Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017	Jun. 05, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	Apr. 29, 2017
Entity Registrant Name	DAKTRONICS INC /SD/
Entity Central Index Key	0000915779
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-29
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 369,635,310
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		44,183,666
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,623	$ 28,328
Restricted cash	216	198
Marketable securities	32,713	24,672
Accounts receivable, net	78,846	77,554
Inventories, net	66,486	69,827
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	36,403	30,200
Current maturities of long-term receivables	2,274	3,172
Prepaid expenses and other assets	7,553	6,468
Income tax receivables	611	4,812
Total current assets	257,725	245,231
Property and equipment, net	66,749	73,163
Long-term receivables, less current maturities	2,616	3,866
Goodwill	7,812	8,116
Intangibles, net	4,705	7,721
Investment in affiliates and other assets	4,534	2,414
Deferred income taxes	11,292	9,437
TOTAL ASSETS	355,433	349,948
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	51,499	43,441
Accrued expenses	25,033	23,532
Warranty obligations	13,578	16,564
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	10,897	10,361
Customer deposits (billed or collected)	14,498	16,012
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)	12,137	10,712
Current portion of other long-term obligations	1,409	585
Income taxes payable	1,544	310
Total current liabilities	130,595	121,517
Long-term warranty obligations	14,321	13,932
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected)	5,434	5,603
Other long-term obligations	2,848	4,059
Long-term income tax payable	3,113	3,016
Deferred income taxes	836	754
Total long-term liabilities	26,552	27,364
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 44,372,357 and 43,998,635 shares issued at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively	52,530	51,347
Additional paid-in capital	38,004	35,351
Retained earnings	113,967	117,276
Treasury Stock, at cost, 303,957 and 19,680 shares at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively	(1,834)	(9)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,381)	(2,898)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	198,286	201,067
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 355,433	$ 349,948

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
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)	44,372,357	43,998,635
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	303,957	19,680

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 586,539	$ 570,168	$ 615,942
Cost of goods sold	446,124	449,149	471,363
Gross profit	140,415	121,019	144,579
Operating expenses:
Selling expense	61,687	58,812	57,963
General and administrative	34,226	32,801	30,679
Product design and development	29,081	26,911	24,652
Total operating expenses	124,994	118,524	113,294
Operating income	15,421	2,495	31,285
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	751	987	1,119
Interest expense	(230)	(228)	(223)
Other (expense) income, net	(354)	(128)	(498)
Income before income taxes	15,588	3,126	31,683
Income tax expense	5,246	1,065	10,801
Net income	$ 10,342	$ 2,061	$ 20,882
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	44,114	43,990	43,514
Diluted (in shares)	44,303	44,456	44,443
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.05	$ 0.48
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.23	0.05	0.47
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.310	$ 0.4	$ 0.4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 10,342	$ 2,061	$ 20,882
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Cumulative translation adjustments	(1,472)	(529)	(2,358)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(11)	7	(22)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,483)	(522)	(2,380)
Comprehensive income	$ 8,859	$ 1,539	$ 18,502

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at Beginning 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) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(22)					(22)
Net tax benefit 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)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	2,061			2,061
Cumulative translation adjustments	(529)					(529)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	7					7
Net tax benefit related to share-based compensation	3		3
Share-based compensation	2,958		2,958
Exercise of stock options	307	610	(303)
Employee savings plan activity	1,777	1,777
Dividends paid	(17,556)			(17,556)
Balance at End of Period at Apr. 30, 2016	201,067	51,347	35,351	117,276	(9)	(2,898)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	10,342			10,342
Cumulative translation adjustments	(1,472)					(1,472)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(11)					(11)
Share-based compensation	2,914		2,914
Exercise of stock options	82	343	(261)
Employee savings plan activity	840	840
Dividends paid	(13,651)			(13,651)
Treasury stock purchase	(1,825)				(1,825)
Balance at End of Period at Apr. 29, 2017	$ 198,286	$ 52,530	$ 38,004	$ 113,967	$ (1,834)	$ (4,381)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 10,342	$ 2,061	$ 20,882
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	18,562	16,943	15,136
Impairment of intangible assets	830	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of property, equipment and other assets	36	(71)	(1,207)
Share-based compensation	2,914	2,958	3,038
Gain on sale of equity investee	0	(119)	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,426	481	(222)
Deferred income taxes, net	(2,043)	911	2,146
Change in operating assets and liabilities	7,322	(9,583)	13,740
Net cash provided by operating activities	39,389	13,581	53,513
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	(8,502)	(17,056)	(21,837)
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets	199	152	4,037
Purchases of marketable securities	(24,159)	(21,286)	(15,653)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	15,928	21,862	15,532
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments	0	377	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(1,646)	(7,867)	(6,306)
Net cash used in investing activities	(18,180)	(23,818)	(24,227)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on notes payable	(8)	(38)	(81)
Principal payments on long-term obligations	(921)	(467)	(1,163)
Dividends paid	(13,651)	(17,556)	(17,377)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	343	610	2,513
Payments for common shares repurchased	(1,825)	0	0
Tax payments related to RSU issuances	(261)	(303)	(307)
Net cash used in financing activities	(16,323)	(17,754)	(16,415)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	(591)	(965)	(641)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	4,295	(28,956)	12,230
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period	28,328	57,284	45,054
End of period	$ 32,623	$ 28,328	$ 57,284

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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 Critical 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, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The years ended April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016, and May 2, 2015 contained operating results for 52, 52, and 53-weeks, respectively.

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in affiliates: Investments in affiliates over which we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Investments in affiliates over which we do not have the ability to exert significant influence over the affiliate's operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. We have evaluated our relationships with our affiliates and have determined that these entities are not variable interest entities.

During fiscal 2017, we determined that through increased ownership levels, we had significant influence over one of our affiliates. The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the equity method was $2,678 and $0 at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively. The equity method requires us to report our share of losses up to our equity investment amount. When the equity investment is reduced to zero, we recognize losses to the extent of and as an adjustment to the other investments in the affiliate in order of seniority or priority in liquidation. Cash paid for investments in affiliates is included in the "Acquisitions, net of cash acquired" line item in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Our proportional share of the respective affiliate’s earnings or losses is included in the "Other (expense) income, net" line item in our consolidated statements of operations. For the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, our share of the losses of our affiliates was $136.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $42 and $1,211 at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, 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; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period; and our ability to continue as a going concern. 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 long-term construction-type contracts, estimated costs to be incurred for product warranties and extended maintenance contracts, excess and obsolete inventory, the allowance 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) and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.

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 $42 and $93 at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, 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 labor overhead, equipment, 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 are 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 10.5 percent, 9.7 percent and 8.2 percent of net sales for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, respectively.

Software: We follow ASC 985-605, Software-Revenue Recognition. Revenues from software license fees on sales, other than construction-type contracts, are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. Subscription-based licenses include the right for a customer to use our licenses and receive related support for a specified term and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement.

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.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets 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.

During fiscal 2017, we recognized an impairment loss of $830 on intangible assets related to a technology and customer list. No intangible asset impairment was recognized for fiscal 2016. See "Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for further information.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: We account for goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives in accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other. 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. These assumptions could deviate materially from actual results.

Software costs for internal use: 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.

Software costs to be sold, leased, or marketed: We follow the provisions of ASC 985, Software, which states software development costs are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established. At such time, such costs are capitalized until the product is made available for release to customers. Additionally, costs incurred after release to customers are expensed as research and development expenses. As of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, we had $1,759 and $3,000 of capitalized software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed.

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 $2,367 and $2,314 at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, 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 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 recognize 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: We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive 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 represents net income 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 has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent. In accordance with ASC 220 and ASU 2011-05, we disclose comprehensive loss on separate consolidated statements 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 technologies and the development of new products and technologies.

Advertising costs: We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $2,125, $2,209 and $2,318 for the fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended 2017, 2016 and 2015:



	Net income		Shares	Per share income
For the year ended April 29, 2017:
Basic earnings per share	$	10,342	44,114	$	0.23
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		189	—
Diluted earnings per share	$	10,342	44,303	$	0.23
For the year ended April 30, 2016:
Basic earnings per share	$	2,061	43,990	$	0.05
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		466	—
Diluted earnings per share	$	2,061	44,456	$	0.05
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

Options outstanding to purchase 2,112, 2,122 and 1,462 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.30, $15.04 and $18.42 per share during the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017, April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, 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

Accounting Standards Adopted

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax effects when awards vest or settle, repurchase of employees’ shares to satisfy statutory tax withholding obligations, an option to account for forfeitures as they occur, and classification of certain amounts on the statements of cash flows. Early adoption of ASU 2016-09 was permitted, and we adopted it during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. We elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period. Provisions related to income taxes have been adopted prospectively. Provisions related to the statements of cash flows have been adopted retrospectively but did not have a material impact on our statements of cash flows. This reclassification has been made to conform fiscal 2016 and 2015 to the fiscal 2017 classifications of the statements of cash flows for comparative purposes.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changes the measurement principle of inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance will require prospective application at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2018, but it permits adoption in an earlier period. ASU 2015-11 was adopted by the Company effective May 1, 2016 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 amends FASB ASC 205-40 Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern, by providing guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going-concern uncertainties in their financial statements, including requiring management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity’s financial statements and providing certain disclosures if there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. We adopted this guidance on April 29, 2017, and management assessed our ability to continue as a going concern, which did not identify any conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and it will require adoption on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this accounting guidance will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory, which is intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party, which is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). This update eliminates the exception by requiring entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this accounting guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statements of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and it will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case we would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this accounting guidance will have on our consolidated cash flows and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (that is, lessees and lessors). This update requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this accounting guidance will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has also issued ASUs 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, and 2016-20 to clarify guidance with respect to principal versus agent considerations, the identification of performance obligations and licensing, and guidance on certain narrow areas and to add practical expedients. We will adopt ASU 2014-09 and related guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We have commenced a process to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our contracts, including identifying potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new guidance. In fiscal 2017, we made progress in reviewing our various types of revenue arrangements. We have also started drafting accounting policies and evaluating the new disclosure requirements on our business processes, controls and systems. As a result of the review performed to date, we do not anticipate that the adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial statements, and related disclosures. However, our initial conclusion may change as we finalize our assessment.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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), Out-of-Home ("OOH") companies, 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 primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy^® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary education facilities. 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. In our International business unit, we focus on product lines related to integrated scoring and video display systems for sports and commercial applications, OOH advertising products, and European transportation related products.

Our segment reporting presents 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 Critical Accounting Policies". Unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation 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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Net sales:
Commercial	$	148,073		$	148,261		$	165,793
Live Events	213,982			205,151			231,877
High School Park and Recreation	82,798			70,035			67,657
Transportation	52,426			52,249			48,333
International	89,260			94,472			102,282
	586,539			570,168			615,942

Contribution margin:
Commercial	18,046			13,210			28,541
Live Events	27,750			23,178			27,334
High School Park and Recreation	16,114			10,314			11,125
Transportation	13,465			12,466			10,404
International	3,353			3,039			9,212
	78,728			62,207			86,616

Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative	34,226			32,801			30,679
Product design and development	29,081			26,911			24,652
Operating income	15,421			2,495			31,285

Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	751			987			1,119
Interest expense	(230		)	(228		)	(223		)
Other (expense) income, net	(354		)	(128		)	(498		)

Income before income taxes	15,588			3,126			31,683
Income tax expense	5,246			1,065			10,801
Net income	$	10,342		$	2,061		$	20,882

Depreciation, amortization, and impairment:
Commercial	$	6,337		$	4,925		$	4,846
Live Events	5,032			4,970			4,610
High School Park and Recreation	1,725			1,722			1,836
Transportation	1,267			1,364			1,148
International	2,317			1,227			1,053
Unallocated corporate depreciation	2,714			2,735			1,643
	$	19,392		$	16,943		$	15,136

No single geographic area comprises a material amount of net sales or property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, other than the United States. The following table presents information about net sales and property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the United States and elsewhere:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Net sales:
United States	$	479,846	$	465,598	$	494,860
Outside U.S.	106,693		104,570		121,082
	$	586,539	$	570,168	$	615,942
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:
United States	$	62,425	$	68,233	$	67,882
Outside U.S.	4,324		4,930		4,962
	$	66,749	$	73,163	$	72,844

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 two major digital billboard customers in our Commercial business unit.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68060357&loc=d3e8906-108599

+ Details

Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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 ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss. As it relates to fixed income marketable securities, 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 April 29, 2017, 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 April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:



	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Balance as of April 29, 2017:
Certificates of deposit	$	12,487	$	—	$	—		$	12,487
U.S. Government securities	400		—		—			400
U.S. Government sponsored entities	12,260		—		(22		)	12,238
Municipal bonds	7,574		14		—			7,588
	$	32,721	$	14	$	(22	)	$	32,713
Balance as of April 30, 2016:
Certificates of deposit	$	14,927	$	—	$	—		$	14,927
U.S. Government sponsored entities	8,523		—		(1		)	8,522
Municipal bonds	1,221		2		—			1,223
	$	24,671	$	2	$	(1	)	$	24,672

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 into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss 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 April 29, 2017 were as follows:



	Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
Certificates of deposit	$	6,536	$	5,951	$	12,487
U.S. Government securities	400		—		400
U.S. Government sponsored entities	5,588		6,650		12,238
Municipal obligations	2,905		4,683		7,588
	$	15,429	$	17,284	$	32,713

- Definition

The entire disclosure for investments in certain debt and equity securities.

+ References + Details

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations	Apr. 29, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Note 4. Business Combinations 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 because 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 allows our organization 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 first quarter of fiscal 2016, the purchase price allocation for the Data Display acquisition was completed, the fair values of the consideration were paid and the contingent consideration was finalized. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets of $1,463 was recorded as goodwill, which was 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. Also included in the purchase was $1,433 of property and equipment, $437 of investment in affiliates, $2,624 of inventory, $3,063 of accounts receivable, and $1,892 of other current assets, which was offset by current operating liabilities of $3,695 and long-term obligations of $950. ADFLOW Acquisition We acquired 100 percent ownership in ADFLOW Networks, Inc. ("ADFLOW"), a Canadian company, on March 15, 2016 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 because the results of its operations are not material to our consolidated financial statements. ADFLOW is a Canadian company focused on digital media solutions. This acquisition will allow our organization to grow and strengthen our solution offering in digital media networks (DMN). We believe this will broaden our value proposition for our customers and deliver new offerings to the market. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the purchase price allocation for the ADFLOW acquisition was completed and the contingent consideration was finalized. The excess of purchase price over the estimated net tangible and intangible assets of $2,557 was recorded as goodwill, which was 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 $3,176 representing software and trademarks and customer relationships valued at $2,692. Also included in the purchase price was $58 of property and equipment, $230 of inventory, $1,283 of accounts receivable, and $616 of other current assets, which was offset by current operating liabilities of $935 and long-term obligations of $1,387. The purchase price includes deferred payments of $1,833 to be made over three 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 sheets. ADFLOW contributed net sales of $9,922 during fiscal 2017.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65885119&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65885119&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65885119&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65885119&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73530397&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65885119&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73530397&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73530397&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73530397&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73530397&loc=SL65897772-128472

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65885119&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6996-128479

+ Details

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Lived Assets

Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 were as follows:



	Live Events			Commercial			Transportation			International			Total
Balance as of April 30, 2016:	$	2,304		$	3,350		$	75		$	2,387		$	8,116
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	—			55			—			—			55
Foreign currency translation	(30		)	(206		)	(30		)	(93		)	(359		)
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	$	2,274		$	3,199		$	45		$	2,294		$	7,812

We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis, and it is tested for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. 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 fiscal quarter. The result of our analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes intangible assets, net, as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016:



	April 29, 2017
	Weighted Average Life (in years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Impairment		Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks	20.0	$	1,604	$	429	$	604	$	571
Software	3.0	2,814		1,055		—		1,759
Customer relationships	9.7	3,209		608		226		2,375
Other	1.0	95		95		—		—
Total amortized intangible assets	9.3	$	7,722	$	2,187	$	830	$	4,705

	April 30, 2016
	Weighted Average Life (in years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Impairment		Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks	18.3	$	1,676	$	194	$	—	$	1,482
Software	3.0	3,046		46		—		3,000
Customer relationships	9.7	3,449		300		—		3,149
Other	1.0	103		13		—		90
Total amortized intangible assets	8.8	$	8,274	$	553	$	—	$	7,721

During fiscal 2017, we chose to transition out of the non-digital market in our International business unit. We identified certain technology and customer lists with carrying values deemed to not be recoverable. Based on this evaluation, we recognized an impairment loss of $830 for non-digital related technology and customer list intangible assets. This was included in cost of goods sold and selling expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The impairment loss was calculated based on expected future cash flows using level 3 inputs. The level 3 inputs included weighted average estimated future cash flows from non-digital product sales and estimated selling value of non-digital intellectual property.

In the fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, amortization expense including impairment related to intangible assets was $2,546, $295, and $204, respectively. Amortization expenses are included primarily in product development and selling expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

As of April 29, 2017, amortization expenses for future periods were estimated to be as follows:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2018	$	1,250
2019	1,132
2020	312
2021	308
2022	285
Thereafter	1,418
Total expected amortization expense	$	4,705

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Selected Financial Statement Data

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]

Selected Financial Statement Data

Note 6. Selected Financial Statement Data

Inventories consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Raw materials	$	24,801	$	28,184
Work-in-process	7,366		6,158
Finished goods	34,319		35,485
	$	66,486	$	69,827

Inventories are reported net of the allowance for excess and obsolete inventory of $4,967 and $4,975 as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively.

Property and equipment consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Land	$	2,099	$	2,155
Buildings	65,935		65,247
Machinery and equipment	84,189		82,973
Office furniture and equipment	5,604		14,746
Computer software and hardware	51,523		48,917
Equipment held for rental	374		374
Demonstration equipment	7,109		8,026
Transportation equipment	7,108		6,596
	223,941		229,034
Less accumulated depreciation	157,192		155,871
	$	66,749	$	73,163

Our depreciation expense was $16,732, $16,561, and $14,764 for the fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

In the fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, the pretax impairment charges for property and equipment were immaterial. The impairment charges were related to equipment obsoleted due to technology improvements or to custom demo equipment with no resale value. These impairment charges were included primarily in product development and selling expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Compensation	$	12,732	$	12,065
Taxes, other than income taxes	3,878		3,969
Other	8,423		7,498
	$	25,033	$	23,532

Other (expense) income, net consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Foreign currency transaction losses	$	(331	)	$	(326	)	$	(514	)
Equity in losses of affiliates	(136		)	—			—
Other	113			198			16
	$	(354	)	$	(128	)	$	(498	)

Uncompleted Contracts

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Contractors [Abstract]

Uncompleted Contracts

Note 7. Uncompleted Contracts

Uncompleted contracts consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Costs incurred	$	508,993	$	530,594
Estimated earnings	161,611		173,356
	670,604		703,950
Less billings to date	645,098		684,111
	$	25,506	$	19,839

Uncompleted contracts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	36,403		$	30,200
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(10,897		)	(10,361		)
	$	25,506		$	19,839

Receivables	12 Months Ended
Receivables	Apr. 29, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Note 8. 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 $2,610 and $2,797 at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 was $1,857 and $437, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which are expected to be collected within one year. 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 U.S. 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 $4,890 and $7,038 as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively. Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 4.8 to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through August 2024. The face amount of long-term receivables was $5,201 as of April 29, 2017 and $7,236 as of April 30, 2016.

Financing Agreements

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Financing Agreements

Note 9. 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. On November 15, 2016, we entered into a credit agreement and a related revolving note with a U.S. bank. The agreement and note have a maturity date of November 15, 2019. The revolving amount of the agreement and note is $35,000, including up to $15,000 for commercial and standby letters of credits. 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 interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, all as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The effective interest rate was 2.4 percent at April 29, 2017. We are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum of any unused portion of the loan. As of April 29, 2017, there were no advances to us under the loan portion of the line of credit, and the balance of letters of credit outstanding was approximately $4,089.

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 (with the exception of any U.S. bank approved special cash dividend), a capital expenditure reserve of $6,000, and income tax expenses paid in cash, but excluding cash used to repurchase any Daktronics, Inc. stock 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.

On November 15, 2016, we entered into an amended and restated loan agreement and a continuing and unlimited guaranty agreement with another U.S. bank which supports our credit needs outside of the United States. The loan and guaranty have a maturity date of November 15, 2019. The revolving amount of the loan is $20,000. We will use the borrowings under the agreement to support credit needs for general corporate purposes outside the United States. 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. Total credit allowed between the two credit agreements is limited to $40,000. The interest rate is equal to LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. We are assessed a fixed loan fee of $5 per quarter. As of April 29, 2017, there were no advances outstanding under the loan agreement and approximately $6,377 in bank guarantees under this line of credit.

As of April 29, 2017, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants.

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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 consist of 115,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 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 2016, we established the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (“2015 Plan”) and ceased granting options under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan ("2007 Plan"). The 2015 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 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 April 29, 2017, the aggregate number of shares available for future grant under the 2015 Plan for stock options and restricted stock awards was 2,215 shares. Shares of common stock subject to all stock awards granted under the 2015 Plan are counted as one share of stock for each share of stock subject to the award. Although the 2007 Plan remains in effect for options outstanding, no new options can be granted under this plan.

Restricted stock and restricted stock units: We issue restricted stock to our non-employee directors and restricted stock units to employees. Restricted stock issued to non-employee directors are participating securities and receive dividends prior to vesting. Unvested restricted stock will terminate and be forfeited upon termination of employment or service. 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 $2,485 at April 29, 2017, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years. The total fair value of restricted stock vested was $1,214, $1,191, and $1,089 for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

A summary of nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017				April 30, 2016				May 2, 2015
	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	384		$	9.10	344		$	10.63	318		$	9.59
Granted	157		8.00		159		7.04		150		12.25
Vested	(134	)	9.03		(110	)	10.76		(111	)	9.83
Forfeited	(5	)	8.98		(9	)	10.69		(13	)	10.70
Outstanding at end of year	402		$	8.69	384		$	9.10	344		$	10.63

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 April 29, 2017 is as follows:



	Stock Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at April 30, 2016	2,606		$	13.50	4.57	$	158
Granted	234		9.57		—	—
Canceled or forfeited	(320	)	29.41		—	—
Exercised	(39	)	8.78		—	64
Outstanding at April 29, 2017	2,481		$	11.15	4.53	$	768

Shares vested and expected to vest	2,458		$	11.16	4.50	$	762
Exercisable at April 29, 2017	1,868		$	11.49	3.49	$	635

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 April 29, 2017 as options having exercise prices lower than the $9.46 per share market price of our common stock on that date. There were in-the-money options to purchase 891 shares exercisable at April 29, 2017. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $64, $132, and $533, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested was $1,102, $1,190, and $1,294 for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, 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.

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 historical dividend yield pattern.

The following table provides the weighted-average fair value of options granted and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Fair value of options granted	$	2.93		$	2.92		$	5.44
Risk-free interest rate	1.31 - 1.44%			1.70 - 1.90%			1.93 - 2.14%
Expected dividend rate	3.15		%	2.78		%	2.60		%
Expected volatility	44.12 - 44.51%			42.71 - 48.32%			48.01 - 51.89%
Expected life of option	5.78 - 6.98 years			5.78 - 6.98 years			5.84 - 6.95 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 118, 227, and 248 shares in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The number of shares of common stock reserved for future employee purchases under the ESPP totaled 396 shares at April 29, 2017. The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").

Total share-based compensation expense: As of April 29, 2017, there was $3,991 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 2.7 years.

The following table presents a summary of the share-based compensation expense by equity type as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Stock options	$	1,072	$	1,179	$	1,311
Restricted stock and stock units	1,287		1,237		1,234
Employee stock purchase plans	555		542		493
	$	2,914	$	2,958	$	3,038

A summary of the share-based compensation expenses for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares issued under the ESPP for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Cost of goods sold	$	714	$	751	$	737
Selling	723		780		825
General and administrative	877		839		908
Product design and development	600		588		568
	$	2,914	$	2,958	$	3,038

We received $343 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The tax benefit (expense) related to non-qualified options and restricted stock units under all share-based payment arrangements totaled $2, $(69), and $3 for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Apr. 29, 2017
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 cash contributions equal to 50 percent of the employee's qualifying contribution up to six percent of such employee's compensation. 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 $2,463, $2,382 and $2,013 to the plan for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 13. Income Taxes

The pretax income attributable to domestic and foreign operations was as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Domestic	$	16,010		$	3,264		$	29,194
Foreign	(422		)	(138		)	2,489
Income before income taxes	$	15,588		$	3,126		$	31,683

Income tax expense consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Current:
Federal	$	5,268		$	(467	)	$	6,657
State	1,158			123			1,150
Foreign	863			557			848
Deferred:
Federal	(1,625		)	463			1,906
State	(397		)	(89		)	307
Foreign	(21		)	478			(67		)
	$	5,246		$	1,065		$	10,801

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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Computed income tax expense at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates	$	5,456		$	1,063		$	11,089
State taxes, net of federal benefit	539			40			1,016
Research and development tax credit	(1,573		)	(2,015		)	(1,292		)
Meals and entertainment	299			334			369
Stock compensation	497			525			566
Dividends paid to retirement plan	(293		)	(323		)	(352		)
Domestic production activities deduction	(542		)	(91		)	(529		)
Change in valuation allowances	388			1,265			(2,295		)
Change in uncertain tax positions	97			125			2,357
Other, net	378			142			(128		)
	$	5,246		$	1,065		$	10,801

The components of the net deferred tax asset were as follows:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued warranty obligations	$	10,469		$	11,407
Vacation accrual	2,100			1,963
Net losses on investments	—			336
Deferred maintenance revenue	1,336			341
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	1,254			1,314
Equity compensation	848			745
Allowance for doubtful accounts	677			703
Inventory capitalization	354			595
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,232			1,015
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange	226			—
Net operating loss carry forwards	1,772			1,404
Research and development tax credit carry forwards	311			1,005
Other	1,266			617
	21,845			21,445
Valuation allowance	(2,061		)	(1,673		)
	19,784			19,772

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(6,762		)	(7,988		)
Prepaid expenses	(601		)	(631		)
Intangible assets	(1,809		)	(1,479		)
Unrealized gain on foreign currency exchange	—			(931		)
Other	(156		)	(60		)
	(9,328		)	(11,089		)
	$	10,456		$	8,683

The classification of net deferred tax assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Non-current assets	$	11,292		$	9,437
Non-current liabilities	(836		)	(754		)
	$	10,456		$	8,683

The changes in the amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions are:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Balance at beginning of year	$	3,016		$	2,891		$	494
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	235			137			6
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	—			8			2,496
Lapse of statute of limitations	(138		)	(20		)	(105		)
Balance at end of year	$	3,113		$	3,016		$	2,891

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 income tax expense.

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 recorded 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 accrual. We will continue to evaluate the facts and circumstances of this case and adjust our accrual accordingly.

As of April 29, 2017, we had foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $7,754 primarily related to our operations in Belgium and Ireland, which have indefinite lives. $138 of the NOL carryforwards is related to operations in Canada and expires in 2036. A deferred tax asset has been recorded for all NOL carryforwards totaling approximately $1,772. However, due to uncertainty in future taxable income in Ireland and Belgium, a full valuation allowance totaling approximately $1,724 has been recorded. If sufficient evidence of our ability to generate future taxable income in the jurisdictions in which we currently maintain a valuation allowance causes us to determine that our deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable, we would release our valuation allowance, which would result in an income tax benefit being recorded in our consolidated statement of operations.

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 2014 through 2016. International jurisdictions have open tax years varying by location beginning in fiscal 2007.

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 that time. We have approximately $11,483 of untaxed earnings which have indefinitely been reinvested. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these earnings is not practicable.

We recognized a (benefit) expense of $(59), $232 and $14 in net interest and penalties during fiscal years ended 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Interest and penalties recognized are recorded in income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations. We had accrued $170 and $94 in net interest or penalties as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively.

Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
(Increase) decrease:
Restricted cash	$	(18	)	$	298		$	18
Account receivable	(2,718		)	3,789			6,412
Long-term receivables	2,213			2,851			3,234
Inventories	3,581			(5,100		)	(1,907		)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	(6,203		)	4,867			(1,667		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(980		)	1,290			(575		)
Income taxes receivables	4,201			1,061			(3,084		)
Investment in affiliates and other assets	(475		)	(776		)	912
Increase (decrease):
Current marketing obligations and other payables	857			21			(146		)
Accounts payable	5,544			(9,926		)	5,594
Customer deposits (billed or collected)	(1,514		)	(941		)	(1,315		)
Accrued expenses	2,351			776			3,128
Warranty obligations	(2,986		)	4,726			(2,638		)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	536			(13,436		)	1,314
Long-term warranty obligations	389			(710		)	1,869
Income taxes payable	1,331			(37		)	(627		)
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)	1,256			2,120			(250		)
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables	(43		)	(456		)	3,468
	$	7,322		$	(9,583	)	$	13,740

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Cash payments for:
Interest	$	228	$	303		$	289
Income taxes, net of refunds	3,196		(824		)	8,690

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	$	218	$	227	$	34
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	2,524		142		1,510
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP	840		1,777		2,512
Contingent consideration related to acquisition of ADFLOW	31		1,955		—

Fair Value Measurement

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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 April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 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			Level 3			Total
Balance as of April 29, 2017:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	32,623	$	—		$	—		$	32,623
Restricted cash	216		—			—			216
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit	—		12,487			—			12,487
U.S. Government securities	400		—			—			400
U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		12,238			—			12,238
Municipal obligations	—		7,588			—			7,588
Derivatives - asset position	—		64			—			64
Derivatives - liability position	—		(277		)	—			(277		)
Contingent liability	—		—			(1,891		)	(1,891		)
	$	33,239	$	32,100		$	(1,891	)	$	63,448
Balance as of April 30, 2016:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	28,328	$	—		$	—		$	28,328
Restricted cash	198		—			—			198
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit	—		14,927			—			14,927
U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		8,522			—			8,522
Municipal obligations	—		1,223			—			1,223
Derivatives - liability position	—		(453		)	—			(453		)
Contingent liability	—		—			(1,955		)	(1,955		)
	$	28,526	$	24,219		$	(1,955	)	$	50,790

A roll forward of the Level 3 contingent liability, both short and long-term, for the year ended April 29, 2017 is as follows:



Contingent liability as of April 30, 2016	$	1,955
Fair value adjustments	31
Interest accretion	53
Foreign currency translation	(148		)
Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017	$	1,891

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.

Contingent liability: Consists of the fair value of a liability measured on expected future payments relating to a business acquisition if future financial performance measures are achieved. The contingent liability was calculated by estimating the discounted present value of expected future payments for estimated performance measure attainment. To estimate future performance measure attainment, we utilized significant unobservable inputs as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016. The unobservable inputs included management expectations and forecasts for business performance and an estimated discount rate based on current borrowing interest rates. To the extent that these assumptions changed or actual results differed from these estimates, the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities could change. The contingent liability is presented in other long-term obligations in our consolidated balance sheets.

Non-recurring measurements: The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. 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 did not have any business combinations during the year ended April 29, 2017 and used Level 3 inputs to value the assets and liabilities for business combinations during fiscal 2016. See "Note 4. Business Combinations" for more information. We used Level 3 inputs to measure and record a technology and customer list intangible asset impairment of $830 during fiscal 2017. See "Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for more information.

Other measurements using fair value: Some of our financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, long-term receivables, prepaid expense and other assets, costs and earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs, accounts payable, warranty obligations, customer deposits, deferred revenue, and other long-term obligations, are reflected in the balance sheet at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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 April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, 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 U.S. dollars at April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 were as follows:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
	U.S. Dollars	Foreign Currency	U.S. Dollars	Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	7,984	10,669	7,216	10,027
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	256	345	563	771
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	4,936	3,959	1,795	1,263
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars	605	844	261	356
U.S. Dollars/Euros	528	491	147	132

As of April 29, 2017, there was a net asset and liability of $64 and $277, respectively, and as of April 30, 2016, there was a net liability of $453 representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which was determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80784-113994

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5624181-113959

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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, Contingencies - 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 April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, we did not believe there was a reasonable probability that any material loss for these various claims or legal actions, including reviews, inspections or other legal proceedings, if any, would be incurred. Accordingly, no material 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.

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 contractual 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 accruals and, to the extent we experience any changes in warranty claim activity or costs associated with servicing those claims, our accrued warranty obligation is adjusted accordingly.

During fiscal 2016, we discovered a warranty issue caused by a mechanical device failure within a module for displays primarily in our OOH applications built prior to fiscal 2013. The device failure causes a visual defect in the display. Over the past 18 months, we have deployed preventative maintenance to sites impacted and repaired the defective devices in our repair center. When certain site locations have exceeded an acceptable failure rate, we have refurbished the display to meet customers’ expectations under contractual obligations. We increased our accrued warranty obligations by $1,766 during fiscal 2017, $9,174 during fiscal 2016, and $1,168 during fiscal 2015 for probable and reasonably estimable costs to remediate this issue. As of April 29, 2017, we had $3,079 remaining in accrued warranty obligations for the estimate of probable future claims related to this issue. While many of our contractual warranty arrangements are nearing expiration for product with this issue, we may experience additional discretionary costs to maintain customer relationships or for higher than expected failure rates. Accordingly, it is possible that the ultimate cost to resolve this matter may increase and be materially different from the amount of the current estimate and accrual.

Changes in our warranty obligation for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Beginning accrued warranty obligations	$	30,496		$	26,481
Warranties issued during the period	10,930			10,528
Settlements made during the period	(16,790		)	(18,377		)
Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	3,263			11,864
Ending accrued warranty obligations	$	27,899		$	30,496

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 April 29, 2017, we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $10,466 and $39,994, 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 global sales and service locations, 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 five years past its current term, which ends approximately March 31, 2022, and it contains an option to purchase the property subject to the lease from March 31, 2017 to March 31, 2022 for $9,000, which approximates fair value. If the lease is extended, the purchase option increases to $9,090 for the year ending March 31, 2023 and $9,180 for the year ending March 31, 2024. Rental expense for operating leases was $3,175, $3,031 and $3,020 for the fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, 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 April 29, 2017:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2018	$	2,740
2019	2,038
2020	1,740
2021	1,545
2022	1,298
Thereafter	422
	$	9,783

Purchase commitments: From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, cloud-based information systems, information technology maintenance and support services, and various other products and services over periods that extend beyond one year. As of April 29, 2017, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $400 in conditional purchase commitments:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2018	$	3,251
2019	1,030
2020	253
2021	253
2022	143
Thereafter	379
	$	5,309

Other long-term obligations: We are obligated to pay the following payments for acquisitions and for other various obligations:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Advertising	$	580	$	589
Deferred purchase price	2,479		3,228
Other	165		214
Total outstanding	3,224		4,031
Less: current liability	1,506		681
Other long-term obligations	$	1,718	$	3,350

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Note 19. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data:



	Fiscal 2017 Quarter Ended
	July 30, 2016		October 29, 2016		January 28, 2017			April 29, 2017
Net sales	$	157,146	$	169,992	$	115,719		$	143,682
Gross profit	39,067		44,308		23,316			33,724
Net income (loss)	5,539		9,021		(5,127		)	909
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.13		0.21		(0.12		)	0.02
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.13		0.20		(0.12		)	0.02

	Fiscal 2016 Quarter Ended
	August 1, 2015		October 31, 2015		January 30, 2016			April 30, 2016
Net sales	$	150,221	$	157,668	$	123,816		$	138,463
Gross profit	35,501		35,513		22,029			27,976
Net income (loss)	3,776		3,168		(1,953		)	(2,930		)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.09		0.07		(0.04		)	(0.07		)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.09		0.07		(0.04		)	(0.07		)

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands)

			Additions
Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses			Charged to Other Accounts				Deductions				Balance at End of Year
For the year ended April 29, 2017:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,797	$	2,496		$	—			$	(2,683	)	(b)	$	2,610
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories	4,975		2,437			(68		)	(a)	(2,377		)	(c)	4,967
For the year ended April 30, 2016:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,316		934			—				(453		)	(b)	2,797
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories	3,998		3,475			12			(a)	(2,510		)	(c)	4,975
For the year ended May 2, 2015:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,539		(150		)	—				(73		)	(b)	2,316
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories	2,692		2,701			2			(a)	(1,397		)	(c)	3,998

(a) Translation adjustment on foreign subsidiary balances

(b) Write-off of uncollected accounts, net of collections

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of business

Fiscal year

Principles of consolidation

Investments in affiliates

Use of estimates

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition - Long-term construction-type contracts

Revenue recognition - Equipment other than construction-type contracts

Revenue recognition - Product maintenance

Revenue recognition - Services

Revenue recognition - Software

Revenue recognition - Multiple-element arrangements

Revenue recognition - Long-term receivables and advertising rights

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.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Software costs

Software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed

Insurance

Foreign currency translation

Income taxes

Comprehensive income

Product design and development

Advertising costs

Advertising costs: We expense advertising costs as incurred.

