Medtronic (MDT) 10-K 23 Jun 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Jun. 16, 2015	Oct. 24, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Medtronic plc
Entity Central Index Key	1,613,103
Document Period End Date	Apr. 24, 2015
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-24
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 65.4
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,416,351,117
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 20,261	$ 17,005	$ 16,590
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	6,309	4,333	4,126
Research and development expense	1,640	1,477	1,557
Selling, general, and administrative expense	6,904	5,847	5,698
Special (gains) charges, net	(38)	40	0
Restructuring charges, net	237	78	172
Certain litigation charges, net	42	770	245
Acquisition-related items	550	117	(49)
Amortization of intangible assets	733	349	331
Other expense, net	118	181	108
Operating profit	3,766	3,813	4,402
Interest income	(386)	(271)	(237)
Interest expense	666	379	388
Interest expense, net	280	108	151
Income from operations before income taxes	3,486	3,705	4,251
Provision for income taxes	811	640	784
Net income	$ 2,675	$ 3,065	$ 3,467
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.44	$ 3.06	$ 3.40
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.41	$ 3.02	$ 3.37
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	1,095.5	1,002.1	1,019.3
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	1,109	1,013.6	1,027.5
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.22	$ 1.12	$ 1.04

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Oct. 24, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Jan. 24, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ (1)	$ 977	$ 828	$ 871	$ 448	$ 762	$ 902	$ 953	$ 2,675	$ 3,065	$ 3,467
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $11, $(58), and $(19), respectively									20	(103)	(33)
Translation adjustment									(495)	13	(21)
Net change in retirement obligations, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(173), $72, and $(4), respectively									(366)	87	(18)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $146, $(60), and $30, respectively									254	(102)	53
Other comprehensive loss									(587)	(105)	(19)
Comprehensive income									$ 2,088	$ 2,960	$ 3,448

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (Paranthetical) [Abstract]
Tax expense (benefit) on the unrealized gain/(loss) on investments	$ 11	$ (58)	$ (19)
Net change in retirement obligations	(173)	72	(4)
Tax expense (benefit) on the net unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange rate derivatives and interest rate derivative instruments	$ 146	$ (60)	$ 30

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,843	$ 1,403
Investments	14,637	12,838
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $144 and $115, respectively	5,112	3,811
Inventories	3,463	1,725
Tax assets	1,335	736
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,454	697
Total current assets	30,844	21,210
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,699	2,392
Goodwill	40,530	10,593
Other intangible assets, net	28,101	2,286
Long-term tax assets	774	300
Other assets	1,737	1,162
Total assets	106,685	37,943
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	2,434	1,613
Accounts payable	1,610	742
Accrued compensation	1,611	1,015
Accrued income taxes	935	164
Deferred tax liabilities	119	19
Other accrued expenses	2,464	2,006
Total current liabilities	9,173	5,559
Long-term debt	33,752	10,315
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	1,535	662
Long-term accrued income taxes	2,476	1,343
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	4,700	386
Other long-term liabilities	1,819	235
Total liabilities	$ 53,455	$ 18,500
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 14, and 16)
Shareholders’ equity:
Ordinary shares— par value $0.0001, $0.10; 2.6 billion,1.6 billion shares authorized, 1,421,648,005 and 998,999,125 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	$ 0	$ 100
Retained earnings	54,414	19,940
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,184)	(597)
Total shareholders’ equity	53,230	19,443
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 106,685	$ 37,943

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Allowances for accounts receivable	$ 144	$ 115
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	2,600,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,421,648,005	998,999,125
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,421,648,005	998,999,125

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Ordinary Shares	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of at Apr. 27, 2012	$ 17,113	$ 104	$ 17,482	$ (473)
Balance (shares) as of at Apr. 27, 2012		1,037,000,000
Net income	3,467		3,467
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(19)			(19)
Dividends to shareholders	(1,055)		(1,055)
Issuance of shares under stock purchase and award plans, shares		10,000,000
Issuance of shares under stock purchase and award plans	267	$ 1	266
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(1,247)	$ (3)	(1,244)
Repurchase of ordinary shares, shares		(31,000,000)
Tax benefit (deficit) from exercise of stock-based awards	(7)		(7)
Stock-based compensation	152		152
Balance as of at Apr. 26, 2013	18,671	$ 102	19,061	(492)
Balance (shares) as of at Apr. 26, 2013		1,016,000,000
Net income	3,065		3,065
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(105)			(105)
Dividends to shareholders	(1,116)		(1,116)
Issuance of shares under stock purchase and award plans, shares		31,000,000
Issuance of shares under stock purchase and award plans	1,307	$ 3	1,304
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(2,553)	$ (5)	(2,548)
Repurchase of ordinary shares, shares		(48,000,000)
Tax benefit (deficit) from exercise of stock-based awards	29		29
Stock-based compensation	145		145
Balance as of at Apr. 25, 2014	$ 19,443	$ 100	19,940	(597)
Balance (shares) as of at Apr. 25, 2014	998,999,125	999,000,000
Net income	$ 2,675		2,675
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(587)			(587)
Ordinary shares issued in connection with the Covidien plc acquisition, net of taxes	33,787		33,787
Ordinary shares issued in connection with the Covidien acquisition, net of taxes, shares		436,000,000
Result of contribution of Medtronic, Inc. to Medtronic plc	0	$ (99)	99
Dividends to shareholders	(1,337)		(1,337)
Issuance of shares under stock purchase and award plans, shares		17,000,000
Issuance of shares under stock purchase and award plans	649	$ 2	647
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(1,920)	$ (3)	(1,917)
Repurchase of ordinary shares, shares		(30,000,000)
Tax benefit (deficit) from exercise of stock-based awards	81		81
Stock-based compensation	439		439
Balance as of at Apr. 24, 2015	$ 53,230	$ 0	$ 54,414	$ (1,184)
Balance (shares) as of at Apr. 24, 2015	1,421,648,005	1,422,000,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 2,675	$ 3,065	$ 3,467
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,306	850	819
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs	76	8	104
Acquisition-related items	634	110	(74)
Provision for doubtful accounts	35	43	51
Deferred income taxes	(926)	(207)	(7)
Stock-based compensation	439	145	152
Other, net	(134)	(28)	0
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	(413)	(70)	1
Inventories	(282)	(39)	93
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,616	(117)	481
Other operating assets and liabilities	643	444	(215)
Certain litigation charges, net	42	770	245
Certain litigation payments	(809)	(15)	(175)
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,902	4,959	4,942
Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(14,884)	(385)	(820)
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(571)	(396)	(457)
Purchases of marketable securities	(7,582)	(10,895)	(12,321)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,890	8,111	10,511
Other investing activities, net	89	(29)	(14)
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,058)	(3,594)	(3,101)
Financing Activities:
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	(85)	(1)	(18)
Change in short-term borrowings, net	(1)	127	(720)
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	(150)	(1,301)	(2,700)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	150	1,176	2,628
Issuance of long-term debt	19,942	1,994	2,980
Payments on long-term debt	(1,268)	(565)	(2,214)
Dividends to shareholders	(1,337)	(1,116)	(1,055)
Issuance of ordinary shares	649	1,307	267
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(1,920)	(2,553)	(1,247)
Other financing activities	(31)	14	(22)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	15,949	(918)	(2,101)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(353)	37	7
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	3,440	484	(253)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,403	919	1,172
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,843	1,403	919
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income taxes	632	521	537
Interest	$ 578	$ 394	$ 333

