INVESTMENTS Schedule of (Income) Loss from Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 29, 2012	May 01, 2011	May 02, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Loss (income) from equity method investments	$ 9.9	$ (50.1)	$ (38.6)
Campofrio Food Group [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Loss (income) from equity method investments	25.0	(17.0)	(4.5)
Segment	International
Mexican Joint Ventures [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Loss (income) from equity method investments	(13.4)	(29.6)	(13.2)
Segment	International
Butterball, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Loss (income) from equity method investments	0	(1.3)	(18.8)
Segment	Other
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Loss (income) from equity method investments	$ (1.7)	$ (2.2)	$ (2.1)
Segment	Various