Segment and Geographic Information - Income From Operations Before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment and Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2020	Apr. 26, 2019	Apr. 27, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating profit	$ 4,791	$ 6,268	$ 6,640
Other non-operating income, net	356	373	181
Amortization of intangible assets	(1,756)	(1,764)	(1,823)
Certain litigation charges	(313)	(166)	(61)
Gain on sale of businesses	0	0	697
Income before income taxes	4,055	5,197	5,675
Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating profit	10,224	11,852	11,499
Reportable segments | Cardiac and Vascular Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating profit	3,719	4,532	4,461
Reportable segments | Minimally Invasive Therapies Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating profit	3,044	3,262	3,346
Reportable segments | Restorative Therapies Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating profit	2,915	3,319	3,058
Reportable segments | Diabetes Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating profit	546	739	634
Segment reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	(1,092)	(1,444)	(1,146)
Other non-operating income, net	356	373	170
Amortization of intangible assets	(1,756)	(1,764)	(1,823)
Corporate	(1,239)	(1,291)	(1,211)
Centralized distribution costs	(1,420)	(1,689)	(1,936)
Restructuring and associated costs	(441)	(407)	(107)
Acquisition-related items	(66)	(88)	(132)
Certain litigation charges	(313)	(166)	(61)
IPR&D charges	(25)	(58)	(46)
Exit of businesses	(52)	(149)	0
Debt tender premium and other charges	7	28	0
Divestiture-related items	0	0	(115)
Medical device regulations	(48)	0	0
Contribution to Medtronic Foundation	(80)	0	(80)
Gain on sale of businesses	0	0	697
Hurricane Maria	$ 0	$ 0	$ (34)