Supplemental Information (Net Sales by Product Category) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 3,784	$ 3,614	$ 3,404
Spirits [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	3,613	3,374	3,102
Wine [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 171	$ 240	$ 302

Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration