Restructuring Charges, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Jan. 26, 2015	Jan. 29, 2016	Oct. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Jan. 29, 2016	Jan. 23, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		$ 19					$ 32
Covidien plc [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		2
Cost Synergies Initiative [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		19	$ 13
Restructuring charges		55	86	$ 67
Impairment of property, plant and equipment		3				$ 0	13
Restructuring reserve		142	156	127	$ 143		142
Cost Synergies Initiative [Member] | Employee termination costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		17	13
Restructuring charges		36	64	52
Restructuring reserve		124	135	112	136		124
Cost Synergies Initiative [Member] | Asset write-downs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		0	0
Restructuring charges		12	10	0			22
Restructuring reserve		0	0	0	0		0
Cost Synergies Initiative [Member] | Inventory write-offs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment of property, plant and equipment		9					9	$ 10
Cost Synergies Initiative [Member] | Other costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		2	0
Restructuring charges		7	12	15
Restructuring reserve		18	21	15	7		18
Cost Synergies Initiative [Member] | Covidien plc [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected cost synergies	$ 850
Covidien Initiative [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		2			5
Restructuring reserve	103	30	46	60	78		30
Covidien Initiative [Member] | Employee termination costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		2
Restructuring charges	76
Restructuring reserve		26	40	48	61		26
Covidien Initiative [Member] | Other costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reversal of excess accrual		0
Restructuring charges	$ 27
Restructuring reserve		$ 4	$ 6	$ 12	$ 17		$ 4