Shipping and handling cost

Earnings per share (EPS)

Share-based compensation

Recent accounting pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Land	$	2,099	$	2,155
Buildings	65,935		65,247
Machinery and equipment	84,189		82,973
Office furniture and equipment	5,604		14,746
Computer software and hardware	51,523		48,917
Equipment held for rental	374		374
Demonstration equipment	7,109		8,026
Transportation equipment	7,108		6,596
	223,941		229,034
Less accumulated depreciation	157,192		155,871
	$	66,749	$	73,163

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended 2017, 2016 and 2015:



	Net income		Shares	Per share income
For the year ended April 29, 2017:
Basic earnings per share	$	10,342	44,114	$	0.23
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		189	—
Diluted earnings per share	$	10,342	44,303	$	0.23
For the year ended April 30, 2016:
Basic earnings per share	$	2,061	43,990	$	0.05
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		466	—
Diluted earnings per share	$	2,061	44,456	$	0.05
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

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Net sales:
Commercial	$	148,073		$	148,261		$	165,793
Live Events	213,982			205,151			231,877
High School Park and Recreation	82,798			70,035			67,657
Transportation	52,426			52,249			48,333
International	89,260			94,472			102,282
	586,539			570,168			615,942

Contribution margin:
Commercial	18,046			13,210			28,541
Live Events	27,750			23,178			27,334
High School Park and Recreation	16,114			10,314			11,125
Transportation	13,465			12,466			10,404
International	3,353			3,039			9,212
	78,728			62,207			86,616

Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative	34,226			32,801			30,679
Product design and development	29,081			26,911			24,652
Operating income	15,421			2,495			31,285

Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	751			987			1,119
Interest expense	(230		)	(228		)	(223		)
Other (expense) income, net	(354		)	(128		)	(498		)

Income before income taxes	15,588			3,126			31,683
Income tax expense	5,246			1,065			10,801
Net income	$	10,342		$	2,061		$	20,882

Depreciation, amortization, and impairment:
Commercial	$	6,337		$	4,925		$	4,846
Live Events	5,032			4,970			4,610
High School Park and Recreation	1,725			1,722			1,836
Transportation	1,267			1,364			1,148
International	2,317			1,227			1,053
Unallocated corporate depreciation	2,714			2,735			1,643
	$	19,392		$	16,943		$	15,136

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas

The following table presents information about net sales and property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the United States and elsewhere:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Net sales:
United States	$	479,846	$	465,598	$	494,860
Outside U.S.	106,693		104,570		121,082
	$	586,539	$	570,168	$	615,942
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:
United States	$	62,425	$	68,233	$	67,882
Outside U.S.	4,324		4,930		4,962
	$	66,749	$	73,163	$	72,844

Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Available-for-sale Securities

As of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:



	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Balance as of April 29, 2017:
Certificates of deposit	$	12,487	$	—	$	—		$	12,487
U.S. Government securities	400		—		—			400
U.S. Government sponsored entities	12,260		—		(22		)	12,238
Municipal bonds	7,574		14		—			7,588
	$	32,721	$	14	$	(22	)	$	32,713
Balance as of April 30, 2016:
Certificates of deposit	$	14,927	$	—	$	—		$	14,927
U.S. Government sponsored entities	8,523		—		(1		)	8,522
Municipal bonds	1,221		2		—			1,223
	$	24,671	$	2	$	(1	)	$	24,672

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date



	Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
Certificates of deposit	$	6,536	$	5,951	$	12,487
U.S. Government securities	400		—		400
U.S. Government sponsored entities	5,588		6,650		12,238
Municipal obligations	2,905		4,683		7,588
	$	15,429	$	17,284	$	32,713

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis, contracts to acquire securities to be accounted for as available-for-sale, debt maturities, transfers to trading, change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) net of tax, continuous unrealized loss position fair value, aggregate losses qualitative disclosures, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses or other disclosures related to available for sale securities.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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 April 29, 2017 were as follows:



	Live Events			Commercial			Transportation			International			Total
Balance as of April 30, 2016:	$	2,304		$	3,350		$	75		$	2,387		$	8,116
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	—			55			—			—			55
Foreign currency translation	(30		)	(206		)	(30		)	(93		)	(359		)
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	$	2,274		$	3,199		$	45		$	2,294		$	7,812

Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes intangible assets, net, as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016:



	April 29, 2017
	Weighted Average Life (in years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Impairment		Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks	20.0	$	1,604	$	429	$	604	$	571
Software	3.0	2,814		1,055		—		1,759
Customer relationships	9.7	3,209		608		226		2,375
Other	1.0	95		95		—		—
Total amortized intangible assets	9.3	$	7,722	$	2,187	$	830	$	4,705

	April 30, 2016
	Weighted Average Life (in years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Impairment		Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks	18.3	$	1,676	$	194	$	—	$	1,482
Software	3.0	3,046		46		—		3,000
Customer relationships	9.7	3,449		300		—		3,149
Other	1.0	103		13		—		90
Total amortized intangible assets	8.8	$	8,274	$	553	$	—	$	7,721

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

As of April 29, 2017, amortization expenses for future periods were estimated to be as follows:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2018	$	1,250
2019	1,132
2020	312
2021	308
2022	285
Thereafter	1,418
Total expected amortization expense	$	4,705

Selected Financial Statement Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Raw materials	$	24,801	$	28,184
Work-in-process	7,366		6,158
Finished goods	34,319		35,485
	$	66,486	$	69,827

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:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Land	$	2,099	$	2,155
Buildings	65,935		65,247
Machinery and equipment	84,189		82,973
Office furniture and equipment	5,604		14,746
Computer software and hardware	51,523		48,917
Equipment held for rental	374		374
Demonstration equipment	7,109		8,026
Transportation equipment	7,108		6,596
	223,941		229,034
Less accumulated depreciation	157,192		155,871
	$	66,749	$	73,163

Schedule of Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Compensation	$	12,732	$	12,065
Taxes, other than income taxes	3,878		3,969
Other	8,423		7,498
	$	25,033	$	23,532

Schedule of Other (Expense) Income

Other (expense) income, net consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Foreign currency transaction losses	$	(331	)	$	(326	)	$	(514	)
Equity in losses of affiliates	(136		)	—			—
Other	113			198			16
	$	(354	)	$	(128	)	$	(498	)

Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Contractors [Abstract]

Summary of Uncompleted Contracts

Uncompleted contracts consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Costs incurred	$	508,993	$	530,594
Estimated earnings	161,611		173,356
	670,604		703,950
Less billings to date	645,098		684,111
	$	25,506	$	19,839

Costs in Excess of Billings

Uncompleted contracts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	36,403		$	30,200
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(10,897		)	(10,361		)
	$	25,506		$	19,839

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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 fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017				April 30, 2016				May 2, 2015
	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	384		$	9.10	344		$	10.63	318		$	9.59
Granted	157		8.00		159		7.04		150		12.25
Vested	(134	)	9.03		(110	)	10.76		(111	)	9.83
Forfeited	(5	)	8.98		(9	)	10.69		(13	)	10.70
Outstanding at end of year	402		$	8.69	384		$	9.10	344		$	10.63

Schedule of Stock Option Award Activity

A summary of stock option activity under all stock option plans during the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 is as follows:



	Stock Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at April 30, 2016	2,606		$	13.50	4.57	$	158
Granted	234		9.57		—	—
Canceled or forfeited	(320	)	29.41		—	—
Exercised	(39	)	8.78		—	64
Outstanding at April 29, 2017	2,481		$	11.15	4.53	$	768

Shares vested and expected to vest	2,458		$	11.16	4.50	$	762
Exercisable at April 29, 2017	1,868		$	11.49	3.49	$	635

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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Fair value of options granted	$	2.93		$	2.92		$	5.44
Risk-free interest rate	1.31 - 1.44%			1.70 - 1.90%			1.93 - 2.14%
Expected dividend rate	3.15		%	2.78		%	2.60		%
Expected volatility	44.12 - 44.51%			42.71 - 48.32%			48.01 - 51.89%
Expected life of option	5.78 - 6.98 years			5.78 - 6.98 years			5.84 - 6.95 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
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Stock options	$	1,072	$	1,179	$	1,311
Restricted stock and stock units	1,287		1,237		1,234
Employee stock purchase plans	555		542		493
	$	2,914	$	2,958	$	3,038

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 fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Cost of goods sold	$	714	$	751	$	737
Selling	723		780		825
General and administrative	877		839		908
Product design and development	600		588		568
	$	2,914	$	2,958	$	3,038

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Domestic	$	16,010		$	3,264		$	29,194
Foreign	(422		)	(138		)	2,489
Income before income taxes	$	15,588		$	3,126		$	31,683

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Current:
Federal	$	5,268		$	(467	)	$	6,657
State	1,158			123			1,150
Foreign	863			557			848
Deferred:
Federal	(1,625		)	463			1,906
State	(397		)	(89		)	307
Foreign	(21		)	478			(67		)
	$	5,246		$	1,065		$	10,801

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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Computed income tax expense at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates	$	5,456		$	1,063		$	11,089
State taxes, net of federal benefit	539			40			1,016
Research and development tax credit	(1,573		)	(2,015		)	(1,292		)
Meals and entertainment	299			334			369
Stock compensation	497			525			566
Dividends paid to retirement plan	(293		)	(323		)	(352		)
Domestic production activities deduction	(542		)	(91		)	(529		)
Change in valuation allowances	388			1,265			(2,295		)
Change in uncertain tax positions	97			125			2,357
Other, net	378			142			(128		)
	$	5,246		$	1,065		$	10,801

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The components of the net deferred tax asset were as follows:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued warranty obligations	$	10,469		$	11,407
Vacation accrual	2,100			1,963
Net losses on investments	—			336
Deferred maintenance revenue	1,336			341
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	1,254			1,314
Equity compensation	848			745
Allowance for doubtful accounts	677			703
Inventory capitalization	354			595
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,232			1,015
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange	226			—
Net operating loss carry forwards	1,772			1,404
Research and development tax credit carry forwards	311			1,005
Other	1,266			617
	21,845			21,445
Valuation allowance	(2,061		)	(1,673		)
	19,784			19,772

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(6,762		)	(7,988		)
Prepaid expenses	(601		)	(631		)
Intangible assets	(1,809		)	(1,479		)
Unrealized gain on foreign currency exchange	—			(931		)
Other	(156		)	(60		)
	(9,328		)	(11,089		)
	$	10,456		$	8,683

