Brown-Forman (BF-A) 10-K 18 Jun 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 15, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BROWN FORMAN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	14693
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-26
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$14.30
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			84,528,000
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			122,483,629

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$4,096	$3,946	$3,784
Excise taxes	962	955	935
Cost of sales	951	913	894
Gross profit	2,183	2,078	1,955
Advertising expenses	437	436	408
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	697	686	650
Other expense (income), net	22	-15	-1
Operating income	1,027	971	898
Interest income	2	2	3
Interest expense	27	26	36
Income before income taxes	1,002	947	865
Income taxes	318	288	274
Net income	$684	$659	$591
Earnings per share:
Basic (dollars per share)	$3.23	$3.08	$2.77
Diluted (dollars per share)	$3.21	$3.06	$2.75

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$684	$659	$591
Currency translation adjustments	-114	-4	17
Cash flow hedge adjustments	32	-4	3
Postretirement benefits adjustments	-30	31	-1
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-112	23	19
Comprehensive income	$572	$682	$610

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$370	$437
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9 in 2014 and $10 in 2015	583	569
Inventories:
Barreled whiskey	571	504
Finished goods	200	187
Work in process	121	144
Raw materials and supplies	61	47
Total inventories	953	882
Current deferred tax assets	16	33
Other current assets	332	256
Total current assets	2,254	2,177
Property, plant, and equipment, net	586	526
Goodwill	607	620
Other intangible assets	611	677
Deferred tax assets	18	18
Other assets	117	85
Total assets	4,193	4,103
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	497	474
Accrued income taxes	12	71
Current deferred tax liabilities	9	8
Short-term borrowings	190	8
Current portion of long-term debt	250	0
Total current liabilities	958	561
Long-term debt, less unamortized discount of $3 in 2014 and $2 in 2015	748	997
Deferred tax liabilities	107	102
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits	311	244
Other liabilities	164	167
Total liabilities	2,288	2,071
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Additional paid-in capital	99	81
Retained earnings	3,300	2,894
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-300	-188
Treasury stock, at cost (13,858,000 and 18,613,000 shares in 2014 and 2015, respectively)	-1,228	-789
Total stockholders’ equity	1,905	2,032
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,193	4,103
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock	13	13
Total stockholders’ equity	13	13
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock	21	21
Total stockholders’ equity	$21	$21

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10	$9
Unamortized discount	$2	$3
Treasury stock, shares	18,613,000	13,858,000
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$0.15	$0.15
Common stock, shares authorized	85,000,000	85,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	85,000,000	85,000,000
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$0.15	$0.15
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	142,313,000	142,313,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$684	$659	$591
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	51	50	51
Stock-based compensation expense	15	13	11
Deferred income taxes	6	-5	26
Other, net	9	1	2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-50	-34	-65
Inventories	-102	-67	-105
Other current assets	-30	-43	-22
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	64	31	58
Accrued income taxes	-58	60	17
Noncurrent assets and liabilities	19	-16	-27
Cash provided by operating activities	608	649	537
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	-120	-126	-95
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	2	0
Acquisition of brand names and trademarks	-4	-1	-1
Computer software expenditures	-1	-2	-1
Cash used for investing activities	-125	-127	-97
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	183	5	-1
Repayment of long-term debt	0	-2	-253
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0	747
Debt issuance costs	0	0	-7
Net payments related to exercise of stock-based awards	-14	-19	-16
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	18	10	17
Acquisition of treasury stock	-462	-49	0
Dividends paid	-256	-233	-1,063
Cash used for financing activities	-531	-288	-576
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-19	-1	2
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-67	233	-134
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	437	204	338
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	370	437	204
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:
Interest	27	28	32
Income taxes	$375	$281	$252

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]	Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax [Member]	Treasury Stock, at Cost [Member]
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2012		$9	$15	$49	$3,031	($230)	($805)
Beginning Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2012		56,251	85,823
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock split		4	6		-18		8
Stock split (shares)		28,149	42,951
Stock-based compensation expense				11
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans				6	41
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards				17
Net income	591				591
Cash dividends ($4.98, $1.09, and $1.21 per share in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively)					-1,063
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	19					19
Acquisition of treasury stock							0
Stock issued under compensation plans							31
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares)		0	0
Stock issued under compensation plans (shares)		46
Stock issued under compensation plans (shares)			487
Total common shares outstanding (shares)	213,707	84,446	129,261
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2013	1,628	13	21	71	2,500	-211	-766
Ending Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2013	213,707	84,446	129,261
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock split		0	0		0		0
Stock split (shares)		0	0
Stock-based compensation expense				13
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans				13	32
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards				10
Net income	659				659
Cash dividends ($4.98, $1.09, and $1.21 per share in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively)					-233
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	23					23
Acquisition of treasury stock							-49
Stock issued under compensation plans							26
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares)		-46	-661
Stock issued under compensation plans (shares)		62
Stock issued under compensation plans (shares)			393
Total common shares outstanding (shares)	213,455	84,462	128,993
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2014	2,032	13	21	81	2,894	-188	-789
Ending Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2014	213,455	84,462	128,993
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock split		0	0		0		0
Stock split (shares)		0	0
Stock-based compensation expense				15
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans				15	22
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards				18
Net income	684				684
Cash dividends ($4.98, $1.09, and $1.21 per share in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively)					-256
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	-112					-112
Acquisition of treasury stock							-462
Stock issued under compensation plans							23
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares)		-85	-5,034
Stock issued under compensation plans (shares)		86
Stock issued under compensation plans (shares)			278
Total common shares outstanding (shares)	208,700	84,463	124,237
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2015	$1,905	$13	$21	$99	$3,300	($300)	($1,228)
Ending Balance (shares) at Apr. 30, 2015	208,700	84,463	124,237

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends (dollars per share)	$1.21	$1.09	$4.98

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). We also apply the following accounting policies when preparing our consolidated financial statements:
	Principles of consolidation. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest. We eliminate all intercompany transactions.
	Estimates. To prepare financial statements that conform with GAAP, our management must make informed estimates that affect how we report revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, including contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could (and probably will) differ from these estimates.
	Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include bank demand deposits and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	Allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. When we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we believe will be collected. We write off the uncollectable amount against the allowance when we have exhausted our collection efforts.
	Inventories. We state inventories at the lower of cost or market, with approximately 57% of consolidated inventories being valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. We value the remainder primarily using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. FIFO cost approximates current replacement cost. If we had used the FIFO method for all inventories, they would have been $216 and $234 higher than reported at April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	Because we age most of our whiskeys in barrels for three to six years, we bottle and sell only a portion of our whiskey inventory each year. Following industry practice, we classify all barreled whiskey as a current asset. We include warehousing, insurance, ad valorem taxes, and other carrying charges applicable to barreled whiskey in inventory costs.
	We classify bulk wine, agave inventories, tequila, and liquid in bottling tanks as work in process.
	Property, plant, and equipment. We state property, plant, and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis using our estimates of useful life, which are 20–40 years for buildings and improvements; 3–10 years for machinery, equipment, vehicles, furniture, and fixtures; and 3–7 years for capitalized software.
	We assess our property, plant, and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. When we do not expect to recover the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) through undiscounted future cash flows, we write it down to its estimated fair value. We determine fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows, considering market values for similar assets when available.
	When we retire or dispose of property, plant, and equipment, we remove its cost and accumulated depreciation from our balance sheet and reflect any gain or loss in operating income. We expense the costs of repairing and maintaining our property, plant, and equipment as we incur them.
	Goodwill and other intangible assets. We have obtained most of our brands by acquiring other companies. When we acquire another company, we first allocate the purchase price to identifiable assets and liabilities, including intangible brand names and trademarks (“brand names”), based on estimated fair value. We then record any remaining purchase price as goodwill. We do not amortize goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives. We consider all of our brand names to have indefinite lives.
	We assess our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. If the fair value of an asset is less than its book value, we write it down to its estimated fair value. For goodwill, if the book value of its reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we measure for potential impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, determined in the same manner as in a business combination, to the book value of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using discounted estimated future cash flows. We typically estimate the fair value of a brand name using the “relief from royalty” method. We also consider market values for similar assets when available. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value, including the selection of assumptions about future cash flows, discount rates, and royalty rates.
	We have the option, before quantifying the fair value of a reporting unit or brand name, to evaluate qualitative factors to assess whether it is more likely than not that our goodwill or brand names are impaired. If we determine that is not the case, then we are not required to quantify the fair value. That assessment also takes considerable management judgment.
	Foreign currency translation. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for most of our consolidated operations. For those operations, we report all gains and losses from foreign currency transactions in current income. The local currency is the functional currency for some foreign operations. For those investments, we report cumulative translation effects as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity.
	Revenue recognition. We recognize revenue when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, typically when the product is shipped. Some sales contracts contain customer acceptance provisions that grant a right of return on the basis of either subjective or objective criteria. We record revenue net of estimated sales returns, allowances, and discounts.
	Excise taxes. Our sales are often subject to excise taxes that we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities. We present these taxes on a gross basis (included in net sales and costs before gross profit) in the consolidated statement of operations.
	Cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the costs of receiving, producing, inspecting, warehousing, insuring, and shipping goods sold during the period.
	Shipping and handling fees and costs. We report the amounts we bill to our customers for shipping and handling as net sales, and we report the costs we incur for shipping and handling as cost of sales.
	Advertising costs. We expense the costs of advertising during the year when the advertisements first take place.
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include the costs associated with our sales force, administrative staff and facilities, and other expenses related to our non-manufacturing functions.
	Income taxes. We base our annual provision for income taxes on the pre-tax income reflected in our consolidated statement of operations. We establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between GAAP and tax reporting bases and later adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance as necessary to reduce a deferred tax to the amount that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We do not provide deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that we expect to permanently reinvest. We record a deferred tax charge in prepaid taxes for the difference between GAAP and tax reporting bases with respect to the elimination of intercompany profit in ending inventory.
	We assess our uncertain income tax positions using a two-step process. First, we evaluate whether the tax position will more likely than not, based on its technical merits, be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. For a tax position that does not meet this first criterion, we recognize no tax benefit. For a tax position that does meet the first criterion, we recognize a tax benefit in an amount equal to the largest amount of benefit that we believe has more than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.
	Earnings per share. We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share further includes the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, deferred stock units, and shares of restricted stock. We calculate that dilutive effect using the “treasury stock method” (as defined by GAAP).
	The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:
		2013		2014		2015
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	591	$	659	$	684
	Share data (in thousands):
	Basic average common shares outstanding	213,369		213,454		211,593
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	1,617		1,628		1,490
	Diluted average common shares outstanding	214,986		215,082		213,083
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.77	$	3.08	$	3.23
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.75	$	3.06	$	3.21
	We excluded common stock-based awards for approximately 398,000 shares, 309,000 shares, and 361,000 shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively, because they were not dilutive for those periods under the treasury stock method.
	We try to limit the source of shares for stock-based compensation awards to treasury shares that we purchase from time to time on the open market (at times in connection with a publicly announced share repurchase program), in private transactions, or otherwise. We may use newly-issued shares to cover exercises or redemptions of awards, and then purchase an equal number of shares on the open market or otherwise as quickly as is reasonably practicable. This practice minimizes long-term dilution to our stockholders.
	Recent accounting pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. As issued, the new guidance would become effective for us beginning fiscal 2018. However, in April 2015, the FASB proposed an amendment to the new guidance that would defer the effective date by one year, though permit voluntary adoption as of the original effective date. In May 2015, the FASB proposed additional amendments to the new guidance. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the new guidance and the proposed amendments on our financial statements.

Balance_Sheet_Information

Balance Sheet Information	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
	Supplemental information on our year-end balance sheets is as follows:
	April 30,	2014		2015
	Other current assets:
	Prepaid taxes	$	172	$	181
	Other	84		151
		$	256	$	332
	Property, plant, and equipment:
	Land	$	72	$	72
	Buildings	381		419
	Equipment	534		561
	Construction in process	67		88
		1,054		1,140
	Less accumulated depreciation	528		554
		$	526	$	586
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
	Accounts payable, trade	$	134	$	123
	Accrued expenses:
	Advertising and promotion	107		128
	Compensation and commissions	111		110
	Excise and other non-income taxes	57		59
	Self-insurance losses	10		10
	Postretirement benefits	7		7
	Interest	7		7
	Other	41		53
		340		374
		$	474	$	497
	Other liabilities:
	Deferred benefit – tax (Note 11)	$	90	$	75
	Other	77		89
		$	167	$	164

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The following table shows the changes in the amounts recorded as goodwill (which includes no accumulated impairment losses) over the past two years:
	Balance as of April 30, 2013	$	617
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	3
	Balance as of April 30, 2014	620
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(13		)
	Balance as of April 30, 2015	$	607
	As of April 30, 2014 and 2015, our other intangible assets consisted of trademarks and brand names, all with indefinite useful lives.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments. We made rental payments for real estate, vehicles, and office, computer, and manufacturing equipment under operating leases of $22, $24, and $23 during 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. We have commitments related to minimum lease payments of $17 in 2016, $13 in 2017, $6 in 2018, $3 in 2019, $1 in 2020, and $0 after 2020.
	We have contracted with various growers and wineries to supply some of our future grape and bulk wine requirements. Many of these contracts call for prices to be adjusted annually up or down, according to market conditions. Some contracts set a fixed purchase price that might be higher or lower than prevailing market prices. We have total purchase obligations related to both types of contracts of $7 in 2016, $5 in 2017, $2 in 2018, $2 in 2019, $1 in 2020, and $1 after 2020.
	We also have contracts for the purchase of agave, which is used to produce tequila. These contracts provide for prices to be determined based on market conditions at the time of harvest, which, although not specified, is expected to occur over the next 10 years. As of April 30, 2015, based on current market prices, obligations under these contracts total $3.
	Contingencies. We operate in a litigious environment, and we are sued in the normal course of business. Sometimes plaintiffs seek substantial damages. Significant judgment is required in predicting the outcome of these suits and claims, many of which take years to adjudicate. We accrue estimated costs for a contingency when we believe that a loss is probable and we can make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and then adjust the accrual as appropriate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. We do not believe it is reasonably possible that these loss contingencies, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. No material accrued loss contingencies are recorded as of April 30, 2015.
	Guaranty. We have guaranteed the repayment by a third-party importer of its obligation under a bank credit facility that it uses in connection with its importation of our products in Russia. If the importer were to default on that obligation, which we believe is unlikely, our maximum possible exposure under the existing terms of the guaranty would be approximately $20 (subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates). Both the fair value and carrying amount of the guaranty are insignificant.
	As of April 30, 2015, our actual exposure under the guaranty of the importer’s obligation is approximately $8. We also have accounts receivable from that importer of approximately $17 at that date, which we expect to collect in full.
	Based on the financial support we provide to the importer, we believe it meets the definition of a variable interest entity. However, because we do not control this entity, it is not included in our consolidated financial statements.

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities

Debt and Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES	DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
	Our long-term debt (net of unamortized discount) consisted of:
	April 30,	2014		2015
	2.50% senior notes, due in fiscal 2016	$	249	$	250
	1.00% senior notes, due in fiscal 2018	249		249
	2.25% senior notes, due in fiscal 2023	249		249
	3.75% senior notes, due in fiscal 2043	250		250
		997		998
	Less current portion	—		250
		$	997	$	748
	Debt payments required over the next five fiscal years consist of $250 in 2016, $0 in 2017, $250 in 2018, $0 in 2019, $0 in 2020, and $500 after 2020.
	The senior notes contain terms and covenants customary of these types of unsecured securities, including limitations on the amount of secured debt we can issue.
	As of April 30, 2015, our short-term borrowings of $190 included $183 of commercial paper, with an average interest rate of 0.17%, and an average remaining maturity of 13 days.
	We have a committed revolving credit agreement with various U.S. and international banks for $800 that expires in November 2018. Its most restrictive quantitative covenant requires that the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the agreement) to consolidated interest expense not be less than 3 to 1. At April 30, 2015, with a ratio of 38 to 1, we were well within this covenant’s parameters and had no borrowing outstanding under this facility.
	On February 25, 2013, we redeemed, in full, our 5.00% notes due in fiscal 2014 by exercising a “make whole” call provision of the notes. In connection with the redemption, we incurred costs of $9, which is reflected as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We categorize the fair values of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to determine those values. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are:
	•	Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 – Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
	•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity.
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	April 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Currency derivatives	$	—	$	7	$	—	$	7
	Liabilities:
	Currency derivatives	—		7		—		7
	Short-term borrowings	—		8		—		8
	Long-term debt	—		963		—		963
	April 30, 2015:
	Assets:
	Currency derivatives	—		59		—		59
	Liabilities:
	Currency derivatives	—		18		—		18
	Short-term borrowings	—		190		—		190
	Current portion of long-term debt	—		253		—		253
	Long-term debt	—		735		—		735
	We determine the fair values of our currency derivatives (forwards and options) using standard valuation models. The significant inputs used in these models are readily available in public markets or can be derived from observable market transactions. Inputs used in these standard valuation models include the applicable exchange rate, forward rates, and discount rates. The standard valuation model for foreign currency options also uses implied volatility as an additional input. The discount rates are based on historical U.S. Treasury rates, and the implied volatility specific to individual foreign currency options is based on quoted rates from financial institutions.
	The fair value of short-term borrowings approximates their carrying value. We determine the fair value of long-term debt primarily based on the prices at which similar debt has recently traded in the market and also considering the overall market conditions on the date of valuation.
	We measure some assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, we do not measure them at fair value on an ongoing basis, but we do adjust them to fair value in some circumstances (for example, when we determine that an asset is impaired). No material nonrecurring fair value measurements were required during the periods presented in these financial statements.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The fair values of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term borrowings approximate the carrying amounts due to the short maturities of these instruments. We determine the fair values of currency derivatives and long-term debt as discussed in Note 6.
	Below is a comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of these instruments:
		2014				2015
	April 30,	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	437	$	437	$	370	$	370
	Currency derivatives	7		7		59		59
	Liabilities:
	Currency derivatives	7		7		18		18
	Short-term borrowings	8		8		190		190
	Current portion of long-term debt	—		—		250		253
	Long-term debt	997		963		748		735

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Our multinational business exposes us to global market risks, including the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. We use derivatives to help manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. We formally document the purpose of each derivative contract, which includes linking the contract to the financial exposure it is designed to mitigate. We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
	We use currency derivative contracts to limit our exposure to the currency exchange risk that we cannot mitigate internally by using netting strategies. We designate most of these contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions (expected to occur within three years). We record all changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (except any ineffective portion) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) until the underlying hedged transaction occurs, at which time we reclassify that amount into earnings. We assess the effectiveness of these hedges based on changes in forward exchange rates. The ineffective portion of the changes in fair value of our hedges (recognized immediately in earnings) during the periods presented in this report was not material.
	We do not designate some of our currency derivatives as hedges because we use them to at least partially offset the immediate earnings impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on existing assets or liabilities. We immediately recognize the change in fair value of these contracts in earnings.
	We had outstanding currency derivatives, related primarily to our euro, British pound, and Australian dollar exposures, with notional amounts totaling $1,152 and $1,212 at April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	We use forward purchase contracts with suppliers to protect against corn price volatility. We expect to physically take delivery of the corn underlying each contract and use it for production over a reasonable period of time. Accordingly, we account for these contracts as normal purchases rather than derivative instruments.
	From time to time, we manage our interest rate risk with swap contracts. However, no such swaps were outstanding at April 30, 2014 or 2015.
	The following table presents the pre-tax impact that changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments had on AOCI and earnings in 2014 and 2015:
		Classification in Statement of Operations		2014				2015
	Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a		$	(7	)		$	96
	Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Net sales		—				41
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Net sales		1				26
	Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income		10				4
	We expect to reclassify $39 of deferred net gains recorded in AOCI as of April 30, 2015, to earnings during fiscal 2016. This reclassification would offset the anticipated earnings impact of the underlying hedged exposures. The actual amounts that we ultimately reclassify to earnings will depend on the exchange rates in effect when the underlying hedged transactions occur. The maximum term of outstanding derivative contracts was 27 months and 36 months at April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments as of April 30, 2014 and 2015.
		Balance Sheet Classification		Fair Value of				Fair Value of
				Derivatives in a				Derivatives in a
				Gain Position				Loss Position
	April 30, 2014:
	Designated as cash flow hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		$	6			$	(6	)
	Currency derivatives	Other assets		2				—
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		2				(6		)
	Currency derivatives	Other liabilities		—				(4		)
	Not designated as hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		5				—
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		1				—
	April 30, 2015:
	Designated as cash flow hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		42				(2		)
	Currency derivatives	Other assets		20				(3		)
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		—				(6		)
	Currency derivatives	Other liabilities		—				(6		)
	Not designated as hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		3				(1		)
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		1				(7		)
	The fair values reflected in the above table are presented on a gross basis. However, as discussed further below, the fair values of those instruments that are subject to net settlement agreements are presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Credit risk. We are exposed to credit-related losses if the counterparties to our derivative contracts default. This credit risk is limited to the fair value of the contracts. To manage this risk, we contract only with major financial institutions that have earned investment-grade credit ratings and with whom we have standard International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements that allow for net settlement of the derivative contracts. Also, we have established counterparty credit guidelines that are regularly monitored and that provide for reports to senior management according to prescribed guidelines, and we monetize contracts when we believe it is warranted. Because of these safeguards, we believe the risk of loss from counterparty default to be immaterial.
	Some of our derivative instruments require us to maintain a specific level of creditworthiness, which we have maintained. If our creditworthiness were to fall below that level, then the counterparties to our derivative instruments could request immediate payment or collateralization for derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position was $6 and $18 at April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	Offsetting. As noted above, our derivative contracts are governed by ISDA agreements that allow for net settlement of derivative contracts with the same counterparty. It is our policy to present the fair values of current derivatives (that is, those with a remaining term of 12 months or less) with the same counterparty on a net basis in the balance sheet. Similarly, we present the fair values of noncurrent derivatives with the same counterparty on a net basis. Current derivatives are not netted with noncurrent derivatives in the balance sheet. The following table summarizes the gross and net amounts of our derivative contracts.
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)				Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net Amounts Presented in Balance Sheet			Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
	April 30, 2014:
	Derivative assets	$	17			$	(10	)		$	7		$	(2	)	$	5
	Derivative liabilities	(17		)		10				(7		)	2			(5		)
	April 30, 2015:
	Derivative assets	65				(6		)		59			—			59
	Derivative liabilities	(24		)		6				(18		)	—			(18		)
	No cash collateral was received or pledged related to our derivative contracts as of April 30, 2014 or 2015.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
	We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans as well as postretirement plans providing retiree health care and retiree life insurance benefits. Below, we discuss our obligations related to these plans, the assets dedicated to meeting the obligations, and the amounts we recognized in our financial statements as a result of sponsoring these plans.
	Obligations. We provide eligible employees with pension and other postretirement benefits based on factors such as years of service and compensation level during employment. The pension obligation shown below (“projected benefit obligation”) consists of: (a) benefits earned by employees to date based on current salary levels (“accumulated benefit obligation”); and (b) benefits to be received by employees as a result of expected future salary increases. (The obligation for medical and life insurance benefits is not affected by future salary increases.) The following table shows how the present value of our obligation changed during each of the last two years.
		Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
										Insurance Benefits
		2014				2015				2014				2015
	Obligation at beginning of year	$	783			$	785			$	74			$	69
	Service cost	21				22				2				1
	Interest cost	31				34				3				3
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	4				91				3				3
	Plan amendments	—				—				(10		)		(16		)
	Retiree contributions	—				—				1				1
	Benefits paid	(54		)		(45		)		(4		)		(4		)
	Obligation at end of year	$	785			$	887			$	69			$	57
	Service cost represents the present value of the benefits attributed to service rendered by employees during the year. Interest cost is the increase in the present value of the obligation due to the passage of time. Net actuarial loss (gain) is the change in value of the obligation resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption. (We discuss actuarial assumptions used at the end of this note.) Plan amendments may also change the value of the obligation.
	As shown in the previous table, the change in the value of our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations also includes the effect of benefit payments and retiree contributions. Expected benefit payments (net of retiree contributions) over the next 10 years are as follows:
		Pension Benefits				Medical and Life
						Insurance Benefits
	2016	$	51			$	3
	2017	52				3
	2018	53				3
	2019	54				3
	2020	56				3
	2021 – 2025	303				18
	Assets. We invest in specific assets to fund our pension benefit obligations. Our investment goal is to earn a total return that, over time, will grow assets sufficiently to fund our plans’ liabilities, after providing appropriate levels of contributions and accepting prudent levels of investment risk. To achieve this goal, plan assets are invested primarily in funds or portfolios of funds managed by outside managers. Investment risk is managed by company policies that require diversification of asset classes, manager styles, and individual holdings. We measure and monitor investment risk through quarterly and annual performance reviews, and through periodic asset/liability studies.
	Asset allocation is the most important method for achieving our investment goals and is based on our assessment of the plans’ long-term return objectives and the appropriate balances needed for liquidity, stability, and diversification. The following table shows the fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations, as of April 30, 2014 and 2015. (Fair value levels are defined in Note 6.)
																		Allocation by Asset Class
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total				Actual			Target
	April 30, 2014:
	Commingled trust funds1:
	Equity funds	$	—			$	235			$	—			$	235			38	%		38	%
	Fixed income funds	—				196				—				196				32	%		35	%
	Real estate funds	—				21				32				53				9	%		8	%
	Short-term investments	—				3				—				3				1	%		—	%
	Total commingled trust funds	—				455				32				487				80	%		81	%
	Hedge funds2	—				—				30				30				5	%		5	%
	Private equity3	—				—				25				25				4	%		5	%
	Equity securities	63				—				—				63				11	%		9	%
	Total	$	63			$	455			$	87			$	605			100	%		100	%
	April 30, 2015:
	Commingled trust funds1:
	Equity funds	$	—			$	248			$	—			$	248			39	%		38	%
	Fixed income funds	—				185				—				185				30	%		35	%
	Real estate funds	—				20				36				56				9	%		8	%
	Short-term investments	—				4				—				4				1	%		—	%
	Total commingled trust funds	—				457				36				493				79	%		81	%
	Hedge funds2	—				—				31				31				5	%		5	%
	Private equity3	—				—				26				26				4	%		5	%
	Equity securities	76				—				—				76				12	%		9	%
	Total	$	76			$	457			$	93			$	626			100	%		100	%
	1Commingled trust fund valuations are based on the net asset value (NAV) of the funds as determined by the administrator of the fund and reviewed by us. NAV represents the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding.
	2Hedge fund valuations are based primarily on the NAV of the funds as determined by fund administrators and reviewed by us. During our review, we determine whether it is necessary to adjust a valuation for inherent liquidity and redemption issues that may exist within a fund’s underlying assets or fund unit values.
	3As of April 30, 2014 and 2015, consists only of limited partnership interests, which are valued at the percentage ownership of total partnership equity as determined by the general partner. These valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of these investments.
	The following table shows how the fair value of the Level 3 assets changed during each of the last two years. There were no transfers of assets between Level 3 and either of the other two levels.
		Real Estate				Hedge				Private				Total
		Funds				Funds				Equity
	Balance as of April 30, 2013	$	28			$	26			$	21			$	75
	Return on assets held at end of year	4				2				4				10
	Purchases and settlements	—				2				3				5
	Sales and settlements	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Balance as of April 30, 2014	32				30				25				87
	Return on assets held at end of year	4				1				1				6
	Purchases and settlements	—				—				4				4
	Sales and settlements	—				—				(4		)		(4		)
Balance as of April 30, 2015	$	36			$	31			$	26			$	93
The following table shows how the total fair value of all pension plan assets changed during each of the last two years. (We do not have assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)
	Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
	2014				2015				2014				2015
Assets at beginning of year	$	573			$	605			$	—			$	—
Actual return on assets	53				52				—				—
Retiree contributions	—				—				1				1
Company contributions	33				14				3				3
Benefits paid	(54		)		(45		)		(4		)		(4		)
Assets at end of year	$	605			$	626			$	—			$	—
We currently expect to contribute $24 to our pension plans and $3 to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans during 2016.
Funded status. The funded status of a plan refers to the difference between its assets and its obligations. The following table shows the funded status of our plans.
	Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
									Insurance Benefits
April 30,	2014				2015				2014				2015
Assets	$	605			$	626			$	—			$	—
Obligations	(785		)		(887		)		(69		)		(57		)
Funded status	$	(180	)		$	(261	)		$	(69	)		$	(57	)
The funded status reflected above includes obligations attributable to our non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that is not funded with those plan assets presented above. However, we have set aside investments in corporate-owned life insurance policies to cover these obligations. The value of those investments, which are included in “other assets” on the accompanying balance sheets, is $31 and $48 as of April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
The funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
										Insurance Benefits
April 30,		2014				2015				2014				2015
Other assets		$	2			$	—			$	—			$	—
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(4		)		(4		)		(3		)		(3		)
Accrued postretirement benefits		(178		)		(257		)		(66		)		(54		)
Net liability		$	(180	)		$	(261	)		$	(69	)		$	(57	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Net actuarial gain (loss)		$	(296	)		$	(353	)		$	(14	)		$	(16	)
Prior service credit (cost)		(5		)		(4		)		5				18
		$	(301	)		$	(357	)		$	(9	)		$	2
The following table compares our pension plans that have assets in excess of their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose assets are less than their obligations. (As discussed above, we have no assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)
	Plan Assets								Accumulated								Projected
									Benefit Obligation								Benefit Obligation
April 30,	2014				2015				2014				2015				2014				2015
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation	$	52			$	53			$	49			$	50			$	50			$	52
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets	553				573				640				710				735				835
Total	$	605			$	626			$	689			$	760			$	785			$	887
Pension expense. The following table shows the components of the pension expense recognized during each of the last three years. The amount for each year includes amortization of the prior service cost/credit and net actuarial loss/gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of the beginning of the year.
	Pension Benefits
	2013				2014				2015
Service cost	$	20			$	21			$	22
Interest cost	35				31				34
Expected return on assets	(41		)		(40		)		(41		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	1				1				1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	28				31				22
Net expense	$	43			$	44			$	38
The prior service cost/credit, which represents the effect of plan amendments on benefit obligations, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the employees expected to receive the benefits. The net actuarial loss/gain results from experience different from that assumed or from a change in actuarial assumptions (including the difference between actual and expected return on plan assets), and is amortized over at least that same period. The estimated amount of prior service cost and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2016 is $1 and $27, respectively.
Other postretirement benefit expense. The following table shows the components of the postretirement medical and life insurance benefit expense that we recognized during each of the last three years.
	Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2013				2014				2015
Service cost	$	2			$	2			$	1
Interest cost	3				3				3
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	1				—				(2		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	—				—				1
Net expense	$	6			$	5			$	3
The estimated amount of prior service credit and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into postretirement medical and life insurance benefit expense in 2016 is $3 and $1, respectively.
Other comprehensive income (loss). Prior service cost/credit and net actuarial loss/gain are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss (OCI) during the period in which they arise. These amounts are later amortized from accumulated OCI into pension and other postretirement benefit expense over future periods as described above. The following table shows the pre-tax effect of these amounts on OCI during each of the last three years:
	Pension Benefits												Medical and Life
													Insurance Benefits
	2013				2014				2015				2013				2014				2015
Prior service credit (cost)	$	(4	)		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	10			$	16
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(18		)		9				(80		)		(10		)		(3		)		(3		)
Amortization reclassified to earnings:
Prior service cost (credit)	1				1				1				1				—				(2		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	28				31				22				—				—				1
Net amount recognized in OCI	$	7			$	41			$	(57	)		$	(9	)		$	7			$	12
Assumptions and sensitivity. We use various assumptions to determine the obligations and expense related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The weighted-average assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations as of the end of the last two years were as follows:
	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
							Insurance Benefits
	2014			2015			2014			2015
Discount rate	4.46	%		4.09	%		4.67	%		4.09	%
Rate of salary increase	4	%		4	%		n/a			n/a
The weighted-average assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense during each of the last three years were as follows:
	Pension Benefits									Medical and Life
										Insurance Benefits
	2013			2014			2015			2013			2014			2015
Discount rate	4.92	%		4.08	%		4.46	%		4.84	%		4.36	%		4.67	%
Rate of salary increase	4	%		4	%		4	%		n/a			n/a			n/a
Expected return on plan assets	7.75	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		n/a			n/a			n/a
The discount rate represents the interest rate used to discount the cash-flow stream of benefit payments to a net present value as of the calculation date. A lower assumed discount rate increases the present value of the benefit obligation. We determined the discount rate using a yield curve based on the interest rates of high-quality debt securities with maturities corresponding to the expected timing of our benefit payments.
The assumed rate of salary increase reflects the expected average annual increase in salaries as a result of inflation, merit increases, and promotions over the service period of the plan participants. A lower assumed rate decreases the present value of the benefit obligation.
The expected return on plan assets represents the long-term rate of return that we assume will be earned over the life of the pension assets. The assumption reflects expected capital market returns for each asset class, which are based on historical returns, adjusted for the expected effects of diversification and active management (net of fees).
The assumed health care cost trend rates as of the end of the last two years were as follows:
	Medical and Life
	Insurance Benefits
	2014			2015
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year:
Present rate before age 65	7.75	%		7.5	%
Present rate age 65 and after	6.75	%		n/a
We project health care cost trend rates to decline gradually to 5.0% by 2023 and to remain level after that. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for postretirement medical plans. A 1% increase in assumed health care cost trend rates would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of April 30, 2015, by $1 and the aggregate service and interest costs for 2015 by $0. A 1% decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of April 30, 2015, by $1 and the aggregate service and interest costs for 2015 by $0.
Savings plans. We also sponsor various defined contribution benefit plans that together cover substantially all U.S. employees. Employees can make voluntary contributions in accordance with their respective plans, which include a 401(k) tax deferral option. We match a percentage of each employee’s contributions in accordance with plan terms. We expensed $9, $10, and $10 for matching contributions during 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively.
International plans. The information presented above for defined benefit plans and defined contribution benefit plans reflects amounts for U.S. plans only. Information about similar international plans is not presented due to immateriality.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Brown-Forman 2013 Omnibus Compensation Plan is our incentive compensation plan, which is designed to reward its participants (including our eligible officers, employees, and non-employee directors) for company performance. Under the Plan, we can grant stock-based incentive awards for up to 8,300,000 shares of common stock to eligible participants until July 28, 2023. As of April 30, 2015, awards for approximately 7,253,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan. We try to limit the source of shares delivered to participants under the Plan to treasury shares that we purchase from time to time on the open market, in private transactions, or otherwise.
	The following table presents information about stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs) granted under the Plan (or its predecessor plans) as of April 30, 2015, and for the year then ended:
		Number of		Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
		Underlying		Average			Average	Intrinsic Value
		Shares		Exercise Price			Remaining
		(in thousands)		per Award			Contractual
							Term (years)
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014	4,063		$	42.44
	Granted	366		91.97
	Exercised	(601	)	33.5
	Forfeited or expired	(11	)	86.63
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015	3,817		$	48.46		4.9	$	163
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015	2,528		$	36.33		3.5	$	139
	The total intrinsic value of options and SSARs exercised during 2013, 2014, and 2015 was $52, $48, and $35, respectively.
	We grant stock options and SSARs at an exercise price equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date. Stock options and SSARs become exercisable after 3 years from the first day of the fiscal year of grant and expire 7 years after that date. The grant-date fair values of these awards granted during 2013, 2014, and 2015 were $10.70, $14.84, and $19.67 per award, respectively. We estimated the fair values using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
		2013		2014		2015
	Risk-free interest rate	0.9	%	1.9	%	2.2	%
	Expected volatility	22.9	%	22.5	%	22.3	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.9	%	1.8	%	1.7	%
	Expected term (years)	6.5		6.75		6.75
	We have also granted restricted stock units (RSUs), deferred stock units (DSUs), and shares of performance-based restricted stock (PBRS) under the Plan (or its predecessor plans). Approximately 319,000 shares underlying these awards, with a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.7 years, were nonvested at April 30, 2015. The following table summarizes the changes in the number of shares underlying these awards during 2015:
		Number of		Weighted
		Underlying Shares		Average
		(in thousands)		Fair Value at
				Grant Date
	Nonvested at April 30, 2014	365		$	60.04
	Granted	70		92.66
	Adjusted for dividends or performance	9		66.93
	Vested	(124	)	47.57
	Forfeited	(1	)	81.77
	Nonvested at April 30, 2015	319		$	72.25
	For PBRS awards, performance is measured based on the relative ranking of the total shareholder return of our Class B common stock during the three-year performance period compared to that of the companies within the Standard & Poor’s Consumer Staples Index at the end of the performance period, with specific payout levels ranging from 50% to 150%.
	The total fair value of RSUs, PBRS awards, and DSUs vested during 2013, 2014, and 2015 was $5, $11, and $11, respectively.
	The accompanying consolidated statements of operations reflect compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards on a pre-tax basis of $11 in 2013, $13 in 2014, and $15 in 2015, partially offset by deferred income tax benefits of $4 in 2013, $5 in 2014, and $6 in 2015. As of April 30, 2015, there was $13 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	We incur income taxes on the earnings of our U.S. and foreign operations. The following table, based on the locations of the taxable entities from which sales were derived (rather than the location of customers), presents the U.S. and foreign components of our income before income taxes:
		2013				2014				2015
	United States	$	751			$	797			$	912
	Foreign	114				150				90
		$	865			$	947			$	1,002
	The income shown above was determined according to GAAP. Because those standards sometimes differ from the tax rules used to calculate taxable income, there are differences between: (a) the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income for a year; and (b) the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their amounts as recorded in our financial statements. As a result, we recognize a current tax liability for the estimated income tax payable on the current tax return, and deferred tax liabilities (income tax payable on income that will be recognized on future tax returns) and deferred tax assets (income tax refunds from deductions that will be recognized on future tax returns) for the estimated effects of the differences mentioned above.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the end of each of the last two years were as follows:
		2014				2015
	April 30,
	Deferred tax assets:
	Postretirement and other benefits	$	139			$	164
	Accrued liabilities and other	30				22
	Inventories	8				12
	Loss and credit carryforwards	52				46
	Valuation allowance	(34		)		(27		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net	195				217
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets	(184		)		(207		)
	Property, plant, and equipment	(49		)		(61		)
	Other	(21		)		(31		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(254		)		(299		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(59	)		$	(82	)
	As of April 30, 2015, the gross amounts of loss carryforwards include a $34 net operating loss in Brazil (no expiration); a U.K. non-trading loss of $36 (no expiration); a $28 net operating loss in Finland (expires in varying amounts in 2024 and 2025); a $26 net operating loss in Mexico (expires in varying amounts between 2016 and 2018); and other foreign net operating losses of $27 ($8 that do not expire and $19 that expire in varying amounts between 2016 and 2025).
	The $27 valuation allowance at April 30, 2015 ($34 at April 30, 2014), relates primarily to a $12 net operating loss in Brazil which decreased $7 in 2015 due to adjustments to certain prior year net operating losses as a result of filing amended returns, partially offset by an increase in current year net operating losses. Although the Brazil losses can be carried forward indefinitely, it is uncertain that we will realize sufficient taxable income to allow us to use these losses. The valuation allowance also includes $8 ($7 at April 30, 2014) related to other foreign net operating losses that expire between 2016 and 2023. The remaining valuation allowance relates to a $7 ($8 at April 30, 2014) non-trading loss carryforward in the United Kingdom that was generated during 2009. Although the non-trading losses can be carried forward indefinitely, we know of no significant transactions that will let us use them.
	During 2014, we deferred a tax benefit of $95 that resulted primarily from the release of certain deferred tax liabilities in connection with an intercompany transfer of assets, composed primarily of an intangible asset. We are amortizing the deferred benefit to tax expense over approximately six years for financial reporting purposes, in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 740-10-25-3(e) (Income Taxes) and ASC 810-45-8 (Consolidation), resulting in a tax benefit of $5 and $15 for 2014 and 2015, respectively. The remaining balance of the deferred benefit, which is included in “other liabilities” on the accompanying balance sheet, was $75 as of April 30, 2015. This intercompany transfer of assets also resulted in a taxable gain that is primarily responsible for the increase in our accrued taxes balance from April 30, 2013, to April 30, 2014. The tax on this gain was paid in 2015 and was primarily responsible for the decrease in our accrued taxes balance from April 30, 2014.
	Deferred tax liabilities were not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries ($797 and $803 at April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively) because we expect these undistributed earnings to be reinvested indefinitely outside the United States. If these amounts were not considered permanently reinvested, additional deferred tax liabilities of approximately $175 and $163 would have been provided as of April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	Total income tax expense for a year includes the tax associated with the current tax return (“current tax expense”) and the change in the net deferred tax asset or liability (“deferred tax expense”). Our total income tax expense for each of the last three years was as follows:
		2013				2014				2015
	Current:
	U.S. federal	$	197			$	243			$	259
	Foreign	41				49				42
	State and local	10				1				11
		248				293				312
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal	$	23			$	3			$	15
	Foreign	1				(6		)		(11		)
	State and local	2				(2		)		2
		26				(5		)		6
		$	274			$	288			$	318
	Our consolidated effective tax rate usually differs from current statutory rates due to the recognition of amounts for events or transactions with no tax consequences. The following table reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States:
		Percent of Income Before Taxes
		2013			2014			2015
	U.S. federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	1	%		0.7	%		1	%
	Income taxed at other than U.S. federal statutory rate	(1.4	)%		(2.2	)%		(0.5	)%
	Tax benefit from U.S. manufacturing	(2.1	)%		(2.8	)%		(2.5	)%
	Amortization of deferred tax benefit from intercompany transactions	—	%		(0.4	)%		(1.6	)%
	Other, net	(0.8	)%		0.2	%		0.3	%
	Effective rate	31.7	%		30.5	%		31.7	%
	At April 30, 2015, we had $13 of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $8 of which would reduce our effective income tax rate if recognized. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits follows:
		2013				2014				2015
	Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	13			$	11			$	11
	Additions for tax positions provided in prior periods	2				1				2
	Additions for tax positions provided in current period	1				1				1
	Decreases for tax positions provided in prior years	(1		)		(1		)		(1		)
	Settlements of tax positions in the current period	(3		)		(1		)		—
	Lapse of statutes of limitations	(1		)		—				—
	Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	11			$	11			$	13
	We file income tax returns in the United States, including several state and local jurisdictions, as well as in several other countries in which we conduct business. The major jurisdictions and their earliest fiscal years that are currently open for tax examinations are 2006 for one state in the United States; 2013 in the United Kingdom; 2011 in Australia and Ireland; 2010 in Brazil and the Netherlands; 2009 in Poland and Finland; and 2004 in Mexico. The audits of our fiscal 2013 and 2014 U.S. federal tax returns were concluded in the first quarters of fiscal 2015 and 2016, respectively. In addition, we are participating in the Internal Revenue Service’s Compliance Assurance Program for our fiscal 2015 tax year.
	We believe there will be no material change in our gross unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following table summarizes the change in each component of AOCI, net of tax, during 2015:
		Currency Translation Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Postretirement Benefits Adjustments			Total AOCI
	Balance at April 30, 2014	$	6		$	(4	)	$	(190	)	$	(188	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(114		)	32			(30		)	(112		)
	Balance at April 30, 2015	$	(108	)	$	28		$	(220	)	$	(300	)
	The following table presents the components of net other comprehensive income (loss) during each of the last three years:
		Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
	Year Ended April 30, 2013
	Currency translation adjustments	$	16		$	1		$	17
	Cash flow hedge adjustments:
	Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	7			(4		)	3
	Reclassification to earnings1	(1		)	1			—
	Postretirement benefits adjustments:
	Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	(32		)	16			(16		)
	Reclassification to earnings2	30			(15		)	15
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	20		$	(1	)	$	19
	Year Ended April 30, 2014
	Currency translation adjustments	$	(2	)	$	(2	)	$	(4	)
	Cash flow hedge adjustments:
	Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(7		)	3			(4		)
	Reclassification to earnings1	—			—			—
	Postretirement benefits adjustments:
	Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	18			(7		)	11
	Reclassification to earnings2	32			(12		)	20
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	41		$	(18	)	$	23
	Year Ended April 30, 2015
	Currency translation adjustments	$	(120	)	$	6		$	(114	)
	Cash flow hedge adjustments:
	Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	96			(40		)	56
	Reclassification to earnings1	(41		)	17			(24		)
	Postretirement benefits adjustments:
	Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	(70		)	26			(44		)
	Reclassification to earnings2	22			(8		)	14
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(113	)	$	1		$	(112	)
	1Pre-tax amount is classified as net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	2Pre-tax amount is a component of pension and other postretirement benefit expense (as shown in Note 9).

Supplemental_Information

Supplemental Information	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION	SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
	The following table presents net sales by product category:
		2013		2014		2015
	Net sales:
	Spirits	$	3,613	$	3,765	$	3,903
	Wine	171		181		193
		$	3,784	$	3,946	$	4,096
	The following table presents net sales by geography:
		2013		2014		2015
	Net sales:
	United States	$	1,562	$	1,624	$	1,780
	Europe	1,147		1,264		1,270
	Australia	510		469		431
	Other	565		589		615
		$	3,784	$	3,946	$	4,096
	Net sales are attributed to countries based on where customers are located.
	The net book value of property, plant, and equipment located in Mexico was $50 and $40 as of April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Other long-lived assets located outside the United States are not significant.
	We have concluded that our business constitutes a single operating segment.

Cash_Dividends

Cash Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
CASH DIVIDENDS	CASH DIVIDENDS
	We paid total cash dividends per share of $4.98 (including a special dividend per share of $4.00) in 2013, $1.09 in 2014, and $1.21 in 2015.

Stock_Split

Stock Split	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK SPLIT	STOCK SPLIT
	On June 14, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a 3-for-2 stock split for outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock, subject to stockholder approval of an amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A and Class B common stock. The amendment, which was approved by stockholders on July 26, 2012, increased the authorized number of Class A Common Stock to 85,000,000 from 57,000,000 and the authorized number of Class B Common Stock to 400,000,000 from 100,000,000.
	The stock split, which was effected as a stock dividend, resulted in our issuing one new share of Class A common stock for each two shares of Class A common stock outstanding and one new share of Class B common stock for each two shares of Class B common stock outstanding. The stock split was paid on August 10, 2012, to stockholders of record as of August 3, 2012. We did not apply the stock split to our treasury shares.
	As a result of the stock split, we reclassified approximately $10 from our retained earnings account to our common stock accounts during 2013. The $10 represents the $0.15 par value per share of the new shares issued in the stock split. Also, we adjusted retained earnings and treasury stock by approximately $8 to reflect the book value (at cost) of treasury shares issued in connection with the stock split.
	We have restated previously reported share and per share amounts in the accompanying financial statements and related notes to reflect the stock split.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	For the Years Ended April 30, 2013, 2014, and 2015
	(Expressed in millions)
	Col. A	Col. B		Col. C(1)		Col. C(2)		Col. D			Col. E
	Description	Balance at		Additions		Additions		Deductions			Balance
		Beginning		Charged to		Charged to					at End
		of Period		Costs and		Other					of Period
				Expenses		Accounts
	2013
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	9	2		$	—	2		(1)	$	9
	2014
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	9	$	—	$	—	—		(1)	$	9
	2015
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	9	2		—		$	1	(1)	$	10
	(1)	Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Accounting_Policies_Policies

Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest. We eliminate all intercompany transactions.
Estimates	Estimates. To prepare financial statements that conform with GAAP, our management must make informed estimates that affect how we report revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, including contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could (and probably will) differ from these estimates.
Cash equivalents	Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include bank demand deposits and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. When we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we believe will be collected. We write off the uncollectable amount against the allowance when we have exhausted our collection efforts.
Inventories	Inventories. We state inventories at the lower of cost or market, with approximately 57% of consolidated inventories being valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. We value the remainder primarily using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. FIFO cost approximates current replacement cost. If we had used the FIFO method for all inventories, they would have been $216 and $234 higher than reported at April 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
	Because we age most of our whiskeys in barrels for three to six years, we bottle and sell only a portion of our whiskey inventory each year. Following industry practice, we classify all barreled whiskey as a current asset. We include warehousing, insurance, ad valorem taxes, and other carrying charges applicable to barreled whiskey in inventory costs.
	We classify bulk wine, agave inventories, tequila, and liquid in bottling tanks as work in process.
Property, plant, and equipment	Property, plant, and equipment. We state property, plant, and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis using our estimates of useful life, which are 20–40 years for buildings and improvements; 3–10 years for machinery, equipment, vehicles, furniture, and fixtures; and 3–7 years for capitalized software.
	We assess our property, plant, and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. When we do not expect to recover the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) through undiscounted future cash flows, we write it down to its estimated fair value. We determine fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows, considering market values for similar assets when available.
	When we retire or dispose of property, plant, and equipment, we remove its cost and accumulated depreciation from our balance sheet and reflect any gain or loss in operating income. We expense the costs of repairing and maintaining our property, plant, and equipment as we incur them.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets. We have obtained most of our brands by acquiring other companies. When we acquire another company, we first allocate the purchase price to identifiable assets and liabilities, including intangible brand names and trademarks (“brand names”), based on estimated fair value. We then record any remaining purchase price as goodwill. We do not amortize goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives. We consider all of our brand names to have indefinite lives.
	We assess our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. If the fair value of an asset is less than its book value, we write it down to its estimated fair value. For goodwill, if the book value of its reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we measure for potential impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, determined in the same manner as in a business combination, to the book value of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using discounted estimated future cash flows. We typically estimate the fair value of a brand name using the “relief from royalty” method. We also consider market values for similar assets when available. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value, including the selection of assumptions about future cash flows, discount rates, and royalty rates.
	We have the option, before quantifying the fair value of a reporting unit or brand name, to evaluate qualitative factors to assess whether it is more likely than not that our goodwill or brand names are impaired. If we determine that is not the case, then we are not required to quantify the fair value. That assessment also takes considerable management judgment.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for most of our consolidated operations. For those operations, we report all gains and losses from foreign currency transactions in current income. The local currency is the functional currency for some foreign operations. For those investments, we report cumulative translation effects as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition. We recognize revenue when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, typically when the product is shipped. Some sales contracts contain customer acceptance provisions that grant a right of return on the basis of either subjective or objective criteria. We record revenue net of estimated sales returns, allowances, and discounts.
Excise taxes	Excise taxes. Our sales are often subject to excise taxes that we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities. We present these taxes on a gross basis (included in net sales and costs before gross profit) in the consolidated statement of operations.
Cost of sales	Cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the costs of receiving, producing, inspecting, warehousing, insuring, and shipping goods sold during the period.
Shipping and handling fees and costs	Shipping and handling fees and costs. We report the amounts we bill to our customers for shipping and handling as net sales, and we report the costs we incur for shipping and handling as cost of sales.
Advertising costs	Advertising costs. We expense the costs of advertising during the year when the advertisements first take place.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include the costs associated with our sales force, administrative staff and facilities, and other expenses related to our non-manufacturing functions.
Income taxes	Income taxes. We base our annual provision for income taxes on the pre-tax income reflected in our consolidated statement of operations. We establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between GAAP and tax reporting bases and later adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance as necessary to reduce a deferred tax to the amount that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We do not provide deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that we expect to permanently reinvest. We record a deferred tax charge in prepaid taxes for the difference between GAAP and tax reporting bases with respect to the elimination of intercompany profit in ending inventory.
	We assess our uncertain income tax positions using a two-step process. First, we evaluate whether the tax position will more likely than not, based on its technical merits, be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. For a tax position that does not meet this first criterion, we recognize no tax benefit. For a tax position that does meet the first criterion, we recognize a tax benefit in an amount equal to the largest amount of benefit that we believe has more than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share. We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share further includes the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, deferred stock units, and shares of restricted stock. We calculate that dilutive effect using the “treasury stock method” (as defined by GAAP).
	The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:
		2013		2014		2015
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	591	$	659	$	684
	Share data (in thousands):
	Basic average common shares outstanding	213,369		213,454		211,593
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	1,617		1,628		1,490
	Diluted average common shares outstanding	214,986		215,082		213,083
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.77	$	3.08	$	3.23
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.75	$	3.06	$	3.21
	We excluded common stock-based awards for approximately 398,000 shares, 309,000 shares, and 361,000 shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively, because they were not dilutive for those periods under the treasury stock method.
	We try to limit the source of shares for stock-based compensation awards to treasury shares that we purchase from time to time on the open market (at times in connection with a publicly announced share repurchase program), in private transactions, or otherwise. We may use newly-issued shares to cover exercises or redemptions of awards, and then purchase an equal number of shares on the open market or otherwise as quickly as is reasonably practicable. This practice minimizes long-term dilution to our stockholders.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. As issued, the new guidance would become effective for us beginning fiscal 2018. However, in April 2015, the FASB proposed an amendment to the new guidance that would defer the effective date by one year, though permit voluntary adoption as of the original effective date. In May 2015, the FASB proposed additional amendments to the new guidance. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the new guidance and the proposed amendments on our financial statements.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Offsetting. As noted above, our derivative contracts are governed by ISDA agreements that allow for net settlement of derivative contracts with the same counterparty. It is our policy to present the fair values of current derivatives (that is, those with a remaining term of 12 months or less) with the same counterparty on a net basis in the balance sheet. Similarly, we present the fair values of noncurrent derivatives with the same counterparty on a net basis. Current derivatives are not netted with noncurrent derivatives in the balance sheet.

Accounting_Policies_Tables

Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basic and diluted earnings per share	The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:
		2013		2014		2015
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	591	$	659	$	684
	Share data (in thousands):
	Basic average common shares outstanding	213,369		213,454		211,593
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	1,617		1,628		1,490
	Diluted average common shares outstanding	214,986		215,082		213,083
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.77	$	3.08	$	3.23
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.75	$	3.06	$	3.21

Balance_Sheet_Information_Tabl

Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supplemental information on year end balance sheets	Supplemental information on our year-end balance sheets is as follows:
	April 30,	2014		2015
	Other current assets:
	Prepaid taxes	$	172	$	181
	Other	84		151
		$	256	$	332
	Property, plant, and equipment:
	Land	$	72	$	72
	Buildings	381		419
	Equipment	534		561
	Construction in process	67		88
		1,054		1,140
	Less accumulated depreciation	528		554
		$	526	$	586
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
	Accounts payable, trade	$	134	$	123
	Accrued expenses:
	Advertising and promotion	107		128
	Compensation and commissions	111		110
	Excise and other non-income taxes	57		59
	Self-insurance losses	10		10
	Postretirement benefits	7		7
	Interest	7		7
	Other	41		53
		340		374
		$	474	$	497
	Other liabilities:
	Deferred benefit – tax (Note 11)	$	90	$	75
	Other	77		89
		$	167	$	164

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the amount recorded as goodwill	The following table shows the changes in the amounts recorded as goodwill (which includes no accumulated impairment losses) over the past two years:
	Balance as of April 30, 2013	$	617
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	3
	Balance as of April 30, 2014	620
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(13		)
	Balance as of April 30, 2015	$	607

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Tab

Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	Our long-term debt (net of unamortized discount) consisted of:
	April 30,	2014		2015
	2.50% senior notes, due in fiscal 2016	$	249	$	250
	1.00% senior notes, due in fiscal 2018	249		249
	2.25% senior notes, due in fiscal 2023	249		249
	3.75% senior notes, due in fiscal 2043	250		250
		997		998
	Less current portion	—		250
		$	997	$	748

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	April 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Currency derivatives	$	—	$	7	$	—	$	7
	Liabilities:
	Currency derivatives	—		7		—		7
	Short-term borrowings	—		8		—		8
	Long-term debt	—		963		—		963
	April 30, 2015:
	Assets:
	Currency derivatives	—		59		—		59
	Liabilities:
	Currency derivatives	—		18		—		18
	Short-term borrowings	—		190		—		190
	Current portion of long-term debt	—		253		—		253
	Long-term debt	—		735		—		735

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of financial instruments	Below is a comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of these instruments:
		2014				2015
	April 30,	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	437	$	437	$	370	$	370
	Currency derivatives	7		7		59		59
	Liabilities:
	Currency derivatives	7		7		18		18
	Short-term borrowings	8		8		190		190
	Current portion of long-term debt	—		—		250		253
	Long-term debt	997		963		748		735

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations	The following table presents the pre-tax impact that changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments had on AOCI and earnings in 2014 and 2015:
		Classification in Statement of Operations		2014				2015
	Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a		$	(7	)		$	96
	Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Net sales		—				41
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Net sales		1				26
	Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income		10				4
Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments	The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments as of April 30, 2014 and 2015.
		Balance Sheet Classification		Fair Value of				Fair Value of
				Derivatives in a				Derivatives in a
				Gain Position				Loss Position
	April 30, 2014:
	Designated as cash flow hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		$	6			$	(6	)
	Currency derivatives	Other assets		2				—
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		2				(6		)
	Currency derivatives	Other liabilities		—				(4		)
	Not designated as hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		5				—
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		1				—
	April 30, 2015:
	Designated as cash flow hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		42				(2		)
	Currency derivatives	Other assets		20				(3		)
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		—				(6		)
	Currency derivatives	Other liabilities		—				(6		)
	Not designated as hedges:
	Currency derivatives	Other current assets		3				(1		)
	Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		1				(7		)
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the gross and net amounts of our derivative contracts.
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)				Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net Amounts Presented in Balance Sheet			Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
	April 30, 2014:
	Derivative assets	$	17			$	(10	)		$	7		$	(2	)	$	5
	Derivative liabilities	(17		)		10				(7		)	2			(5		)
	April 30, 2015:
	Derivative assets	65				(6		)		59			—			59
	Derivative liabilities	(24		)		6				(18		)	—			(18		)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in present value of pension and other postretirement benefit obligation	The following table shows how the present value of our obligation changed during each of the last two years.
		Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
										Insurance Benefits
		2014				2015				2014				2015
	Obligation at beginning of year	$	783			$	785			$	74			$	69
	Service cost	21				22				2				1
	Interest cost	31				34				3				3
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	4				91				3				3
	Plan amendments	—				—				(10		)		(16		)
	Retiree contributions	—				—				1				1
	Benefits paid	(54		)		(45		)		(4		)		(4		)
	Obligation at end of year	$	785			$	887			$	69			$	57
Expected benefit payments over the next 10 years	Expected benefit payments (net of retiree contributions) over the next 10 years are as follows:
		Pension Benefits				Medical and Life
						Insurance Benefits
	2016	$	51			$	3
	2017	52				3
	2018	53				3
	2019	54				3
	2020	56				3
	2021 – 2025	303				18
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations	The following table shows the fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations, as of April 30, 2014 and 2015. (Fair value levels are defined in Note 6.)
																		Allocation by Asset Class
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total				Actual			Target
	April 30, 2014:
	Commingled trust funds1:
	Equity funds	$	—			$	235			$	—			$	235			38	%		38	%
	Fixed income funds	—				196				—				196				32	%		35	%
	Real estate funds	—				21				32				53				9	%		8	%
	Short-term investments	—				3				—				3				1	%		—	%
	Total commingled trust funds	—				455				32				487				80	%		81	%
	Hedge funds2	—				—				30				30				5	%		5	%
	Private equity3	—				—				25				25				4	%		5	%
	Equity securities	63				—				—				63				11	%		9	%
	Total	$	63			$	455			$	87			$	605			100	%		100	%
	April 30, 2015:
	Commingled trust funds1:
	Equity funds	$	—			$	248			$	—			$	248			39	%		38	%
	Fixed income funds	—				185				—				185				30	%		35	%
	Real estate funds	—				20				36				56				9	%		8	%
	Short-term investments	—				4				—				4				1	%		—	%
	Total commingled trust funds	—				457				36				493				79	%		81	%
	Hedge funds2	—				—				31				31				5	%		5	%
	Private equity3	—				—				26				26				4	%		5	%
	Equity securities	76				—				—				76				12	%		9	%
	Total	$	76			$	457			$	93			$	626			100	%		100	%
	1Commingled trust fund valuations are based on the net asset value (NAV) of the funds as determined by the administrator of the fund and reviewed by us. NAV represents the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding.
	2Hedge fund valuations are based primarily on the NAV of the funds as determined by fund administrators and reviewed by us. During our review, we determine whether it is necessary to adjust a valuation for inherent liquidity and redemption issues that may exist within a fund’s underlying assets or fund unit values.
	3As of April 30, 2014 and 2015, consists only of limited partnership interests, which are valued at the percentage ownership of total partnership equity as determined by the general partner. These valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of these investments.
Change in fair value of Level 3 assets	The following table shows how the fair value of the Level 3 assets changed during each of the last two years. There were no transfers of assets between Level 3 and either of the other two levels.
		Real Estate				Hedge				Private				Total
		Funds				Funds				Equity
	Balance as of April 30, 2013	$	28			$	26			$	21			$	75
	Return on assets held at end of year	4				2				4				10
	Purchases and settlements	—				2				3				5
	Sales and settlements	—				—				(3		)		(3		)
	Balance as of April 30, 2014	32				30				25				87
	Return on assets held at end of year	4				1				1				6
	Purchases and settlements	—				—				4				4
	Sales and settlements	—				—				(4		)		(4		)
	Balance as of April 30, 2015	$	36			$	31			$	26			$	93
Change in fair value of pension plan Assets	The following table shows how the total fair value of all pension plan assets changed during each of the last two years. (We do not have assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)
		Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
										Insurance Benefits
		2014				2015				2014				2015
	Assets at beginning of year	$	573			$	605			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on assets	53				52				—				—
	Retiree contributions	—				—				1				1
	Company contributions	33				14				3				3
	Benefits paid	(54		)		(45		)		(4		)		(4		)
	Assets at end of year	$	605			$	626			$	—			$	—
Funded status of plans	The following table shows the funded status of our plans.
		Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
										Insurance Benefits
	April 30,	2014				2015				2014				2015
	Assets	$	605			$	626			$	—			$	—
	Obligations	(785		)		(887		)		(69		)		(57		)
	Funded status	$	(180	)		$	(261	)		$	(69	)		$	(57	)
Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets	The funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:
			Pension Benefits								Medical and Life
											Insurance Benefits
	April 30,		2014				2015				2014				2015
	Other assets		$	2			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(4		)		(4		)		(3		)		(3		)
	Accrued postretirement benefits		(178		)		(257		)		(66		)		(54		)
	Net liability		$	(180	)		$	(261	)		$	(69	)		$	(57	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
	Net actuarial gain (loss)		$	(296	)		$	(353	)		$	(14	)		$	(16	)
	Prior service credit (cost)		(5		)		(4		)		5				18
			$	(301	)		$	(357	)		$	(9	)		$	2
Pension plans that have assets in excess of their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose assets are less than their obligations	The following table compares our pension plans that have assets in excess of their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose assets are less than their obligations. (As discussed above, we have no assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)
		Plan Assets								Accumulated								Projected
										Benefit Obligation								Benefit Obligation
	April 30,	2014				2015				2014				2015				2014				2015
	Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation	$	52			$	53			$	49			$	50			$	50			$	52
	Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets	553				573				640				710				735				835
	Total	$	605			$	626			$	689			$	760			$	785			$	887
Pension expense	The following table shows the components of the pension expense recognized during each of the last three years. The amount for each year includes amortization of the prior service cost/credit and net actuarial loss/gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of the beginning of the year.
		Pension Benefits
		2013				2014				2015
	Service cost	$	20			$	21			$	22
	Interest cost	35				31				34
	Expected return on assets	(41		)		(40		)		(41		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost (credit)	1				1				1
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	28				31				22
	Net expense	$	43			$	44			$	38
Postretirement medical and life insurance benefit expense	The following table shows the components of the postretirement medical and life insurance benefit expense that we recognized during each of the last three years.
		Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
		2013				2014				2015
	Service cost	$	2			$	2			$	1
	Interest cost	3				3				3
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost (credit)	1				—				(2		)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	—				—				1
	Net expense	$	6			$	5			$	3
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income	The following table shows the pre-tax effect of these amounts on OCI during each of the last three years:
		Pension Benefits												Medical and Life
														Insurance Benefits
		2013				2014				2015				2013				2014				2015
	Prior service credit (cost)	$	(4	)		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	10			$	16
	Net actuarial gain (loss)	(18		)		9				(80		)		(10		)		(3		)		(3		)
	Amortization reclassified to earnings:
	Prior service cost (credit)	1				1				1				1				—				(2		)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	28				31				22				—				—				1
	Net amount recognized in OCI	$	7			$	41			$	(57	)		$	(9	)		$	7			$	12
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations	The weighted-average assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations as of the end of the last two years were as follows:
		Pension Benefits						Medical and Life
								Insurance Benefits
		2014			2015			2014			2015
	Discount rate	4.46	%		4.09	%		4.67	%		4.09	%
	Rate of salary increase	4	%		4	%		n/a			n/a
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense	assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense during each of the last three years were as follows:
		Pension Benefits									Medical and Life
											Insurance Benefits
		2013			2014			2015			2013			2014			2015
	Discount rate	4.92	%		4.08	%		4.46	%		4.84	%		4.36	%		4.67	%
	Rate of salary increase	4	%		4	%		4	%		n/a			n/a			n/a
	Expected return on plan assets	7.75	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		n/a			n/a			n/a
Assumed health care cost trend rates	The assumed health care cost trend rates as of the end of the last two years were as follows:
		Medical and Life
		Insurance Benefits
		2014			2015
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year:
	Present rate before age 65	7.75	%		7.5	%
	Present rate age 65 and after	6.75	%		n/a

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of stock options and SSARs granted under the plan	The following table presents information about stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs) granted under the Plan (or its predecessor plans) as of April 30, 2015, and for the year then ended:
		Number of		Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
		Underlying		Average			Average	Intrinsic Value
		Shares		Exercise Price			Remaining
		(in thousands)		per Award			Contractual
							Term (years)
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014	4,063		$	42.44
	Granted	366		91.97
	Exercised	(601	)	33.5
	Forfeited or expired	(11	)	86.63
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015	3,817		$	48.46		4.9	$	163
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015	2,528		$	36.33		3.5	$	139
Assumptions used for fair value estimation	We estimated the fair values using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
		2013		2014		2015
	Risk-free interest rate	0.9	%	1.9	%	2.2	%
	Expected volatility	22.9	%	22.5	%	22.3	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.9	%	1.8	%	1.7	%
	Expected term (years)	6.5		6.75		6.75
Summary of changes in outstanding RSUs and restricted stock	The following table summarizes the changes in the number of shares underlying these awards during 2015:
		Number of		Weighted
		Underlying Shares		Average
		(in thousands)		Fair Value at
				Grant Date
	Nonvested at April 30, 2014	365		$	60.04
	Granted	70		92.66
	Adjusted for dividends or performance	9		66.93
	Vested	(124	)	47.57
	Forfeited	(1	)	81.77
	Nonvested at April 30, 2015	319		$	72.25

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic and Foreign income before Income taxes	The following table, based on the locations of the taxable entities from which sales were derived (rather than the location of customers), presents the U.S. and foreign components of our income before income taxes:
		2013				2014				2015
	United States	$	751			$	797			$	912
	Foreign	114				150				90
		$	865			$	947			$	1,002
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the end of each of the last two years were as follows:
		2014				2015
	April 30,
	Deferred tax assets:
	Postretirement and other benefits	$	139			$	164
	Accrued liabilities and other	30				22
	Inventories	8				12
	Loss and credit carryforwards	52				46
	Valuation allowance	(34		)		(27		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net	195				217
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets	(184		)		(207		)
	Property, plant, and equipment	(49		)		(61		)
	Other	(21		)		(31		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(254		)		(299		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(59	)		$	(82	)
Total income tax expense	Our total income tax expense for each of the last three years was as follows:
		2013				2014				2015
	Current:
	U.S. federal	$	197			$	243			$	259
	Foreign	41				49				42
	State and local	10				1				11
		248				293				312
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal	$	23			$	3			$	15
	Foreign	1				(6		)		(11		)
	State and local	2				(2		)		2
		26				(5		)		6
		$	274			$	288			$	318
Reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States	The following table reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States:
		Percent of Income Before Taxes
		2013			2014			2015
	U.S. federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	1	%		0.7	%		1	%
	Income taxed at other than U.S. federal statutory rate	(1.4	)%		(2.2	)%		(0.5	)%
	Tax benefit from U.S. manufacturing	(2.1	)%		(2.8	)%		(2.5	)%
	Amortization of deferred tax benefit from intercompany transactions	—	%		(0.4	)%		(1.6	)%
	Other, net	(0.8	)%		0.2	%		0.3	%
	Effective rate	31.7	%		30.5	%		31.7	%
Reconciliation of ending and beginning unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits follows:
		2013				2014				2015
	Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	13			$	11			$	11
	Additions for tax positions provided in prior periods	2				1				2
	Additions for tax positions provided in current period	1				1				1
	Decreases for tax positions provided in prior years	(1		)		(1		)		(1		)
	Settlements of tax positions in the current period	(3		)		(1		)		—
	Lapse of statutes of limitations	(1		)		—				—
	Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	11			$	11			$	13

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the change in each component of AOCI, net of tax, during 2015:
		Currency Translation Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Postretirement Benefits Adjustments			Total AOCI
	Balance at April 30, 2014	$	6		$	(4	)	$	(190	)	$	(188	)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(114		)	32			(30		)	(112		)
	Balance at April 30, 2015	$	(108	)	$	28		$	(220	)	$	(300	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the components of net other comprehensive income (loss) during each of the last three years:
		Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
	Year Ended April 30, 2013
	Currency translation adjustments	$	16		$	1		$	17
	Cash flow hedge adjustments:
	Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	7			(4		)	3
	Reclassification to earnings1	(1		)	1			—
	Postretirement benefits adjustments:
	Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	(32		)	16			(16		)
	Reclassification to earnings2	30			(15		)	15
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	20		$	(1	)	$	19
	Year Ended April 30, 2014
	Currency translation adjustments	$	(2	)	$	(2	)	$	(4	)
	Cash flow hedge adjustments:
	Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(7		)	3			(4		)
	Reclassification to earnings1	—			—			—
	Postretirement benefits adjustments:
	Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	18			(7		)	11
	Reclassification to earnings2	32			(12		)	20
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	41		$	(18	)	$	23
	Year Ended April 30, 2015
	Currency translation adjustments	$	(120	)	$	6		$	(114	)
	Cash flow hedge adjustments:
	Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	96			(40		)	56
	Reclassification to earnings1	(41		)	17			(24		)
	Postretirement benefits adjustments:
	Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	(70		)	26			(44		)
	Reclassification to earnings2	22			(8		)	14
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(113	)	$	1		$	(112	)
	1Pre-tax amount is classified as net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	2Pre-tax amount is a component of pension and other postretirement benefit expense (as shown in Note 9).

Supplemental_Information_Table

Supplemental Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net sales by product category	The following table presents net sales by product category:
		2013		2014		2015
	Net sales:
	Spirits	$	3,613	$	3,765	$	3,903
	Wine	171		181		193
		$	3,784	$	3,946	$	4,096
Net sales by geography	The following table presents net sales by geography:
		2013		2014		2015
	Net sales:
	United States	$	1,562	$	1,624	$	1,780
	Europe	1,147		1,264		1,270
	Australia	510		469		431
	Other	565		589		615
		$	3,784	$	3,946	$	4,096

Accounting_Policies_Basic_and_

Accounting Policies (Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Net income available to common stockholders	$684	$659	$591
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding (shares)	211,593	213,454	213,369
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards (shares)	1,490	1,628	1,617
Diluted average common shares outstanding (shares)	213,083	215,082	214,986
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$3.23	$3.08	$2.77
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$3.21	$3.06	$2.75

Accounting_Policies_Textual_De

Accounting Policies (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Inventories valued using LIFO method (percent)	57.00%
FIFO method value of inventory in excess of reported	$234	$216
Antidilutive common stock-based awards excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (shares)	361	309	398
Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Whiskey aging period (years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	20 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Whiskey aging period (years)	6 years
Maximum [Member] | Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	7 years

Balance_Sheet_Information_Deta

Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other current assets:
Prepaid taxes	$181	$172
Other	151	84
Other current assets	332	256
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	72	72
Buildings	419	381
Equipment	561	534
Construction in process	88	67
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,140	1,054
Less accumulated depreciation	554	528
Property, plant, and equipment, net	586	526
Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
Accounts payable, trade	123	134
Accrued expenses:
Advertising and promotion	128	107
Compensation and commissions	110	111
Excise and other non-income taxes	59	57
Self-insurance losses	10	10
Postretirement benefits	7	7
Interest	7	7
Other	53	41
Accrued expenses	374	340
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	497	474
Other liabilities:
Deferred benefit – tax (Note 11)	75	90
Other	89	77
Other liabilities	$164	$167

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Amount recorded as goodwill
Goodwill , Beginning Balance	$620	$617
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-13	3
Goodwill , Ending Balance	$607	$620

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Commitments (Textual) [Abstract]
Rental payment under operating leases	$23	$24	$22
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Minimum lease payment, 2016	17
Minimum lease payment, 2017	13
Minimum lease payment, 2018	6
Minimum lease payment, 2019	3
Minimum lease payment, 2020	1
Minimum lease payment, after 2020	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Total purchase obligation, 2016	7
Total purchase obligation, 2017	5
Total purchase obligation, 2018	2
Total purchase obligation, 2019	2
Total purchase obligation, 2020	1
Total purchase obligation, after 2020	1
Agave [Member]
Commitments (Textual) [Abstract]
Agave purchase contract, period (years)	10 years
Total obligations	$3

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Guaranty (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$583	$569
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	20
Guarantee Obligations Current Exposure	8
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$17

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Sch

Debt and Credit Facilities (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Feb. 25, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long - term debt
Total long term debt	$998	$997
Less current portion	250	0
Total Long term debt excluding current portion	748	997
5.0% notes due in fiscal 2014 [Member]
Long - term debt
Interest rate on long term debt (percent)			5.00%
2.5% notes, due in fiscal 2016 [Member]
Long - term debt
Total long term debt	250	249
Interest rate on long term debt (percent)	2.50%	2.50%
1.0% notes due in fiscal 2018 [Member]
Long - term debt
Total long term debt	249	249
Interest rate on long term debt (percent)	1.00%	1.00%
2.25% notes due in Fiscal 2023 [Member]
Long - term debt
Total long term debt	249	249
Interest rate on long term debt (percent)	2.25%	2.25%
3.75% notes due in Fiscal 2043 [Member]
Long - term debt
Total long term debt	$250	$250
Interest rate on long term debt (percent)	3.75%	3.75%

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Tex

Debt and Credit Facilities (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 25, 2013	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption costs	$9
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2016		250
2017		0
2018		250
2019		0
2020		0
After 2020		$500
5.0% notes due in fiscal 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on long term debt (percent)	5.00%

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Sho

Debt and Credit Facilities Short-term borrowings (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	$190	$8
Commercial Paper	$183
Commercial Paper Borrowings, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.17%
Commercial Paper Borrowings, Average Remaining Maturity	13 days

Debt_and_Credit_Facilities_Cre

Debt and Credit Facilities Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Borrowing capacity under revolving credit agreement with various domestic and international banks	$800,000,000
Credit agreement covenant, ratio of EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, less than	3

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	$18	$7
Short-term borrowings	190	8
Long-term debt	735	963
Currency derivatives [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative assets	59	7
Recurring [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	190	8
Current portion of long-term debt	253
Long-term debt	735	963
Recurring [Member] | Currency derivatives [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative assets	59	7
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	18	7
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Currency derivatives [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	190	8
Current portion of long-term debt	253
Long-term debt	735	963
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Currency derivatives [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative assets	59	7
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	18	7
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Currency derivatives [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$370	$437
Derivative assets	59	7
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	18	7
Short-term borrowings	190	8
Short-term borrowings	190	8
Current portion of long-term debt	250	0
Current portion of long-term debt	253	0
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	748	997
Long-term debt	735	963
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Assets:
Currency derivatives, assets	59	7
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives, liabilities	18	7
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	370	437
Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	190	8
Current portion of long-term debt	250	0
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	748	997
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Assets:
Currency derivatives, assets	59	7
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives, liabilities	$18	$7

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details) (Currency derivatives [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$96	($7)
Net Sales [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	41	0
Net Sales [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	26	1
Other Income [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$4	$10

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair Value of Derivatives in a Gain (Loss) Position) (Details) (Currency derivatives [Member], USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	$20	$2
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	42	6
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Accrued expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	0	2
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	0	0
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	3	5
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Accrued expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	1	1
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	-3	0
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	-2	-6
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Accrued expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	-6	-6
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	-6	-4
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	-1	0
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Accrued expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	($7)	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$1,212	$1,152
Net losses recorded in AOCI expected to reclassify to earnings during the next 12 months	-39
Maximum term of outstanding derivative contracts (months)	36 months	27 months
Aggregate fair value of derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position	$18	$6

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets	$65	$17
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Offset Against Derivative Assets in Balance Sheet	-6	-10
Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in Balance Sheet	59	7
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Not Offset Against Derivative Assets in Balance Sheet	0	-2
Net Amount of Derivative Assets	59	5
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities	-24	-17
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Offset Against Derivative Liabilities in Balance Sheet	6	10
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet	18	7
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Not Offset Against Derivative Liabilities in Balance Sheet	0	2
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities	$18	$5

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Changes in present value of pension and other postretirement benefits
Obligation at beginning of year	$785	$783
Service cost	22	21	20
Interest cost	34	31	35
Net actuarial loss (gain)	91	4
Plan amendments	0	0
Retiree contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	-45	-54
Obligation at end of year	887	785	783
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Changes in present value of pension and other postretirement benefits
Obligation at beginning of year	69	74
Service cost	1	2	2
Interest cost	3	3	3
Net actuarial loss (gain)	3	3
Plan amendments	-16	-10
Retiree contributions	1	1
Benefits paid	-4	-4
Obligation at end of year	$57	$69	$74

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension Benefits [Member]
Expected benefit payments over the next 10 years
2016	$51
2017	52
2018	53
2019	54
2020	56
2021-2025	303
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Expected benefit payments over the next 10 years
2016	3
2017	3
2018	3
2019	3
2020	3
2021-2025	$18

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets and Asset Allocations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015		Apr. 30, 2014		Apr. 30, 2013
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	$626		$605
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	100.00%		100.00%
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	100.00%		100.00%
Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	76		63
Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	457		455
Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	93		87		75
Commingled Trust Funds [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	493	[1]	487	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	79.00%	[1]	80.00%	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	81.00%	[1]	81.00%	[1]
Commingled Trust Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Commingled Trust Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	457	[1]	455	[1]
Commingled Trust Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	36	[1]	32	[1]
Equity Funds [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	248	[1]	235	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	39.00%	[1]	38.00%	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	38.00%	[1]	38.00%	[1]
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	248	[1]	235	[1]
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	185	[1]	196	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	30.00%	[1]	32.00%	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	35.00%	[1]	35.00%	[1]
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	185	[1]	196	[1]
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Real Estate funds [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	56	[1]	53	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	9.00%	[1]	9.00%	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	8.00%	[1]	8.00%	[1]
Real Estate funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Real Estate funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	20	[1]	21	[1]
Real Estate funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	36	[1]	32	[1]	28
Short-term Investments [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	4	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	1.00%	[1]
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	0.00%	[1]
Short-term Investments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]
Short-term Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	4	[1]
Short-term Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[1]
Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	31	[2]	30	[2]
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	5.00%	[2]	5.00%	[2]
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	5.00%	[2]	5.00%	[2]
Hedge Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Hedge Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Hedge Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	31	[2]	30	[2]	26
Private Equity [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	26	[3]	25	[3]
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	4.00%	[3]	4.00%	[3]
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	5.00%	[3]	5.00%	[3]
Private Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[3]	0	[3]
Private Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0	[3]	0	[3]
Private Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	26	[3]	25	[3]	21
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	76
Allocation by asset class, Actual (percent)	12.00%
Allocation by asset class, Target (percent)	9.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	76
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations
Total, Plan Assets	$0
[1]	Commingled trust fund valuations are based on the net asset value (NAV) of the funds as determined by the administrator of the fund and reviewed by us. NAV represents the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding.
[2]	Hedge fund valuations are based primarily on the NAV of the funds as determined by fund administrators and reviewed by us. During our review, we determine whether it is necessary to adjust a valuation for inherent liquidity and redemption issues that may exist within a fund’s underlying assets or fund unit values.
[3]	As of April 30, 2014 and 2015, consists only of limited partnership interests, which are valued at the percentage ownership of total partnership equity as determined by the general partner. These valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of these investments.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015		Apr. 30, 2014
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Ending balance	$626		$605
Level 3 [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Beginning balance	87		75
Return on assets held at end of year	6		10
Purchases and settlements	4		5
Sales and settlements	-4		-3
Ending balance	93		87
Real Estate funds [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Ending balance	56	[1]	53	[1]
Real Estate funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Beginning balance	32	[1]	28
Return on assets held at end of year	4		4
Purchases and settlements	0		0
Sales and settlements	0		0
Ending balance	36	[1]	32	[1]
Hedge Funds [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Ending balance	31	[2]	30	[2]
Hedge Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Beginning balance	30	[2]	26
Return on assets held at end of year	1		2
Purchases and settlements	0		2
Sales and settlements	0		0
Ending balance	31	[2]	30	[2]
Private Equity [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Ending balance	26	[3]	25	[3]
Private Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Beginning balance	25	[3]	21
Return on assets held at end of year	1		4
Purchases and settlements	4		3
Sales and settlements	-4		-3
Ending balance	$26	[3]	$25	[3]
[1]	Commingled trust fund valuations are based on the net asset value (NAV) of the funds as determined by the administrator of the fund and reviewed by us. NAV represents the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding.
[2]	Hedge fund valuations are based primarily on the NAV of the funds as determined by fund administrators and reviewed by us. During our review, we determine whether it is necessary to adjust a valuation for inherent liquidity and redemption issues that may exist within a fund’s underlying assets or fund unit values.
[3]	As of April 30, 2014 and 2015, consists only of limited partnership interests, which are valued at the percentage ownership of total partnership equity as determined by the general partner. These valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of these investments.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change in Fair Vlaue of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Change in fair value of pension plan Assets
Ending balance	$626	$605
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in fair value of pension plan Assets
Beginning balance	605	573
Actual return on assets	52	53
Retiree contributions	0	0
Company contributions	14	33
Benefits paid	-45	-54
Ending balance	626	605
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Change in fair value of pension plan Assets
Beginning balance	0	0
Actual return on assets	0	0
Retiree contributions	1	1
Company contributions	3	3
Benefits paid	-4	-4
Ending balance	$0	$0

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status of Plans) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Funded Status of Plans
Assets	$626	$605
Pension Benefits [Member]
Funded Status of Plans
Assets	626	605	573
Obligations	-887	-785	-783
Funded status	-261	-180
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Funded Status of Plans
Assets	0	0	0
Obligations	-57	-69	-74
Funded status	($57)	($69)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme8

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status Recorded on Accompanying Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	($7)	($7)
Accrued postretirement benefits	-311	-244
Pension Benefits [Member]
Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
Other assets	0	2
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-4	-4
Accrued postretirement benefits	-257	-178
Net liability	-261	-180
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	-353	-296
Prior service credit (cost)	-4	-5
Total	-357	-301
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
Other assets	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-3	-3
Accrued postretirement benefits	-54	-66
Net liability	-57	-69
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	-16	-14
Prior service credit (cost)	18	5
Total	$2	($9)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme9

