Stock-Based Compensation (Darden Stock Unit Activity) (Narrative) (Details) (Darden Stock Units, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
May 27, 2012 Y
Darden Stock Units
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options granted	$ 48.7
Unrecognized compensation cost, period of recognition, in years (years)	2.9
Fair market value on grant date	$ 12.1

The total fair value of equity-based awards for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph c(2)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (d)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration