Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							3 Months Ended
	Jul. 27, 2012	Jul. 29, 2011	Jul. 29, 2011 Previously Reported	Jul. 27, 2012 Other Long-term Liabilities	Apr. 27, 2012 Other Long-term Liabilities	Jul. 27, 2012 Other Accrued Expenses	Apr. 27, 2012 Other Accrued Expenses	Jul. 29, 2011 Physio-Control
Cost of Acquired Entity
Acquisition-related items	$ 5	$ 8	$ 13
Reclassification of divestiture related costs from continuing operations to discontinued operations								5
Contingent Consideration
Fair value of contingent consideration				184	200	31	31
Estimated maximum potential amount of undiscounted future contingent consideration	$ 228