Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 26, 2011	Oct. 27, 2010	Oct. 26, 2011	Oct. 27, 2010
Sales	$ 2,831,832	$ 2,614,623	$ 5,681,413	$ 5,095,448
Cost of products sold	1,861,794	1,647,996	3,725,882	3,220,844
Gross profit	970,038	966,627	1,955,531	1,874,604
Selling, general and administrative expenses	612,303	549,828	1,228,233	1,052,090
Operating income	357,735	416,799	727,298	822,514
Interest income	9,191	4,578	18,968	8,695
Interest expense	75,177	67,328	146,132	134,080
Other income/(expense), net	1,244	(7,519)	(1,036)	(17,808)
Income before income taxes	292,993	346,530	599,098	679,321
Provision for income taxes	52,857	92,588	124,003	176,784
Net income	240,136	253,942	475,095	502,537
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	3,127	2,507	11,972	10,675
Net income attributable to H. J. Heinz Company	$ 237,009	$ 251,435	$ 463,123	$ 491,862
Net income per share attributable to H. J. Heinz Company common shareholders- Diluted	$ 0.73	$ 0.78	$ 1.43	$ 1.53
Average common shares outstanding-diluted	323,561	322,465	323,910	321,788
Net income per share attributable to H. J. Heinz Company common shareholders- basic	$ 0.74	$ 0.78	$ 1.44	$ 1.54
Average common shares outstanding-basic	320,876	319,467	321,158	318,825
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.48	$ 0.45	$ 0.96	$ 0.90