| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 143 - Disclosure - Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (http://www.pattersoncompanies.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureChangesInCarryingValueOfGoodwill) |
| Table | Schedule of Goodwill [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000891024 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Period [Axis] | 2012-04-29 - 2013-04-27 |
| Goodwill [Line Items] | Statement Business Segments [Axis] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Supply [Member] | Rehabilitation Supply [Member] | Veterinary Supply [Member] | Segment [Domain] | |
Beginning Balance | 132,677,000 | 543,131,000 | 134,444,000 | 810,252,000 |
Acquisition Activity | 5,190,000 | 0 | 2,250,000 | 7,440,000 |
Other Activity | 0 | 5,889,000 | 159,000 | 6,048,000 |
Ending Balance | 137,867,000 | 549,020,000 | 136,853,000 | 823,740,000 |