Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 26, 2012	Aug. 28, 2011
Ineffective portion of interest rate hedge	$ 0.0
Reduction to interest expense related to net swap settlements	1,200,000	700,000
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI to earnings (effective portion)	7,200,000
Employee-Directed Investments In Darden Stock Within The Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Forward contract indexed to issuer's equity, indexed shares	0.5
Commodities futures, swaps & options
Contract expiration date	Jun. 01, 2013
Minimum | Employee-Directed Investments In Darden Stock Within The Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Common stock at forward contract rate	$ 23.41
Maximum | Employee-Directed Investments In Darden Stock Within The Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Common stock at forward contract rate	$ 51.95
Darden Stock Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum	4 years
Common stock at forward contract rate	$ 29.28
Darden Stock Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Minimum	5 years
Common stock at forward contract rate	$ 52.66
5.625% Senior Notes Due October 2012 | Senior Notes
Face amount of debt	350,000,000
Interest rate of debt	5.625%
Maturity date of debt	Oct. 01, 2012
5.625% Senior Notes Due October 2012 | Interest Rate Swaps
Notional value of derivative instrument	250,000,000
4.500% Senior Notes Due October 2021 | Senior Notes
Face amount of debt	400,000,000
Interest rate of debt	4.50%
Equity Forwards | Darden Stock Units
Forward contract indexed to issuer's equity, indexed shares	1.2
Equity Forwards | 5.625% Senior Notes Due October 2012 | Interest Rate Swaps
Notional value of derivative instrument	$ 300,000,000