XML 15 R54.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Financing Arrangements (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 0 Months Ended
Jan. 23, 2015
Jan. 23, 2015
Dec. 10, 2014
Nov. 07, 2014
Jan. 26, 2015
Apr. 25, 2014
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt $ 26,641,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations $ 26,641,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations       $ 10,315,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (104,000,000)us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount (104,000,000)us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount       (25,000,000)us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
Gains from interest rate swap terminations 6,000,000us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfInterestRateFairValueHedge 6,000,000us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfInterestRateFairValueHedge       20,000,000us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfInterestRateFairValueHedge
Senior Notes 2005 Due 2016            
General Disclosures            
Stated interest rate 4.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
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= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
4.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
       
Principal amount 600,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
600,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
       
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2016            
General Disclosures            
Stated interest rate 2.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
2.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
       
Principal amount 500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
       
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2021            
General Disclosures            
Stated interest rate 4.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
4.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
       
Principal amount 500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
       
Senior Notes 2012 Due 2022            
General Disclosures            
Stated interest rate 3.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
3.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
       
Principal amount 675,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
675,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
       
Commercial Paper            
Line of Credit Facility            
Maximum maturities 364 days          
Weighted average original maturity 67 days 49 days        
Weighted average interest rate 0.16%mdt_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRateDuringPeriod
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
0.12%mdt_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRateDuringPeriod
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
       
General Disclosures            
Principal amount 2,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
2,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
       
Credit Facility | Line of Credit Facility 2017            
Line of Credit Facility            
Maximum credit available 2,250,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
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= mdt_LineOfCreditFacility2017Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
2,250,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_LineOfCreditFacility2017Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2005 Due 2016            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2016        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      600,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2005Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2011 Due 2016            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2016        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 2.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
2.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2016Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2014 Due 2017 Floating            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2017        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017FloatingMember
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017FloatingMember
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017FloatingMember
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2014 Due 2017            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2017        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 0.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
0.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2017Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2018            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2018        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 1,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 1.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
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= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Principal amount     1,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2013 Due 2018            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2018        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 1,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      1,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 1.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2018Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2009 Due 2019            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2019        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 400,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2019Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
400,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2019Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      400,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2019Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 5.60%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
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= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2019Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
5.60%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2019Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2010 Due 2020            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2020        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 1,250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      1,250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.45%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2020            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2020        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 2,500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
2,500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 2.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
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= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
2.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
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/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
2.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Principal amount     2,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2020 Floating            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2020        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020FloatingMember
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
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500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020FloatingMember
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Principal amount     500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020FloatingMember
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2011 Due 2021            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2021        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2011Due2021Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2012 Due 2022            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2022        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 675,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
675,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      675,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 3.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
3.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2022            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2022        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 2,500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
2,500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 3.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
3.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
3.15%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Principal amount     2,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2022Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2013 Due 2023            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2023        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 1,250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2023Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
1,250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2023Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      1,250,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2023Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 2.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2023Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
2.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2023Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2014 Due 2024            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2024        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 850,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2024Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
850,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2024Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      850,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2024Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 3.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2024Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
3.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2024Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2025            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2025        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 4,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 3.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
3.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
3.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Principal amount     4,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2025Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2035            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2035        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 2,500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
2,500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Principal amount     2,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2035Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2009 Due 2039            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2039        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 300,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2039Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
300,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2039Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      300,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2039Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 6.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2039Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
6.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2009Due2039Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2010 Due 2040            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2040        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2040Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2040Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      500,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2040Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 5.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2040Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
5.55%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2010Due2040Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2012 Due 2042            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2042        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 400,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2042Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
400,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2042Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      400,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2042Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2042Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2012Due2042Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2013 Due 2043            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2043        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 750,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2043Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
750,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2043Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      750,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2043Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2043Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2013Due2043Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2014 Due 2044            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2044        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 650,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2044Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
650,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2044Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      650,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2044Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2044Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2014Due2044Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
       
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2045            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year   2045        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 4,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4,000,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
      0us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Stated interest rate 4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Principal amount     4,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2018 to 2045            
General Disclosures            
Principal amount     17,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018to2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs     16,800,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2018to2045Member
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
     
Interest Rate Swap            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Earliest   2016        
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Last   2022        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 84,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
84,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
      56,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Capital Lease Obligations            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Earliest   2016        
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Last   2025        
General Disclosures            
Long-term debt 130,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember
130,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember
      139,000,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Debt Discount            
Debt [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Earliest   2017        
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year, Last   2045        
Senior Unsecured New Bridge Credit Agreement [Member]            
Line of Credit Facility            
Maximum credit available       11,300,000,000.0us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= mdt_SeniorUnsecuredNewBridgeCreditAgreementMember
   
Credit agreement term       364 days    
Senior Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreement [Member]            
Line of Credit Facility            
Maximum credit available       5,000,000,000.0us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= mdt_SeniorUnsecuredTermLoanCreditAgreementMember
   
Credit agreement term       3 years    
Senior Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]            
Line of Credit Facility            
Long-term Line of Credit         3,000,000,000us-gaap_LineOfCredit
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= mdt_SeniorUnsecuredTermLoanCreditAgreementMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
 
Credit agreement term         3 years  
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]            
Line of Credit Facility            
Maximum credit available         3,500,000,000.000us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorUnsecuredRevolvingCreditAgreementMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
 
Credit agreement term         5 years  
Covidien PLC [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]            
General Disclosures            
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross         16,000,000,000us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= mdt_CovidienPLCMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
 
Total consideration transferred         50,000,000,000us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
/ us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis
= mdt_CovidienPLCMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
 
LIBOR | Senior Notes | Senior Notes 2015 Due 2020 Floating            
General Disclosures            
Description of variable rate basis     three-month London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR)      
Basis spread on variable rate     0.80%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= mdt_SeniorNotes2015Due2020FloatingMember
/ mdt_DebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_VariableRateAxis
= us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
     
Commercial Paper | Subsequent Event [Member]            
Line of Credit Facility            
Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity         $ 3,500,000,000.000mdt_CommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingCapacity
/ us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember