	$ (466)	$ 1,120
Accounts receivable	6,412	(18,293)	3,364
Long-term receivables	3,234	3,027	2,348
Inventories	(1,907)	(12,771)	6,656
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	(1,667)	5,955	(16,335)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(575)	(536)	(658)
Income taxes receivable	(3,084)	(2,414)	5,944
Advertising rights and other assets	912	64	386
Increase (decrease):
Current marketing obligations and other payables	(146)	372	3
Accounts Payable	5,594	6,701	4,749
Customer deposits	(1,315)	4,931	(450)
Accrued Liabilities	2,860	165	2,909
Short-term warranty obligation	(2,638)	543	884
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	1,314	8,238	(140)
Long-term warranty obligations	1,869	1,560	2,048
Income taxes payable	(666)	(527)	1,023
Long-term deferred revenue	(250)	(836)	(577)
Other long-term obligations	3,468	(501)	(171)
Change in operating assets and liabilities	$ 13,433	$ (4,788)	$ 13,103

Cash Flow Information - Supplem

Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Cash payments for:
Interest	$ 289	$ 198	$ 420
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 8,690	$ 16,521	$ 5,422

Cash Flow Information - Non-Cas

Cash Flow Information - Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	$ 34	$ 255	$ 612
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	1,510	2,099	1,207
Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan	$ 2,512	$ 1,552	$ 1,482

Fair Value Measurement - (Detai

Fair Value Measurement - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	$ 25,346	$ 25,398
Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	11,409	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:	7,942	8,341
Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	4,994	7,321
Recurring Basis | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	57,284	45,054
Restricted cash	496	514
Derivatives - currency forward contracts	0	0
Assets, net	58,781	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 contracts	(283)	(85)
Assets, net	24,062	23,311
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	11,409	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:	7,942	8,341
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	4,994	7,321
Recurring Basis | Total
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	57,284	45,054
Restricted cash	496	514
Derivatives - currency forward contracts	(283)	(85)
Assets, net	82,843	70,881
Recurring Basis | Total | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	11,409	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:	7,942	8,341
Recurring Basis | Total | Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	$ 4,994	$ 7,321

Derivative Financial Instrume84

Derivative Financial Instruments - (Details) € in Thousands, SGD in Thousands, CAD in Thousands, AUD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015USD ($)	May. 02, 2015CAD	May. 02, 2015EUR (€)	May. 02, 2015AUD	May. 02, 2015SGD	Apr. 26, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2014CAD	Apr. 26, 2014EUR (€)	Apr. 26, 2014AUD	Apr. 26, 2014SGD
Recurring Basis | Level 2
Derivative
Fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$ (283)					$ (85)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	1,487			AUD 1,918		455			AUD 512
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	4,129	CAD 4,923				0	CAD 0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | U.S. Dollars/British Pounds
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	1,679	CAD 1,123				2,484	CAD 1,500
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | U.S. Dollars/Singapore
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	1,176				SGD 1,601	1,035				SGD 1,300
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | U.S. Dollars/Euros
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	(229)		€ 174			1,314		€ 973
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | U.S. Dollars/Swiss Franc
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	5,662		5,500			0		0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | U.S. Dollars/Japanese Yen
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	$ 764		€ 91,282			$ 0		€ 0

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Guarantees and Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual
Beginning accrued warranty costs	$ 27,250	$ 25,146
Warranties issued during the period	14,113	13,008
Settlements made during the period	(13,829)	(13,796)
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	(1,053)	2,892
Ending accrued warranty costs	$ 26,481	27,250
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 Leased Equipment Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations
Total Obligations	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
Performance guarantees | Letter of credit and bank guarantees agreements
Guarantees:
Performance guarantees outstanding	13,615
Performance guarantees | Surety bonds
Guarantees:
Performance guarantees outstanding	$ 42,720

Commitments and Contingencies86

Commitments and Contingencies - Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Operating Leased Assets
Operating leases, rent expense	$ 2,714	$ 2,742	$ 2,749
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
2,014	2,490
2,015	1,324
2,016	325
2,017	68
2,018	38
Thereafter	0
Total	4,245
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 Contingencies87

Commitments and Contingencies - Purchase Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Conditional purchase commitment	$ 700
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity
2,014	1,973
2,015	1,090
2,016	295
2,017	100
2,018	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 3,458

Commitments and Contingencies88

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Long-term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 2,176	$ 2,995
Less: current liability	555	728
Other long-term obligations	1,621	2,267
Advertising
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	700	620
Deferred purchase price
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 1,476	$ 2,375

Subsequent Events - (Details)

Subsequent Events - (Details) - $ / shares	May. 29, 2015	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared (usd per share)		$ 0.40	$ 0.39	$ 0.73
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared (usd per share)	$ 0.10

Quarterly Financial Data (Una90

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	May. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2014	Jan. 25, 2014	Oct. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2013	May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 158,086	$ 118,123	$ 173,115	$ 166,618	$ 136,240	$ 115,369	$ 161,639	$ 138,722	$ 615,942	$ 551,970	$ 518,322
Gross profit	35,237	25,062	40,877	43,403	33,754	29,089	43,365	35,502	144,579	141,710	133,894
Net income	$ 3,839	$ 561	$ 7,737	$ 8,745	$ 1,826	$ 2,871	$ 11,790	$ 5,719	$ 20,882	$ 22,206	$ 22,779
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.01	$ 0.18	$ 0.20	$ 0.04	$ 0.07	$ 0.28	$ 0.13	$ 0.48	$ 0.52	$ 0.54
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.01	$ 0.18	$ 0.20	$ 0.04	$ 0.07	$ 0.27	$ 0.13	$ 0.47	$ 0.51	$ 0.53

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND Q91

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		May. 02, 2015	Apr. 26, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year		$ 2,539	$ 2,718	$ 2,398
Charged to Costs and Expenses		(146)	860	782
Charged to Other Accounts		0	0	0
Deductions	[1]	(73)	(1,039)	(462)
Balance at End of Year		2,320	2,539	2,718
Allowance for Excess and Obsolete Inventories
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year		2,692	3,286	2,851
Charged to Costs and Expenses		2,701	1,219	3,094
Charged to Other Accounts	[2]	2	(1)	1
Deductions	[3]	(1,397)	(1,812)	(2,660)
Balance at End of Year		$ 3,998	$ 2,692	$ 3,286
[1]	(b) Write-off of uncollected accounts, net of collections
[2]	(a) Translation adjustment on foreign subsidiary balances
[3]	(c) Obsolete and excess inventory disposals