Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions	12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2010	Apr. 30, 2009
Net sales:
Net sales, product category	$ 3,404	$ 3,226	$ 3,192
Spirits [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales, product category	3,102	2,916	2,832
Wine [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales, product category	$ 302	$ 310	$ 360

Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Name:	us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration