Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2011	Apr. 28, 2010	Apr. 29, 2009
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Net gains/(losses) recognized in other comprehensive loss (effective portion)	$ 3,626	$ (38,422)	$ 42,617
Net gains/(losses) reclassified from other comprehensive loss into earnings (effective portion):
Sales	3,375	1,141	(6,809)
Cost of products sold	(23,372)	(5,104)	45,836
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(141)	108	1,896
Other (expense)/income, net	35,744	(11,574)	(15,777)
Interest income/(expense)	226	20	1,112
Total	15,832	(15,409)	26,258
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gains/(losses) recognized in other (expense)/income, net	3,351	(59)	65,135
Total	3,351	(59)	65,135
Total amount recognized in statement of income	19,183	(15,468)	91,393
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair value hedges:
Net gains/(losses) recognized in other (expense)/income, net	(51,125)	(41,730)	57,976
Net losses recognized in interest expense	(351)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gains/(losses) recognized in other (expense)/income, net			(110)
Net gains/(losses) recognized in interest income		30,469	20,200
Total		30,469	20,090
Total amount recognized in statement of income	(51,476)	(11,261)	78,066
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Cash flow hedges:
Net gains/(losses) recognized in other comprehensive loss (effective portion)	16,649	(13,692)
Net gains/(losses) reclassified from other comprehensive loss into earnings (effective portion):
Other (expense)/income, net	24,644	(7,819)
Interest income/(expense)	(4,484)	(1,867)
Total	20,160	(9,686)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Total amount recognized in statement of income	$ 20,160	$ (9,686)