Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2013		Jan. 25, 2012		Jan. 27, 2013		Jan. 25, 2012
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	$ 2,933,331		$ 2,874,927		$ 8,538,315		$ 8,495,904
Operating income (loss)	467,861		426,528		1,279,988		1,169,898
Business combination contingent consideration arrangements, settlement charge	12,100
Ketchup and Sauces [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	1,321,859		1,261,567		3,956,275		3,840,379
Meals and Snacks [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	1,142,428		1,162,891		3,172,522		3,219,218
Infant/Nutrition [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	292,655		280,308		874,627		903,930
Other [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	176,389		170,161		534,891		532,377
North American Consumer Products [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	824,158		829,866		2,377,967		2,398,758
Operating income (loss)	224,402		227,251		598,174		619,956
Europe [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	858,800		854,693		2,445,143		2,536,712
Operating income (loss)	172,050		161,697		449,642		443,606
Asia/Pacific [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	619,445		606,377		1,870,211		1,844,383
Operating income (loss)	59,341		55,941		192,046		171,190
U.S. Foodservice [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	344,566		342,116		1,007,940		984,519
Operating income (loss)	50,241		50,285		131,114		117,702
Rest of World [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	286,362		241,875		837,054		731,532
Operating income (loss)	34,345		18,363		92,452		82,778
Non-Operating [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Operating income (loss)	(60,437)	[1]	(53,352)	[1]	(171,359)	[1]	(154,183)	[1]
Business combination contingent consideration arrangements, settlement charge	(12,081)	[1]	0	[1]	(12,081)	[1]	0	[1]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$ 0	[1]	$ (33,657)	[1]	$ 0	[1]	$ (111,151)	[1]

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