Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018	Jun. 04, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	Apr. 28, 2018
Entity Registrant Name	DAKTRONICS INC /SD/
Entity Central Index Key	0000915779
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 467,264,392
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		44,588,625
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,727	$ 32,623
Restricted cash	28	216
Marketable securities	34,522	32,713
Accounts receivable, net	77,387	78,846
Inventories	75,335	66,486
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	30,968	36,403
Current maturities of long-term receivables	1,752	2,274
Prepaid expenses and other assets	9,029	7,553
Income tax receivables	5,385	611
Total current assets	264,133	257,725
Property and equipment, net	68,059	66,749
Long-term receivables, less current maturities	1,641	2,616
Goodwill	8,264	7,812
Intangibles, net	3,682	4,705
Investment in affiliates and other assets	5,091	4,534
Deferred income taxes	7,930	11,292
TOTAL ASSETS	358,800	355,433
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	48,845	51,499
Accrued expenses	27,445	25,033
Warranty obligations	13,891	13,578
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	12,195	10,897
Customer deposits	14,532	14,498
Deferred revenue	12,652	12,137
Current portion of other long-term obligations	1,088	1,409
Income taxes payable	660	1,544
Total current liabilities	131,308	130,595
Long-term warranty obligations	16,062	14,321
Long-term deferred revenue	7,475	5,434
Other long-term obligations	2,285	2,848
Long-term income tax payable	3,440	3,113
Deferred income taxes	614	836
Total long-term liabilities	29,876	26,552
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 44,779,534 and 44,372,357 shares issued at April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively	54,731	52,530
Additional paid-in capital	40,328	38,004
Retained earnings	107,105	113,967
Treasury stock, at cost, 303,957 and 303,957 shares at April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively	(1,834)	(1,834)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,714)	(4,381)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	197,616	198,286
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 358,800	$ 355,433

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
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)	44,779,534	44,372,357
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	303,957	303,957

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 610,530	$ 586,539	$ 570,168
Cost of sales	464,861	446,124	449,149
Gross profit	145,669	140,415	121,019
Operating expenses:
Selling	62,760	61,687	58,812
General and administrative	34,919	34,226	32,801
Product design and development	35,530	29,081	26,911
Total operating expenses	133,209	124,994	118,524
Operating income	12,460	15,421	2,495
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	723	751	987
Interest expense	(217)	(230)	(228)
Other (expense) income, net	(537)	(354)	(128)
Income before income taxes	12,429	15,588	3,126
Income tax expense	6,867	5,246	1,065
Net income	$ 5,562	$ 10,342	$ 2,061
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	44,457	44,114	43,990
Diluted (in shares)	44,873	44,303	44,456
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.23	$ 0.05
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.23	$ 0.05

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 5,562	$ 10,342	$ 2,061
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cumulative translation adjustments	1,808	(1,472)	(529)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(141)	(11)	7
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,667	(1,483)	(522)
Comprehensive income	$ 7,229	$ 8,859	$ 1,539

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 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	610	610	0
Tax payments related to RSU	(303)		(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	343	343	0
Tax payments related to RSU	(261)		(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)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	5,562			5,562
Cumulative translation adjustments	1,808					1,808
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(141)					(141)
Share-based compensation	2,635		2,635
Exercise of stock options	519	519	0
Tax payments related to RSU	(311)		(311)
Employee savings plan activity	1,682	1,682
Dividends paid	(12,424)			(12,424)
Balance at End of Period at Apr. 28, 2018	$ 197,616	$ 54,731	$ 40,328	$ 107,105	$ (1,834)	$ (2,714)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 5,562	$ 10,342	$ 2,061
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,784	18,562	16,943
Impairment of intangible assets	0	830	0
(Gain) loss on sale of property, equipment and other assets	(1,252)	36	(71)
Share-based compensation	2,635	2,914	2,958
Gain on sale of equity investment	0	0	(119)
Equity in loss of affiliate	481	136	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	140	1,426	481
Deferred income taxes, net	3,148	(2,043)	911
Change in operating assets and liabilities	1,863	7,204	(9,881)
Net cash provided by operating activities	30,361	39,407	13,283
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	(18,127)	(8,502)	(17,056)
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets	2,179	199	152
Purchases of marketable securities	(17,438)	(24,159)	(21,286)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities	15,273	15,928	21,862
Proceeds from sale of equity investment	0	0	377
Purchases of equity investment	(1,450)	(1,646)	(503)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	(7,364)
Net cash used in investing activities	(19,563)	(18,180)	(23,818)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on notes payable	0	(8)	(38)
Principal payments on long-term obligations	(1,046)	(921)	(467)
Dividends paid	(12,424)	(13,651)	(17,556)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	519	343	610
Payments for common shares repurchased	0	(1,825)	0
Tax payments related to RSU issuances	(311)	(261)	(303)
Net cash used in financing activities	(13,262)	(16,323)	(17,754)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	(620)	(591)	(965)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH	(3,084)	4,313	(29,254)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period	32,839	28,526	57,780
End of period	$ 29,755	$ 32,839	$ 28,526

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business: Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged principally in the design, market, and manufacture of a wide range of integrated 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 28, 2018, April 29, 2017, and April 30, 2016 contained operating results for 52 weeks.

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All 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.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the equity method was $3,647 and $2,678 at April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. The equity method requires us to report our share of losses up to our equity investment amount. Cash paid for investments in affiliates is included in the "Purchases of equity investment" 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 years ended April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, our share of the losses of our affiliates was $481 and $136, respectively.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $42 at each of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017. 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 generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments 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 income taxes. Estimation processes are also used in inventory valuation, the allowance for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation, goodwill impairment, and extended warranty and product maintenance agreements. 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.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position that sum to total of the same amounts showing in the statement of cash flows.



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	$	29,727	$	32,623
Restricted cash	28		216
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	29,755	$	32,839

Inventories: In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 330, Inventory, our 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. When we estimate net realizable value to be lower than cost, any necessary adjustments are charged to cost of sales in that period. In determining net realizable value, we review various factors such as current inventory levels, forecasted demand, and technological obsolescence.

Allowance for doubtful accounts: 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 in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables.

Revenue recognition: Net sales are reported net of estimated sales returns and discounts 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 $39 and $42 at April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, 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. Construction-type contracts include uniquely configured combinations of technical design services, equipment specified for the customer design, installation and integration services and other related services. Contract costs include all direct material, manufacturing, project management, engineering labor, subcontracting and indirect costs related to contract design, production, integration, installation, delivery of all performance obligations, and any warranty reserve. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities, equipment depreciation, and general overhead. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period such losses are capable of being estimated. Generally, construction-type contracts we enter into have fixed prices established, and to the extent the actual costs to complete construction-type contracts are higher than the amounts estimated as of the date of the financial statements, the resulting gross margin would be negatively affected in future quarters when we revise our estimates. Our policy and practice is to revise estimates as soon as such changes in estimates are known. 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 we combine a group of contracts, revenue and profit are recognized uniformly over the performance of the combined projects. We segment revenues in accordance with the contract segmenting criteria in ASC 605-35, Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. Approximately 60.8 percent, 58.1 percent, and 59.7 percent of our fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016 revenues were recorded under this method of accounting.

Equipment contracts: In accordance with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, we recognize revenue on standard equipment and replacement part orders when title passes and the related installation services are substantially complete. We recognize the revenue 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. Approximately 31.1 percent, 34.0 percent, and 33.0 percent of our fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016 revenues were recorded under this method of accounting.

Extended warranty and product maintenance: In accordance with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, we recognize deferred revenue related to separately priced extended warranty and product maintenance agreements. The deferred revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual term, which vary up to 10 years. If we would become aware of an increase in our estimated costs under these agreements in excess of our deferred revenue, additional charges may be necessary, resulting in an increase in cost of sales. In determining if additional charges are necessary, we examine cost trends on the contracts and other information and compare them to the deferred revenue. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to determine estimated costs under these agreements. As of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, we had $20,127 and $17,571 of deferred revenue related to separately priced extended warranty and product maintenance agreements, respectively.

Services: Revenues generated by us for services, such as event support, control room upgrades, content creation, on-site training, equipment service, and technical support sold after the completion of an initial long-term construction-type contract or equipment contract or that are considered a separate unit of accounting under these types of sales, are recognized as net sales when the services are performed in accordance with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. Net sales from services, extended warranty and product maintenance was approximately 8.0 percent, 7.8 percent and 7.3 percent for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 often contract some or all equipment and services to our customers under the terms of a bundled multiple-element sales arrangement. We also contract 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 equal to 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: In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, 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 and improvements	5 - 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: In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we assess long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets 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 2018. See "Note 6. 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 unit's 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 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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, capitalized software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed had a net book value of $869 and $1,759, respectively.

Foreign currency translation: We follow the provisions of ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. 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 account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. We record a tax provision for anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. These assets and liabilities are analyzed regularly, and we assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recoverable from future taxable income. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

In addition, because we operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. See "Note 14. Income Taxes" for further information.

Comprehensive income: We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components, and disclose these components in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. 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 income represents net income adjusted for cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. The foreign currency translation adjustment included in the comprehensive income calculation has not been tax affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent.

Product design and development: We follow the provisions of ASC 730, Research and Development, which states all expenses related to product design and development are charged to operations as incurred. Our product design and development activities include the enhancement of existing products and technologies and the development of new products and technologies.