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations Medtronic plc (Medtronic plc, Medtronic or the Company), the successor registrant to Medtronic, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, was incorporated in Ireland on June 12, 2014 as a private limited company, and was re-registered effective January 26, 2015 as a public limited company. The Company was established for the purpose of facilitating the acquisition of Covidien plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of Ireland (Covidien), which closed on January 26, 2015 (Acquisition Date). Upon completion of this transaction, Medtronic replaced Medtronic, Inc., as the ultimate parent company of the Medtronic group. This part of the transaction was accounted for in the consolidated financial statements as a merger between entities under common control; accordingly, the historical consolidated financial statements of Medtronic, Inc. for periods prior to this transaction are considered to be the historical financial statements of the Company. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Medtronic plc and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Fiscal Year-End The Company utilizes a 52/53-week fiscal year, ending the last Friday in April. The Company’s fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 ended on April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 , respectively, all of which were 52-week years. Fiscal year 2016 is a 53-week year, with the extra week occurring during the first quarter. Cash Equivalents The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Investments Investments in marketable equity securities and certain debt securities are classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. Debt securities include corporate debt securities, U.S. and foreign government and agency securities, certificates of deposit, mortgage-backed securities, other asset-backed securities, debt funds, and auction rate securities. These investments are recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The change in fair value for available-for-sale securities is recorded, net of taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each balance sheet date. The classification of marketable securities as current or long-term is based on the nature of the securities and their availability for use in current operations consistent with how the Company manages its capital structure and liquidity. Investments in securities that are classified and accounted for as trading securities primarily include exchange-traded funds and are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company seeks to offset changes in liabilities related to equity and other market risks of certain deferred compensation arrangements. The change in fair value for trading securities is recorded as a component of interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of income. Certain of the Company’s investments in equity and other securities are long-term, strategic investments in companies that are in varied stages of development. These investments are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounts for these investments under the cost or the equity method of accounting, as appropriate. Certain of these investments are publicly traded companies and are therefore accounted for as available for sale. The valuation of equity and other securities accounted for under the cost method considers all available financial information related to the investee, including valuations based on recent third-party equity investments in the investee. If an unrealized loss for any investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of income in the period the determination is made. Equity securities accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at the amount of the Company’s investment and are adjusted each period for the Company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividends paid. Equity securities accounted for under both the cost and equity methods are reviewed quarterly for changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events that suggest the Company’s investment may not be recoverable. See Note 5 for discussion of the gains and losses recognized on equity and other securities. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company reduces the carrying value of inventories for those items that are potentially excess, obsolete or slow-moving based on changes in customer demand, technology developments or other economic factors. Inventory balances are as follows: (in millions) April 24, April 25, Finished goods $ 2,268 $ 1,196 Work in-process 509 247 Raw materials 686 282 Total $ 3,463 $ 1,725 Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost. Additions and improvements that extend the lives of the assets are capitalized while expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various assets. Property, plant, and equipment balances and corresponding lives are as follows: (in millions) April 24, April 25, Lives Land and land improvements $ 217 $ 152 Up to 20 Buildings and leasehold improvements 2,314 1,565 Up to 40 Equipment 5,649 4,409 Generally 3-7, up to 15 Construction in progress 683 313 — Subtotal 8,863 6,439 Less: Accumulated depreciation (4,164 ) (4,047 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 4,699 $ 2,392 Depreciation expense of $573 million , $501 million , and $488 million was recognized in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets of acquired businesses. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized. The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill annually in the third quarter and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceed the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The estimated fair value is determined using a discounted future cash flow analysis. Intangible assets include patents, trademarks, tradenames, customer relationships, purchased technology, and in-process research and development (IPR&D). Intangible assets with a definite life are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis, as appropriate, with estimated useful lives ranging from three to 20 years . Intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an intangible asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually in the third quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment is calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted future cash flow analysis. IPR&D acquired in a business combination is initially capitalized at its fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. IPR&D has an indefinite life and is not amortized until regulatory approval is received and the product is launched, at which time the IPR&D becomes an amortizable asset. IPR&D represents the fair value of those research and development (R&D) projects for which the related products have not received regulatory approval and have no alternative future use. Determining the fair value of IPR&D requires the Company to make significant estimates. The fair value of IPR&D is determined by estimating the future cash flows of each R&D project or technology and discounting the net cash flows back to their present values. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies. At the time of acquisition, the Company expects that all acquired IPR&D will reach technological feasibility, but there can be no assurance that the commercial viability of these products will actually be achieved. The nature of the efforts to develop the acquired technologies into commercially viable products consists principally of planning, designing, and conducting clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approvals. The risks associated with achieving commercialization include, but are not limited to, delays or failure to obtain regulatory approvals to conduct clinical trials, delays or failure to obtain required market clearances, or delays or issues with patent issuance, validity, and litigation. If commercial viability were not achieved, the Company would likely look to other alternatives to provide these therapies. If the related R&D project is not completed in a timely manner or the R&D project is terminated or abandoned, the Company may have an impairment related to the IPR&D, calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Contingent Consideration The Company recognizes contingent consideration at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to be transferred, estimated as the probability-weighted future cash flows, discounted back to present value. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period with the change in fair value, including accretion for the passage of time, recognized as income or expense within acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. Changes in the fair value will impact the Company’s earnings in such reporting period thereby resulting in potential variability in the Company’s earnings until contingencies are resolved. Derivatives U.S. GAAP requires companies to recognize all derivatives as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure the instruments at fair value through earnings unless the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting. If the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting, depending on the nature of the hedge and hedge effectiveness, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be recognized immediately in earnings or recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings upon settlement/termination. The changes in the fair value of the derivative are intended to offset the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or probable commitment. The Company evaluates hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. If a derivative is no longer expected to be highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is recorded in earnings. Cash flows from derivative contracts are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company uses operational and economic hedges, as well as currency exchange rate derivative contracts and interest rate derivative instruments, to manage the impact of currency exchange and interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows. In order to minimize earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from currency exchange rate changes, the Company enters into derivative instruments, principally forward currency exchange rate contracts. These contracts are designed to hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions and changes in the value of specific assets and liabilities. At inception of the forward contract, the derivative is designated as either a freestanding derivative or a cash flow hedge. The Company does not enter into currency exchange rate derivative contracts for speculative purposes. All derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other accrued expenses, or other long-term liabilities depending upon the gain or loss position of the contract and contract maturity date. Forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are designed to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency that will take place in the future. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss . The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reclassified into earnings and is included in other expense, net or cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income, depending on the underlying transaction that is being hedged, in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Company uses freestanding derivative forward contracts to offset its exposure to the change in value of specific foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and to offset variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency. These derivatives are not designated as hedges, and therefore, changes in the value of these forward contracts are recognized in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related change in value of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The Company uses forward starting interest rate derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges to manage the exposure to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuances of fixed-rate debt. The effective portion of the gains or losses on the forward starting interest rate derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Beginning in the period in which the planned debt issuance occurs and the related derivative instruments are terminated, the effective portion of the gains or losses are then reclassified into interest expense, net over the term of the related debt. Any portion of the gains or losses that are determined to be ineffective are immediately recognized in interest expense, net . The Company uses interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges to manage the exposure to interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs by converting fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. Under these agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in interest expense, net, and are offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying debt instrument. The gains (losses) from terminated interest rate swap agreements are recorded in long-term debt , increasing (decreasing) the outstanding balances of the debt, and amortized as a reduction of (addition to) interest expense, net over the remaining life of the related debt. The cash flows from the termination of the interest rate swap agreements are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. In addition, the Company has collateral credit agreements with its primary derivative counterparties. Under these agreements, either party is required to post eligible collateral when the market value of transactions covered by the agreement exceeds specific thresholds, thus limiting credit exposure for both parties. Fair Value Measurements The Company follows the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis. Under this guidance, fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The authoritative guidance also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The categorization of financial assets and financial liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels defined as follows: • Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability. Financial assets that are classified as Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds within U.S. government and agency securities, marketable equity securities, and exchange-traded funds for which quoted market prices are available. In addition, the Company classifies foreign currency forward contracts as Level 1 since they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets which have identical assets or liabilities. The valuation for most fixed maturity securities are classified as Level 2. Financial assets that are classified as Level 2 include corporate debt securities, U.S. government and agency securities, foreign government and agency securities, certificates of deposit, other asset-backed securities, debt funds, and certain mortgage-backed securities whose value is determined using inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data such as pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, cash flow models with yield curves, and benchmark securities. In addition, interest rate swaps are included in Level 2 as the Company uses inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset. The Level 2 derivative instruments are primarily valued using standard calculations and models that use readily observable market data as their basis. Financial assets are considered Level 3 when their fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. Level 3 financial assets also include certain investment securities for which there is limited market activity such that the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation. Level 3 investment securities include certain corporate debt securities, auction rate securities, and certain mortgage-backed securities. With the exception of auction rate securities, these securities were valued using third-party pricing sources that incorporate transaction details such as contractual terms, maturity, timing, and amount of expected future cash flows, as well as assumptions about liquidity and credit valuation adjustments by market participants. The fair value of auction rate securities is estimated by the Company using a discounted cash flow model, which incorporates significant unobservable inputs. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s auction rate securities are years to principal recovery and the illiquidity premium that is incorporated into the discount rate. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value of the securities. Warranty Obligation The Company offers a warranty on various products. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is sold. The amount of the reserve recorded is equal to the net costs to repair or otherwise satisfy the claim. The Company includes the warranty obligation in other accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company includes the covered costs associated with field actions, if any, in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income. Changes in the Company’s product warranty obligations during the years ended April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 consisted of the following: (in millions) Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 35 Warranty claims provision 25 Settlements made (28 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 32 Fair value of warranty obligation acquired from Covidien 23 Technology upgrade commitment 74 Warranty claims provision 30 Settlements made (24 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 135 Self-Insurance With the exception of insurance that Covidien currently holds for certain risks, it is the Company’s policy to self-insure the vast majority of its insurable risks including medical and dental costs, disability coverage, physical loss to property, business interruptions, workers’ compensation, comprehensive general, and product liability. Insurance coverage is obtained for those risks required to be insured by law or contract. The Company uses claims data and historical experience, as applicable, to estimate liabilities associated with the exposures that the Company has self-insured. Based on historical loss trends, the Company believes that its self-insurance program accruals and its existing insurance coverage will be adequate to cover future losses. Historical trends, however, may not be indicative of future losses. These losses could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Retirement Benefit Plan Assumptions The Company sponsors various retirement benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans (pension benefits), post-retirement medical plans (post-retirement benefits), defined contribution savings plans, and termination indemnity plans, covering substantially all U.S. employees and many employees outside the U.S. Pension benefit costs include assumptions for the discount rate, retirement age, compensation rate increases, and the expected return on plan assets. Post-retirement medical benefit costs include assumptions for the discount rate, retirement age, expected return on plan assets, and health care cost trend rate assumptions. Revenue Recognition The Company sells its products through direct sales representatives and independent distributors. The Company recognizes revenue when title to the goods and risk of loss transfers to customers, which may be upon shipment or upon delivery to the customer site, based on the contract terms or legal requirements in non-U.S. jurisdictions, provided there are no material remaining performance obligations required of the Company or any matters requiring customer acceptance. In cases where the Company utilizes distributors or ships product directly to the end user, it generally recognizes revenue upon shipment provided all revenue recognition criteria have been met. A portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from inventory maintained at hospitals or with field representatives. For these products, revenue is recognized at the time the product has been used or implanted. The Company records estimated sales returns, discounts, and rebates as a reduction of net sales in the same period revenue is recognized. Provisions for rebates, as well as sales discounts and returns, are accounted for as a reduction of sales when revenue is recognized. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience, and trend analysis. In estimating rebates, the Company considers the lag time between the point of sale and the payment of the rebate claim, contractual commitments, including stated rebate rates, and other relevant information. The Company adjusts reserves to reflect differences between estimated and actual experience, and records such adjustment as a reduction of sales in the period of adjustment. In certain circumstances, the Company enters into arrangements in which it provides multiple deliverables to its customers. Agreements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting. Total revenue is first allocated among the deliverables based upon their relative fair values. Revenue is then recognized for each deliverable in accordance with the principles described above. Fair values are determined based on the prices at which the individual deliverables are regularly sold to other third parties. Shipping and Handling Shipping and handling costs incurred were $284 million , $194 million , and $182 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, and are included in selling, general, and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Research and development costs include costs of all basic research activities as well as other research, engineering, and technical effort required to develop a new product or service or make significant improvement to an existing product or manufacturing process. Research and development costs also include pre-approval regulatory and clinical trial expenses. Costs Associated with Exit Activities The Company accrues employee termination costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, including benefits provided as part of the Company’s U.S. severance policy or provided in accordance with non-U.S. statutory requirements, if the obligation is attributed to prior services rendered, the rights to the benefits have vested, the payment is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Other costs associated with exit activities may include distributor cancellation fees, costs related to leased facilities to be abandoned or subleased, and asset impairments. Contingencies The Company records a liability in the consolidated financial statements for loss contingencies when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss is a range, and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. If a loss is reasonably possible but not known or probable, and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, income tax liabilities are not accounted for under the loss contingency rules, but rather specific accounting guidance. Insurance recoveries related to potential claims are recognized up to the amount of the recorded liability when coverage is confirmed and the estimated recoveries are probable of payment. These recoveries are not netted against the related liabilities for financial statement presentation. Accrued Certain Litigation Charges The Company accrues for legal and environmental matters that are probable and estimable and includes certain estimated costs of settlement and damages for legal matters and cleanup and remediation for environmental matters. Legal costs of defending legal claims are generally expensed as incurred. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , accrued certain litigation charges involving product liability, intellectual property disputes, shareholder related matters, environmental proceedings, and other matters were $879 million and $917 million , respectively. The Company includes accrued certain litigation and environmental charges in other accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Tax Guarantees As a result of the recent acquisition of Covidien, the Company has guarantee commitments and indemnifications with Tyco International plc (Tyco International) and TE Connectivity Ltd. (TE Connectivity) which relate to certain contingent tax liabilities as part of a tax sharing agreement. These commitments and indemnifications were recorded at their respective fair values as of the Acquisition Date. Each reporting period, the Company evaluates the potential loss that it believes is probable. This guarantee currently has not been amortized into income because there has been no predictable pattern of performance. As a result, the liability generally will be reduced upon the Company’s release from its obligations or as payments are made. As of April 24, 2015 , current and non-current liabilities related to guarantee commitments associated with Tyco International's and TE Connectivity's tax obligations totaled $481 million and are included in other accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company also has current and non-current receivables due from Tyco International and TE Connectivity as a result of the tax sharing agreement. As of April 24, 2015 , current and non-current receivables from Tyco International and TE Connectivity totaled $296 million and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. See Note 16 for additional background on the tax sharing agreement. Other Expense, Net Other expense, net includes royalty income and expense, realized equity security gains and losses, realized foreign currency transaction and derivative gains and losses, impairment charges on equity securities, Puerto Rico excise tax, and U.S. medical device excise tax. Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. dollar functional currency entities are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and the resulting gains and losses arising from the translation of those net assets are recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Elements of the consolidated statements of income are translated at the average monthly currency exchange rates in effect during the period and foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss In addition to net income, comprehensive income includes changes in currency exchange rate translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on currency exchange rate derivative contracts and interest rate derivative instruments qualifying and designated as cash flow hedges, net changes in retirement obligation funded status, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities. Taxes are not provided on cumulative translation adjustments as substantially all translation adjustments relate to earnings that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. Presented below is a summary of activity for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal year 2013: (in millions) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Cumulative Translation Adjustments Net Change in Retirement Obligations Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance as of

