Accounting Policies (Textual) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Inventories valued using LIFO method (percent)	55.00%
FIFO method value of inventory in excess of reported	$ 216	$ 209
Antidilutive common stock-based awards excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (shares)	309	398	436
Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Whiskey aging period (years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	20 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Whiskey aging period (years)	6 years
Maximum [Member] | Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	7 years