Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Oct. 24, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Dycom” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States. These services include program management; planning; engineering and design; aerial, underground, and wireless construction; maintenance; and fulfillment services for telecommunications providers. Additionally, Dycom provides underground facility locating services for various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities. Dycom supplies the labor, tools, and equipment necessary to provide these services to its customers.
Accounting Period	The Company uses a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in January. Fiscal 2020 consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal year ending January 30, 2021 consists of 53 weeks of operation.
Segment Reporting Disclosure	Segment Information. The Company operates in one reportable segment. Its services are provided by its operating segments on a decentralized basis. Each operating segment consists of a subsidiary (or in certain instances, the combination of two or more subsidiaries), the results of which are regularly reviewed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. All of the Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on their similar economic characteristics, nature of services and production processes, type of customers, and service distribution methods. The economy of the United States has been severely impacted by the nation’s response to a pandemic caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”). Measures taken include travel restrictions, social distancing requirements, quarantines, and shelter in place orders. As a result, businesses have been closed and certain business activities curtailed or modified. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our services have generally been considered essential in nature and have not been materially interrupted. As the situation continues to evolve, we are closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business, including how it impacts our customers, subcontractors, suppliers, vendors and employees, in addition to how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our ability to provide services to our customers. The full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operational and financial performance will be determined by factors which are uncertain, unpredictable and outside of our control, including the duration of the pandemic, any worsening of the pandemic, the containment and mitigation actions taken by federal, state and local governments, and the resulting impact on the demand for our services from our customers. The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid, and if disruptions do arise, they could materially adversely impact our business.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on our historical experience and management’s understanding of current facts and circumstances. At the time they are made, we believe that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole. However, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”) as modified by subsequently issued ASUs 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-11, and 2020-02. This ASU introduces a new accounting model, the Current Expected Credit Losses model (CECL), which could result in earlier recognition of credit losses and additional disclosures related to credit risk. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime expected credit loss measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial instruments at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The financial instruments include accounts receivable and contract assets. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. This model replaces the multiple existing impairment models in current GAAP, which generally require that a loss be incurred before it is recognized. The new standard also applies to receivables arising from revenue transactions such as contract assets and accounts receivables. On January 26, 2020, the first day of fiscal 2021, we adopted ASU 2016-13. The standard was adopted utilizing a modified retrospective approach and the adoption did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements as credit losses are not expected to be significant based on historical trends and the financial condition of our customers. Goodwill. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment testing. An entity will no longer determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Instead, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. On January 26, 2020, the first day of fiscal 2021, we adopted ASU 2017-04 and there was no effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption. See Note 9, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for disclosure of events during the nine months ended October 24, 2020. Intangibles. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 on a prospective basis. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 - 40). The amendments in this ASU simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity by removing major separation models required under current U.S. GAAP. The amendments also improve the consistency of diluted earnings per share calculations. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of the standard on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements (“ASU 2020-10”). The amendments in this ASU represent changes to clarify the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the ASC that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. ASU 2020-10 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively. We will adopt the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 and do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 24, 2020

Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Dycom” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States. These services include program management; planning; engineering and design; aerial, underground, and wireless construction; maintenance; and fulfillment services for telecommunications providers. Additionally, Dycom provides underground facility locating services for various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities. Dycom supplies the labor, tools, and equipment necessary to provide these services to its customers.

Accounting Period

The Company uses a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in January. Fiscal 2020 consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal year ending January 30, 2021 consists of 53 weeks of operation.

Segment Reporting Disclosure

Segment Information. The Company operates in one reportable segment. Its services are provided by its operating segments on a decentralized basis. Each operating segment consists of a subsidiary (or in certain instances, the combination of two or more subsidiaries), the results of which are regularly reviewed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. All of the Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on their similar economic characteristics, nature of services and production processes, type of customers, and service distribution methods. The economy of the United States has been severely impacted by the nation’s response to a pandemic caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”). Measures taken include travel restrictions, social distancing requirements, quarantines, and shelter in place orders. As a result, businesses have been closed and certain business activities curtailed or modified. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our services have generally been considered essential in nature and have not been materially interrupted. As the situation continues to evolve, we are closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business, including how it impacts our customers, subcontractors, suppliers, vendors and employees, in addition to how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our ability to provide services to our customers. The full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operational and financial performance will be determined by factors which are uncertain, unpredictable and outside of our control, including the duration of the pandemic, any worsening of the pandemic, the containment and mitigation actions taken by federal, state and local governments, and the resulting impact on the demand for our services from our customers. The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid, and if disruptions do arise, they could materially adversely impact our business.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on our historical experience and management’s understanding of current facts and circumstances. At the time they are made, we believe that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole. However, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”) as modified by subsequently issued ASUs 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-11, and 2020-02. This ASU introduces a new accounting model, the Current Expected Credit Losses model (CECL), which could result in earlier recognition of credit losses and additional disclosures related to credit risk. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime expected credit loss measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial instruments at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The financial instruments include accounts receivable and contract assets. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. This model replaces the multiple existing impairment models in current GAAP, which generally require that a loss be incurred before it is recognized. The new standard also applies to receivables arising from revenue transactions such as contract assets and accounts receivables. On January 26, 2020, the first day of fiscal 2021, we adopted ASU 2016-13. The standard was adopted utilizing a modified retrospective approach and the adoption did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements as credit losses are not expected to be significant based on historical trends and the financial condition of our customers.

Goodwill. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment testing. An entity will no longer determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Instead, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. On January 26, 2020, the first day of fiscal 2021, we adopted ASU 2017-04 and there was no effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption. See Note 9, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for disclosure of events during the nine months ended October 24, 2020.

Intangibles. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 on a prospective basis. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 - 40). The amendments in this ASU simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity by removing major separation models required under current U.S. GAAP. The amendments also improve the consistency of diluted earnings per share calculations. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of the standard on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements (“ASU 2020-10”). The amendments in this ASU represent changes to clarify the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the ASC that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. ASU 2020-10 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively. We will adopt the provisions of this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 and do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.