2.0.0.10 true Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $) 0130 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Equity true false In Thousands false false 1 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_ParentMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_ParentMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 2 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_PreferredStockMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_PreferredStockMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 3 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_CommonStockMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_CommonStockMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 4 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 5 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 false 6 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 7 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 8 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 9 usd $ true false false false us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeMember us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 false 10 usd $ false false Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 6 Beginning Balance, shares at May. 02, 2007 3 us-gaap_SharesIssued us-gaap true na instant shares No definition available. false false false true false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 8000 8 true false false 3 false true false false 431096000 431096 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -109317000 -109317 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 false false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. No authoritative reference available. false 5 Beginning Balance at May. 02, 2007 3 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false true false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 true true false false 77000 77 true false false 3 true true false false 107774000 107774 true false false 4 true true false false 580606000 580606 true false false 5 true true false false 5778617000 5778617 true false false 6 true true false false -4406126000 -4406126 true false false 7 true true false false -219265000 -219265 true false false 8 true true false false 98309000 98309 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 false false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A false 7 Shares reacquired 3 us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -580707000 -580707 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b false 8 Shares reacquired, shares 3 us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -13054000 -13054 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and are being held in treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 false 9 Conversion of preferred into common stock 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false true false false -5000 -5 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -219000 -219 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 224000 224 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of convertible securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 10 Conversion of preferred into common stock, shares 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false true false false -1000 -1 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 8000 8 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 11 Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment 3 hnz_StockOptionsExercisedNetOfSharesTenderedForPaymentValue hnz false credit duration monetary Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 20920000 20920 [1] true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 62486000 62486 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment. No authoritative reference available. false 12 Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares 3 hnz_StockOptionsExercisedNetOfSharesTenderedForPaymentShare hnz false na duration shares Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 2116000 2116 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares. No authoritative reference available. false 13 Net income attributable to H. J. Heinz Company 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false 844925000 844925 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 844925000 844925 false false false The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A7 -Appendix A Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 10, 15 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30 false 14 Cash dividends: 3 us-gaap_DividendsCashAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 15 Preferred (per share $1.70 per share in 2010, 2009, and 2008) 4 us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false -12000 -12 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Preferred stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l false 16 Common (per share $1.68, $1.66, and $1.52 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively) 4 us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false -485234000 -485234 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Common stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 false 17 Stock option expense 3 us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 8919000 8919 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock options distributed to employees as compensation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i false 18 Restricted stock unit activity 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 4961000 4961 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 8591000 8591 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards issued during the period, net of the stock value of such awards forfeited. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b false 19 Restricted stock unit activity, shares 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 289000 289 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares issued during the period related to Restricted Stock Awards, net of any shares forfeited. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 20 Initial adoption of accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes 3 us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfInitialAdoptionOfFIN48 us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -1719000 -1719 true false false 5 false true false false -9288000 -9288 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Cumulative net-of-tax effect of initial adoption of FIN 48 - Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes on the opening balance of retained earnings. The cumulative-effect adjustment does not include items that would not be recognized in earnings, such as the effect of adopting this Interpretation on tax positions related to business combinations. The amount of that cumulative-effect adjustment is the difference between the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized in the statement of financial position prior to the application of this Interpretation and the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized as a result of applying the provisions of this Interpretation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 48 -Paragraph 23, 24 false 22 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false 11553000 11553 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 11553000 11553 false false false The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 false 23 Dispositions of minority-owned entities 3 hnz_DispositionsOfMinorityOwnedEntities hnz false credit duration monetary Dispositions of minority-owned entities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false -20062000 -20062 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Dispositions of minority-owned entities. No authoritative reference available. false 24 Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests 3 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false -10284000 -10284 [2] true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Decrease in noncontrolling interest as a result of redeeming or purchasing the interests of noncontrolling shareholders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) false 25 Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest 3 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false -12062000 -12062 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) false 26 Other, net 3 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 4343000 4343 [3] true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 9777000 9777 [3] true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false This element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy. No authoritative reference available. false 27 Other, net, shares 3 hnz_StockholdersEquityOtherShares hnz false na duration shares Stockholders Equity Other Shares. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 330000 330 [3] true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stockholders Equity Other Shares. No authoritative reference available. false 32 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 3 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 33 Net income 4 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 856478000 856478 true false false 10 false true false false 856478000 856478 false false false The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) true 34 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 4 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 35 Net pension and post-retirement benefit gains/(losses) 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false -155989000 -155989 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false -155989000 -155989 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The accumulated change in the value of either the projected benefit obligation or the plans assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost pursuant to FAS 87 and 106, after tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 19, 24 false 36 Reclassification of net pension and post-retirement benefit losses to net income 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 27787000 27787 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 27787000 27787 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The adjustment out of other comprehensive income for actuarial gains (losses) recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the period, after tax Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d false 37 Unrealized translation adjustments 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 281090000 281090 true false false 8 false true false false -1727000 -1727 true false false 9 false true false false 279363000 279363 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 false 38 Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 16273000 16273 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 16273000 16273 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 20 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 121 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 false 39 Net hedging losses/(gains) reclassified into earnings 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false -10986000 -10986 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false -10986000 -10986 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 31, 46 true 40 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 1012926000 1012926 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a false 41 Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false -9826000 -9826 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A true 42 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to H.J. Heinz Company 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 1003100000 1003100 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 true 28 Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2008 3 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false true false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 1887820000 1887820 true false false 2 false true false false 72000 72 true false false 3 false true false false 107774000 107774 true false false 4 false true false false 617811000 617811 true false false 5 false true false false 6129008000 6129008 true false false 6 false true false false -4905755000 -4905755 true false false 7 false true false false -61090000 -61090 true false false 8 false true false false 65727000 65727 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 1953547000 1953547 false false false Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A false 29 Ending Balance, shares at Apr. 30, 2008 3 us-gaap_SharesIssued us-gaap true na instant shares No definition available. false false false true false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false true false false 7000 7 true false false 3 false true false false 431096000 431096 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -119628000 -119628 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. No authoritative reference available. false 7 Shares reacquired 3 us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -181431000 -181431 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 1 -Section B -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b false 8 Shares reacquired, shares 3 us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -3650000 -3650 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and are being held in treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 false 9 Conversion of preferred into common stock 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false true false false -2000 -2 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -95000 -95 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 97000 97 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of convertible securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 10 Conversion of preferred into common stock, shares 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 3000 3 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities. 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No authoritative reference available. false 12 Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares 3 hnz_StockOptionsExercisedNetOfSharesTenderedForPaymentShare hnz false na duration shares Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 6179000 6179 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares. No authoritative reference available. false 13 Net income attributable to H. J. Heinz Company 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false 923072000 923072 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 923072000 923072 false false false The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. 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This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l false 16 Common (per share $1.68, $1.66, and $1.52 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively) 4 us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false -525281000 -525281 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Common stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 false 17 Stock option expense 3 us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 9405000 9405 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock options distributed to employees as compensation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i false 18 Restricted stock unit activity 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -538000 -538 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 15026000 15026 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards issued during the period, net of the stock value of such awards forfeited. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b false 19 Restricted stock unit activity, shares 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 485000 485 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares issued during the period related to Restricted Stock Awards, net of any shares forfeited. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 21 Tax Settlement 3 hnz_TaxSettlement hnz false debit duration monetary Tax Settlement. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 8537000 8537 [4] true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Tax Settlement. No authoritative reference available. false 22 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false 14889000 14889 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 14889000 14889 false false false The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 false 25 Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest 3 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false -12950000 -12950 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) false 26 Other, net 3 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 4061000 4061 [3] true false false 5 false true false false -1068000 -1068 [5] true false false 6 false true false false 11662000 11662 [3] true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false This element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy. No authoritative reference available. false 27 Other, net, shares 3 hnz_StockholdersEquityOtherShares hnz false na duration shares Stockholders Equity Other Shares. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 374000 374 [3] true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stockholders Equity Other Shares. No authoritative reference available. false 32 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 3 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 33 Net income 4 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 937961000 937961 true false false 10 false true false false 937961000 937961 false false false The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) true 34 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 4 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 35 Net pension and post-retirement benefit gains/(losses) 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false -301347000 -301347 true false false 8 false true false false -464000 -464 true false false 9 false true false false -301811000 -301811 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The accumulated change in the value of either the projected benefit obligation or the plans assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost pursuant to FAS 87 and 106, after tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 19, 24 false 36 Reclassification of net pension and post-retirement benefit losses to net income 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 24744000 24744 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 24744000 24744 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The adjustment out of other comprehensive income for actuarial gains (losses) recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the period, after tax Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d false 37 Unrealized translation adjustments 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false -944439000 -944439 true false false 8 false true false false -8110000 -8110 true false false 9 false true false false -952549000 -952549 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 false 38 Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 33204000 33204 true false false 8 false true false false 131000 131 true false false 9 false true false false 33335000 33335 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses. 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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 31, 46 true 40 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false -279148000 -279148 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a false 41 Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false -6390000 -6390 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A true 42 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to H.J. Heinz Company 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false -285538000 -285538 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 true 28 Ending Balance at Apr. 29, 2009 3 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false true false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 1219938000 1219938 true false false 2 false true false false 70000 70 true false false 3 false true false false 107774000 107774 true false false 4 false true false false 737917000 737917 true false false 5 false true false false 6525719000 6525719 true false false 6 false true false false -4881842000 -4881842 true false false 7 false true false false -1269700000 -1269700 true false false 8 false true false false 59167000 59167 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 1279105000 1279105 [6] false false false Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A false 29 Ending Balance, shares at Apr. 29, 2009 3 us-gaap_SharesIssued us-gaap true na instant shares No definition available. false false false true false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false true false false 7000 7 true false false 3 false true false false 431096000 431096 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -116237000 -116237 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. No authoritative reference available. false 9 Conversion of preferred into common stock 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -29000 -29 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 29000 29 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of convertible securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 10 Conversion of preferred into common stock, shares 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 1000 1 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 11 Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment 3 hnz_StockOptionsExercisedNetOfSharesTenderedForPaymentValue hnz false credit duration monetary Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 21717000 21717 [1] true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 94315000 94315 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment. No authoritative reference available. false 12 Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares 3 hnz_StockOptionsExercisedNetOfSharesTenderedForPaymentShare hnz false na duration shares Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 2038000 2038 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stock options exercised, net of shares tendered for payment, shares. No authoritative reference available. false 13 Net income attributable to H. J. Heinz Company 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false 864892000 864892 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 864892000 864892 false false false The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A7 -Appendix A Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 10, 15 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30 false 14 Cash dividends: 3 us-gaap_DividendsCashAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 15 Preferred (per share $1.70 per share in 2010, 2009, and 2008) 4 us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false -9000 -9 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Preferred stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l false 16 Common (per share $1.68, $1.66, and $1.52 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively) 4 us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false true false false -533543000 -533543 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Common stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 false 17 Stock option expense 3 us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false 7897000 7897 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock options distributed to employees as compensation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i false 18 Restricted stock unit activity 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -9698000 -9698 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 21864000 21864 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards issued during the period, net of the stock value of such awards forfeited. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b false 19 Restricted stock unit activity, shares 3 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures us-gaap true na duration shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 470000 470 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares issued during the period related to Restricted Stock Awards, net of any shares forfeited. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 false 22 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false 17451000 17451 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false true false false 17451000 17451 false false false The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 false 24 Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests 3 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -54209000 -54209 [2] true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false -2198000 -2198 [2] true false false 8 false true false false -5467000 -5467 [2] true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Decrease in noncontrolling interest as a result of redeeming or purchasing the interests of noncontrolling shareholders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) false 25 Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest 3 us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false true false false -20611000 -20611 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) false 26 Other, net 3 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false true false false -2565000 -2565 [3] true false false 5 false true false false -1026000 -1026 [5] true false false 6 false true false false 15087000 15087 [3] true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false This element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy. No authoritative reference available. false 27 Other, net, shares 3 hnz_StockholdersEquityOtherShares hnz false na duration shares Stockholders Equity Other Shares. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false 324000 324 [3] true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Stockholders Equity Other Shares. No authoritative reference available. false 30 Authorized shares- April-28, 2010 3 us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized us-gaap true na instant shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false true false false 7000 7 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 true 31 Authorized shares- April-28, 2010 3 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized us-gaap true na instant shares No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false true false false 600000000 600000 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 true 32 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 3 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 33 Net income 4 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 882343000 882343 true false false 10 false true false false 882343000 882343 false false false The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) true 34 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 4 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 35 Net pension and post-retirement benefit gains/(losses) 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 78871000 78871 true false false 8 false true false false -1266000 -1266 true false false 9 false true false false 77605000 77605 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The accumulated change in the value of either the projected benefit obligation or the plans assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost pursuant to FAS 87 and 106, after tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 19, 24 false 36 Reclassification of net pension and post-retirement benefit losses to net income 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 38903000 38903 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 38903000 38903 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The adjustment out of other comprehensive income for actuarial gains (losses) recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the period, after tax Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d false 37 Unrealized translation adjustments 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 193600000 193600 true false false 8 false true false false 8411000 8411 true false false 9 false true false false 202011000 202011 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 false 38 Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false -32488000 -32488 true false false 8 false true false false -788000 -788 true false false 9 false true false false -33276000 -33276 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 20 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 121 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 false 39 Net hedging losses/(gains) reclassified into earnings 5 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false true false false 13431000 13431 true false false 8 false true false false -254000 -254 true false false 9 false true false false 13685000 13685 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 31, 46 true 40 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 1181271000 1181271 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a false 41 Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false -24062000 -24062 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A true 42 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to H.J. Heinz Company 4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false false false false 0 0 true false false 3 false false false false 0 0 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false false false false 0 0 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false true false false 1157209000 1157209 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A5 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 30 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 true 28 Ending Balance at Apr. 28, 2010 3 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false true false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 true true false false 1891345000 1891345 true false false 2 true true false false 70000 70 true false false 3 true true false false 107774000 107774 true false false 4 true true false false 657596000 657596 true false false 5 true true false false 6856033000 6856033 true false false 6 true true false false -4750547000 -4750547 true false false 7 true true false false -979581000 -979581 [7] true false false 8 true true false false 57151000 57151 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 true true false false 1948496000 1948496 false false false Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A false 29 Ending Balance, shares at Apr. 28, 2010 3 us-gaap_SharesIssued us-gaap true na instant shares No definition available. false false false true false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 true false false 2 false true false false 7000 7 true false false 3 false true false false 431096000 431096 true false false 4 false false false false 0 0 true false false 5 false false false false 0 0 true false false 6 false true false false -113404000 -113404 true false false 7 false false false false 0 0 true false false 8 false false false false 0 0 true false false 9 false false false false 0 0 true false false 10 false false false false 0 0 false false false Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. No authoritative reference available. false 1 Includes income tax benefit resulting from exercised stock options. 2 See Note No. 4 for further details. 3 Includes activity of the Global Stock Purchase Plan. 4 See Note No.6 for further details. 5 Includes adoption of the measurement date provisions of accounting guidance for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans and unpaid dividend equivalents on restricted stock units. 6 Noncontrolling (minority) interest has been reclassified and presented as a component of equity as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance (see Note 2). 7 Comprised of unrealized translation adjustment of $(221,611), pension and post-retirement benefits net prior service cost of $(7,833) and net losses of $(749,815), and deferred net losses on derivative financial instruments of $1,876 . false 10 97 false Thousands Thousands UnKnown false true