RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2012	May 01, 2011	May 02, 2010
Murphy Family Businesses [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	$ 52.2	$ 70.4	$ 53.4
JCT, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	7.9	7.8	8.0
Related Party Transaction, Reimbursements Received	3.1	3.3	3.1
Hog Production Segment Vice Presidents [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	1.5	1.7	1.6
Related Party Transaction, Reimbursements Received	$ 0.4	$ 0.5	$ 0.5