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:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Non-current assets	$	11,292		$	9,437
Non-current liabilities	(836		)	(754		)
	$	10,456		$	8,683

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The changes in the amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions are:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Balance at beginning of year	$	3,016		$	2,891		$	494
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	235			137			6
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	—			8			2,496
Lapse of statute of limitations	(138		)	(20		)	(105		)
Balance at end of year	$	3,113		$	3,016		$	2,891

Cash Flow Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

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
	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
(Increase) decrease:
Restricted cash	$	(18	)	$	298		$	18
Account receivable	(2,718		)	3,789			6,412
Long-term receivables	2,213			2,851			3,234
Inventories	3,581			(5,100		)	(1,907		)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	(6,203		)	4,867			(1,667		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(980		)	1,290			(575		)
Income taxes receivables	4,201			1,061			(3,084		)
Investment in affiliates and other assets	(475		)	(776		)	912
Increase (decrease):
Current marketing obligations and other payables	857			21			(146		)
Accounts payable	5,544			(9,926		)	5,594
Customer deposits (billed or collected)	(1,514		)	(941		)	(1,315		)
Accrued expenses	2,351			776			3,128
Warranty obligations	(2,986		)	4,726			(2,638		)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	536			(13,436		)	1,314
Long-term warranty obligations	389			(710		)	1,869
Income taxes payable	1,331			(37		)	(627		)
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)	1,256			2,120			(250		)
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables	(43		)	(456		)	3,468
	$	7,322		$	(9,583	)	$	13,740

Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Cash payments for:
Interest	$	228	$	303		$	289
Income taxes, net of refunds	3,196		(824		)	8,690

Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	$	218	$	227	$	34
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	2,524		142		1,510
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP	840		1,777		2,512
Contingent consideration related to acquisition of ADFLOW	31		1,955		—

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value



	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total
Balance as of April 29, 2017:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	32,623	$	—		$	—		$	32,623
Restricted cash	216		—			—			216
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit	—		12,487			—			12,487
U.S. Government securities	400		—			—			400
U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		12,238			—			12,238
Municipal obligations	—		7,588			—			7,588
Derivatives - asset position	—		64			—			64
Derivatives - liability position	—		(277		)	—			(277		)
Contingent liability	—		—			(1,891		)	(1,891		)
	$	33,239	$	32,100		$	(1,891	)	$	63,448
Balance as of April 30, 2016:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	28,328	$	—		$	—		$	28,328
Restricted cash	198		—			—			198
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit	—		14,927			—			14,927
U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		8,522			—			8,522
Municipal obligations	—		1,223			—			1,223
Derivatives - liability position	—		(453		)	—			(453		)
Contingent liability	—		—			(1,955		)	(1,955		)
	$	28,526	$	24,219		$	(1,955	)	$	50,790

Rollforward of Level 3 Contingent Consideration Liabilities

A roll forward of the Level 3 contingent liability, both short and long-term, for the year ended April 29, 2017 is as follows:



Contingent liability as of April 30, 2016	$	1,955
Fair value adjustments	31
Interest accretion	53
Foreign currency translation	(148		)
Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017	$	1,891

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability

Changes in our warranty obligation for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 consisted of the following:



	April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Beginning accrued warranty obligations	$	30,496		$	26,481
Warranties issued during the period	10,930			10,528
Settlements made during the period	(16,790		)	(18,377		)
Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	3,263			11,864
Ending accrued warranty obligations	$	27,899		$	30,496

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2018	$	2,740
2019	2,038
2020	1,740
2021	1,545
2022	1,298
Thereafter	422
	$	9,783

Long-term Purchase Commitment

As of April 29, 2017, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $400 in conditional purchase commitments:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2018	$	3,251
2019	1,030
2020	253
2021	253
2022	143
Thereafter	379
	$	5,309

Other Long-term Obligations

We are obligated to pay the following payments for acquisitions and for other various obligations:



	April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Advertising	$	580	$	589
Deferred purchase price	2,479		3,228
Other	165		214
Total outstanding	3,224		4,031
Less: current liability	1,506		681
Other long-term obligations	$	1,718	$	3,350

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data

The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data:



	Fiscal 2017 Quarter Ended
	July 30, 2016		October 29, 2016		January 28, 2017			April 29, 2017
Net sales	$	157,146	$	169,992	$	115,719		$	143,682
Gross profit	39,067		44,308		23,316			33,724
Net income (loss)	5,539		9,021		(5,127		)	909
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.13		0.21		(0.12		)	0.02
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.13		0.20		(0.12		)	0.02

	Fiscal 2016 Quarter Ended
	August 1, 2015		October 31, 2015		January 30, 2016			April 30, 2016
Net sales	$	150,221	$	157,668	$	123,816		$	138,463
Gross profit	35,501		35,513		22,029			27,976
Net income (loss)	3,776		3,168		(1,953		)	(2,930		)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.09		0.07		(0.04		)	(0.07		)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.09		0.07		(0.04		)	(0.07		)

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investment in affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	$ 2,678	$ 0
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	136	0	$ 0
Cost method investments	$ 42	$ 1,211

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Sales returns, reserve	$ 42	$ 93
Deferred revenue period for recognition of product maintenance contracts	10 years
Percentage of net sales from services	10.50%	9.70%	8.20%

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017
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 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Capitalized software costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Capitalized software development costs for software sold to customers [Abstract]
Capitalized Software Development Costs for Software Sold to Customers	$ 1,759	$ 3,000

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
	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Net income
Basic earnings per share	$ 909	$ (5,127)	$ 9,021	$ 5,539	$ (2,930)	$ (1,953)	$ 3,168	$ 3,776	$ 10,342	$ 2,061	$ 20,882
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans									0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share									$ 10,342	$ 2,061	$ 20,882
Shares
Basic earnings per share (in shares)									44,114	43,990	43,514
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in shares)									189	466	929
Diluted earnings per share (in shares)									44,303	44,456	44,443
Per share income (loss)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.21	$ 0.13	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ 0.23	$ 0.05	$ 0.48
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in dollars per share)									0.00	0.00	(0.01)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.20	$ 0.13	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ 0.23	$ 0.05	$ 0.47
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)									2,112	2,122	1,462
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)									$ 13.30	$ 15.04	$ 18.42

Segment Reporting - Net Income by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2015 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($) segment	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)	May 02, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information
Number of business units \| segment									5
Net sales	$ 143,682	$ 115,719	$ 169,992	$ 157,146	$ 138,463	$ 123,816	$ 157,668	$ 150,221	$ 586,539	$ 570,168	$ 615,942
Contribution margin									78,728	62,207	86,616
Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative									34,226	32,801	30,679
Product design and development									29,081	26,911	24,652
Operating income									15,421	2,495	31,285
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income									751	987	1,119
Interest expense									(230)	(228)	(223)
Other (expense) income, net									(354)	(128)	(498)
Income before income taxes									15,588	3,126	31,683
Income tax expense									5,246	1,065	10,801
Net income	$ 909	$ (5,127)	$ 9,021	$ 5,539	$ (2,930)	$ (1,953)	$ 3,168	$ 3,776	10,342	2,061	20,882
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									19,392	16,943	15,136
Commerical
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									148,073	148,261	165,793
Contribution margin									18,046	13,210	28,541
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									6,337	4,925	4,846
Live Events
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									213,982	205,151	231,877
Contribution margin									27,750	23,178	27,334
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									5,032	4,970	4,610
High School Park and Recreation
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									82,798	70,035	67,657
Contribution margin									16,114	10,314	11,125
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									1,725	1,722	1,836
Transportation
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									52,426	52,249	48,333
Contribution margin									13,465	12,466	10,404
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									1,267	1,364	1,148
International
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									89,260	94,472	102,282
Contribution margin									3,353	3,039	9,212
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									2,317	1,227	1,053
Unallocated corporate depreciation
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									$ 2,714	$ 2,735	$ 1,643

Segment Reporting - Net Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 586,539	$ 570,168	$ 615,942
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	66,749	73,163	72,844
United States
Net sales:
Net sales	479,846	465,598	494,860
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	62,425	68,233	67,882
Outside U.S.
Net sales:
Net sales	106,693	104,570	121,082
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	$ 4,324	$ 4,930	$ 4,962

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 32,721	$ 24,671
Unrealized Gains	14	2
Unrealized Losses	(22)	(1)
Fair Value	32,713	24,672
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	12,487	14,927
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	12,487	14,927
U.S. Government securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	400
Unrealized Gains	0
Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value	400
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	12,260	8,523
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	(22)	(1)
Fair Value	12,238	8,522
Municipal obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	7,574	1,221
Unrealized Gains	14	2
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$ 7,588	$ 1,223

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale by Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	$ 15,429
Greater than 12 months	17,284
Total	32,713
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	6,536
Greater than 12 months	5,951
Total	12,487
U.S. Government securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	400
Greater than 12 months	0
Total	400
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	5,588
Greater than 12 months	6,650
Total	12,238
Municipal obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	2,905
Greater than 12 months	4,683
Total	$ 7,588

Business Combinations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 11, 2014	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015	Mar. 15, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 143,682	$ 115,719	$ 169,992	$ 157,146	$ 138,463	$ 123,816	$ 157,668	$ 150,221	$ 586,539	$ 570,168	$ 615,942
Goodwill		7,812				8,116				7,812	8,116
International
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales										89,260	94,472	102,282
Goodwill		2,294				2,387				2,294	2,387
Commerical
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales										148,073	148,261	$ 165,793
Goodwill		3,199				$ 3,350				3,199	$ 3,350
Data Display [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage acquired	100.00%
Property and equipment acquired									1,433
Investment for affiliates									437
Inventory acquired									2,624
Receivables acquired									3,063
Other current assets acquired									1,892
Liabilities acquired									3,695
Long term debt obligations									950
Goodwill									1,463
Data Display [Member] \| Unpatented Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets useful life	20 years
Intangible assets other than goodwill									480
Data Display [Member] \| Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets useful life	18 years
Intangible assets other than goodwill									$ 84
ADFLOW Networks [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage acquired													100.00%
Property and equipment acquired		58								58
Inventory acquired		230								230
Receivables acquired		1,283								1,283
Other current assets acquired		616								616
Liabilities acquired		935								935
Long term debt obligations		1,387								1,387
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		$ 1,833								1,833
Deferred payments period		3 years
Goodwill		$ 2,557								2,557
ADFLOW Networks [Member] \| Commerical
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales										9,922
ADFLOW Networks [Member] \| Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets other than goodwill		2,692								2,692
ADFLOW Networks [Member] \| Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets other than goodwill		$ 3,176								$ 3,176

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill
Balance as of April 30, 2016:	$ 8,116
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	55
Foreign currency translation	(359)
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	7,812
Live Events
Goodwill
Balance as of April 30, 2016:	2,304
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(30)
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	2,274
Commerical
Goodwill
Balance as of April 30, 2016:	3,350
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	55
Foreign currency translation	(206)
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	3,199
Transportation
Goodwill
Balance as of April 30, 2016:	75
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(30)
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	45
International
Goodwill
Balance as of April 30, 2016:	2,387
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	0
Foreign currency translation	(93)
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	$ 2,294

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	9 years 3 months 7 days	8 years 10 months 6 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 7,722	$ 8,274
Accumulated Amortization	2,187	553
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	830	0
Definite-lived, Net Value	4,705	7,721
Intangibles, net	$ 4,705	$ 7,721
Trademarks
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	20 years	18 years 3 months 15 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,604	$ 1,676
Accumulated Amortization	429	194
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	604	0
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 571	$ 1,482
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	3 years	3 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,814	$ 3,046
Accumulated Amortization	1,055	46
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 1,759	$ 3,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	9 years 8 months 12 days	9 years 8 months 1 day
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,209	$ 3,449
Accumulated Amortization	608	300
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	226	0
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 2,375	$ 3,149
Other
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	1 year	1 year
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 95	$ 103
Accumulated Amortization	95	13
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 0	$ 90

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2018	$ 1,250
2019	1,132
2020	312
2021	308
2022	285
Thereafter	1,418
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 4,705	$ 7,721

Goodwill and Intangible Assets -Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 830	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 2,546	$ 295	$ 204

Selected Financial Statement Data - Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 24,801	$ 28,184
Work-in-process	7,366	6,158
Finished goods	34,319	35,485
Inventories	66,486	69,827
Inventory allowance	$ 4,967	$ 4,975

Selected Financial Statement Data - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 223,941	$ 229,034
Less accumulated depreciation	157,192	155,871
Property and equipment, net	66,749	73,163
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	2,099	2,155
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	65,935	65,247
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	84,189	82,973
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	5,604	14,746
Computer software and hardware
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	51,523	48,917
Equipment held for rental
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	374	374
Demonstration equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,109	8,026
Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 7,108	$ 6,596

Selected Financial Statement Data - Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 12,732	$ 12,065
Taxes, other than income taxes	3,878	3,969
Other	8,423	7,498
Accrued expenses	$ 25,033	$ 23,532

Selected Financial Statement Data - Other (Expense) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction losses	$ (331)	$ (326)	$ (514)
Equity in losses of affiliates	(136)	0	0
Other	113	198	16
Other (expense) income, net	$ (354)	$ (128)	$ (498)

Uncompleted Contracts - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs incurred	$ 508,993	$ 530,594
Estimated earnings	161,611	173,356
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	670,604	703,950
Less billings to date	645,098	684,111
Costs in excess of billings, net	$ 25,506	$ 19,839

Uncompleted Contracts - Costs in Excess of Billings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$ 36,403	$ 30,200
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(10,897)	(10,361)
Costs in excess of billings, net	$ 25,506	$ 19,839

Receivables - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Receivables - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Receivables
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,610	$ 2,797
Retainage on construction-type contracts, expected to be collected in one year	1,857	437
Financing Receivable
Receivables
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, present value	4,890	7,038
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, face amount	$ 5,201	$ 7,236
Financing Receivable \| Minimum
Receivables
Contract and lease receivables annual interest rates	4.80%
Financing Receivable \| Maximum
Receivables
Contract and lease receivables annual interest rates	10.00%

Financing Agreements - (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Financing Agreements - (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 35,000
Effective interest rate	2.40%
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	4,089
Foreign Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 40,000
Effective interest rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount	$ 5
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, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 6,377
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%

Share Repurchase Program (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($) shares
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 40,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares \| shares	284
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 1,825
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 38,175

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($) shares	May 02, 2015 USD ($) shares
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	2,215,000
Weighted-average period for unrecognized costs	2 years 8 months 9 days
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	1,868,000
Exercised, aggregate intrinsic value \| $	$ 64	$ 132	$ 533
Fair value of vested options \| $	$ 1,102	$ 1,190	$ 1,294
Stock issued for ESPP	118,000	227,000	248,000
Nonvested unrecognized compensation expense \| $	$ 3,991
Proceeds from exercise of stock options \| $	343	$ 610	$ 2,513
Tax benefit from share based payments \| $	$ 2	(69)	3
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	2 years 11 months 9 days
Fair value \| $	$ 1,214	$ 1,191	$ 1,089
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs \| $	$ 2,485
In The Money Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price (usd per share) \| $ / shares	$ 9.46
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	891,000
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	396,000
Independent Directors \| Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award life	7 years
Vesting period	1 year
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 Share-Based Compensation - Nonvested Restricted Stock and RSU Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Number of Nonvested Shares
Outstanding at beginning of year, Nonvested Shares	384	344	318
Granted, Nonvested Shares	157	159	150
Vested, Nonvested Shares	(134)	(110)	(111)
Forfeited, Nonvested Shares	(5)	(9)	(13)
Outstanding at end of year, Nonvested Shares	402	384	344
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of year, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$ 9.10	$ 10.63	$ 9.59
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	8.00	7.04	12.25
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	9.03	10.76	9.83
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	8.98	10.69	10.70
Outstanding at end of year, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$ 8.69	$ 9.10	$ 10.63

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Stock Options
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	2,606
Granted, Shares	234
Canceled or forfeited, Shares	(320)
Exercised, Shares	(39)
Outstanding at end of year, Shares	2,481	2,606
Shares vested and expected to vest	2,458
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	1,868
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of year, (usd per share)	$ 13.50
Granted, (usd per share)	9.57
Canceled or forfeited, (usd per share)	29.41
Exercised, (usd per share)	8.78
Outstanding at end of year, (usd per share)	11.15	$ 13.50
Shares vested and expected to vest (usd per share)	11.16
Exercisable at end of year (usd per share)	$ 11.49
Outstanding, beginning of period, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 6 months 11 days	4 years 6 months 26 days
Outstanding, end of period, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 6 months 11 days	4 years 6 months 26 days
Vested and expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 6 months
Exercisable at end of period, weighted average remaining contractual life	3 years 5 months 27 days
Outstanding, beginning of period, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 158
Exercised, aggregate intrinsic value	64	$ 132	$ 533
Outstanding, end of period, aggregate intrinsic value	768	$ 158
Shares vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	762
Exercisable at end of period, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 635

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Assumptions used in Black-Scholes Model (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of options granted	$ 2.93	$ 2.92	$ 5.44
Expected dividend rate	3.15%	2.78%	2.60%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.31%	1.70%	1.93%
Expected volatility	44.12%	42.71%	48.01%
Expected life of option	5 years 9 months 11 days	5 years 9 months 11 days	5 years 10 months 2 days
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.44%	1.90%	2.14%
Expected volatility	44.51%	48.32%	51.89%
Expected life of option	6 years 11 months 23 days	6 years 11 months 23 days	6 years 11 months 12 days

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense by Award Type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 2,914	$ 2,958	$ 3,038
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	1,072	1,179	1,311
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	1,287	1,237	1,234
Employee Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 555	$ 542	$ 493

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,914	$ 2,958	$ 3,038
Cost of goods sold
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	714	751	737
Selling
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	723	780	825
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	877	839	908
Product design and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 600	$ 588	$ 568

Employee Benefit Plans - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
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	$ 2,463	$ 2,382	$ 2,013

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 11,483
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, gross	21,845	$ 21,445
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	2,061	1,673
Interest and penalties	(59)	232	$ 14
Accrued interest or penalties	170	$ 94
International
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	7,754
Deferred tax assets, gross	1,772
Canada
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	138
Ireland and Belgium [Domain]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$ 1,724

Income Taxes - Pretax Income Domestic and Foreign (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 16,010	$ 3,264	$ 29,194
Foreign	(422)	(138)	2,489
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 15,588	$ 3,126	$ 31,683

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ 5,268	$ (467)	$ 6,657
State	1,158	123	1,150
Foreign	863	557	848
Deferred:
Federal	(1,625)	463	1,906
State	(397)	(89)	307
Foreign	(21)	478	(67)
Income tax expense	$ 5,246	$ 1,065	$ 10,801

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed income tax expense at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates	$ 5,456	$ 1,063	$ 11,089
State taxes, net of federal benefit	539	40	1,016
Research and development tax credit	(1,573)	(2,015)	(1,292)
Meals and entertainment	299	334	369
Stock compensation	497	525	566
Dividends paid to retirement plan	(293)	(323)	(352)
Domestic production activities deduction	(542)	(91)	(529)
Change in valuation allowances	388	1,265	(2,295)
Change in uncertain tax positions	97	125	2,357
Other, net	378	142	(128)
Income tax expense	$ 5,246	$ 1,065	$ 10,801

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Deferred taxes assets:
Accrued warranty obligations	$ 10,469	$ 11,407
Vacation accrual	2,100	1,963
Net losses on investments	0	336
Deferred maintenance revenue	1,336	341
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	1,254	1,314
Equity compensation	848	745
Allowance for doubtful accounts	677	703
Inventory capitalization	354	595
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,232	1,015
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses	226	0
Net operating loss carry forwards	1,772	1,404
Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	311	1,005
Other	1,266	617
Deferred tax assets, gross	21,845	21,445
Valuation allowance	(2,061)	(1,673)
Deferred tax assets net of valuation	19,784	19,772
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(6,762)	(7,988)
Prepaid expenses	(601)	(631)
Intangible Assets	(1,809)	(1,479)
Unrealized Currency Transaction Gains	0	(931)
Other	(156)	(60)
Deferred tax liabilities, gross	(9,328)	(11,089)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 10,456	$ 8,683

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Current and Non Current (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-current assets	$ 11,292	$ 9,437
Non-current liabilities	(836)	(754)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 10,456	$ 8,683

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$ 3,016	$ 2,891	$ 494
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	235	137	6
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	0	8	2,496
Lapse of statute of limitations	(138)	(20)	(105)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$ 3,113	$ 3,016	$ 2,891

Cash Flow Information - Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
(Increase) decrease:
Restricted cash	$ (18)	$ 298	$ 18
Accounts receivable	(2,718)	3,789	6,412
Long-term receivables	2,213	2,851	3,234
Inventories	3,581	(5,100)	(1,907)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	(6,203)	4,867	(1,667)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(980)	1,290	(575)
Income taxes receivable	4,201	1,061	(3,084)
Investment in affiliates and other assets	(475)	(776)	912
Increase (decrease):
Current marketing obligations and other payables	857	21	(146)
Accounts Payable	5,544	(9,926)	5,594
Customer deposits	(1,514)	(941)	(1,315)
Accrued expenses	2,351	776	3,128
Warranty obligations	(2,986)	4,726	(2,638)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	536	(13,436)	1,314
Long-term warranty obligations	389	(710)	1,869
Income taxes payable	1,331	(37)	(627)
Deferred revenue	1,256	2,120	(250)
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables	(43)	(456)	3,468
Change in operating assets and liabilities	$ 7,322	$ (9,583)	$ 13,740

Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Cash payments for:
Interest	$ 228	$ 303	$ 289
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 3,196	$ (824)	$ 8,690

Cash Flow Information - Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	$ 218	$ 227	$ 34
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	2,524	142	1,510
Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan	840	1,777	2,512
Contingent consideration related to acquisition of ADFLOW	$ 31	$ 1,955	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	$ 32,713	$ 24,672
Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	12,487	14,927
U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	400
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	12,238	8,522
Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	7,588	1,223
Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	32,623	28,328
Restricted cash	216	198
Derivatives - asset position	64
Derivatives - liability position	(277)	(453)
Assets, net	63,448	50,790
Recurring Basis \| Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	12,487	14,927
Recurring Basis \| U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	400
Recurring Basis \| U.S. Government sponsored entities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	12,238	8,522
Recurring Basis \| Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	7,588	1,223
Recurring Basis \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	32,623	28,328
Restricted cash	216	198
Derivatives - asset position	0
Derivatives - liability position	0	0
Assets, net	33,239	28,526
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:	400
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 - asset position	64
Derivatives - liability position	(277)	(453)
Assets, net	32,100	24,219
Recurring Basis \| Level 2 \| Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	12,487	14,927
Recurring Basis \| Level 2 \| U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	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:	12,238	8,522
Recurring Basis \| Level 2 \| Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	7,588	1,223
Reported Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Contingent liability	(1,891)	(1,955)
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Contingent liability	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Contingent liability	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Derivatives - asset position	0
Derivatives - liability position	0	0
Contingent liability	(1,891)	(1,955)
Assets, net	(1,891)	(1,955)
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3 \| Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3 \| U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3 \| U.S. Government sponsored entities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3 \| Municipal obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement Rollforward of Level 3 Contingent Consideration Liabilities (Details) - Recurring Basis - Level 3 - Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] - Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Contingent liability as of April 30, 2016	$ 1,955
Fair value adjustments	31
Interest accretion	53
Foreign currency translation	(148)
Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017	$ 1,891

Derivative Financial Instruments - (Details) € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, SGD in Thousands, CAD in Thousands, AUD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 CAD	Apr. 29, 2017 EUR (€)	Apr. 29, 2017 AUD	Apr. 29, 2017 SGD	Apr. 29, 2017 GBP (£)	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016 CAD	Apr. 30, 2016 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2016 AUD	Apr. 30, 2016 SGD	Apr. 30, 2016 GBP (£)
Recurring Basis
Derivative
Foreign currency contract, asset	$ 64
Foreign currency contract, liability	(277)						$ (453)
Recurring Basis \| Level 2
Derivative
Foreign currency contract, asset	64
Foreign currency contract, liability	(277)						(453)
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	7,984			AUD 10,669			7,216			AUD 10,027
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	256	CAD 345					563	CAD 771
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	4,936					£ 3,959	1,795					£ 1,263
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	605				SGD 844		261				SGD 356
U.S. Dollars/Euros \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	$ 528		€ 491				$ 147		€ 132

Commitments and Contingencies - Guarantees and Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual
Beginning accrued warranty costs	$ 30,496	$ 26,481
Warranties issued during the period	10,930	10,528
Settlements made during the period	(16,790)	(18,377)
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	3,263	11,864
Ending accrued warranty costs	$ 27,899	30,496	$ 26,481
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
Performance guarantees \| Letter of credit and bank guarantees agreements
Guarantees:
Performance guarantees outstanding	$ 10,466
Performance guarantees \| Surety bonds
Guarantees:
Performance guarantees outstanding	39,994
Out-of-Home Product Application [Member]
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	1,766	$ 9,174	$ 1,168
Ending accrued warranty costs	$ 3,079

Commitments and Contingencies - Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Operating Leased Assets
Operating leases, rent expense	$ 3,175	$ 3,031	$ 3,020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
2018	2,740
2019	2,038
2020	1,740
2021	1,545
2022	1,298
Thereafter	422
Total	9,783
March 31, 2017 to March 31, 2022
Operating Leased Assets
Operating leases, purchase option price	9,000
Year ending March 2023
Operating Leased Assets
Operating leases, purchase option price	9,090
Year ending March 2024
Operating Leased Assets
Operating leases, purchase option price	$ 9,180

Commitments and Contingencies - Purchase Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Conditional purchase commitment	$ 400
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity
2018	3,251
2019	1,030
2020	253
2021	253
2022	143
Thereafter	379
Total	$ 5,309

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Long-term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 3,224	$ 4,031
Less: current liability	1,506	681
Other long-term obligations	1,718	3,350
Advertising
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	580	589
Deferred purchase price
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	2,479	3,228
Long-term Debt [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 165	$ 214

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2015	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 143,682	$ 115,719	$ 169,992	$ 157,146	$ 138,463	$ 123,816	$ 157,668	$ 150,221	$ 586,539	$ 570,168	$ 615,942
Gross profit	33,724	23,316	44,308	39,067	27,976	22,029	35,513	35,501	140,415	121,019	144,579
Net income (loss)	$ 909	$ (5,127)	$ 9,021	$ 5,539	$ (2,930)	$ (1,953)	$ 3,168	$ 3,776	$ 10,342	$ 2,061	$ 20,882
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.21	$ 0.13	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ 0.23	$ 0.05	$ 0.48
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.20	$ 0.13	$ (0.07)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ 0.23	$ 0.05	$ 0.47

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS - (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2017

Apr. 30, 2016

May 02, 2015

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]

Balance at Beginning of Year

$ 2,797

$ 2,316

$ 2,539

Charged to Costs and Expenses

2,496

934

(150)

Charged to Other Accounts

Deductions

^[1]

(2,683)

(453)

(73)

Balance at End of Year

2,610

2,797

2,316

Allowance for Excess and Obsolete Inventories

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]

Balance at Beginning of Year

4,975

3,998

2,692

Charged to Costs and Expenses

2,437

3,475

2,701

Charged to Other Accounts

^[2]

(68)

Deductions

^[3]

(2,377)

(2,510)

(1,397)

Balance at End of Year

$ 4,967

$ 4,975

$ 3,998

[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

Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program	Apr. 29, 2017
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	Note 10. Share Repurchase Program On June 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which Daktronics, Inc. may purchase up to $40,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. During fiscal 2017, we repurchased 284 shares of common stock at a total cost of $1,825. We may repurchase up to an additional $38,175 of common stock under the current Board authorization.

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Apr. 29, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 18. Subsequent Events On June 1, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share on our common stock payable on June 23, 2017 to holders of record of our common stock on June 13, 2017.

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Accrued expenses
Self-insurance liability	$ 2,367	$ 2,314

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets By Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Deferred Tax Assets By Location [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, gross	$ 21,845	$ 21,445
International
Deferred Tax Assets By Location [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, gross	$ 1,772

Subsequent Events - (Details) - $ / shares		12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events - (Details) - $ / shares	Jun. 02, 2017	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared (usd per share)		$ 0.310	$ 0.4	$ 0.4
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared (usd per share)	$ 0.07