Receivables	12 Months Ended
Apr. 28, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables We sell our products throughout the United States and in certain foreign countries on credit terms that 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 $2,398 and $2,548 at April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. Subsequent to April 28, 2012, we became aware of circumstances that could cause an increase in our allowance for doubtful accounts in an amount between $0 and $2,500. These circumstances arise out of a contract in China for which payment by our customer is dependent on funding from a local government entity that is not under any legal obligation to provide. 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 was 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 that collection will not occur. Charge offs of receivables and our allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables are not material to our financial results. In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and sales type leases. The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and profit is recognized to the extent that 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 $18,452 and $18,901 as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 5.8 to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through May 2023. The face amount of long-term receivables was $21,494 as of April 28, 2012 and $22,807 as of April 30, 2011. Included in accounts receivable as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $783 and $31, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected in one year.

Receivables

We sell our products throughout the United States and in certain foreign countries on credit terms that 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 $2,398 and $2,548 at April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. Subsequent to April 28, 2012, we became aware of circumstances that could cause an increase in our allowance for doubtful accounts in an amount between $0 and $2,500. These circumstances arise out of a contract in China for which payment by our customer is dependent on funding from a local government entity that is not under any legal obligation to provide.

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 was 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 that collection will not occur. Charge offs of receivables and our allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables are not material to our financial results.

In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and sales type leases. The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and profit is recognized to the extent that 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 $18,452 and $18,901 as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 5.8 to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through May 2023. The face amount of long-term receivables was $21,494 as of April 28, 2012 and $22,807 as of April 30, 2011. Included in accounts receivable as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $783 and $31, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected in one year.