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Year when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY format.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The earliest year of maturity of the debt instrument as of the Balance Sheet date, in CCYY format.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The last year of maturity of the debt instrument as of the Balance Sheet date, in CCYY format.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdt_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateYearLast
Namespace Prefix:	mdt_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of debt during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Additional borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line of Credit Facility, Length of Extension

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	mdt_LineOfCreditFacilityLengthOfExtension
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Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum maturity of short-term debt, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average original maturity of short-term debt outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the sum of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, which are due within one year (or one business cycle if longer).

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19,20)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19

-Article 5

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number APB14-1

-Paragraph 31

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount as of the balance sheet date of the unamortized adjustment to the carrying value of an interest-bearing hedged item made under an effective interest rate fair value hedge that is amortized upon discontinuation of the interest rate fair value hedge.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 25

-Section 35

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6439857&loc=d3e75592-113984

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 24

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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Balance Type:	na
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- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

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- Definition

Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 6

-Section H

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Financing Arrangements (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013
Line of Credit Facility
Short-term borrowings	$ 2,647	$ 2,647	$ 910
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	9,637	9,637	9,741
Gains from interest rate swap terminations	35	35	50
Senior Notes 2010 Due 2015
General Disclosures
Principal amount	1,250	1,250
Stated interest rate	3.00%	3.00%
Senior Notes 2005 Due 2016
General Disclosures
Principal amount	600	600
Stated interest rate	4.75%	4.75%
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2016
General Disclosures
Principal amount	500	500
Stated interest rate	2.625%	2.625%
Senior Notes 2013 Due 2018
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	1.375%	1.375%
Senior Notes 2009 Due 2019
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	5.60%	5.60%
Senior Notes 2010 Due 2020
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	4.45%	4.45%
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2021
General Disclosures
Principal amount	500	500
Stated interest rate	4.125%	4.125%
Senior Notes 2012 Due 2022
General Disclosures
Principal amount	675	675
Stated interest rate	3.125%	3.125%
Senior Notes 2013 Due 2023
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	2.75%	2.75%
Senior Notes 2009 Due 2039
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	6.50%	6.50%
Senior Notes 2010 Due 2040
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	5.55%	5.55%
Senior Notes 2012 Due 2042
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	4.50%	4.50%
Senior Notes 2013 Due 2043
General Disclosures
Stated interest rate	4.00%	4.00%
Commercial Paper
Line of Credit Facility
Maximum maturities	364 days
Short-term borrowings	1,725	1,725	125
Weighted average original maturity	50 days	37 days
Weighted average interest rate	0.10%	0.09%
General Disclosures
Principal amount	2,250	2,250
Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility
Additional borrowing capacity	750	750
Credit Facility \| Line of Credit Facility 2017
Line of Credit Facility
Maximum credit available	2,250	2,250
Line of Credit Facility, Length of Extension	1 year
Bank Borrowings [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2015	2015
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	3	3	3
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2010 Due 2015
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2015	2015
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	1,250	1,250	1,250
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2005 Due 2016
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2016	2016
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	600	600	600
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2011 Due 2016
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2016	2016
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	500	500	500
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2013 Due 2018
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2018	2018
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	1,000	1,000	1,000
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2009 Due 2019
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2019	2019
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	400	400	400
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2010 Due 2020
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2020	2020
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	1,250	1,250	1,250
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2011 Due 2021
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2021	2021
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	500	500	500
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2012 Due 2022
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2022	2022
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	675	675	675
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2013 Due 2023
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2023	2023
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	1,250	1,250	1,250
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2009 Due 2039
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2039	2039
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	300	300	300
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2010 Due 2040
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2040	2040
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	500	500	500
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2012 Due 2042
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2042	2042
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	400	400	400
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes 2013 Due 2043
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year	2043	2043
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	750	750	750
Interest Rate Swap
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Earliest	2015	2015
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Last	2022	2022
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	99	99	181
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Earliest	2015	2015
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Last	2025	2025
General Disclosures
Long-term debt	145	145	152
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Debt Discount [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Earliest	2018	2018
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Last	2043	2043
Long-term Debt [Member]
General Disclosures
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ (20)	$ (20)	$ (20)