Cover - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2020	Jun. 16, 2020	Oct. 26, 2019
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Apr. 25, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-20572
Entity Registrant Name	PATTERSON COMPANIES, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MN
Entity Tax Identification Number	41-0886515
Entity Address, Address Line One	1031 Mendota Heights Road
Entity Address, City or Town	St. Paul
Entity Address, State or Province	MN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	55120
City Area Code	651
Local Phone Number	686-1600
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.01
Trading Symbol	PDCO
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,627
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		95,975,000
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0000891024
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-25