Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

No definition available.

Name:	mdt_CommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	mdt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Additional borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdt_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	mdt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line of Credit Facility, Length of Extension

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdt_LineOfCreditFacilityLengthOfExtension
Namespace Prefix:	mdt_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average original maturity of short-term debt outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdt_ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageOriginalMaturity
Namespace Prefix:	mdt_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 30

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911251&loc=d3e6578-128477

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 30

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911251&loc=d3e6613-128477

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of short-term borrowings using unsecured obligations issued by banks, corporations and other borrowers to investors. The maturities of these money market securities generally do not exceed 270 days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(a)(3))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.13(2))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19

-Subparagraph a(3)

-Article 5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 7

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph 2

-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CommercialPaper
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Minimum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of debt premium that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 20, 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from a borrowing with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow from contractual arrangement with the lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph f

-Article 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of short-term debt outstanding.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Description of the instruments designated as hedged items in hedges involving interest rate derivatives.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1B

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5579240-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TypesOfItemsHedgedByInterestRateDerivatives
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=mdt_CovidienPLCMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_LineOfCreditFacility2017Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_AmendedandRestatedRevolvingCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorUnsecuredTermLoanCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CommercialPaperProgramMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_A2015CommercialPaperProgramMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020FloatingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2014Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017FloatingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2024Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2044Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesDue2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesDue2015Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesDue2022Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesDue2015NumberTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesDue2020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesDue2017Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_CovidienSeniorNotesDue2037Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotesCIFSA2013Due2023NumberTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	mdt_DerivativeAgreementAxis=mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2015Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Financing Arrangements , Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)					1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 26, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Dec. 10, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	$ 5,000,000					$ 5,000,000	$ 0
Cash consideration for acquisition						14,884,000,000	$ 385,000,000	$ 820,000,000
Covidien plc
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash consideration for acquisition		$ 16,000,000,000
Estimated total consideration for acquisition			$ 49,988,000,000
Credit Facility \| Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	2,250,000,000.00					$ 2,250,000,000.00
Length of extension from maturity date						1 year
Committed line of credit outstanding	0					$ 0
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement \| Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 3,500,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity		$ 500,000,000
Committed line of credit outstanding	$ 0					$ 0
Senior Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		3 years
Proceeds from Lines of Credit		$ 3,000,000,000.000
Commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average original maturity						52 days	53 days
Weighted average interest rate	0.13%					0.13%	0.09%
Commercial paper \| Commercial Paper Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,250,000,000.00					$ 2,250,000,000.00
Commercial paper \| 2015 Commercial Paper Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper, maximum borrowing capacity		3,500,000,000.0
Commercial paper outstanding	$ 0					$ 0
Bank borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate range, minimum						0.28%
Stated interest rate range, maximum						0.29%
Senior notes \| Senior Notes 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value				$ 17,000,000,000.000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes				16,800,000,000
Senior notes \| 1.500 percent three-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						3 years
Face value				$ 1,000,000,000.000
Stated interest rate	1.50%			1.50%		1.50%
Senior notes \| 2.500 percent five-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						5 years
Face value				$ 2,500,000,000.000
Stated interest rate	2.50%			2.50%		2.50%
Senior notes \| Floating rate five-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						5 years
Face value				$ 500,000,000
Senior notes \| Floating rate five-year 2015 senior notes \| London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on debt variable rate				80.00%
Senior notes \| 3.150 percent seven-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						7 years
Face value				$ 2,500,000,000.000
Stated interest rate	3.15%			3.15%		3.15%
Senior notes \| 3.500 percent ten-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value				$ 4,000,000,000.000
Stated interest rate	3.50%			3.50%		3.50%
Senior notes \| 4.375 percent twenty-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						20 years
Face value				$ 2,500,000,000.000
Stated interest rate	4.375%			4.375%		4.375%
Senior notes \| 4.625 thirty-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						30 years
Face value				$ 4,000,000,000.000
Stated interest rate	4.625%			4.625%		4.625%
Senior notes \| 2014 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value					$ 2,000,000,000
Senior notes \| Floating rate three-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						3 years
Face value					$ 250,000,000
Senior notes \| Floating rate three-year 2014 senior notes \| London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on debt variable rate					9.00%
Senior notes \| 0.875 percent three-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						3 years
Face value					$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate	0.875%				0.875%	0.875%
Senior notes \| 3.625 percent ten-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value					$ 850,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.625%				3.625%	3.625%
Senior notes \| 4.625 percent thirty-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						30 years
Face value					$ 650,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.625%				4.625%	4.625%
Senior notes \| Covidien Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		5,000,000,000.000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium		607,000,000
Senior notes \| 2.950 percent senior notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 750,000,000
Stated interest rate		2.95%
Senior notes \| 1.350 percent senior notes due 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 600,000,000
Stated interest rate		1.35%
Senior notes \| 3.200 percent senior notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 650,000,000
Stated interest rate		3.20%
Senior notes \| 2.80 percent senior notes due 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 400,000,000
Stated interest rate		2.80%
Senior notes \| 4.20 percent senior notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 600,000,000
Stated interest rate		4.20%
Senior notes \| 6.000 percent senior notes due 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 1,150,000,000.000
Stated interest rate		6.00%
Senior notes \| 6.550 percent senior notes due 2037
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 850,000,000
Stated interest rate		6.55%
Senior notes \| 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value	$ 600,000,000					$ 600,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.75%					4.75%
Senior notes \| 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						5 years
Face value	$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.625%					2.625%
Senior notes \| 4.125 percent ten-year 2011 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value	$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.125%					4.125%
Senior notes \| 2.950 percent ten-year 2013 CIFSA senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Stated interest rate	2.95%					2.95%
Senior notes \| 3.125 percent ten-year 2012 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value	$ 675,000,000					$ 675,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.125%					3.125%
3.000 percent five-year 2010 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate derivatives hedged items	$1.250 billion 3.000 percent 2010 Senior Notes