Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 27, 2011	Nov. 28, 2010	Nov. 27, 2011	Nov. 28, 2010	May 29, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 352.6		$ 352.6		$ 553.2
Unrealized gain (loss) from:
Securities	1.6		1.6		2.0
Hedge derivatives	(69.5)		(69.5)		(35.8)
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(1,470.9)		(1,470.9)		(1,509.5)
Prior service costs	(18.4)		(18.4)		(20.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,204.6)		(1,204.6)		(1,010.8)
Equity [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to General Mills	444.8	613.9	850.4	1,086.0
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	0.6	1.4	0.9	2.9
Net earnings attributable to redeemable interests	3.8	0	2.2	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(204.2)	94.0	(200.6)	176.1
Other fair value changes:
Securities	(0.3)	(0.1)	(0.7)	(2.1)
Hedge derivatives	(15.0)	0	(67.1)	(7.4)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	1.9	7.2	7.0	16.1
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	32.9	27.2	65.8	54.5
Other comprehensive income in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(184.7)	128.3	(195.6)	237.2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	0
Other fair value changes:
Securities	0.1	0.1	0.3	0.8
Hedge derivatives	7.9	0	29.1	0.1
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	(0.7)	(0.5)	(2.7)	(3.9)
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	(12.5)	(10.4)	(24.9)	(20.7)
Other comprehensive income in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5.2)	(10.8)	1.8	(23.7)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(204.2)	94.0	(200.6)	176.1
Other fair value changes:
Securities	(0.2)	0	(0.4)	(1.3)
Hedge derivatives	(7.1)	0	(38.0)	(7.3)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	1.2	6.7	4.3	12.2
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	20.4	16.8	40.9	33.8
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent	(189.9)	117.5	(193.8)	213.5
Total comprehensive income	254.9	731.4	656.6	1,299.5
Other Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest	(31.8)	(0.4)	(32.3)	0.3
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(31.8)	(0.4)	(32.3)	0.3
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest	(31.2)	1.0	(31.4)	3.2
Other Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Redeemable Interest [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Redeemable Interest	(67.5)	0	(70.9)	0
Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Redeemable Interest	0.5	0	(0.4)	0
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Redeemable Interest	(67.0)	0	(71.3)	0
Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Redeemable Interest	$ (63.2)	$ 0	$ (69.1)	$ 0	$ 0