Advertising costs: In accordance with ASC 720-35, Advertising Costs, we expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $2,855, $2,125 and $2,209 for the fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Shipping and handling costs: In accordance with ASC 605-45, Shipping and Handling Fees and 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”): We follow the provisions of ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, where 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 net income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	Net income		Shares	Per share income
For the year ended April 28, 2018:
Basic earnings per share	$	5,562	44,457	$	0.13
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		416	(0.01		)
Diluted earnings per share	$	5,562	44,873	$	0.12
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

Options outstanding to purchase 1,548, 2,112 and 2,122 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $11.69, $13.30 and $15.04 for the fiscal years ended April 28, 2018, April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

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 12. 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 August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which reduces the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. We early adopted ASU 2016-15 during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash, which requires that the statements of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Accordingly, restricted cash will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statements of cash flows. We early adopted ASU 2016-18 during the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and applied its provisions retrospectively. Other than the change in presentation within the statements of cash flows, the adoption of ASU 2016-18 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). ASU 2018-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2018-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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 will require adoption on a prospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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 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 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. We will adopt ASU 2016-16 and related guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and apply its provisions on a modified retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2016-16 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides guidance regarding the measurement and recognition of credit impairment for certain financial assets. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will require adoption on a modified retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements 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). ASU 2016-02 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. ASU 2016-02 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. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted and will require adoption on a modified retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Subsequently, the FASB also issued ASUs 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, and 2016-20 to give further guidance to revenue recognition matters. ASU 2014-09 and related guidance supersedes revenue recognition requirements under FASB ASC Topic 605 and related industry specific revenue recognition guidance. This new standard defines a comprehensive revenue recognition model, requiring 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. It defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and allows companies to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance and requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the customer contracts. It provides guidance on transition requirements.

We will adopt ASU 2014-09 and related guidance under the modified retrospective method during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We have completed our evaluation of our revenue arrangements under the new standard and have assessed that the adoption will not materially change the timing or amount of revenue recognized, based upon our current assessment of "point in time" and "over time" revenue recognition. No adjustment to beginning retained earnings will be recorded upon adoption. We will make additional disclosures related to revenue from contracts with customers as required by the new standard upon adoption.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 customer type or geography and are the same as our business units.

Our Commercial business unit primarily consists of sales of our integrated video display systems, digital billboards, Galaxy^® and Fuelight^™ product lines, and dynamic messaging systems to resellers (primarily sign companies), out-of-home ("OOH") companies, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos, commercial building owners, 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 and resellers (primarily sign companies). Our Transportation business unit primarily consists of sales of intelligent transportation system dynamic messaging signs for road management, mass transit, and aviation applications and other electronic signage for advertising and way-finding needs, which includes our Vanguard^® and Galaxy^® product lines and other intelligent transportation systems dynamic message signs, to governmental transportation departments, transportation industry contractors, 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, architectural lighting, and transportation related products to the related type of company, including sports and commercial business facilities, OOH companies, and governmental transportation agencies.

We evaluate segment performance based on operating results through contribution margin, which is comprised of gross profit less selling expense. Gross profit is net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of inventory and components, consumables, salaries, other employee-related costs, facilities-related costs for manufacturing locations, machinery and equipment maintenance and depreciation, site sub-contractors, warranty costs, enterprise resource and service management systems, inventory obsolescence and write-downs, inventory procurement and handling costs, and other manufacturing, installation, and service delivery expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demonstrations, customer relationship management systems, and supplies. Contribution margin excludes general and administration expense, product design and development expense, non-operating income and expense 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. Our segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Some expenses or services are not directly allocable to a sale or segment or the resources and related expenses are shared across business segment areas. These expenses are allocated using estimates and allocation methodologies based on some financial measures and professional judgment. Shared or unabsorbed manufacturing costs are allocated to the business unit benefiting most from that manufacturing location's production capabilities. Shared or 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 reporting segments for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Net sales:
Commercial	$	134,535		$	148,073		$	148,261
Live Events	236,333			213,982			205,151
High School Park and Recreation	87,627			82,798			70,035
Transportation	59,578			52,426			52,249
International	92,457			89,260			94,472
	610,530			586,539			570,168

Gross profit:
Commercial	$	26,665		$	36,514		$	29,147
Live Events	49,755			40,810			36,568
High School Park and Recreation	29,317			26,388			20,624
Transportation	21,247			18,027			16,572
International	18,685			18,676			18,108
	145,669			140,415			121,019

Contribution margin: (1)
Commercial	7,986			18,046			13,210
Live Events	35,439			27,750			23,178
High School Park and Recreation	18,317			16,114			10,314
Transportation	17,048			13,465			12,466
International	4,119			3,353			3,039
	82,909			78,728			62,207

Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative	34,919			34,226			32,801
Product design and development	35,530			29,081			26,911
Operating income	12,460			15,421			2,495

Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	723			751			987
Interest expense	(217		)	(230		)	(228		)
Other (expense) income, net	(537		)	(354		)	(128		)

Income before income taxes	12,429			15,588			3,126
Income tax expense	6,867			5,246			1,065
Net income	$	5,562		$	10,342		$	2,061

Depreciation, amortization and impairment:
Commercial	$	6,199		$	6,337		$	4,925
Live Events	4,783			5,032			4,970
High School Park and Recreation	1,646			1,725			1,722
Transportation	1,138			1,267			1,364
International	1,163			2,317			1,227
Unallocated corporate depreciation	2,855			2,714			2,735
	$	17,784		$	19,392		$	16,943

(1) Contribution margin consists of gross profit less selling expense.

No single geographic area comprises a material amount of our 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 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Net sales:
United States	$	502,701	$	486,573	$	465,598
Outside United States	107,829		99,966		104,570
	$	610,530	$	586,539	$	570,168
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:
United States	$	61,206	$	62,425	$	68,233
Outside United States	6,853		4,324		4,930
	$	68,059	$	66,749	$	73,163

We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services, and no customers accounted for 10% or more of net sales; 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.

We have numerous raw material and component suppliers, and no supplier accounts for 10% or more of our cost of sales; however, we have a number of single-source suppliers that could limit our supply or cause delays in obtaining raw material and components needed in manufacturing.

Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 on the balance sheet. 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 28, 2018, 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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:



	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Balance as of April 28, 2018:
Certificates of deposit	$	8,669	$	—	$	—		$	8,669
U.S. Government securities	999		—		(7		)	992
U.S. Government sponsored entities	20,072		—		(123		)	19,949
Municipal bonds	4,936		—		(24		)	4,912
	$	34,676	$	—	$	(154	)	$	34,522
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

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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings 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 28, 2018 were as follows:



	Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
Certificates of deposit	$	5,205	$	3,464	$	8,669
U.S. Government securities	—		992		992
U.S. Government sponsored entities	11,355		8,594		19,949
Municipal bonds	3,248		1,664		4,912
	$	19,808	$	14,714	$	34,522

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations	Apr. 28, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Note 4. Business Combinations 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 and its assets and liabilities 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. The purchase price included 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. The fair value of such contingent consideration is estimated as of the acquisition date, and subsequently at the end of each reporting period, using forecasted cash flows. Projecting future cash flows requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding future events, conditions, or revenues being achieved under the subject contingent agreement as well as the appropriate discount rate. Such valuation techniques include one or more significant inputs that are not observable. See "Note 16. Fair Value Measurement" for more information.

Sale of Non-Digital Division (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Sale of Non-Digital Division (Notes)	Apr. 28, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5. Sale of Non-Digital Division Assets In fiscal 2018, we sold our non-digital division assets, primarily consisting of inventory, non-digital manufacturing equipment, patented and unpatented technology and know-how, customer lists, and backlog, net of warranty obligations and accounts payable with a net book value of $517. We recorded a gain of $1,267 on the disposal, which is included in cost of sales in the International business unit. During fiscal 2017, we recognized an impairment loss of $830 on intangible assets related to the technology and customer list. See "Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for further information.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Lived Assets

Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We account for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 were as follows:



	Live Events		Commercial		Transportation		International		Total
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	$	2,274	$	3,199	$	45	$	2,294	$	7,812
Foreign currency translation	21		145		22		264		452
Balance as of April 28, 2018:	$	2,295	$	3,344	$	67	$	2,558	$	8,264

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 perform our 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 the analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016.

In conducting our impairment testing, we compare the fair value of each of our business units to the related carrying value of the allocated assets. We utilize the income approach based on discounted projected cash flows to estimate the fair value of each unit. The projected cash flows use many estimates including market conditions, expected market demand and our ability to grow or maintain market share, gross profit, and expected expenditures for capital and operating expenses. Assets shared or not directly attributed to a reportable segment's activities are allocated to the reportable segment based on sales and other measures.

Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes intangible assets, net, as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017:



	April 28, 2018
	Weighted Average Life (in years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Impairment		Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks	20.0	$	709	$	118	$	—	$	591
Software	3.0	2,978		2,109		—		869
Customer relationships	10.0	2,859		637		—		2,222
Other	1.0	100		100		—		—
Total amortized intangible assets	7.8	$	6,646	$	2,964	$	—	$	3,682

	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

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 sales 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. See "Note 5. Sale of Non-Digital Division Assets" for more information.

In the fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, amortization expense including impairment related to intangible assets was $1,330, $2,546, and $295, respectively. Amortization expenses are included primarily in product design and development and selling expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

As of April 28, 2018, amortization expenses for future periods were estimated to be as follows:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2019	$	1,200
2020	331
2021	328
2022	303
2023	303
Thereafter	1,217
Total expected amortization expense	$	3,682

- 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. 28, 2018

Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]

Selected Financial Statement Data

Note 7. Selected Financial Statement Data

Inventories consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Raw materials	$	30,570	$	24,801
Work-in-process	8,645		7,366
Finished goods	36,120		34,319
	$	75,335	$	66,486

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Land	$	2,161	$	2,099
Buildings	67,773		65,935
Machinery and equipment	93,439		84,189
Office furniture and equipment	5,878		5,604
Computer software and hardware	53,004		51,523
Equipment held for rental	287		374
Demonstration equipment	7,035		7,109
Transportation equipment	7,632		7,108
	237,209		223,941
Less accumulated depreciation	169,150		157,192
	$	68,059	$	66,749

Our depreciation expense was $16,273, $16,732, and $16,561 for the fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

In the fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 demonstration equipment with no resale value. These impairment charges were included primarily in product design and development and selling expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Compensation	$	12,841	$	12,732
Taxes, other than income taxes	2,907		3,878
Accrued employee benefits	2,829		2,916
Short-term accrued expenses	6,157		5,357
Claims liabilities	2,711		150
	$	27,445	$	25,033

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



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$	29		$	(331	)	$	(326	)
Equity in losses of affiliates	(481		)	(136		)	—
Other	(85		)	113			198
	$	(537	)	$	(354	)	$	(128	)

Uncompleted Contracts

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Contractors [Abstract]

Uncompleted Contracts

Note 8. Uncompleted Contracts

Uncompleted contracts consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Costs incurred	$	524,453	$	508,993
Estimated earnings	168,731		161,611
	693,184		670,604
Less billings to date	674,411		645,098
	$	18,773	$	25,506

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



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	30,968		$	36,403
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(12,195		)	(10,897		)
	$	18,773		$	25,506

Receivables	12 Months Ended
Receivables	Apr. 28, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Note 9. Receivables We sell our products throughout the United States and in certain foreign countries on credit terms we establish for each customer. On the sale of certain products, we have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral and to file claims against surety bonds to protect our interest in receivables. Foreign sales are at times secured by irrevocable letters of credit or bank guarantees. Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,151 and $2,610 at April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017 was $964 and $1,857, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year. In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding 12 months and sales-type leases. The present value of these contracts and leases are recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with 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 $3,393 and $4,890 as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 4.8 to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through 2024. The face amount of long-term receivables was $3,733 as of April 28, 2018 and $5,201 as of April 29, 2017, respectively.

Financing Agreements

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Financing Agreements

Note 10. Financing Agreements

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 GAAP. The effective interest rate was 3.4 percent at April 28, 2018. We are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum on any unused portion of the loan. As of April 28, 2018, 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 $6,495.

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 minus the sum of dividends or other distributions (unless the bank approves), share repurchases, a maintenance capital expenditure reserve in the amount of $6,000, and income tax to (b) all principal and interest payments with respect to indebtedness, excluding principal payments on the line of credit; and


•	A ratio of funded 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 intend to 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 $55,000. The interest rate is equal to LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. As of April 28, 2018, there were no advances outstanding under the loan agreement and approximately $1,211 in bank guarantees under this line of credit.

As of April 28, 2018, we were in compliance with all applicable bank loan covenants.

Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
Share Repurchase Program Share Repurchase Program	Apr. 28, 2018
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	Note 11. 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 2018, we had no repurchases of shares of our outstanding common stock. During fiscal 2017, we repurchased 284 shares of common stock at a total cost of $1,825. As of April 28, 2018, we had $38,175 of remaining capacity under our current share repurchase program.

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation

Note 12. Shareholders’ Equity and Share-Based Compensation

Common stock: Our 120,000 authorized shares consist of 115,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 shares of “undesignated stock.” Our Board of Directors has the power to authorize and 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 of Directors 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 the directors 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 28, 2018, the aggregate number of shares available for future grant under the 2015 Plan for stock options and restricted stock awards was 1,870 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 $1,226 at April 28, 2018, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years. The total fair value of restricted stock vested was $1,274, $1,214, and $1,191 for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

A summary of nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018				April 29, 2017				April 30, 2016
	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	402		$	8.69	384		$	9.10	344		$	10.63
Granted	178		8.46		157		8.00		159		7.04
Vested	(141	)	9.06		(134	)	9.03		(110	)	10.76
Forfeited	(2	)	8.93		(5	)	8.98		(9	)	10.69
Outstanding at end of year	437		$	8.48	402		$	8.69	384		$	9.10

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 28, 2018 is as follows:



	Stock Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at April 29, 2017	2,481		$	11.15	4.53	$	768
Granted	169		9.63		—	—
Canceled or forfeited	(287	)	19.78		—	—
Exercised	(58	)	8.91		—	65
Outstanding at April 28, 2018	2,305		$	10.02	4.51	$	356

Shares vested and expected to vest	2,282		$	10.02	4.47	$	354
Exercisable at April 28, 2018	1,788		$	10.04	3.50	$	304

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 28, 2018 as options having exercise prices lower than the $9.01 per share market price of our common stock on that date. There were in-the-money options to purchase 594 shares exercisable at April 28, 2018. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $65, $64, and $132, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested was $977, $1,102, and $1,190 for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("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 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Fair value of options granted	$	2.82		$	2.93		$	2.92
Risk-free interest rate	1.95		%	1.31 - 1.44%			1.70 - 1.90%
Expected dividend rate	3.27		%	3.15		%	2.78		%
Expected volatility	42.51%			44.12 - 44.51%			42.71 - 48.32%
Expected life of option	6.83 years			5.78 - 6.98 years			5.78 - 6.98 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 223, 118, and 227 shares in fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The number of shares of common stock reserved for future employee purchases under the ESPP totaled 173 shares at April 28, 2018. 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 28, 2018, there was $3,752 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 2.9 years.

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



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Stock options	$	763	$	1,072	$	1,179
Restricted stock and stock units	1,442		1,287		1,237
Employee stock purchase plans	430		555		542
	$	2,635	$	2,914	$	2,958

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 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Cost of sales	$	619	$	714	$	751
Selling	644		723		780
General and administrative	851		877		839
Product design and development	521		600		588
	$	2,635	$	2,914	$	2,958

We received $519 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018. The tax benefit (expense) related to non-qualified options and restricted stock units under all share-based payment arrangements totaled $9, $2, and $(69) for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 14. Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Act into law. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the Code. Some of the most significant provisions of the Tax Act impacting us include a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a one-time "deemed repatriation" tax on previously untaxed accumulated earnings and profits of subsidiaries in non-U.S. jurisdictions, and a transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. Because we file our tax return based on our fiscal year, the federal statutory tax rate for our fiscal 2018 tax return will be a blended rate of 30.4%.

As a result of the Tax Act, we have recorded a provisional reduction to our net U.S. deferred tax assets of $3,534, which resulted in a corresponding increase to income tax expense for fiscal 2018. Additionally, we have recorded a provisional increase to income tax expense of $285 for the one-time deemed repatriation tax.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 which allows the recording of provisional amounts during a measurement period, not to exceed one year from the enactment date of the Tax Act, to account for the impacts of the Tax Act in companies' financial statements when companies do not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete their accounting for the effects of the changes in the Tax Act. Since the Tax Act was passed late in the fourth quarter of calendar 2018, ongoing guidance and accounting interpretation are expected over the next year, and significant data and analysis is required to finalize amounts recorded pursuant to the Tax Act. We will continue to refine any estimates throughout the measurement period or until the accounting is complete, and the impact of the Tax Act may differ from these estimates, possibly materially, due to, among other things, changes in estimates and assumptions that we have made.

The Tax Act includes a provision designed to currently tax global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") starting in fiscal 2019. Due to the complexity of the new GILTI tax rules, we are continuing to evaluate this provision of the Tax Act and the application of ASC 740, and we are considering available accounting policy alternatives to adopt to either record the U.S. income tax effect of future GILTI inclusions in the period in which they arise or establish deferred taxes with respect to the expected future tax liabilities associated with future GILTI inclusions. In addition, we are awaiting further interpretive guidance in connection with the computation of the GILTI tax. For these reasons, we have not yet determined a policy for the effect of this provision of the Tax Act. We expect to complete our analysis within the measurement period in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No.118.

The fiscal 2018 effective rate was higher than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impacts of the new tax law totaling $3,819.

The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2017 included the impact of benefits from increased research and development tax credits, which was offset by valuation allowances recorded during the current year in certain foreign jurisdictions.

The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2016 included the impact of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (“PATH Act”) signed in December 2015, which retroactively reinstated as well as permanently extended the research and development tax credit. This provided a recognition of approximately $2,015 in tax benefits during fiscal 2016. The benefit is largely offset by pre-tax losses with no tax benefit due to valuation allowances and the current year establishment of valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions of $1,265 that were recognized during fiscal 2016.

The following tables reflect the significant components of our income tax provision. The pretax income attributable to domestic and foreign operations was as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Domestic	$	9,235	$	16,010		$	3,264
Foreign	3,194		(422		)	(138		)
Income before income taxes	$	12,429	$	15,588		$	3,126

Income tax expense consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Current:
Federal	$	1,646		$	5,268		$	(467	)
State	868			1,158			123
Foreign	1,205			863			557
Deferred:
Federal	3,693			(1,625		)	463
State	27			(397		)	(89		)
Foreign	(572		)	(21		)	478
	$	6,867		$	5,246		$	1,065

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 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Computed income tax expense at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates	$	3,779		$	5,456		$	1,063
Impact of Tax Act	3,819			—			—
Research and development tax credit	(1,598		)	(1,573		)	(2,015		)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	592			539			40
Other, net	559			378			142
Change in valuation allowances	(486		)	388			1,265
Stock compensation	336			497			525
Meals and entertainment	333			299			334
Domestic production activities deduction	(294		)	(542		)	(91		)
Dividends paid to retirement plan	(238		)	(293		)	(323		)
Change in uncertain tax positions	65			97			125
	$	6,867		$	5,246		$	1,065

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



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued warranty obligations	$	7,282		$	10,469
Vacation accrual	1,567			2,100
Deferred maintenance revenue	392			1,336
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	1,376			1,254
Equity compensation	553			848
Allowance for doubtful accounts	531			677
Inventory capitalization	481			354
Accrued compensation and benefits	651			1,232
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange	37			226
Net operating loss carry forwards	1,286			1,772
Research and development tax credit carry forwards	334			311
Other	1,042			1,266
	15,532			21,845
Valuation allowance	(1,506		)	(2,061		)
	14,026			19,784

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(4,881		)	(6,762		)
Prepaid expenses	(486		)	(601		)
Intangible assets	(1,302		)	(1,809		)
Other	(41		)	(156		)
	(6,710		)	(9,328		)
	$	7,316		$	10,456

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



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Non-current assets	$	7,930		$	11,292
Non-current liabilities	(614		)	(836		)
	$	7,316		$	10,456

The summary of changes in the amounts related to unrecognized uncertain tax benefits are:



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Balance at beginning of year	$	3,113		$	3,016
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	82			235
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	(30		)	—
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	152			—
Lapse of statute of limitations	(139		)	(138		)
Balance at end of year	$	3,178		$	3,113

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. A statute relating to $2,569 of the unrecognized tax benefits (including interest) expires in the next 12 months. The benefit will be recognized if the statute lapses with no further action taken by regulators.

Interest and penalties incurred associated with uncertain tax positions are included in the "Income tax expense" line item in our consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in the related tax liability line item in our consolidated balance sheet of $238 and $170 as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively.

As of April 28, 2018, we had foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $7,223 primarily related to our operations in Belgium and Ireland, which have indefinite lives, and $62 is related to other international operations that expires in fiscal 2019. A deferred tax asset has been recorded for all NOL carryforwards totaling approximately $1,286. However, due to uncertainty in future taxable income, a valuation allowance totaling approximately $1,279 has been recorded in Belgium and Ireland. 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:

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. Due to various factors and operating in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions, our effective tax is subject to fluctuation. As a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations, our fiscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017 are the remaining years open under statutes of limitations for federal and state income tax examinations. Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2008.

As of April 28, 2018, we have no deferred tax liability recognized relating to our investment in foreign subsidiaries where the earnings have been indefinitely reinvested. The Tax Act generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, and as a result, the accumulated undistributed earnings would only be subject to other taxes, such as withholding taxes and state income taxes, on distribution of such earnings. No additional withholding or income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the one-time deemed repatriation tax, as it is our intention for these amounts to continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations in all of our non-U.S. jurisdictions.

Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Cash Flow Information

Note 15. Cash Flow Information

The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
(Increase) decrease:
Account receivable	$	2,266		$	(2,718	)	$	3,789
Long-term receivables	1,548			2,213			2,851
Inventories	(8,517		)	3,581			(5,100		)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	5,911			(6,203		)	4,867
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,252		)	(980		)	1,290
Income taxes receivables	(4,747		)	4,201			1,061
Investment in affiliates and other assets	413			(611		)	(776		)
Increase (decrease):
Current marketing obligations and other payables	(358		)	857			21
Accounts payable	(2,573		)	5,544			(9,926		)
Customer deposits	(53		)	(1,514		)	(941		)
Accrued expenses	3,830			2,351			776
Warranty obligations	346			(2,986		)	4,726
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	1,034			536			(13,436		)
Long-term warranty obligations	1,729			389			(710		)
Income taxes payable	(592		)	1,331			(37		)
Deferred revenue	2,499			1,256			2,120
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables	379			(43		)	(456		)
	$	1,863		$	7,204		$	(9,881	)

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Cash payments for:
Interest	$	193	$	228	$	303
Income taxes, net of refunds	8,937		3,196		(824		)

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



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	$	72	$	218	$	227
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	1,983		2,524		142
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP	1,682		840		1,777
Contingent consideration related to acquisition of ADFLOW	—		31		1,955

Fair Value Measurement

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

Note 16. 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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017 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 28, 2018:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	29,727	$	—		$	—		$	29,727
Restricted cash	28		—			—			28
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit	—		8,669			—			8,669
U.S. Government securities	992		—			—			992
U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		19,949			—			19,949
Municipal bonds	—		4,912			—			4,912
Derivatives - asset position	—		41			—			41
Derivatives - liability position	—		(236		)	—			(236		)
Contingent liability	—		—			(1,000		)	(1,000		)
	$	30,747	$	33,335		$	(1,000	)	$	63,082
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 bonds	—		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

A roll forward of the Level 3 contingent liability, both short- and long-term, for the year ended April 28, 2018 is as follows:



Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017	$	1,891
Settlements	(1,009		)
Interest	37
Foreign currency translation	81
Contingent liability as of April 28, 2018	$	1,000

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments.

Cash and cash equivalents: Consists of cash on hand in bank deposits and highly liquid investments, primarily money market accounts. The fair value was measured using quoted market prices in active markets. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Restricted cash: Consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees. The fair value of restricted cash was measured using quoted market prices in active markets. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Certificates of deposit: Consists of time deposit accounts with original maturities of less than three years and various yields. The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments from a third-party financial institution. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

U.S. Government securities: Consists of U.S. Government treasury bills, notes, and bonds with original maturities of less than three years and various yields. The fair value of these securities was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.

U.S. Government sponsored entities: Consists of Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Bank investment grade debt securities trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments. The contractual maturities of these investments vary from one month to three years.

Municipal bonds: Consists of investment grade municipal bonds trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis. The contractual maturities of these investments vary from 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 17. Derivative Financial Instruments" for more information regarding our derivatives.

Contingent liability: Consists of the fair value of a liability measured on an expected future payment in fiscal 2019 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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017. The unobservable inputs included management expectations and forecasts for business sales and profits 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 liability could change from $1,000 to $0 or increase in proportion to increased business performance from this estimate. 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 and equipment are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. We used Level 3 inputs to measure and record a technology and customer list intangible asset impairment of $830 during fiscal 2017. See "Note 6. 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. 28, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Note 17. 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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, 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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017 were as follows:



	April 28, 2018				April 29, 2017
	U.S. Dollars		Foreign Currency		U.S. Dollars	Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars	1,081		1,400		7,984	10,669
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars	2,165		2,819		256	345
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds	5,856		4,368		4,936	3,959
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars	236		312		605	844
U.S. Dollars/Euros	(854	)	(708	)	528	491
U.S. Dollars/Swiss Franc	41		40		—	—

As of April 28, 2018, there was an asset and liability of $41 and $236, respectively, and, as of April 29, 2017, there was an asset and liability of $64 and $277, respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 18. 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 28, 2018, we recorded a liability and related other receivable of $1,904 for a net claim from a customer against work performed by one of our subcontractors during installation which damaged our customer's property. The amount recorded is for probable and reasonably estimated cost to remediate the damage. Our subcontractor has full insurance for such matters, we have claims to a performance bond as additional collateral, and we carry insurance to cover such matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of this claim is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

As of April 28, 2018, a customer was withholding $2,224 of payment claiming we did not perform to the customer's specifications. We believe we have performed to the agreed-upon written specifications, have strong contractual documentation to support our position, and a customer with wherewithal to pay. We believe that we will ultimately prevail in collections. Although our assessment of the loss is remote, a number of factors could change the outcome.

We did not believe there was a reasonable probability that any material loss for other 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. We do not expect the ultimate liability of these unresolved legal proceedings to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

As of April 29, 2017, we did not believe there was a reasonable probability that any material loss for 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.

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 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 three years, we have deployed preventative maintenance to impacted sites 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. During fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, we recognized warranty expense for probable and reasonably estimated costs to remediate this issue of $4,539, $1,766, and $9,174, respectively. The decision to incur additional warranty expense in fiscal 2018 is primarily based on our decision to preserve our market leadership and, in certain cases, customer relationship by providing coverage beyond our contractual obligations. As of April 28, 2018, we had $1,555 remaining in accrued warranty obligations for the estimate of probable future claims related to this issue. Although many of our contractual warranty arrangements are nearing expiration for products with this issue, we may incur 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 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017 consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Beginning accrued warranty obligations	$	27,899		$	30,496		$	26,481
Warranties issued during the period	11,961			10,930			10,528
Settlements made during the period	(17,653		)	(16,790		)	(18,377		)
Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	7,746			3,263			11,864
Ending accrued warranty obligations	$	29,953		$	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 28, 2018, we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $7,706 and $16,522, 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, but are generally one year.

Leases: We lease vehicles, office space and 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 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 $3,477, $3,175 and $3,031 for the fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 28, 2018:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2019	$	2,795
2020	2,220
2021	1,888
2022	1,510
2023	249
Thereafter	297
	$	8,959

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 28, 2018, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $350 in conditional purchase commitments:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2019	$	2,735
2020	1,898
2021	313
2022	143
2023	113
Thereafter	266
	$	5,468

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



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Advertising	$	408	$	580
Deferred purchase price	1,844		2,479
Other	156		165
Total outstanding	2,408		3,224
Less: current liability	1,187		1,506
Other long-term obligations	$	1,221	$	1,718

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Note 20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data:



	Fiscal Year 2018^(1)(2)(3)
	July 29, 2017		October 28, 2017		January 27, 2018			April 28, 2018
Net sales	$	172,728	$	169,309	$	130,316		$	138,177
Gross profit	44,646		42,604		28,567			29,852
Net income (loss)	8,429		7,132		(6,189		)	(3,810		)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.19		0.16		(0.14		)	(0.09		)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.19		0.16		(0.14		)	(0.09		)

	Fiscal Year 2017⁽⁴⁾
	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

(1) The financial data for the quarter ended October 28, 2017 includes the sale of our non-digital division assets. See "Note 5. Sale of Non-Digital Division Assets" for further information.

(2) The financial data for the quarters ended October 28, 2017 and April 28, 2018 includes additional warranty charges due to specific site issues of $3,179 and $2,354, respectively. See "Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies" for further information.

(3) The financial data for the quarters ended January 27, 2018 and April 28, 2018 includes the effects of the Tax Act, which impacted our deferred tax asset valuation and the impact of deemed repatriation of foreign earnings with an increase to tax expense of $4,280 and a decrease to tax expense of $461. See "Note 14. Income Taxes" for further information.

(4) The financial data for the quarter ended October 29, 2016 includes an impairment loss on intangible assets. See "Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for further information.

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 28, 2018:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,610	1,451	—	(1,910	)	(a)	2,151
For the year ended April 29, 2017:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,797	2,496	—	(2,683	)	(a)	2,610
For the year ended April 30, 2016:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,316	934	—	(453	)	(a)	2,797

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

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

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of business

Fiscal year

Principles of consolidation

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

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition - Long-term construction-type contracts

Revenue recognition - Equipment contracts

Revenue recognition - Extended warranty and product maintenance

Revenue recognition - Services

Revenue recognition - Software

Revenue recognition - Multiple-element arrangements

Revenue recognition - Long-term receivables and advertising rights

Property and equipment



	Years
Buildings and improvements	5 - 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

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Software cost to be sold, leased, or marketed

Foreign currency translation

Income taxes

Comprehensive income

Product design and development

Advertising costs

Advertising costs: In accordance with ASC 720-35, 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. 28, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	$	29,727	$	32,623
Restricted cash	28		216
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	29,755	$	32,839

Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	$	29,727	$	32,623
Restricted cash	28		216
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	29,755	$	32,839

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 and improvements	5 - 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, net consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Land	$	2,161	$	2,099
Buildings	67,773		65,935
Machinery and equipment	93,439		84,189
Office furniture and equipment	5,878		5,604
Computer software and hardware	53,004		51,523
Equipment held for rental	287		374
Demonstration equipment	7,035		7,109
Transportation equipment	7,632		7,108
	237,209		223,941
Less accumulated depreciation	169,150		157,192
	$	68,059	$	66,749

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the net income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016:



	Net income		Shares	Per share income
For the year ended April 28, 2018:
Basic earnings per share	$	5,562	44,457	$	0.13
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans	—		416	(0.01		)
Diluted earnings per share	$	5,562	44,873	$	0.12
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

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five reporting segments for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Net sales:
Commercial	$	134,535		$	148,073		$	148,261
Live Events	236,333			213,982			205,151
High School Park and Recreation	87,627			82,798			70,035
Transportation	59,578			52,426			52,249
International	92,457			89,260			94,472
	610,530			586,539			570,168

Gross profit:
Commercial	$	26,665		$	36,514		$	29,147
Live Events	49,755			40,810			36,568
High School Park and Recreation	29,317			26,388			20,624
Transportation	21,247			18,027			16,572
International	18,685			18,676			18,108
	145,669			140,415			121,019

Contribution margin: (1)
Commercial	7,986			18,046			13,210
Live Events	35,439			27,750			23,178
High School Park and Recreation	18,317			16,114			10,314
Transportation	17,048			13,465			12,466
International	4,119			3,353			3,039
	82,909			78,728			62,207

Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative	34,919			34,226			32,801
Product design and development	35,530			29,081			26,911
Operating income	12,460			15,421			2,495

Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income	723			751			987
Interest expense	(217		)	(230		)	(228		)
Other (expense) income, net	(537		)	(354		)	(128		)

Income before income taxes	12,429			15,588			3,126
Income tax expense	6,867			5,246			1,065
Net income	$	5,562		$	10,342		$	2,061

Depreciation, amortization and impairment:
Commercial	$	6,199		$	6,337		$	4,925
Live Events	4,783			5,032			4,970
High School Park and Recreation	1,646			1,725			1,722
Transportation	1,138			1,267			1,364
International	1,163			2,317			1,227
Unallocated corporate depreciation	2,855			2,714			2,735
	$	17,784		$	19,392		$	16,943

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 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Net sales:
United States	$	502,701	$	486,573	$	465,598
Outside United States	107,829		99,966		104,570
	$	610,530	$	586,539	$	570,168
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:
United States	$	61,206	$	62,425	$	68,233
Outside United States	6,853		4,324		4,930
	$	68,059	$	66,749	$	73,163

Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Available-for-sale Securities

As of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:



	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Balance as of April 28, 2018:
Certificates of deposit	$	8,669	$	—	$	—		$	8,669
U.S. Government securities	999		—		(7		)	992
U.S. Government sponsored entities	20,072		—		(123		)	19,949
Municipal bonds	4,936		—		(24		)	4,912
	$	34,676	$	—	$	(154	)	$	34,522
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

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date



	Less than 12 months		1-5 Years		Total
Certificates of deposit	$	5,205	$	3,464	$	8,669
U.S. Government securities	—		992		992
U.S. Government sponsored entities	11,355		8,594		19,949
Municipal bonds	3,248		1,664		4,912
	$	19,808	$	14,714	$	34,522

- 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. 28, 2018

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 28, 2018 were as follows:



	Live Events		Commercial		Transportation		International		Total
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	$	2,274	$	3,199	$	45	$	2,294	$	7,812
Foreign currency translation	21		145		22		264		452
Balance as of April 28, 2018:	$	2,295	$	3,344	$	67	$	2,558	$	8,264

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

The following table summarizes intangible assets, net, as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017:



	April 28, 2018
	Weighted Average Life (in years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Impairment		Net Carrying Amount
Registered trademarks	20.0	$	709	$	118	$	—	$	591
Software	3.0	2,978		2,109		—		869
Customer relationships	10.0	2,859		637		—		2,222
Other	1.0	100		100		—		—
Total amortized intangible assets	7.8	$	6,646	$	2,964	$	—	$	3,682

	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

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

As of April 28, 2018, amortization expenses for future periods were estimated to be as follows:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2019	$	1,200
2020	331
2021	328
2022	303
2023	303
Thereafter	1,217
Total expected amortization expense	$	3,682

Selected Financial Statement Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Raw materials	$	30,570	$	24,801
Work-in-process	8,645		7,366
Finished goods	36,120		34,319
	$	75,335	$	66,486

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 and improvements	5 - 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, net consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Land	$	2,161	$	2,099
Buildings	67,773		65,935
Machinery and equipment	93,439		84,189
Office furniture and equipment	5,878		5,604
Computer software and hardware	53,004		51,523
Equipment held for rental	287		374
Demonstration equipment	7,035		7,109
Transportation equipment	7,632		7,108
	237,209		223,941
Less accumulated depreciation	169,150		157,192
	$	68,059	$	66,749

Schedule of Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Compensation	$	12,841	$	12,732
Taxes, other than income taxes	2,907		3,878
Accrued employee benefits	2,829		2,916
Short-term accrued expenses	6,157		5,357
Claims liabilities	2,711		150
	$	27,445	$	25,033

Schedule of Other (Expense) Income

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



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$	29		$	(331	)	$	(326	)
Equity in losses of affiliates	(481		)	(136		)	—
Other	(85		)	113			198
	$	(537	)	$	(354	)	$	(128	)

Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Contractors [Abstract]

Summary of Uncompleted Contracts

Uncompleted contracts consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Costs incurred	$	524,453	$	508,993
Estimated earnings	168,731		161,611
	693,184		670,604
Less billings to date	674,411		645,098
	$	18,773	$	25,506

Costs in Excess of Billings

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



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	30,968		$	36,403
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(12,195		)	(10,897		)
	$	18,773		$	25,506

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018				April 29, 2017				April 30, 2016
	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	402		$	8.69	384		$	9.10	344		$	10.63
Granted	178		8.46		157		8.00		159		7.04
Vested	(141	)	9.06		(134	)	9.03		(110	)	10.76
Forfeited	(2	)	8.93		(5	)	8.98		(9	)	10.69
Outstanding at end of year	437		$	8.48	402		$	8.69	384		$	9.10

Schedule of Stock Option Award Activity

A summary of stock option activity under all stock option plans during the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 is as follows:



	Stock Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at April 29, 2017	2,481		$	11.15	4.53	$	768
Granted	169		9.63		—	—
Canceled or forfeited	(287	)	19.78		—	—
Exercised	(58	)	8.91		—	65
Outstanding at April 28, 2018	2,305		$	10.02	4.51	$	356

Shares vested and expected to vest	2,282		$	10.02	4.47	$	354
Exercisable at April 28, 2018	1,788		$	10.04	3.50	$	304

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 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Fair value of options granted	$	2.82		$	2.93		$	2.92
Risk-free interest rate	1.95		%	1.31 - 1.44%			1.70 - 1.90%
Expected dividend rate	3.27		%	3.15		%	2.78		%
Expected volatility	42.51%			44.12 - 44.51%			42.71 - 48.32%
Expected life of option	6.83 years			5.78 - 6.98 years			5.78 - 6.98 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 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Stock options	$	763	$	1,072	$	1,179
Restricted stock and stock units	1,442		1,287		1,237
Employee stock purchase plans	430		555		542
	$	2,635	$	2,914	$	2,958

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 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Cost of sales	$	619	$	714	$	751
Selling	644		723		780
General and administrative	851		877		839
Product design and development	521		600		588
	$	2,635	$	2,914	$	2,958

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 28, 2018		April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Domestic	$	9,235	$	16,010		$	3,264
Foreign	3,194		(422		)	(138		)
Income before income taxes	$	12,429	$	15,588		$	3,126

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Current:
Federal	$	1,646		$	5,268		$	(467	)
State	868			1,158			123
Foreign	1,205			863			557
Deferred:
Federal	3,693			(1,625		)	463
State	27			(397		)	(89		)
Foreign	(572		)	(21		)	478
	$	6,867		$	5,246		$	1,065

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 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Computed income tax expense at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates	$	3,779		$	5,456		$	1,063
Impact of Tax Act	3,819			—			—
Research and development tax credit	(1,598		)	(1,573		)	(2,015		)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	592			539			40
Other, net	559			378			142
Change in valuation allowances	(486		)	388			1,265
Stock compensation	336			497			525
Meals and entertainment	333			299			334
Domestic production activities deduction	(294		)	(542		)	(91		)
Dividends paid to retirement plan	(238		)	(293		)	(323		)
Change in uncertain tax positions	65			97			125
	$	6,867		$	5,246		$	1,065

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

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



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued warranty obligations	$	7,282		$	10,469
Vacation accrual	1,567			2,100
Deferred maintenance revenue	392			1,336
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	1,376			1,254
Equity compensation	553			848
Allowance for doubtful accounts	531			677
Inventory capitalization	481			354
Accrued compensation and benefits	651			1,232
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange	37			226
Net operating loss carry forwards	1,286			1,772
Research and development tax credit carry forwards	334			311
Other	1,042			1,266
	15,532			21,845
Valuation allowance	(1,506		)	(2,061		)
	14,026			19,784

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(4,881		)	(6,762		)
Prepaid expenses	(486		)	(601		)
Intangible assets	(1,302		)	(1,809		)
Other	(41		)	(156		)
	(6,710		)	(9,328		)
	$	7,316		$	10,456

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 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Non-current assets	$	7,930		$	11,292
Non-current liabilities	(614		)	(836		)
	$	7,316		$	10,456

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The summary of changes in the amounts related to unrecognized uncertain tax benefits are:



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017
Balance at beginning of year	$	3,113		$	3,016
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	82			235
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	(30		)	—
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	152			—
Lapse of statute of limitations	(139		)	(138		)
Balance at end of year	$	3,178		$	3,113

Cash Flow Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

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 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
(Increase) decrease:
Account receivable	$	2,266		$	(2,718	)	$	3,789
Long-term receivables	1,548			2,213			2,851
Inventories	(8,517		)	3,581			(5,100		)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	5,911			(6,203		)	4,867
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,252		)	(980		)	1,290
Income taxes receivables	(4,747		)	4,201			1,061
Investment in affiliates and other assets	413			(611		)	(776		)
Increase (decrease):
Current marketing obligations and other payables	(358		)	857			21
Accounts payable	(2,573		)	5,544			(9,926		)
Customer deposits	(53		)	(1,514		)	(941		)
Accrued expenses	3,830			2,351			776
Warranty obligations	346			(2,986		)	4,726
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	1,034			536			(13,436		)
Long-term warranty obligations	1,729			389			(710		)
Income taxes payable	(592		)	1,331			(37		)
Deferred revenue	2,499			1,256			2,120
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables	379			(43		)	(456		)
	$	1,863		$	7,204		$	(9,881	)

Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following:



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Cash payments for:
Interest	$	193	$	228	$	303
Income taxes, net of refunds	8,937		3,196		(824		)

Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

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



	Year Ended
	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017		April 30, 2016
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	$	72	$	218	$	227
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	1,983		2,524		142
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP	1,682		840		1,777
Contingent consideration related to acquisition of ADFLOW	—		31		1,955

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value



	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total
Balance as of April 28, 2018:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	29,727	$	—		$	—		$	29,727
Restricted cash	28		—			—			28
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit	—		8,669			—			8,669
U.S. Government securities	992		—			—			992
U.S. Government sponsored entities	—		19,949			—			19,949
Municipal bonds	—		4,912			—			4,912
Derivatives - asset position	—		41			—			41
Derivatives - liability position	—		(236		)	—			(236		)
Contingent liability	—		—			(1,000		)	(1,000		)
	$	30,747	$	33,335		$	(1,000	)	$	63,082
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 bonds	—		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

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 28, 2018 is as follows:



Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017	$	1,891
Settlements	(1,009		)
Interest	37
Foreign currency translation	81
Contingent liability as of April 28, 2018	$	1,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability

Changes in our warranty obligation for the fiscal years ended April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017 consisted of the following:



	April 28, 2018			April 29, 2017			April 30, 2016
Beginning accrued warranty obligations	$	27,899		$	30,496		$	26,481
Warranties issued during the period	11,961			10,930			10,528
Settlements made during the period	(17,653		)	(16,790		)	(18,377		)
Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	7,746			3,263			11,864
Ending accrued warranty obligations	$	29,953		$	27,899		$	30,496

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2019	$	2,795
2020	2,220
2021	1,888
2022	1,510
2023	249
Thereafter	297
	$	8,959

Long-term Purchase Commitment

As of April 28, 2018, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $350 in conditional purchase commitments:



Fiscal years ending	Amount
2019	$	2,735
2020	1,898
2021	313
2022	143
2023	113
Thereafter	266
	$	5,468

Other Long-term Obligations

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



	April 28, 2018		April 29, 2017
Advertising	$	408	$	580
Deferred purchase price	1,844		2,479
Other	156		165
Total outstanding	2,408		3,224
Less: current liability	1,187		1,506
Other long-term obligations	$	1,221	$	1,718

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data

The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data:



	Fiscal Year 2018^(1)(2)(3)
	July 29, 2017		October 28, 2017		January 27, 2018			April 28, 2018
Net sales	$	172,728	$	169,309	$	130,316		$	138,177
Gross profit	44,646		42,604		28,567			29,852
Net income (loss)	8,429		7,132		(6,189		)	(3,810		)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.19		0.16		(0.14		)	(0.09		)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.19		0.16		(0.14		)	(0.09		)

	Fiscal Year 2017⁽⁴⁾
	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

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investment in affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	$ 3,647	$ 2,678
Equity in loss of affiliate	481	136	$ 0
Cost method investments	$ 42	$ 42

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	May 02, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,727	$ 32,623
Restricted cash	28	216
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 29,755	$ 32,839	$ 28,526	$ 57,780

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Sales returns, reserve	$ 39	$ 42
Percentage of net sales from long-term construction-type contracts	60.80%	58.10%	59.70%
Percentage of net sales from equipment contracts	31.10%	34.00%	33.00%
Deferred revenue period for recognition of product maintenance contracts	10 years
Deferred Revenue	$ 20,127	$ 17,571
Percentage of net sales from services	8.00%	7.80%	7.30%

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018
Buildings \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 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. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Capitalized software development costs for software sold to customers [Abstract]
Capitalized Software Development Costs for Software Sold to Customers	$ 869	$ 1,759

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. 28, 2018	Jan. 27, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2017	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Net income
Basic earnings per share	$ (3,810)	$ (6,189)	$ 7,132	$ 8,429	$ 909	$ (5,127)	$ 9,021	$ 5,539	$ 5,562	$ 10,342	$ 2,061
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans									0	0	0
Diluted earnings per share									$ 5,562	$ 10,342	$ 2,061
Shares
Basic earnings per share (in shares)									44,457	44,114	43,990
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in shares)									416	189	466
Diluted earnings per share (in shares)									44,873	44,303	44,456
Per share income (loss)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.16	$ 0.19	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.21	$ 0.13	$ 0.13	$ 0.23	$ 0.05
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans (in dollars per share)									(0.01)	0.00	0.00
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.16	$ 0.19	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.20	$ 0.13	$ 0.12	$ 0.23	$ 0.05
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)									1,548	2,112	2,122
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)									$ 11.69	$ 13.30	$ 15.04

Segment Reporting - Net Income by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($) segment	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information
Number of business units \| segment									5
Net sales	$ 138,177	$ 130,316	$ 169,309	$ 172,728	$ 143,682	$ 115,719	$ 169,992	$ 157,146	$ 610,530	$ 586,539	$ 570,168
Gross profit	29,852	28,567	42,604	44,646	33,724	23,316	44,308	39,067	145,669	140,415	121,019
Non-allocated operating expenses:
General and administrative									34,919	34,226	32,801
Product design and development									35,530	29,081	26,911
Operating income									12,460	15,421	2,495
Nonoperating income (expense):
Interest income									723	751	987
Interest expense									(217)	(230)	(228)
Other (expense) income, net									(537)	(354)	(128)
Income before income taxes									12,429	15,588	3,126
Income tax expense									6,867	5,246	1,065
Net income	$ (3,810)	$ (6,189)	$ 7,132	$ 8,429	$ 909	$ (5,127)	$ 9,021	$ 5,539	5,562	10,342	2,061
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									17,784	19,392	16,943
Commerical
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									134,535	148,073	148,261
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									6,199	6,337	4,925
Live Events
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									236,333	213,982	205,151
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									4,783	5,032	4,970
High School Park and Recreation
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									87,627	82,798	70,035
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									1,646	1,725	1,722
Transportation
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									59,578	52,426	52,249
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									1,138	1,267	1,364
International
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									92,457	89,260	94,472
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									1,163	2,317	1,227
Unallocated corporate depreciation
Nonoperating income (expense):
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment									2,855	2,714	2,735
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Gross profit									145,669	140,415	121,019
Contribution Margin									82,909	78,728	62,207
Operating Segments [Member] \| Commerical
Segment Reporting Information
Gross profit									26,665	36,514	29,147
Contribution Margin									7,986	18,046	13,210
Operating Segments [Member] \| Live Events
Segment Reporting Information
Gross profit									49,755	40,810	36,568
Contribution Margin									35,439	27,750	23,178
Operating Segments [Member] \| High School Park and Recreation
Segment Reporting Information
Gross profit									29,317	26,388	20,624
Contribution Margin									18,317	16,114	10,314
Operating Segments [Member] \| Transportation
Segment Reporting Information
Gross profit									21,247	18,027	16,572
Contribution Margin									17,048	13,465	12,466
Operating Segments [Member] \| International
Segment Reporting Information
Gross profit									18,685	18,676	18,108
Contribution Margin									$ 4,119	$ 3,353	$ 3,039

Segment Reporting - Net Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 610,530	$ 586,539	$ 570,168
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	68,059	66,749	73,163
United States
Net sales:
Net sales	502,701	486,573	465,598
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	61,206	62,425	68,233
Outside United States
Net sales:
Net sales	107,829	99,966	104,570
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets	$ 6,853	$ 4,324	$ 4,930

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 34,676	$ 32,721
Unrealized Gains	0	14
Unrealized Losses	(154)	(22)
Fair Value	34,522	32,713
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	8,669	12,487
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	8,669	12,487
U.S. Government securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	999	400
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	(7)	0
Fair Value	992	400
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	20,072	12,260
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	(123)	(22)
Fair Value	19,949	12,238
Municipal bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	4,936	7,574
Unrealized Gains	0	14
Unrealized Losses	(24)	0
Fair Value	$ 4,912	$ 7,588

Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale by Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	$ 19,808
Greater than 12 months	14,714
Total	34,522
Certificates of deposit
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	5,205
Greater than 12 months	3,464
Total	8,669
U.S. Government securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	0
Greater than 12 months	992
Total	992
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	11,355
Greater than 12 months	8,594
Total	19,949
Municipal bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less than 12 months	3,248
Greater than 12 months	1,664
Total	$ 4,912

Business Combinations - Narrative (Details) - ADFLOW Networks [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Mar. 15, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage acquired		100.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		$ 1,833
Deferred payments period	3 years

Sale of Non-Digital Division (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 0	$ 830	$ 0
Non-Digital Division [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets sold	517
Gain from sale of non-digital division	$ 1,267

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Goodwill
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	$ 7,812
Foreign currency translation	452
Balance as of April 28, 2018:	8,264
Live Events
Goodwill
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	2,274
Foreign currency translation	21
Balance as of April 28, 2018:	2,295
Commerical
Goodwill
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	3,199
Foreign currency translation	145
Balance as of April 28, 2018:	3,344
Transportation
Goodwill
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	45
Foreign currency translation	22
Balance as of April 28, 2018:	67
International
Goodwill
Balance as of April 29, 2017:	2,294
Foreign currency translation	264
Balance as of April 28, 2018:	$ 2,558

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	7 years 9 months	9 years 3 months 7 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 6,646	$ 7,722
Accumulated Amortization	2,964	2,187
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	830
Definite-lived, Net Value	3,682	4,705
Intangibles, net	$ 3,682	$ 4,705
Trademarks
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	20 years	20 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 709	$ 1,604
Accumulated Amortization	118	429
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	604
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 591	$ 571
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	$ 2,978	$ 2,814
Accumulated Amortization	2,109	1,055
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 869	$ 1,759
Customer Relationships [Member]
Schedule of Definite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	10 years	9 years 8 months 12 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,859	$ 3,209
Accumulated Amortization	637	608
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	226
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 2,222	$ 2,375
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	$ 100	$ 95
Accumulated Amortization	100	95
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0
Definite-lived, Net Value	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2019	$ 1,200
2020	331
2021	328
2022	303
2023	303
Thereafter	1,217
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 3,682	$ 4,705

Goodwill and Intangible Assets -Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 0	$ 830	$ 0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 1,330	$ 2,546	$ 295
Commerical
Goodwill
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	20.00%
Live Events
Goodwill
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	2.00%
High School Park and Recreation
Goodwill
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	20.00%
Transportation
Goodwill
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	20.00%
International
Goodwill
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	20.00%

Selected Financial Statement Data - Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 30,570	$ 24,801
Work-in-process	8,645	7,366
Finished goods	36,120	34,319
Inventories	$ 75,335	$ 66,486

Selected Financial Statement Data - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 237,209	$ 223,941
Less accumulated depreciation	169,150	157,192
Property and equipment, net	68,059	66,749
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	2,161	2,099
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	67,773	65,935
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	93,439	84,189
Office furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	5,878	5,604
Computer software and hardware
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	53,004	51,523
Equipment held for rental
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	287	374
Demonstration equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,035	7,109
Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 7,632	$ 7,108

Selected Financial Statement Data - Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 12,841	$ 12,732
Taxes, other than income taxes	2,907	3,878
Accrued employee benefits	2,829	2,916
Short-term accrued expenses	6,157	5,357
Claims liabilities	2,711	150
Accrued expenses	$ 27,445	$ 25,033

Selected Financial Statement Data - Other (Expense) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Selected Financial Statement Data [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction losses	$ 29	$ (331)	$ (326)
Equity in losses of affiliate	(481)	(136)	0
Other Nonoperating Expense	(85)
Other		113	198
Other (expense) income, net	$ (537)	$ (354)	$ (128)

Uncompleted Contracts - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs incurred	$ 524,453	$ 508,993
Estimated earnings	168,731	161,611
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	693,184	670,604
Less billings to date	674,411	645,098
Costs in excess of billings, net	$ 18,773	$ 25,506

Uncompleted Contracts - Costs in Excess of Billings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$ 30,968	$ 36,403
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	(12,195)	(10,897)
Costs in excess of billings, net	$ 18,773	$ 25,506

Receivables - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Receivables - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Receivables
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,151	$ 2,610
Retainage on construction-type contracts, expected to be collected in one year	964	1,857
Financing Receivable
Receivables
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, present value	3,393	4,890
Long-term contracts and lease receivables, face amount	$ 3,733	$ 5,201
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. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 35,000
Effective interest rate	3.40%
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	6,495
Foreign Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 55,000
Effective interest rate	1.50%
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 guarantee
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 1,211
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) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 28, 2018	Jun. 17, 2016
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$ 40,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, 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. 28, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($) shares	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($) shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	120,000,000
Common purchase right per common stock	1
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	1,870,000
Weighted-average period for unrecognized costs	2 years 10 months 8 days
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	1,788,000
Exercised, aggregate intrinsic value \| $	$ 65	$ 64	$ 132
Fair value of vested options \| $	$ 977	$ 1,102	$ 1,190
Stock issued for ESPP	223,000	118,000	227,000
Nonvested unrecognized compensation expense \| $	$ 3,752
Proceeds from exercise of stock options \| $	519	$ 343	$ 610
Tax benefit from share based payments \| $	$ 9	2	(69)
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 9 months 13 days
Fair value \| $	$ 1,274	$ 1,214	$ 1,191
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs \| $	$ 1,226
In The Money Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price (usd per share) \| $ / shares	$ 9.01
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	594,000
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	173,000
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. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Number of Nonvested Shares
Outstanding at beginning of year, Nonvested Shares	402	384	344
Granted, Nonvested Shares	178	157	159
Vested, Nonvested Shares	(141)	(134)	(110)
Forfeited, Nonvested Shares	(2)	(5)	(9)
Outstanding at end of year, Nonvested Shares	437	402	384
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of year, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$ 8.69	$ 9.10	$ 10.63
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	8.46	8.00	7.04
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	9.06	9.03	10.76
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	8.93	8.98	10.69
Outstanding at end of year, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$ 8.48	$ 8.69	$ 9.10

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Stock Options
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	2,481
Granted, Shares	169
Canceled or forfeited, Shares	(287)
Exercised, Shares	(58)
Outstanding at end of year, Shares	2,305	2,481
Shares vested and expected to vest	2,282
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	1,788
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of year, (usd per share)	$ 11.15
Granted, (usd per share)	9.63
Canceled or forfeited, (usd per share)	19.78
Exercised, (usd per share)	8.91
Outstanding at end of year, (usd per share)	10.02	$ 11.15
Shares vested and expected to vest (usd per share)	10.02
Exercisable at end of year (usd per share)	$ 10.04
Outstanding, beginning of period, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 6 months 2 days	4 years 6 months 11 days
Outstanding, end of period, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 6 months 2 days	4 years 6 months 11 days
Vested and expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 5 months 18 days
Exercisable at end of period, weighted average remaining contractual life	3 years 6 months
Outstanding, beginning of period, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 768
Exercised, aggregate intrinsic value	65	$ 64	$ 132
Outstanding, end of period, aggregate intrinsic value	356	$ 768
Shares vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	354
Exercisable at end of period, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 304

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Assumptions used in Black-Scholes Model (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of options granted	$ 2.82	$ 2.93	$ 2.92
Risk-free interest rate	1.95%
Expected dividend rate	3.27%	3.15%	2.78%
Expected volatility	42.51%
Expected life of option	6 years 10 months
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		1.31%	1.70%
Expected volatility		44.12%	42.71%
Expected life of option		5 years 9 months 11 days	5 years 9 months 11 days
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		1.44%	1.90%
Expected volatility		44.51%	48.32%
Expected life of option		6 years 11 months 23 days	6 years 11 months 23 days

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense by Award Type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 2,635	$ 2,914	$ 2,958
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	763	1,072	1,179
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	1,442	1,287	1,237
Employee Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 430	$ 555	$ 542

Shareholders' Equity and Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,635	$ 2,914	$ 2,958
Cost of goods sold
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	619	714	751
Selling
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	644	723	780
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	851	877	839
Product design and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 521	$ 600	$ 588

Retirement Benefits - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Retirement Benefits - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Percentage of matching contribution	50.00%
Maximum annual contribution percentage	6.00%
Award requisite service period	3 months
Minimum age attained for award	21 years
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	$ 2,612	$ 2,463	$ 2,382

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, gross	$ 15,532	$ 21,845
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	1,506	2,061
Accrued interest or penalties	238	$ 170
International
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	7,223
Deferred tax assets, gross	1,286
Canada
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	62
Ireland and Belgium [Domain]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$ 1,279

Income Taxes - Pretax Income Domestic and Foreign (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 9,235	$ 16,010	$ 3,264
Foreign	3,194	(422)	(138)
Income before income taxes	$ 12,429	$ 15,588	$ 3,126

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Current:
Federal	$ 1,646	$ 5,268	$ (467)
State	868	1,158	123
Foreign	1,205	863	557
Deferred:
Federal	3,693	(1,625)	463
State	27	(397)	(89)
Foreign	(572)	(21)	478
Income tax expense	6,867	$ 5,246	$ 1,065
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense	3,534
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense	$ 285

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Jan. 27, 2018	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed income tax expense at federal, state and local jurisdiction statutory rates			$ 3,779	$ 5,456	$ 1,063
Impact of Tax Act	$ (461)	$ 4,280	3,819	0	0
Research and development tax credit			1,598	1,573	2,015
State taxes, net of federal benefit			592	539	40
Other, net			559	378	142
Change in valuation allowances			(486)	388	1,265
Stock compensation			336	497	525
Meals and entertainment			333	299	334
Domestic production activities deduction			(294)	(542)	(91)
Dividends paid to retirement plan			(238)	(293)	(323)
Change in uncertain tax positions			65	97	125
Income tax expense			$ 6,867	$ 5,246	$ 1,065

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Deferred taxes assets:
Accrued warranty obligations	$ 7,282	$ 10,469
Vacation accrual	1,567	2,100
Deferred maintenance revenue	392	1,336
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	1,376	1,254
Equity compensation	553	848
Allowance for doubtful accounts	531	677
Inventory capitalization	481	354
Accrued compensation and benefits	651	1,232
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange	37	226
Net operating loss carry forwards	1,286	1,772
Research and development tax credit carry forwards	334	311
Other	1,042	1,266
Deferred tax assets, gross	15,532	21,845
Valuation allowance	(1,506)	(2,061)
Deferred tax assets net of valuation	14,026	19,784
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(4,881)	(6,762)
Prepaid expenses	(486)	(601)
Intangible assets	(1,302)	(1,809)
Other	(41)	(156)
Deferred tax liabilities, gross	(6,710)	(9,328)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 7,316	$ 10,456

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Current and Non Current (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-current assets	$ 7,930	$ 11,292
Non-current liabilities	(614)	(836)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 7,316	$ 10,456

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 2,569
Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	3,113	$ 3,016
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	82	235
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	30	0
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	152	0
Lapse of statute of limitations	(139)	(138)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$ 3,178	$ 3,113

Cash Flow Information - Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
(Increase) decrease:
Accounts receivable	$ 2,266	$ (2,718)	$ 3,789
Long-term receivables	1,548	2,213	2,851
Inventories	(8,517)	3,581	(5,100)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	5,911	(6,203)	4,867
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,252)	(980)	1,290
Income taxes receivable	(4,747)	4,201	1,061
Investment in affiliates and other assets	(413)	611	776
Increase (decrease):
Current marketing obligations and other payables	(358)	857	21
Accounts Payable	(2,573)	5,544	(9,926)
Customer deposits	(53)	(1,514)	(941)
Accrued expenses	3,830	2,351	776
Warranty obligations	346	(2,986)	4,726
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	1,034	536	(13,436)
Long-term warranty obligations	1,729	389	(710)
Income taxes payable	(592)	1,331	(37)
Deferred revenue	2,499	1,256	2,120
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables	379	(43)	(456)
Change in operating assets and liabilities	$ 1,863	$ 7,204	$ (9,881)

Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Cash payments for:
Interest	$ 193	$ 228	$ 303
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 8,937	$ 3,196	$ (824)

Cash Flow Information - Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory	$ 72	$ 218	$ 227
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	1,983	2,524	142
Contributions of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan	1,682	840	1,777
Contingent consideration related to acquisition of ADFLOW	$ 0	$ 31	$ 1,955

Fair Value Measurement - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	$ 34,522	$ 32,713
Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	8,669	12,487
U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	992	400
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	19,949	12,238
Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	4,912	7,588
Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	29,727	32,623
Restricted cash	28	216
Derivatives - asset position	41
Derivatives - liability position	(236)	(277)
Assets (Liability), net	63,082	63,448
Recurring Basis \| Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	8,669	12,487
Recurring Basis \| U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	992	400
Recurring Basis \| U.S. Government sponsored entities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	19,949	12,238
Recurring Basis \| Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	4,912	7,588
Recurring Basis \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents	29,727	32,623
Restricted cash	28	216
Derivatives - asset position	0
Derivatives - liability position	0	0
Assets (Liability), net	30,747	33,239
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:	992	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 bonds
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	41	64
Derivatives - liability position	(236)	(277)
Assets (Liability), net	33,335	32,100
Recurring Basis \| Level 2 \| Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	8,669	12,487
Recurring Basis \| Level 2 \| U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Recurring Basis \| Level 2 \| U.S. Government sponsored entities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	19,949	12,238
Recurring Basis \| Level 2 \| Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	4,912	7,588
Reported Value Measurement [Member] \| Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Derivatives - asset position		64
Contingent liability	(1,000)	(1,891)
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Recurring Basis \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Derivatives - asset position		0
Contingent liability	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Recurring Basis \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Contingent liability	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| 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	0
Derivatives - liability position	0	0
Contingent liability		(1,891)
Assets (Liability), net	(1,000)	(1,891)
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| 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 \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3 \| U.S. Government securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Available-for-sale securities:	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| 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 \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3 \| Municipal bonds
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 - Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017	$ 1,891
Settlements	(1,009)
Interest	37
Foreign currency translation	81
Contingent liability as of April 28, 2018	$ 1,000

Fair Value Measurement -Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement -Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 0	$ 830,000	$ 0
Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets (Liability), net	63,082,000	63,448,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Recurring Basis \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets (Liability), net	(1,000,000)	$ (1,891,000)
Sensitivity analysis of fair value, fair value, net asset (liability), impact of change in assumption	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instruments - (Details) € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, SFr in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018 CAD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018 AUD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018 CHF (SFr)	Apr. 28, 2018 EUR (€)	Apr. 28, 2018 SGD ($)	Apr. 28, 2018 GBP (£)	Apr. 29, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 CAD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 AUD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 CHF (SFr)	Apr. 29, 2017 EUR (€)	Apr. 29, 2017 SGD ($)	Apr. 29, 2017 GBP (£)
Recurring Basis
Derivative
Foreign currency contract, asset	$ 41
Foreign currency contract, liability	(236)							$ (277)
Recurring Basis \| Level 2
Derivative
Foreign currency contract, asset	41							64
Foreign currency contract, liability	(236)							(277)
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	1,081		$ 1,400					7,984		$ 10,669
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	2,165	$ 2,819						256	$ 345
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	5,856						£ 4,368	4,936						£ 3,959
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	236					$ 312		605					$ 844
U.S. Dollars/Euros \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	854				€ 708			528				€ 491
U.S. Dollars/Swiss Franc \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:	$ 41			SFr 40				$ 0			SFr 0

Commitments and Contingencies - Guarantees and Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual
Beginning accrued warranty costs			$ 27,899	$ 30,496	$ 26,481
Warranties issued during the period			11,961	10,930	10,528
Settlements made during the period			(17,653)	(16,790)	(18,377)
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	$ 2,354	$ 3,179	7,746	3,263	11,864
Ending accrued warranty costs	29,953		$ 29,953	27,899	30,496
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	7,706		$ 7,706
Performance guarantees \| Surety bonds
Guarantees:
Performance guarantees outstanding	16,522		16,522
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			4,539	$ 1,766	$ 9,174
Ending accrued warranty costs	$ 1,555		$ 1,555

Commitments and Contingencies - Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Operating Leased Assets
Operating leases, rent expense	$ 3,477	$ 3,175	$ 3,031
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity
2019	2,795
2020	2,220
2021	1,888
2022	1,510
2023	249
Thereafter	297
Total	8,959
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. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Conditional purchase commitment	$ 350
Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity
2019	2,735
2020	1,898
2021	313
2022	143
2023	113
Thereafter	266
Total	$ 5,468

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Long-term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 2,408	$ 3,224
Less: current liability	1,187	1,506
Other long-term obligations	1,221	1,718
Advertising
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	408	580
Deferred purchase price
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	1,844	2,479
Long-term Debt [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$ 156	$ 165

Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Unasserted Claim [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 1,904
Collectibility of Receivables [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual	$ 2,224

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Jan. 27, 2018	Oct. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2017	Apr. 29, 2017	Jan. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Jul. 30, 2016	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 138,177	$ 130,316	$ 169,309	$ 172,728	$ 143,682	$ 115,719	$ 169,992	$ 157,146	$ 610,530	$ 586,539	$ 570,168
Gross profit	29,852	28,567	42,604	44,646	33,724	23,316	44,308	39,067	145,669	140,415	121,019
Net income (loss)	$ (3,810)	$ (6,189)	$ 7,132	$ 8,429	$ 909	$ (5,127)	$ 9,021	$ 5,539	$ 5,562	$ 10,342	$ 2,061
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.16	$ 0.19	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.21	$ 0.13	$ 0.13	$ 0.23	$ 0.05
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.16	$ 0.19	$ 0.02	$ (0.12)	$ 0.20	$ 0.13	$ 0.12	$ 0.23	$ 0.05
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations	$ 2,354		$ 3,179						$ 7,746	$ 3,263	$ 11,864
Impact of Tax Act	$ (461)	$ 4,280							$ 3,819	$ 0	$ 0

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS - (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2018

Apr. 29, 2017

Apr. 30, 2016

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]

Balance at Beginning of Year

$ 2,610

$ 2,797

$ 2,316

Charged to Costs and Expenses

1,451

2,496

934

Charged to Other Accounts

Deductions

^[1]

(1,910)

(2,683)

(453)

Balance at End of Year

$ 2,151

$ 2,610

$ 2,797

[1]	{F\|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjgyYzdjMjIyNjQyZDRlYWI4OTYyZWRiMDQxYzlhMzA4fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246QjNBNkRCMDVDMkJEOEIwQjk0NUVFQUZBQUZGNjlCQzYM}

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.28	$ 0.31	$ 0.40

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Apr. 28, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 19. Subsequent Events On May 31, 2018, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share on our common stock payable on June 21, 2018 to holders of record of our common stock on June 11, 2018.

Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
Retirement Benefits	Apr. 28, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits	Note 13. Retirement Benefits We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan providing benefits for substantially all United States based employees of both Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, 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 three months of continuous service if they have attained the age of 21. We contributed $2,612, $2,463 and $2,382 to the plan for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Subsequent Events - (Details) - $ / shares		12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events - (Details) - $ / shares	May 31, 2018	Apr. 28, 2018	Apr. 29, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared (usd per share)		$ 0.28	$ 0.31	$ 0.40
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared (usd per share)	$ 0.07