Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011
Summary of changes in the Company's goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 2,807,730	$ 2,791,391	$ 2,903,713
Acquisitions		6,094
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,016	10,245
Goodwill, Ending Balance	2,812,746	2,807,730	2,903,713
U.S. Retail Coffee Market [Member]
Summary of changes in the Company's goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,635,413	1,629,873
Acquisitions		5,540
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(47)	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,635,366	1,635,413
U.S. Retail Consumer Foods [Member]
Summary of changes in the Company's goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,034,395	1,030,523
Acquisitions		289
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,772	3,583
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,036,167	1,034,395
International Foodservice And Natural Foods [Member]
Summary of changes in the Company's goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	137,922	130,995
Acquisitions		265
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,291	6,662
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 141,213	$ 137,922

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 43

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- Definition

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.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e(1)

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- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

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- Definition

Reflects net changes to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments and purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

+ Details

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