| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 146 - Disclosure - Acquisitions Completed (Detail) (http://www.pattersoncompanies.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsCompleted) |
| Table | Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000891024 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | Period [Axis] | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012-04-29 - 2013-04-27 | 2011-05-01 - 2012-04-28 | 2010-04-25 - 2011-04-30 | |||||
| Business Acquisition [Axis] | Business Acquisition [Axis] | Business Acquisition [Axis] | |||||
| Iowa Dental [Member] | Universal Vaporizer Services [Member] | American Veterinarian Supply Corp [Member] | Surgical Synergies Pty Ltd [Member] | Orthoplast [Member] | Dcc Health Care [Member] | Epet Records Llc [Member] | |
Acquisition by segment | Dental supply | Veterinary supply | Veterinary supply | Rehabilitation supply | Rehabilitation supply | Rehabilitation supply | Veterinary supply |