Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2012	Jun. 22, 2012	Oct. 28, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MEDTRONIC INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000064670
Document Period End Date	Apr. 27, 2012
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-27
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 37.5
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,025,044,679
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012