Litigation	12 Months Ended
Apr. 26, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation	16. Litigation We are involved in various product related, employment related and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these proceedings involve product liability claims arising out of the use of products we distribute. Product liability indemnification is generally obtained from our suppliers. However, in the event a supplier of a defective product is unable to pay a judgment for which Patterson may be jointly liable, Patterson would have liability for the entire judgment. We maintain product liability insurance coverage for any potential liability for claims arising out of products sold by us. While we believe our insurance coverage is adequate, there can be no assurance that our insurance coverage is sufficient or will be available to in adequate amounts or at reasonable costs in the future. Also, there can be no assurance that the indemnification agreements with our suppliers will provide adequate protection. In addition, future claims brought against us could involve claims not covered by insurance or indemnification agreements, and could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. As of April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013, Patterson had accrued our best estimate of potential losses relating to product liability and other claims that were probable to result in a liability and for which it was possible to reasonably estimate a loss. These accrued amounts, as well as related expenses, have not been material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our method for determining estimated losses considers currently available facts, presently enacted laws and regulations and other external factors, including probable recoveries from third parties. We also disclose the nature of and range of loss for claims against us when losses are reasonably possible and material.

16. Litigation

We are involved in various product related, employment related and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these proceedings involve product liability claims arising out of the use of products we distribute. Product liability indemnification is generally obtained from our suppliers. However, in the event a supplier of a defective product is unable to pay a judgment for which Patterson may be jointly liable, Patterson would have liability for the entire judgment.

We maintain product liability insurance coverage for any potential liability for claims arising out of products sold by us. While we believe our insurance coverage is adequate, there can be no assurance that our insurance coverage is sufficient or will be available to in adequate amounts or at reasonable costs in the future. Also, there can be no assurance that the indemnification agreements with our suppliers will provide adequate protection. In addition, future claims brought against us could involve claims not covered by insurance or indemnification agreements, and could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

As of April 26, 2014 and April 27, 2013, Patterson had accrued our best estimate of potential losses relating to product liability and other claims that were probable to result in a liability and for which it was possible to reasonably estimate a loss. These accrued amounts, as well as related expenses, have not been material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our method for determining estimated losses considers currently available facts, presently enacted laws and regulations and other external factors, including probable recoveries from third parties. We also disclose the nature of and range of loss for claims against us when losses are reasonably possible and material.