Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2012		Jul. 27, 2011
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	$ 2,791,224		$ 2,832,598
Operating income (loss)	410,338		370,538
Ketchup and Sauces [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	1,319,300		1,310,480
Meals and Snacks [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	970,652		991,450
Infant/Nutrition [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	296,718		322,114
Other [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	204,554		208,554
North American Consumer Products [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	758,852		774,621
Operating income (loss)	183,431		190,778
Europe [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	777,916		837,832
Operating income (loss)	137,194		137,439
Asia Pacific [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	657,933		670,766
Operating income (loss)	72,829		61,245
U.S. Foodservice [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	315,346		307,967
Operating income (loss)	36,650		32,531
Rest of World [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	281,177		241,412
Operating income (loss)	31,013		32,296
Non-Operating [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Operating income (loss)	(50,779)	[1]	(43,240)	[1]
Productivity Initiatives [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Operating income (loss)	$ 0	[2]	$ (40,511)	[2]

[1] Includes corporate overhead, intercompany eliminations and charges not directly attributable to operating segments.

[2] See Note 4 for further details on Fiscal 2012 productivity initiatives.