Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 26, 2012	Oct. 28, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$ 1,510	$ 1,692
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	396	424
Amortization of discount on senior convertible notes	46	42
Acquisition-related items	3	17
Provision for doubtful accounts	26	32
Deferred income taxes	52	(58)
Stock-based compensation	85	90
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	123	(119)
Inventories	(71)	(147)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(185)	(292)
Other operating assets and liabilities	28	606
Certain litigation charges, net	245	0
Certain litigation payments	(91)	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,167	2,287
Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(23)	(556)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(211)	(269)
Purchases of marketable securities	(5,494)	(3,866)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	4,865	3,008
Other investing activities, net	(6)	(60)
Net cash used in investing activities	(869)	(1,743)
Financing Activities:
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	(15)	(62)
Change in short-term borrowings, net	775	302
Payments on long-term debt	(8)	(15)
Dividends to shareholders	(533)	(514)
Issuance of common stock	103	45
Repurchase of common stock	(1,084)	(600)
Net cash used in financing activities	(762)	(844)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(25)	(34)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	511	(334)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,248	1,382
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,759	1,048
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	364	99
Cash paid for interest	$ 184	$ 161