Investments, Other Disclosures (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 27, 2012	Apr. 29, 2011
Investments [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying amount of investments in equity and other securities that are accounted for using the cost or equity method	$ 508	$ 652
Investments reclassifed from cost method to available-for-sale marketable securities	46
Investments with trading restrictions	$ 132

This item represents equity method investments in common stock and investments accounted for under the cost-method at cost with quoted market price.

No definition available.

Name:	mdt_CostAndEquityMethodInvestmentWithoutQuotedMarketPrice
Namespace Prefix:	mdt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant