DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION DOCUMENT (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2012	Jun. 13, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SMITHFIELD FOODS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000091388
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-29
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Apr. 29, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		154,789,292
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 2.9