The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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Aggregate amount of intangible asset amortization recognized as expense during the period.

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The aggregate estimated amortization expense for succeeding fiscal years for intangible assets subject to amortization.

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Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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- Definition

The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized for the remainder of the finite-lived intangible asset useful life after the fifth succeeding fiscal year.

+ References

No definition available.

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The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year five of the five succeeding fiscal years.

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The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year four of the five succeeding fiscal years.

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The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year one of the five succeeding fiscal years.

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The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year three of the five succeeding fiscal years.

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The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year two of the five succeeding fiscal years.

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

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Purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value.

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The increase (decrease) to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments.

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2011	Oct. 29, 2010	Oct. 28, 2011	Oct. 29, 2010	Apr. 29, 2011
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance as of			$ 9,537
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions			398
Purchase accounting adjustments, net			29
Currency adjustments, net			(20)
Balance as of	9,944		9,944
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	4,597		4,597		4,426
Accumulated amortization	(1,722)		(1,722)		(1,649)
Carrying value	2,875		2,875		2,777
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
Remaining 2012			152
2013			319
2014			308
2015			292
2016			280
Thereafter			1,146
Total estimated amortization expense			2,497
Amortization expense	86	85	174	167
Purchased Technology and Patents [Member]
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	3,691		3,691		3,565
Accumulated amortization	(1,316)		(1,316)		(1,265)
Carrying value	2,375		2,375		2,300
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	374		374		373
Accumulated amortization	(304)		(304)		(290)
Carrying value	70		70		83
Acquired in Process Research and Development [Member]
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	378		378		338
Accumulated amortization	0		0		0
Carrying value	378		378		338
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	154		154		150
Accumulated amortization	(102)		(102)		(94)
Carrying value	52		52		56
Cardiac and Vascular Group [Member]
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance as of			2,679
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions			0
Purchase accounting adjustments, net			6
Currency adjustments, net			(25)
Balance as of	2,660		2,660
Restorative Therapies Group [Member]
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance as of			6,858
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions			398
Purchase accounting adjustments, net			23
Currency adjustments, net			5
Balance as of	$ 7,284		$ 7,284