Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$ 2,626	$ 2,320
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	662	591
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	63	130
Acquisition-related items	32	30
Provision for doubtful accounts	49	24
Deferred income taxes	(181)	(153)
Stock-based compensation	124	156
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	(124)	(79)
Inventories	(202)	(113)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	12	(170)
Other operating assets and liabilities	571	(75)
Certain litigation charges, net	0	292
Certain litigation payments	(239)	(5)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,393	2,948
Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(617)	(1,268)
Purchase of intellectual property	(9)	(48)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(403)	(385)
Purchases of marketable securities	(5,714)	(4,518)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	4,495	4,090
Other investing activities, net	38	(125)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,210)	(2,254)
Financing Activities:
Change in short-term borrowings, net	222	1,395
Payments on long-term debt	(24)	(402)
Dividends to shareholders	(769)	(728)
Issuance of common stock	67	54
Repurchase of common stock	(780)	(1,140)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,284)	(821)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(91)	10
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(192)	(117)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,382	1,400
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,190	1,283
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income taxes	226	731
Interest	$ 197	$ 290