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension plans that have assets in excess of their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose assets are less than their obligations
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, Plan Assets	$53	$52
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets, Plan Assets	573	553
Total, Plan Assets	626	605
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	50	49
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	710	640
Total, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	760	689
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, Projected Benefit Obligation	52	50
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	835	735
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension plans that have assets in excess of their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose assets are less than their obligations
Total, Plan Assets	626	605	573
Total, Projected Benefit Obligation	887	785	783
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Pension plans that have assets in excess of their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose assets are less than their obligations
Total, Plan Assets	0	0	0
Total, Projected Benefit Obligation	$57	$69	$74

Recovered_Sheet1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Amount	$48	$31

Recovered_Sheet2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Schedule of Components of Pension Expense) (Details) (Pension Benefits [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Expense
Service cost	$22	$21	$20
Interest cost	34	31	35
Expected return on assets	-41	-40	-41
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1	1	1
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	22	31	28
Net expense	$38	$44	$43

Recovered_Sheet3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Schedule of Components of Other Postretirement Benefit Expense) (Details) (Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Postretirement medical and life insurance benefit expense
Service cost	$1	$2	$2
Interest cost	3	3	3
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-2	0	1
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	1	0	0
Net expense	$3	$5	$6

Recovered_Sheet4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Changes in Funded Status of Benefit Plans Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in OCI
Prior service credit (cost)	$0	$0	($4)
Net actuarial gain (loss)	-80	9	-18
Amortization reclassified to earnings:
Prior service cost (credit)	1	1	1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	22	31	28
Net amount recognized in OCI	-57	41	7
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in OCI
Prior service credit (cost)	16	10	0
Net actuarial gain (loss)	-3	-3	-10
Amortization reclassified to earnings:
Prior service cost (credit)	-2	0	1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1	0	0
Net amount recognized in OCI	$12	$7	($9)

Recovered_Sheet5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions and Sensativity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations
Discount rate (percent)	4.09%	4.46%
Rate of salary increase (percent)	4.00%	4.00%
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense
Discount rate (percent)	4.46%	4.08%	4.92%
Rate of salary increase (percent)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (percent)	7.50%	7.50%	7.75%
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations
Discount rate (percent)	4.09%	4.67%
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense
Discount rate (percent)	4.67%	4.36%	4.84%
Present rate before age 65 [Member] | Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Assumed health care cost trend rates
Present rate (percent)	7.50%	7.75%
Present rate age 65 and after [Member] | Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Assumed health care cost trend rates
Present rate (percent)		6.75%

Recovered_Sheet6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution to benefit plans in 2016	$24
Estimated amount of prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2016	1
Estimated amount of net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2016	27
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution to benefit plans in 2016	3
Estimated amount of prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2016	3
Estimated amount of net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2016	1
Project health care cost trend rates to decline gradually to, by 2023 and thereafter	5.00%
1% increase in assumed health care cost trend rates would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	1
1% increase in assumed health care cost trend rates would have increased the aggregate service and interest costs	0
1% decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	1
1% decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have decreased the aggregate service and interest costs	$0

Recovered_Sheet7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Savings Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Expense for matching contributions	$10	$10	$9

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Options and SSARs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015
Stock Options and SSARs, Number of Underlying Shares [Roll Forward]
Stock options and SSARs oustanding, Beginning balance (shares)	4,063
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Granted (shares)	366
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Exercised (shares)	-601
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Forfeited or expired (shares)	-11
Stock options and SSARs oustanding, Ending balance (shares)	3,817
Stock Options and SSARs, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Beginning balance (dollars per share)	$42.44
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Granted (dollars per share)	$91.97
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Exercised (dollars per share)	$33.50
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Forfeited or expired (dollars per share)	$86.63
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Ending balance (dollars per share)	$48.46
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	4 years 10 months 24 days
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$163
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable (shares)	2,528
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award (dollars per share)	$36.33
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	3 years 6 months
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$139

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options and SSARs Fair Value Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Assumptions used for fair value estimation
Risk-free interest rate	2.20%	1.90%	0.90%
Expected volatility	22.30%	22.50%	22.90%
Expected dividend yield	1.70%	1.80%	1.90%
Expected term (years)	6 years 9 months	6 years 9 months	6 years 6 months

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Changes in the Number of Underlying Shares) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015
Restricted Stock [Member]
Number of Underlying Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares outstanding, Beginning balance (shares)	365
Number of shares outstanding, Granted (shares)	70
Number of shares outstanding, Adjusted for dividends or performance (shares)	9
Number of shares outstanding, Vested (shares)	-124
Number of shares outstanding, Forfeited (shares)	-1
Number of shares outstanding, Ending balance (shares)	319
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Beginning balance (dollars per share)	$60.04
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Granted (dollars per share)	$92.66
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Adjusted for dividends or performance (dollars per share)	$66.93
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Vested (dollars per share)	$47.57
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Forfeited (dollars per share)	$81.77
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Ending balance (dollars per share)	$72.25

StockBased_Compensation_Textua

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
The total intrinsic value of options and SSARs exercised	$35	$48	$52
Stock options and SSARs award vesting period (years)	3 years
Stock options and SSARs award expiration period (years)	7 years
Grant-date fair value per award (dollars per share)	$19.67	$14.84	$10.70
Stock-based incentive awards on a pre-tax	15	13	11
Compensation expense partially offset by deferred income tax benefits	6	5	4
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation	13
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition (years)	2 years 2 months 12 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding under Restricted stock units (shares)	319,000
Weighted-average remaining restriction period (years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Total fair value of RSUs, restricted stock, and DSUs vested	$11	$11	$5
Omnibus Compensation Plan 2004 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized under 2013 Omnibus Compensation Plan (shares)	8,300,000
Shares issued under 2013 Omnibus Compensation Plan (shares)	7,253,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income from U.S. and Foreign Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Domestic and Foreign components of our Income before Income taxes
United States	$912	$797	$751
Foreign	90	150	114
Income before income taxes	$1,002	$947	$865

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Postretirement and other benefits	$164	$139
Accrued liabilities and other	22	30
Inventories	12	8
Loss and credit carryforwards	46	52
Valuation allowance	-27	-34
Total deferred tax assets, net	217	195
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	-207	-184
Property, plant, and equipment	-61	-49
Other	-31	-21
Total deferred tax liabilities	-299	-254
Net deferred tax liability	($82)	($59)

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Current:
U.S. federal	$259	$243	$197
Foreign	42	49	41
State and local	11	1	10
Current income tax expense	312	293	248
Deferred:
U.S. federal	15	3	23
Foreign	-11	-6	1
State and local	2	-2	2
Deferred income taxes expense	6	-5	26
Total income tax expense	$318	$288	$274

Income_Taxes_Effective_Tax_Rat

Income Taxes (Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	1.00%	0.70%	1.00%
Income taxed at other than U.S. federal statutory rate	-0.50%	-2.20%	-1.40%
Tax benefit from U.S. manufacturing	-2.50%	-2.80%	-2.10%
Amortization of deferred tax benefit from intercompany transactions	-1.60%	-0.40%	0.00%
Other, net	0.30%	0.20%	-0.80%
Effective rate	31.70%	30.50%	31.70%

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$11	$11	$13
Additions for tax positions provided in prior periods	2	1	2
Additions for tax positions provided in current period	1	1	1
Decreases for tax positions provided in prior years	1	1	1
Settlements of tax positions in the current period	0	-1	-3
Lapse of statutes of limitations	0	0	-1
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$13	$11	$11

Income_Taxes_Operating_Loss_Ca

Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryforwards) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$27	$34
Other Countries [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses in Brazil, valuation allowance	8	7
Brazil [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses in Brazil, valuation allowance	12
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	7
UK Non Trading Loss [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Non-trading loss carryforward, valuation allowance	7	8
Net Operating Loss Carryforward [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses	27
Not Subject to Expiration [Member] | Net Operating Loss Carryforward [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Brazil [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses	34
Not Subject to Expiration [Member] | Net Operating Loss Carryforward [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses	8
Not Subject to Expiration [Member] | Non-Trading Loss Carryforward [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Non-trading loss carryforward	36
Subject to Expiration [Member] | Net Operating Loss Carryforward [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | MEXICO
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses	26
Subject to Expiration [Member] | Net Operating Loss Carryforward [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses	19
Subject to Expiration [Member] | Net Operating Loss Carryforward [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | FINLAND
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating losses	$28

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Liab

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Liabilities Not Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$803	$797
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	$163	$175

Income_Taxes_Textual_Details

Income Taxes (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Income, Tax Benefit of Intercompany Transfer of Assets, Before Amortization		$95
Other Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	15	5
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	27	34
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	13	11	11	13
Reduction in effective income tax rate if recognized	8
Estimated increase in unrecognized tax benefits in next 12 months as a result of net tax positions taken	0
Deferred benefit – tax (Note 11)	$75	$90

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	($300)	($188)
Currency translation adjustments	-114	-4	17
Cash flow hedge adjustments	32	-4	3
Postretirement benefits adjustments	-30	31	-1
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-112	23	19
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-108	6
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	28	-4
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	($220)	($190)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015		Apr. 30, 2014		Apr. 30, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	($120)		($2)		$16
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	6		-2		1
Currency translation adjustments	-114		-4		17
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	96		-7		7
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	-40		3		-4
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	56		-4		3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax	-41	[1]	0	[1]	-1	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	17	[1]	0	[1]	1	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	-24	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) and Net Prior Service Credit (Cost) Arising During Period, before Tax	-70		18		-32
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) and Net Prior Service Credit (Cost) Arising During Period, Tax	26		-7		16
Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Gain Loss And Net Prior Service Costs Credit Arising During Period Net Of Tax	-44		11		-16
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss) and Net Prior Service Credit (Cost), before Tax	22	[2]	32	[2]	30	[2]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net (Gain) Loss and Prior Service (Credit) Cost, Tax	-8	[2]	-12	[2]	-15	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Of Actuarial Gain Loss And Prior Service Cost Net Of Tax	14	[2]	20	[2]	15	[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-113		41		20
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	1		-18		-1
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	($112)		$23		$19
[1]	1Pre-tax amount is classified as net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
[2]	2Pre-tax amount is a component of pension and other postretirement benefit expense (as shown in Note 9).

Supplemental_Information_Net_S

Supplemental Information (Net Sales by Product Category) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Net sales:
Net sales	$4,096	$3,946	$3,784
Spirits [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	3,903	3,765	3,613
Wine [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	$193	$181	$171

Supplemental_Information_Net_S1

Supplemental Information (Net Sales by Geography) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Net sales:
Net sales	$4,096	$3,946	$3,784
UNITED STATES
Net sales:
Net sales	1,780	1,624	1,562
Europe [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	1,270	1,264	1,147
Australia [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	431	469	510
Other Countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	$615	$589	$565

Supplemental_Information_Textu

Supplemental Information (Textual) (Details) (Mexico [Member], USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net book value of property, plant, and equipment located in Mexico	$40	$50

Cash_Dividends_Details

Cash Dividends (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Cash Dividends (Textual) [Abstract]
Total cash dividends per share (dollars per share)	$1.21	$1.09	$4.98
Special cash dividend per share (dollars per share)			$4

Stock_Split_Details

Stock Split (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 14, 2012	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	Jul. 26, 2012	Aug. 03, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock split conversion ratio	1.5
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)		85,000,000	85,000,000
Adjustment to retained earnings due to stock split		$0	$0	($4)
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)		$0.15	$0.15
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member] | After Amendment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)						85,000,000
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member] | Before Amendment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)						57,000,000
Common Class B [Member] | After Amendment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)						400,000,000
Common Class B [Member] | Before Amendment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)						100,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Adjustment to retained earnings due to stock split					10
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)							$0.15
Treasury Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Adjustment to retained earnings due to stock split		$0	$0	($8)	($8)

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015		Apr. 30, 2014		Apr. 30, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$9		$9		$9
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	2		0		2
Additions Charged to Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	1	[1]	0	[1]	2
Balance at End of Period	$10		$9		$9
[1]	Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries.