Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 27, 2011	Jul. 28, 2010
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	$ 2,849,581	$ 2,480,825
Operating income (loss)	369,563	405,715
North American Consumer Products [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	774,621	761,812
Operating income (loss)	190,778	191,080
U.S. Foodservice [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	324,950	328,534
Operating income (loss)	31,556	39,489
Europe [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	837,832	713,323
Operating income (loss)	137,439	115,036
Asia Pacific [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	670,766	558,180
Operating income (loss)	61,245	71,702
Rest of World [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	241,412	118,976
Operating income (loss)	32,296	15,920
Non-Operating [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Operating income (loss)	(43,240)	(27,512)
Upfront Productivity Charges [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Operating income (loss)	(40,511)
Ketchup and Sauces [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	1,310,480	1,092,196
Meals and Snacks [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	1,008,396	917,824
Infant/Nutrition [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	322,114	280,775
Other Products [Member]
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net external sales	$ 208,591	$ 190,030