Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2013	Jan. 27, 2012
Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$ 2,498	$ 2,626
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	610	633
Amortization of discount on senior convertible notes	69	63
Acquisition-related items	(67)	32
Provision for doubtful accounts	34	49
Deferred income taxes	39	(181)
Stock-based compensation	119	124
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	255	(124)
Inventories	(58)	(202)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(25)	74
Other operating assets and liabilities	68	571
Certain litigation charges, net	245	0
Certain litigation payments	(91)	(239)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,696	3,426
Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(820)	(556)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(336)	(374)
Purchases of marketable securities	(7,746)	(5,714)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	6,396	4,495
Other investing activities, net	(4)	(32)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,510)	(2,181)
Financing Activities:
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	(17)	(62)
Change in short-term borrowings, net	(9)	197
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	(1,850)	(2,500)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	2,625	2,525
Payments on long-term debt	(10)	(24)
Dividends to shareholders	(797)	(769)
Issuance of common stock	158	67
Repurchase of common stock	(1,247)	(780)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,147)	(1,346)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	11	(91)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	50	(192)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,248	1,382
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,298	1,190
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	422	226
Cash paid for interest	$ 226	$ 197