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Re

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items	Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items The Company had various acquisitions and other acquisition-related activity during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . Certain acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations as noted below. In accordance with authoritative guidance on business combination accounting, the assets and liabilities of the companies acquired were recorded as of the acquisition date, at their respective fair values, and consolidated. With the exception of the Covidien acquisition and unless otherwise disclosed, the pro forma impact of these acquisitions was not significant, either individually or in the aggregate, to the results of the Company for the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , or April 26, 2013 . The results of operations related to each company acquired have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income since the date each company was acquired. Fiscal Year 2015 Covidien public limited company On January 26, 2015, pursuant to the transaction agreement, dated as of June 15, 2014 (the Transaction Agreement), by and among Medtronic, Inc., Covidien, Medtronic plc (formerly known as Medtronic Limited, Medtronic Holdings Limited and Kalani I Limited), Makani II Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of Ireland and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medtronic (IrSub), Aviation Acquisition Co., Inc., a Minnesota corporation (U.S. AcquisitionCo), and Aviation Merger Sub, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. AcquisitionCo (MergerSub), (i) Medtronic and IrSub acquired Covidien (the Acquisition) pursuant to the Irish Scheme of Arrangement under Section 201 (the Arrangement), and a capital reduction under Sections 72 and 74, of the Irish Companies Act of 1963 and (ii) MergerSub merged with and into Medtronic Inc., with Medtronic Inc. as the surviving corporation in the merger (the Merger and, together with the Acquisition, the Transactions). Following the consummation of the Transactions on January 26, 2015, Medtronic Inc. and Covidien became subsidiaries of Medtronic. In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, Medtronic re-registered as a public limited company organized under the laws of Ireland. On January 26, 2015, (a) each Covidien ordinary share was converted into the right to receive $35.19 in cash and 0.956 of a newly issued Medtronic plc share (the Arrangement Consideration) in exchange for each Covidien share held by such shareholders, and (b) each share of Medtronic, Inc. common stock was converted into the right to receive one Medtronic plc ordinary share. Based on the number of outstanding shares of Medtronic, Inc. and Covidien as of January 23, 2015 (the last business day prior to the close of the transaction), former Medtronic, Inc. and Covidien shareholders held approximately 69 percent and 31 percent , respectively, of the Company's ordinary shares after giving effect to the acquisition. Covidien is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and sale of healthcare products for use in clinical and home settings. The operating results for Covidien are included in the Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, Cardiac and Vascular Group and Restorative Therapies Group segments. The acquisition of Covidien continues the Company's mission to create a medical technology and services company with a comprehensive product portfolio and a broad global reach that is better able to improve healthcare outcomes. Medtronic's management believes the acquisition of Covidien will provide substantial synergies including, but not limited to, enhanced operational cost efficiencies, incremental revenue opportunities, acceleration of long-term growth potential through broader geographic reach, and increased earnings and cash flow. Fair Value of Consideration Transferred Total consideration was approximately $50 billion , consisting of $16 billion cash and $34 billion of non-cash consideration. Total consideration is comprised of the equity value of the shares that were outstanding as of January 23, 2015 and the portion of Covidien's share awards and share options earned as of January 23, 2015 ( $559 million ). Share awards and share options not earned ( $496 million ) as of January 23, 2015 will be expensed over the remaining future vesting period, including $189 million and $70 million recognized in acquisition-related items and restructuring charges, net , respectively, for the fiscal year ended April 24, 2015 . The following table summarizes the total fair value of consideration transferred: (in millions, except $ per share data) Cash consideration paid to Covidien shareholders ($35.19 per share) $ 15,994 Cash consideration paid for vested Covidien share awards ($35.19 per share) 33 Total cash consideration $ 16,027 Covidien shares outstanding as of January 23, 2015 455 Exchange ratio per share 0.956 Total Medtronic shares issued to Covidien shareholders (a) 435 Medtronic per share value as of January 23, 2015 $ 76.95 Fair value of Medtronic shares issued to Covidien shareholders $ 33,435 Fair value of shares issued to Covidien share award holders (a) 70 Fair value of share options and awards issued to Covidien share option and award holders 456 Total fair value of consideration transferred $ 49,988 (a) 1 million ordinary shares were issued, net, to Covidien share award holders. Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed The Company accounted for the acquisition of Covidien as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective fair values as of the Acquisition Date. Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $18.3 billion of customer-related intangible assets, $7.1 billion of technology-based intangible assets, $0.5 billion of tradenames, with weighted average estimated useful lives of 18 , 16 , and 3 years , respectively, $0.4 billion of IPR&D, and $29.6 billion of goodwill. As the Company finalizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, additional purchase price adjustments will be recorded during the measurement period in fiscal year 2016. Fair value estimates are based on a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments used to determine the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact the Company's results of operations. The finalization of the purchase accounting assessment will result in a change in the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and may have a material impact on the Company's results of operations and financial position. The preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows: (estimated in millions) Accounts receivable $ 1,349 Inventories 2,222 Other current assets 2,949 Property, plant, and equipment 2,354 Goodwill 29,586 Intangible assets 26,265 Other assets 747 Total assets acquired 65,472 Short-term borrowings 1,011 Other current liabilities 2,331 Long-term debt 4,623 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 4,736 Other long-term liabilities 2,783 Total liabilities assumed 15,484 Net assets acquired $ 49,988 Goodwill has been allocated to the Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, Cardiac and Vascular Group, Restorative Therapies Group, and Diabetes Group. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the expected revenue and cost synergies of the combined company, which are further described above. Goodwill recognized as a result of the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. See Note 7 for additional information about goodwill and other intangible assets. Contingent liabilities assumed as part of the Acquisition total $2.2 billion and are included in accrued income taxes , other accrued expenses , long-term accrued income taxes , and other long-term liabilities . These contingent liabilities include $1.5 billion related to income taxes (including uncertain tax positions and guarantee commitments), $0.5 billion related to legal claims (including product liability), and $0.2 billion related to environmental matters. Contingent liabilities are recorded at their estimated fair values, aside from those pertaining to uncertainty in income taxes which are an exception to the fair value basis of accounting. Legal matters and certain environmental matters that are legal in nature are recorded at their respective probable and estimable amounts. See Note 16 for additional background on contingent liabilities. The estimated fair values noted above are preliminary and are subject to change upon finalization of the purchase accounting assessment and may have a material impact on the Company's results of operations and financial position. Actual and Pro Forma Impact The Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 24, 2015 include Covidien's results of operations from the Acquisition Date through April 24, 2015 . Net sales and operating loss attributable to Covidien during this period and included in Medtronic's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 24, 2015 total $2.683 billion and $423 million , respectively. The $423 million operating loss includes $623 million of amortization from the step-up in fair value of inventory acquired, $379 million of intangible asset amortization, $218 million of acquisition-related charges, and $142 million of restructuring charges, net, all of which relate to the Covidien acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma information gives effect to Medtronic's acquisition of Covidien as if the acquisition had occurred on April 27, 2013, the first day of fiscal year 2014, and had been included in the Company's consolidated statements of income for fiscal years 2015 and 2014. (in millions) 2015 2014 Pro forma net sales $ 28,369 $ 27,380 Pro forma net income $ 3,944 $ 3,280 The historical consolidated financial information of the Company and Covidien has been adjusted in the pro forma information to give effect to pro forma events that are (1) directly attributable to the transaction, (2) factually supportable, and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. In order to reflect the occurrence of the acquisition on April 27, 2013 as required, the unaudited pro forma results include adjustments to reflect, among other things, the amortization of the inventory step-up, the incremental intangible asset amortization to be incurred based on the preliminary values of each identifiable intangible asset, and interest expense from debt financing obtained to fund the cash consideration transferred. Pro forma adjustments were tax-effected at the Company's statutory rate. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the period presented or that may occur in the future, and does not reflect future synergies, integration costs, or other such costs or savings. Other Fiscal Year 2015 Acquisitions The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from other acquisitions during fiscal year 2015 are as follows: (in millions) NGC Medical S.p.A. Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation All Other Total Other current assets $ 55 $ 3 $ 12 $ 70 Property, plant, and equipment 15 1 2 18 IPR&D — 30 41 71 Other intangible assets 159 — 157 316 Goodwill 197 170 105 472 Other assets 3 3 50 56 Total assets acquired 429 207 367 1,003 Current liabilities 34 4 6 44 Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net 51 — 66 117 Other liabilities 4 — — 4 Total liabilities assumed 89 4 72 165 Net assets acquired $ 340 $ 203 $ 295 $ 838 Sophono, Inc. On March 26, 2015, the Company acquired Sophono, Inc. (Sophono), a privately-held developer and manufacturer of minimally invasive, transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implants. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $17 million , which included an upfront payment of $6 million and the estimated fair value of revenue-based contingent consideration of $11 million . Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $11 million of technology-based intangible assets with an estimated useful life of 13 years at the time of the acquisition, $2 million of IPR&D, and $5 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Diabeter On March 26, 2015, the Company acquired Diabeter, an innovative Netherlands-based diabetes clinic and research center dedicated to providing comprehensive and individualized care for children and young adults with diabetes. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $10 million . Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $9 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. NGC Medical S.p.A On August 26, 2014, the Company acquired NGC Medical S.p.A. (NGC), a privately-held Italian company that offers a broad suite of hospital managed services. Total consideration for this transaction was approximately $340 million . Medtronic had previously invested in NGC and held a 30 percent ownership position in that company. Net of this ownership position, the transaction value was approximately $238 million . Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $159 million of customer-related intangible assets and tradenames with an estimated useful life of 20 years at the time of acquisition and $197 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded adjustments to goodwill , other intangible assets, net , and long-term deferred tax liabilities . Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation On August 25, 2014, the Company acquired Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation (Sapiens), a privately-held developer of deep brain stimulation technologies. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $203 million . Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $30 million of IPR&D and $170 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Visualase, Inc. On July 25, 2014, the Company acquired Visualase, Inc. (Visualase), a privately-held developer of minimally invasive MRI guided laser ablation for surgical applications. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $97 million . Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $66 million of technology-based intangible assets with an estimated useful life of 10 years at the time of acquisition and $43 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded minor adjustments to goodwill and other assets . Corventis, Inc. On June 20, 2014, the Company acquired Corventis, Inc. (Corventis), a privately-held developer of wearable, wireless technologies for cardiac disease. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $131 million , including settlement of outstanding debt to Medtronic of $50 million . Based upon the acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $80 million of technology-based intangible assets with an estimated useful life of 16 years at the time of acquisition and $48 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded minor adjustments to goodwill and long-term deferred tax liabilities . The Company accounted for the acquisitions of Sophono, Diabeter, NGC, Sapiens, Visualase, and Corventis as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Subsequent Acquisitions On June 18, 2015, the Company acquired CardioInsight Technologies, Inc (CardioInsight), a privately-held medical device company that has developed a new approach to improve the mapping of electrical disorders of the heart. Consideration consisted of an initial cash payment of $75 million , and retirement of a Medtronic loan outstanding to CardioInsight in the amount of $25 million , plus performance-based contingent consideration that may be paid post-closing. On June 19, 2015, the Company acquired Aptus Endosystems, Inc. (Aptus), a privately-held medical device company focused on developing advanced technology for endovascular aneurysm repair and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair. The total consideration for the transaction was approximately $110 million . Other Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items On December 19, 2014, the Company acquired a business in the Neuromodulation division. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $39 million , which included an upfront payment of $33 million and the estimated fair value of revenue-based contingent consideration of $6 million . Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $39 million of IPR&D. The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. During fiscal year 2015 , the Company recorded charges from acquisition-related items of $550 million , primarily related to costs incurred in connection with the Covidien acquisition. The charges incurred in connection with the Covidien acquisition include $275 million of professional services and integration costs, $189 million of accelerated or incremental stock compensation expense, and $69 million of incremental officer and director excise tax. These amounts are included within acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. Fiscal Year 2014 The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during fiscal year 2014 are as follows: (in millions) TYRX, Inc. Cardiocom, LLC Current assets $ 6 $ 14 Property, plant, and equipment 1 7 Intangible assets 94 61 Goodwill 132 123 Total assets acquired 233 205 Current liabilities 4 12 Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net 7 — Total liabilities assumed 11 12 Net assets acquired $ 222 $ 193 TYRX, Inc. On December 30, 2013, the Company acquired TYRX, Inc. (TYRX), a privately-held developer of antibiotic drug and implanted medical device combinations. TYRX's products include those designed to reduce surgical site infections associated with implantable pacemakers, defibrillators, and spinal cord neurostimulators. Under the terms of the agreement, the transaction included an initial up-front payment of $ 159 million , representing a purchase price amount that was net of acquired cash, including the assumption and settlement of existing TYRX debt and direct acquisition costs. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $ 222 million , which included estimated fair values for product development-based and revenue-based contingent consideration of $ 25 million and $ 35 million , respectively. The product development-based contingent consideration includes a future potential payment of $ 40 million upon achieving certain milestones, and the revenue-based contingent consideration payments equal TYRX's actual annual revenue growth for the Company's fiscal years 2015 and 2016. Based upon the acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $ 94 million of technology-based intangible assets with an estimated useful life of 14 years and $ 132 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Cardiocom, LLC On August 7, 2013, the Company acquired Cardiocom, LLC (Cardiocom), a privately-held developer and provider of integrated solutions for the management of chronic diseases such as heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension. Cardiocom's products and services include remote monitoring and patient-centered software to enable efficient care coordination and specialized telehealth nurse support. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $ 193 million . Based upon the acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $ 61 million of customer-related intangible assets with an estimated useful life of 7 years and $ 123 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The Company accounted for the acquisitions of TYRX and Cardiocom as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition-Related Items During fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded net charges from acquisition-related items of $ 117 million , primarily including IPR&D and long-lived asset impairment charges of $ 236 million related to the Ardian, Inc. (Ardian) acquisition recorded in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The impairment charges were partially offset by income of $ 138 million related to the change in fair value of contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 29, 2009. These amounts are included within acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. Fiscal Year 201 3 The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions accounted for as business combinations during fiscal year 2013 are as follows: (in millions) China Kanghui Holdings Current assets $ 106 Property, plant, and equipment 56 Intangible assets 341 Goodwill 409 Other assets 11 Total assets acquired 923 Current liabilities 29 Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net 77 Other long-term liabilities 1 Total liabilities assumed 107 Net assets acquired $ 816 China Kanghui Holdings On November 1, 2012, the Company acquired China Kanghui Holdings (Kanghui). Kanghui is a Chinese manufacturer and distributor of orthopedic products in trauma, spine, and joint reconstruction. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $816 million . The total value of the transaction, net of Kanghui's cash, was approximately $797 million . Based on the acquisition valuation, the Company acquired $288 million of technology-based assets and $53 million of tradenames and customer-related intangible assets that each had a weighted average estimated useful life of 11 years and $409 million of goodwill. The acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company accounted for the acquisition of Kanghui as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition-Related Items During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded net income from acquisition-related items of $49 million , primarily including income of $62 million related to the change in fair value of contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 29, 2009. The change in fair value of contingent consideration primarily related to adjustments in Ardian contingent consideration. Additionally, the Company recorded transaction-related expenses of $13 million . These amounts are included within acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. Contingent Consideration Certain of the Company’s business combinations and purchases of intellectual property involve the potential for the payment of future contingent consideration upon the achievement of certain product development milestones and/or various other favorable operating conditions. Payment of the additional consideration is generally contingent on the acquired company reaching certain performance milestones, including attaining specified revenue levels or achieving product development targets. For business combinations subsequent to April 24, 2009, a liability is recorded for the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration on the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured at each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized as income or expense within acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. The Company measures the liability on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. See Note 6 for further information regarding fair value measurements. The fair value of contingent consideration is measured using projected payment dates, discount rates, probabilities of payment, and projected revenues (for revenue-based considerations). Projected contingent payment amounts are discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Projected revenues are based on the Company’s most recent internal operational budgets and long-range strategic plans. Increases (decreases) in projected revenues, probabilities of payment, discount rates, or projected payment dates may result in higher (lower) fair value measurements. Fluctuations in any of the inputs may result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of contingent consideration include the following significant unobservable inputs: ($ in millions) Fair Value at April 24, 2015 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Discount rate 0% - 27% Revenue-based payments $ 159 Discounted cash flow Probability of payment 70% - 100% Projected fiscal year of payment 2016 - 2025 Discount rate 0.5% - 5.5% Product development-based payments $ 105 Discounted cash flow Probability of payment 75% - 100% Projected fiscal year of payment 2016 - 2020 At April 24, 2015 , the estimated maximum potential amount of undiscounted future contingent consideration that the Company is expected to make associated with all completed business combinations or purchases of intellectual property prior to April 24, 2009 was approximately $193 million . The Company estimates the milestones or other conditions associated with the contingent consideration will be reached in fiscal year 2016 and thereafter. The fair value of contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009, as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , was $264 million and $68 million , respectively. As of April 24, 2015 , $242 million was reflected in other long-term liabilities and $22 million was reflected in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. As of April 25, 2014 , $51 million was reflected in other long-term liabilities and $17 million was reflected in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The portion of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition date fair value is reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Amounts paid in excess of the original acquisition date fair value are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of contingent consideration: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 Beginning Balance $ 68 $ 142 Acquired contingent consideration 236 — Purchase price contingent consideration 40 65 Contingent consideration payments (85 ) (1 ) Change in fair value of contingent consideration 5 (138 ) Ending Balance $ 264 $ 68

Restructuring Charges, Net

Restructuring Charges, Net	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges, Net	Restructuring Charges, Net Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company re corded a $248 million restructuring charge, which consisted of employee termination costs of $213 million , asset write-downs of $28 million , contract termination costs of $6 million , and other related costs of $1 million . Of the $28 million of asset write-downs, $15 million related to inventory write-offs of discontinued product lines and production-related asset impairments, and therefore, was recorded within cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income. The fiscal year 2015 initiative primarily relates to the Covidien acquisition, strategic alignment of certain manufacturing processes, certain inventory rationalizations, and certain program cancellations. The fiscal year 2015 initiative is scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016. The fiscal year 2015 initiative was the beginning of our restructuring program related to the acquisition of Covidien which is expected to contribute to the approximately $850 million in cost synergies expected to be achieved as a result of the Covidien acquisition through fiscal year 2018, including administrative office optimization, manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure, and certain general and administrative savings. Restructuring charges are expected to be incurred on a quarterly basis throughout fiscal year 2016. A summary of the activity related to the fiscal year 2015 initiative is presented below: Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative (in millions) Employee Termination Costs Asset Write-downs Other Costs Total Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 213 28 7 248 Payments/write-downs (77 ) (28 ) — (105 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 136 $ — $ 7 $ 143 Covidien Initiative Covidien's pre-acquisition restructuring program is designed to improve Covidien's cost structure. The program consists of reducing corporate expenses, expanding shared services, consolidating manufacturing locations, and optimizing distribution centers. The Covidien restructuring initiative is scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of fiscal year 2018. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded a reversal of excess restructuring reserves related to the Covidien initiative of $5 million . The reversal was primarily a result of early lease termination negotiations and certain employees identified for elimination finding other positions within the Company. A summary of the activity related to the Covidien initiative is presented below: Covidien Initiative (in millions) Employee Termination Costs Other Costs Total Balance as of January 26, 2015 (Acquisition Date) $ 76 $ 27 $ 103 Restructuring charges — — — Payments/write-downs (10 ) (10 ) (20 ) Reversal of excess accrual (5 ) — (5 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 61 $ 17 $ 78 Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded a $116 million restructuring charge, which consisted of employee termination costs of $65 million , asset write-downs of $26 million , contract termination costs of $3 million , and other related costs of $22 million . Of the $26 million of asset write-downs, $10 million related to inventory write-offs of discontinued product lines and production-related asset impairments, and therefore, was recorded within cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income. The fiscal year 2014 initiative primarily relates to the Company's renal denervation business, certain manufacturing shut-downs, and a reduction of back-office support functions in Europe. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded a $38 million restructuring charge, which was the final charge related to the fiscal year 2014 initiative and consisted primarily of contract termination and other related costs of $28 million . As of April 24, 2015, the fiscal year 2014 initiative was substantially complete. In fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded a reversal of excess restructuring reserves related to the fiscal year 2014 initiative of $17 million . The reversal was primarily a result of result of revisions to particular strategies and certain employees identified for elimination finding other positions within the Company. A summary of the activity related to the fiscal year 2014 initiative is presented below: Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative (in millions) Employee Termination Costs Asset Write-downs Other Costs Total Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 65 26 25 116 Payments/write-downs (1 ) (26 ) (14 ) (41 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 64 $ — $ 11 $ 75 Restructuring charges 1 9 28 38 Payments/write-downs (44 ) (9 ) (34 ) (87 ) Reversal of excess accrual (14 ) — (3 ) (17 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 7 $ — $ 2 $ 9 Fiscal Year 2013 Initiative The fiscal year 2013 initiative was designed to scale back the Company's infrastructure in slower growing areas of the business, while continuing to invest in geographies, businesses, and products where faster growth is anticipated. A number of factors have contributed to ongoing challenging market dynamics, including increased pricing pressure, various governmental austerity measures, and the U.S. medical device excise tax. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded a $192 million restructuring charge, which consisted of employee termination costs of $150 million , asset write-downs of $13 million , contract termination costs of $18 million , and other related costs of $11 million . Of the $13 million of asset write-downs, $10 million related to inventory write-offs of discontinued product lines and production-related asset impairments, and therefore, was recorded within cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded an $18 million restructuring charge, which was the final charge related to the fiscal year 2013 initiative and consisted primarily of contract termination costs of $14 million and other related costs of $4 million . As of April 24, 2015, the fiscal year 2013 initiative was substantially complete. In fiscal year 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded a reversal of excess restructuring reserves related to the fiscal year 2013 initiative of $10 million and $46 million , respectively. The reversal was primarily a result of revisions to particular strategies and certain employees identified for elimination finding other positions within the Company.

Special (Gains) Charges, Net an

Special (Gains) Charges, Net and Certain Litigation Charges, Net	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Special Charges and Certain Litigation Charges, Net [Abstract]
Special (Gains) Charges, Net and Certain Litigation Charges, Net	Special (Gains) Charges, Net and Certain Litigation Charges, Net Special (Gains) Charges, Net During fiscal year 2015 , the Company recognized a $138 million gain, which consisted of a $41 million gain on the sale of a product line in the Surgical Technologies division and a $97 million gain on the sale of an equity method investment. In addition, continuing with the Company's commitment to improving the health of people and communities throughout the world, the Company made a $100 million charitable contribution to the Medtronic Foundation, a related party non-profit organization. During fiscal year 2014 , the Company made a $40 million charitable contribution to the Medtronic Foundation. There were no special (gains) charges during fiscal year 2013 . Certain Litigation Charges, Net The Company classifies material litigation charges and gains recognized as certain litigation charges, net. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded certain litigation charges, net of $42 million , which primarily relates to additional accounting charges for probable and reasonably estimable INFUSE product liability litigation, which were recorded as a result of additional filed and unfiled claims, and other matters litigation. Refer to Note 16 for additional information. During fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded certain litigation charges, net of $770 million , which primarily includes the global patent settlement agreement with Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (Edwards) of $589 million , accounting charges for probable and reasonably estimable INFUSE product liability litigation of $140 million , and other litigation. During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded certain litigation charges, net of $245 million related to probable and reasonably estimated damages related to the patent litigation with Edwards.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments The Company holds investments consisting primarily of marketable debt and equity securities. Information regarding the Company’s investments at April 24, 2015 is as follows: (in millions) Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 6,283 $ 105 $ (10 ) $ 6,378 Auction rate securities 109 — (4 ) 105 Mortgage-backed securities 1,462 22 (6 ) 1,478 U.S. government and agency securities 3,122 21 (4 ) 3,139 Foreign government and agency securities 85 — — 85 Certificates of deposit 44 — — 44 Other asset-backed securities 504 3 — 507 Debt funds 3,061 19 (150 ) 2,930 Marketable equity securities 64 35 (19 ) 80 Trading securities: Exchange-traded funds 58 19 — 77 Cost method, equity method, and other investments 520 — — NA Total investments $ 15,312 $ 224 $ (193 ) $ 14,823 Information regarding the Company’s investments at April 25, 2014 is as follows: (in millions) Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 5,504 $ 55 $ (17 ) $ 5,542 Auction rate securities 109 — (12 ) 97 Mortgage-backed securities 1,337 7 (8 ) 1,336 U.S. government and agency securities 3,138 7 (29 ) 3,116 Foreign government and agency securities 67 — — 67 Certificates of deposit 54 — — 54 Other asset-backed securities 540 2 — 542 Debt funds 2,143 9 (29 ) 2,123 Marketable equity securities 47 15 (13 ) 49 Trading securities: Exchange-traded funds 54 13 — 67 Cost method, equity method, and other investments 666 — — NA Total investments $ 13,659 $ 108 $ (108 ) $ 12,993 Information regarding the Company’s consolidated balance sheets presentation at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 is as follows: April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 (in millions) Investments Other Assets Investments Other Assets Available-for-sale securities $ 14,560 $ 186 $ 12,771 $ 155 Trading securities 77 — 67 — Cost method, equity method, and other investments — 520 — 666 Total $ 14,637 $ 706 $ 12,838 $ 821 The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company’s available-for-sale securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position deemed to be temporary, aggregated by investment category as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 : April 24, 2015 Less than 12 Months More than 12 Months (in millions) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Corporate debt securities $ 944 $ (9 ) $ 34 $ (1 ) Auction rate securities — — 105 (4 ) Mortgage-backed securities 346 (3 ) 206 (3 ) U.S. government and agency securities 356 (1 ) 267 (3 ) Debt funds 1,291 (109 ) 559 (41 ) Marketable equity securities 4 (19 ) — — Total $ 2,941 $ (141 ) $ 1,171 $ (52 ) April 25, 2014 Less than 12 Months More than 12 Months (in millions) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Corporate debt securities $ 1,601 $ (14 ) $ 50 $ (3 ) Auction rate securities — — 97 (12 ) Mortgage-backed securities 682 (7 ) 28 (1 ) U.S. government and agency securities 1,500 (27 ) 46 (2 ) Debt funds 1,224 (29 ) — — Marketable equity securities 25 (13 ) — — Total $ 5,032 $ (90 ) $ 221 $ (18 ) Activity related to the Company’s investment portfolio is as follows: Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Debt (a) Equity (b) (c) Debt (a) Equity (b) Debt (a) Equity (b) Proceeds from sales $ 5,640 $ 250 $ 7,991 $ 120 $ 10,350 $ 161 Gross realized gains $ 33 $ 164 $ 15 $ 69 $ 59 $ 94 Gross realized losses $ (19 ) $ — $ (12 ) $ — $ (17 ) $ — Impairment losses recognized $ — $ (29 ) $ (1 ) $ (9 ) $ — $ (21 ) (a) Includes available-for-sale debt securities. (b) Includes marketable equity securities, cost method, equity method, exchange-traded funds, and other investments. (c) As a result of certain acquisitions that occurred during fiscal year 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash realized gain of $41 million on its previously-held minority investments included in other expense, net on the consolidated statement of income. Also, a realized gain on an equity method investment totaling $97 million is included in special (gains) charges, net on the consolidated statement of income. Credit losses represent the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected on certain mortgage-backed securities and auction rate securities and the amortized cost of these securities. Based on the Company’s assessment of the credit quality of the underlying collateral and credit support available to each of the remaining securities in which invested, the Company believes it has recorded all necessary other-than-temporary impairments as the Company does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, before recovery of the amortized cost. As of April 24, 2015 , the credit loss portion of other-than temporary impairments on debt securities was not significant. As of April 25, 2014 and April 26, 2013 , the credit loss portion of other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities was $4 million and $9 million , respectively. The total reductions for available-for-sale debt securities sold for the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 were $4 million and $5 million , respectively. The total other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale debt securities for the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 were not significant. The April 24, 2015 balance of available-for-sale debt securities, excluding debt funds which have no single maturity date, by contractual maturity is shown in the following table. Within the table, maturities of mortgage-backed securities have been allocated based upon timing of estimated cash flows, assuming no change in the current interest rate environment. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties. (in millions) April 24, 2015 Due in one year or less $ 1,812 Due after one year through five years 6,646 Due after five years through 10 years 3,097 Due after 10 years 182 Total debt securities $ 11,737 As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the aggregate carrying amount of equity and other securities without a quoted market price and accounted for using the cost or equity method was $520 million and $666 million , respectively. The total carrying value of these investments is reviewed quarterly for changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events that suggest the Company’s investment may not be recoverable. The value of cost or equity method investments is not adjusted if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a material adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Gains and losses realized on trading securities and available-for-sale debt securities are recorded in interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses realized on marketable equity securities, cost method, equity method, and other investments are recorded in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. In addition, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recorded in other comprehensive loss in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are recorded in interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses from the sale of investments are calculated based on the specific identification method.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The authoritative guidance is principally applied to financial assets and liabilities such as marketable equity securities and debt and equity securities that are classified and accounted for as trading, available-for-sale, and derivative instruments and contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009. Derivatives include cash flow hedges, freestanding derivative forward contracts, and fair value hedges. These items are marked-to-market at each reporting period. The following tables provide information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 24, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Corporate debt securities $ 6,378 $ — $ 6,377 $ 1 Auction rate securities 105 — — 105 Mortgage-backed securities 1,478 — 1,478 — U.S. government and agency securities 3,139 1,541 1,598 — Foreign government and agency securities 85 — 85 — Certificates of deposit 44 — 44 — Other asset-backed securities 507 — 507 — Debt funds 2,930 — 2,930 — Marketable equity securities 80 80 — — Exchange-traded funds 77 77 — — Derivative assets 733 644 89 — Total assets $ 15,556 $ 2,342 $ 13,108 $ 106 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 116 $ 45 $ 71 $ — Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009 264 — — 264 Total liabilities $ 380 $ 45 $ 71 $ 264 Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 25, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Corporate debt securities $ 5,542 $ — $ 5,533 $ 9 Auction rate securities 97 — — 97 Mortgage-backed securities 1,336 — 1,336 — U.S. government and agency securities 3,116 1,251 1,865 — Foreign government and agency securities 67 — 67 — Certificates of deposit 54 — 54 — Other asset-backed securities 542 — 542 — Debt funds 2,123 — 2,123 — Marketable equity securities 49 49 — — Exchange-traded funds 67 67 — — Derivative assets 175 89 86 — Total assets $ 13,168 $ 1,456 $ 11,606 $ 106 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 127 $ 116 $ 11 $ — Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009 68 — — 68 Total liabilities $ 195 $ 116 $ 11 $ 68 The following table represents the range of the unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurement of the auction rate securities classified as Level 3 as of April 24, 2015 : Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) Auction rate securities Discounted cash flow Years to principal recovery 2 yrs. - 12 yrs. (3 yrs.) Illiquidity premium 6% The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the end of the fiscal quarter in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 or April 25, 2014 . When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. The following tables provide reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate debt securities Auction rate securities Mortgage- backed securities Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 106 $ 9 $ 97 $ — Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings (5 ) (5 ) — — Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income 10 2 8 — Settlements (5 ) (5 ) — — Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 106 $ 1 $ 105 $ — (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate debt securities Auction rate securities Mortgage- backed securities Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 127 $ 10 $ 103 $ 14 Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings (5 ) — (5 ) — Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income 4 — 3 1 Settlements (20 ) (1 ) (4 ) (15 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 106 $ 9 $ 97 $ — Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Non-financial assets such as equity and other securities that are accounted for using the cost or equity method, goodwill and IPR&D, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when impairment is recognized. The Company holds investments in equity and other securities that are accounted for using the cost or equity method, which are classified as other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate carrying amount of these investments was $520 million and $666 million as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , respectively. These cost or equity method investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The fair value of the Company’s cost or equity method investments is not estimated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstance that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments. During fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company determined that the fair values of certain cost method investments were below their carrying values and that the carrying values of these investments were not expected to be recoverable within a reasonable period of time. As a result, the Company recognized $7 million , $10 million , and $21 million in impairment charges in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. These investments fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, due to the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, as the investments are privately-held entities without quoted market prices. To determine the fair value of these investments, the Company used all pertinent financial information available related to the entities, including financial statements and market participant valuations from recent and proposed equity offerings. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment annually in the third quarter and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The aggregate carrying amount of goodwill was $40.530 billion and $10.593 billion as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , respectively. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level. During fiscal year 2015, the Company reassessed the level for which it has aggregated its reporting units in connection with the annual assessment performed in the third quarter. Based on the determination of the similar economic characteristics, the components of the Cardiac and Vascular Group were aggregated into one reporting unit for the annual impairment assessment. Similarly, the components of the Restorative Therapies Group were aggregated into one reporting unit for the annual impairment assessment. The test for impairment of goodwill requires the Company to make several estimates about fair value, most of which are based on projected future cash flows. The Company calculated the excess of each reporting unit's fair value over its carrying amount, including goodwill, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis. As a result of the analysis performed, the fair value of each reporting unit's goodwill was deemed to be greater than the carrying value. The Company did not record any goodwill impairments during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . The Company assesses IPR&D for impairment annually in the third quarter and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The aggregate carrying amount of IPR&D was $470 million and $119 million as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , respectively. Similar to the goodwill impairment test, the IPR&D impairment test requires the Company to make several estimates about fair value, most of which are based on projected future cash flows. The Company calculated the excess of IPR&D asset fair values over their carrying values utilizing a discounted future cash flow analysis. As a result of the analysis performed during fiscal year 2015, the fair value of certain IPR&D assets were deemed to be less than their carrying value, resulting in an impairment loss of $5 million , which was recorded in acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. As a result of the analysis performed during fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the fair value of IPR&D assets were deemed to be less than the carrying value, resulting in a pre-tax impairment loss of $207 million and $5 million , respectively. In 2014, the pre-tax impairment loss primarily related to the Ardian acquisition and was recorded in acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. See discussion below for additional information on impairments recorded on the Ardian long-lived asset group. Due to the nature of IPR&D projects, the Company may experience future delays or failures to obtain regulatory approvals to conduct clinical trials, failures of such clinical trials, delays or failures to obtain required market clearances or other failures to achieve a commercially viable product, and as a result, may record impairment losses in the future. The Company assesses intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an intangible asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. The aggregate carrying amount of intangible assets, excluding IPR&D and tradenames, was $27.381 billion and $2.167 billion as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , respectively. When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an intangible asset may not be recoverable, the Company calculates the excess of an intangible asset's carrying value over its undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The inputs used in the fair value analysis fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value. The Company did not record any intangible asset impairments during fiscal year 2015 . During fiscal year 2014 and 2013 , the Company determined that a change in events and circumstances indicated that the carrying amount of certain intangible assets, representing less than five percent of the total aggregate carrying amount of intangible assets, may not be fully recoverable. During fiscal year 2014, the carrying amount of Ardian intangible assets was less than the undiscounted future cash flows, therefore, the Company assessed the fair value of the assets and recorded an impairment of $41 million that was included in acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. During fiscal year 2013 , the carrying amount of one intangible asset was less than the undiscounted future cash flows, therefore, the Company assessed the asset's fair value and there were no material impairments recorded. The Company assesses property, plant, and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of property, plant, and equipment assets may not be recoverable. As part of the Company’s restructuring initiatives, the Company recorded property, plant, and equipment impairments of $8 million , $16 million , and $6 million during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, in restructuring charges, net in the consolidated statements of income. During fiscal year 2014 , the Company determined that a change in events and circumstances indicated that the carrying amount of Ardian property, plant, and equipment may not be fully recoverable and recorded an impairment of $3 million that was recorded in acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. For further discussion of the restructuring initiatives, refer to Note 3. Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including the short-term portion, as of April 24, 2015 was $34.637 billion compared to a principal value of $32.125 billion . As of April 25, 2014 the estimated fair value was $11.856 billion compared to a principal value of $11.375 billion . Fair value was estimated using quoted market prices for the publicly registered senior notes, classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair values and principal values consider the terms of the related debt and exclude the impacts of debt discounts and derivative/hedging activity.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (in millions) Cardiac and Vascular Group Minimally Invasive Therapies Group Restorative Therapies Group Diabetes Group Total Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 2,624 $ — $ 6,361 $ 1,344 $ 10,329 Goodwill as a result of acquisitions 279 — — — 279 Other adjustments, net (8 ) — 7 — (1 ) Currency adjustment, net (14 ) — — — (14 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 2,881 $ — $ 6,368 $ 1,344 $ 10,593 Goodwill as a result of Covidien acquisition 2,795 23,399 2,892 500 29,586 Goodwill as a result of other acquisitions 245 — 218 9 472 Other adjustments, net — — (9 ) — (9 ) Currency adjustment, net (66 ) — (45 ) (1 ) (112 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 5,855 $ 23,399 $ 9,424 $ 1,852 $ 40,530 The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets at the end of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2014 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortizable: Customer-related $ 18,492 $ (273 ) $ 76 $ (6 ) Purchased technology and patents 11,118 (2,268 ) 3,857 (1,878 ) Trademarks and tradenames 640 (363 ) 408 (332 ) Other 79 (44 ) 124 (82 ) Total $ 30,329 $ (2,948 ) $ 4,465 $ (2,298 ) Non-Amortizable: IPR&D $ 470 $ 119 Tradenames 250 — Total $ 720 $ 119 Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, in connection with the Covidien acquisition, the Company acquired $18.3 billion of customer-related intangible assets, $7.1 billion of technology-based intangible assets, $0.5 billion of tradenames, and $0.4 billion of IPR&D. Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Amortization expense for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $733 million , $349 million , and $331 million , respectively. Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable intangible assets, excluding any possible future amortization associated with acquired IPR&D, which has not met technological feasibility, is as follows: (in millions) Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2016 $ 1,911 2017 1,889 2018 1,858 2019 1,765 2020 1,717

Financing Arrangements

Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Financing Arrangements	Financing Arrangements Short-term debt consisted of the following: April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 (in millions) Payable Payable Capital lease obligations $ 16 $ 14 Bank borrowings 303 337 3.000 percent five-year 2010 senior notes — 1,250 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes 500 — 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes 600 — 1.350 percent 2012 CIFSA senior notes 600 — 2.800 percent 2010 CIFSA senior notes 400 — Interest rate swaps 10 12 Debt premium 5 — Total Short-Term Borrowings $ 2,434 $ 1,613 Commercial Paper On January 26, 2015, Medtronic Global Holdings S.C.A., an entity organized under the laws of Luxembourg (Medtronic Luxco), entered into various agreements pursuant to which Medtronic Luxco may issue unsecured commercial paper notes (the 2015 Commercial Paper Program) on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $3.500 billion . The Company and Medtronic, Inc. have guaranteed the obligations of Medtronic Luxco under the 2015 Commercial Paper Program. In connection with entry into the 2015 Commercial Paper Program, Medtronic, Inc. and Covidien terminated their respective existing commercial paper programs. Medtronic, Inc's previous commercial paper program allowed a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $2.250 billion . No amounts were outstanding as of April 24, 2015 . During fiscal years 2015 and 2014 , the weighted average original maturity of the commercial paper outstanding was approximately 52 and 53 days, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 0.13 percent and 0.09 percent , respectively. The issuance of commercial paper reduces the amount of credit available under the Company's existing line of credit. Bank Borrowings Outstanding bank borrowings as of April 24, 2015 were short-term advances to certain non-U.S. subsidiaries under credit agreements with various banks. Bank borrowings consist primarily of borrowings at interest rates considered favorable by management ranging from 0.28% to 0.29% and the borrowing is a natural hedge of foreign currency and exchange exchange rate risk. Line of Credit On January 26, 2015, the Company amended and restated its existing Credit Facility and entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement), by and among Medtronic, Medtronic, Inc., Medtronic Luxco, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and issuing bank. The Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a $3.500 billion Five Year Revolving Credit Facility ( $3.500 billion Five Year Revolving Credit Facility) and provides the Company with the ability to increase its borrowing capacity by an additional $500 million at any time during the term of the agreement. At each anniversary date of the $3.500 billion Five Year Revolving Credit Facility, but not more than twice prior to the maturity date, the Company could also request a one -year extension of the maturity date. The Company, Medtronic Luxco, and Medtronic, Inc. guarantee the obligations under the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. As of April 24, 2015 , no amounts were outstanding on the committed line of credit. Interest rates are determined by a pricing matrix, based on the Company’s long-term debt ratings, assigned by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service. Facility fees are payable on the Credit Facility and are determined in the same manner as the interest rates. The agreement also contains customary covenants, all of which the Company remains in compliance with as of April 24, 2015 . The Company had a $2.250 billion syndicated credit facility which was scheduled to expire on December 17, 2017 (Credit Facility). The Credit Facility provided backup funding for the commercial paper program. As of April 25, 2014 , no amounts were outstanding on the committed line of credit. Long-term debt consisted of the following: April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 (in millions, except interest rates) Maturity by Fiscal Year Payable Effective Interest Rate Payable Effective Interest Rate 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes 2016 $ — — $ 600 4.76 % 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes 2016 — — 500 2.72 % Floating rate three-year 2014 senior notes 2017 250 0.32 % 250 0.32 % 0.875 percent three-year 2014 senior notes 2017 250 0.91 % 250 0.91 % 6.000 percent ten-year 2008 CIFSA senior notes 2018 1,150 1.41 % — — 1.375 percent five-year 2013 senior notes 2018 1,000 1.41 % 1,000 1.41 % 1.500 percent three-year 2015 senior notes 2018 1,000 1.59 % — — 5.600 percent ten-year 2009 senior notes 2019 400 5.61 % 400 5.61 % 4.450 percent ten-year 2010 senior notes 2020 1,250 4.47 % 1,250 4.47 % 4.200 percent ten-year 2010 CIFSA senior notes 2020 600 2.22 % — — 2.500 percent five-year 2015 senior notes 2020 2,500 2.52 % — — Floating rate five-year 2015 senior notes 2020 500 1.04 % — — 4.125 percent ten-year 2011 senior notes 2021 500 4.19 % 500 4.19 % 3.125 percent ten-year 2012 senior notes 2022 675 3.16 % 675 3.16 % 3.200 percent ten-year 2012 CIFSA senior notes 2022 650 2.66 % — — 3.150 percent seven-year 2015 senior notes 2022 2,500 3.18 % — — 2.750 percent ten-year 2013 senior notes 2023 1,250 2.78 % 1,250 2.78 % 2.950 percent ten-year 2013 CIFSA senior notes 2023 750 2.67 % — — 3.625 percent ten-year 2014 senior notes 2024 850 3.65 % 850 3.65 % 3.500 percent ten-year 2015 senior notes 2025 4,000 3.61 % — — 4.375 percent twenty-year 2015 senior notes 2035 2,500 4.44 % — — 6.550 percent thirty-year 2007 CIFSA senior notes 2037 850 3.75 % — — 6.500 percent thirty-year 2009 senior notes 2039 300 6.52 % 300 6.52 % 5.550 percent thirty-year 2010 senior notes 2040 500 5.56 % 500 5.56 % 4.500 percent thirty-year 2012 senior notes 2042 400 4.51 % 400 4.51 % 4.000 percent thirty-year 2013 senior notes 2043 750 4.12 % 750 4.12 % 4.625 percent thirty-year 2014 senior notes 2044 650 4.67 % 650 4.67 % 4.625 percent thirty-year 2015 senior notes 2045 4,000 4.64 % — — Three-year term loan 2018 3,000 1.12 % — — Interest rate swaps 2016-2022 79 — 56 — Deferred gains from interest rate swap terminations, net — 3 — 20 — Capital lease obligations 2016-2025 129 3.52 % 139 3.62 % Bank borrowings 2021 17 — — — Debt premium (discount) 2017-2045 499 — (25 ) — Total Long-Term Debt $ 33,752 $ 10,315 Senior Notes Senior Notes are unsecured, senior obligations of the Company and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued contain customary covenants, all of which the Company remains in compliance with as of April 24, 2015 . The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes primarily for working capital and general corporate uses, which includes the repayment of other indebtedness of the Company. On January 26, 2015, Medtronic and Medtronic Luxco each provided a full and unconditional guarantee of the Senior Note obligations of Medtronic, Inc. and of Covidien International Finance S.A., a Luxembourg company (“CIFSA”). On December 10, 2014, the Company issued seven tranches of Senior Notes (collectively the 2015 Senior Notes) with an aggregate face value of $17.000 billion , resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $16.8 billion , net of discounts and issuance costs. The first tranche consisted of $1.000 billion of 1.500 percent Senior Notes due 2018. The second tranche consisted of $2.500 billion of 2.500 percent Senior Notes due 2020. The third tranche consisted of $500 million of floating rate Senior Notes due 2020 (the 2020 floating rate notes). The 2020 floating rate notes bear interest at the three-month London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 80 basis points . The fourth tranche consisted of $2.500 billion of 3.150 percent Senior Notes due 2022. The fifth tranche consisted of $4.000 billion of 3.500 percent Senior Notes due 2025. The sixth tranche consisted of $2.500 billion of 4.375 percent Senior Notes due 2035. The seventh tranche consisted of $4.000 billion of 4.625 percent Senior Notes due 2045. Interest on the 2020 floating rate notes is payable quarterly and interest on each series of the fixed rate notes is payable semi-annually. The Company used the combined proceeds from the 2015 Senior Notes and the $3.000 billion borrowed for a term of three years under the Term Loan Credit Agreement (as defined below) to fund the approximately $16 billion cash consideration portion of the January 26, 2015 estimated $50 billion acquisition of Covidien, to pay certain transaction and financing expenses, and for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness. In February 2014, the Company issued four tranches of Senior Notes (collectively, the 2014 Senior Notes) with an aggregate face value of $2.000 billion . The first tranche consisted of $250 million of floating rate Senior Notes due 2017. The 2017 floating rate notes bear interest at the three-month London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 9 basis points . The second tranche consisted of $250 million of 0.875 percent Senior Notes due 2017. The third tranche consisted of $850 million of 3.625 percent Senior Notes due 2024. The fourth tranche consisted of $650 million of 4.625 percent Senior Notes due 2044. Interest on the 2017 floating rate notes is payable quarterly and interest on the other 2014 Senior Notes are payable semi-annually. The Company used the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes, including repayment of indebtedness. As of January 26, 2015, Covidien had $5.000 billion aggregate principal amount issued and outstanding consisting of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 2.950 percent senior notes due 2023, $600 million aggregate principal amount of 1.350 percent senior notes due 2015, $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.200 percent senior notes due 2022, $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2.800 percent senior notes due 2015, $600 million aggregate principal amount of 4.200 percent senior notes due 2020, $1.150 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.000 percent senior notes due 2018 and $850 million aggregate principal amount of 6.550 percent senior notes due 2037 (collectively, the “Covidien Outstanding Notes”). The Company recorded a fair value adjustment as required upon acquisition and subsequently recorded a premium totaling $607 million related to Covidien Outstanding Notes. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the Company had interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges of certain underlying fixed-rate obligations including the Company’s $600 million 4.750 percent 2005 Senior Notes, $500 million 2.625 percent 2011 Senior Notes, $500 million 4.125 percent 2011 Senior Notes, and $675 million 3.125 percent 2012 Senior Notes. As of April 25, 2014 , the Company also had an interest rate swap agreement designated as a fair value hedge underlying the fixed rate obligation related to the Company's $1.250 billion 3.000 percent 2010 Senior Notes , which were due during fiscal year 2015. For additional information regarding the interest rate swap agreements, refer to Note 9. Term Loan On January 26, 2015, Medtronic, Inc. borrowed $3.000 billion for a term of three years under that certain Senior Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), among Medtronic, Inc., Medtronic, Medtronic Luxco, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, to finance, in part, the cash component of the Arrangement Consideration and certain transaction expenses. Medtronic and Medtronic Luxco have guaranteed the obligations of Medtronic, Inc. under the Term Loan Credit Agreement. Contractual maturities of debt for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, excluding the debt premium and discount, the fair value of outstanding interest rate swap agreements, and the remaining deferred gains from terminated interest rate swap agreements are as follows: (in millions) Fiscal Year 2016 $ 2,419 2017 538 2018 6,173 2019 423 2020 4,273 Thereafter 21,764 Total debt 35,590 Less: Current portion of debt 2,419 Long-term portion of debt $ 33,171

Derivatives and Foreign Exchang

Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management	Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management The Company enters into derivative instruments, principally forward currency exchange rate contracts, in order to minimize earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from currency exchange rate changes. These contracts are designed to hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions and changes in the value of specific assets and liabilities. The primary currencies of these derivative instruments are the Euro and Japanese Yen. The gross notional amount of all currency exchange rate derivative instruments outstanding at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 was $9.782 billion and $8.051 billion , respectively. The aggregate currency exchange rate gains (losses) were $131 million , $(1) million , and $25 million , in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The information that follows explains the various types of derivatives and financial instruments used by the Company, how and why the Company uses such instruments, how such instruments are accounted for, and how such instruments impact the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, and statements of cash flows. Freestanding Derivative Forward Contracts Freestanding derivative forward contracts are used to offset the Company’s exposure to the change in value of specific foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and to offset variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency. The gross notional amount of these contracts, not designated as hedging instruments, outstanding at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 was $4.713 billion and $2.202 billion , respectively. The amount and location of the gains in the consolidated statements of income related to derivative instruments, not designated as hedging instruments, for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 are as follows: (in millions) Fiscal Year Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location 2015 2014 2013 Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Other expense, net $ 210 $ 15 $ 26 Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are designed to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency that will take place in the future. No gains or losses relating to ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges were recognized in earnings during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . No components of the hedge contracts were excluded in the measurement of hedge ineffectiveness and no hedges were derecognized or discontinued during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . The gross notional amount of these contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, outstanding at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 was $5.069 billion and $5.849 billion , respectively, and will mature within the subsequent two-year period. The amount of gains (losses) and location of the gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income (OCI) related to foreign currency exchange rate contract derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 are as follows: April 24, 2015 Gross Gains Recognized in OCI on Effective Portion of Derivative Effective Portion of Gains (Losses) on Derivative Reclassified from AOCI into Income (in millions) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount Location Amount Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 707 Other expense, net $ 221 Cost of products sold (65 ) Total $ 707 $ 156 April 25, 2014 Gross Losses Recognized in OCI on Effective Portion of Derivative Effective Portion of Gains (Losses) on Derivative Reclassified from AOCI into Income (in millions) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount Location Amount Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (152 ) Other expense, net $ 94 Cost of products sold (43 ) Total $ (152 ) $ 51 April 26, 2013 Gross Gains Recognized in OCI on Effective Portion of Derivative Effective Portion of Gains (Losses) on Derivative Reclassified from AOCI into Income (in millions) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount Location Amount Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 121 Other expense, net $ 103 Cost of products sold (2 ) Total $ 121 $ 101 Forecasted Debt Issuance Interest Rate Risk Forward starting interest rate derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are designed to manage the exposure to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuances of fixed-rate debt. In connection with the closing of the 2015 Senior Notes, the Company entered into forward starting interest rate derivatives with a notional amount of $5.850 billion , these swaps were terminated upon the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes. Upon termination, there was no material ineffectiveness on the contracts which were in a net liability position, resulting in cash payment of $79 million . In February 2014, the Company terminated forward starting interest rate derivative instruments with a consolidated notional amount of $250 million in conjunction with the issuance of the 2014 Senior Notes. Upon termination, there was no material ineffectiveness on the contracts which were in a net liability position, resulting in cash payments of $8 million . As of April 24, 2015 , the Company had $800 million of fixed pay, forward starting interest rate swaps with a weighted average fixed rate of 2.99 percent in anticipation of planned debt issuances. For the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the Company reclassified $11 million and $8 million , respectively, of the effective portion of the net losses on forward starting interest rate derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense, net . The market value of outstanding forward starting interest rate swap derivative instruments at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 was an unrealized (loss) gain of $(71) million and $7 million , respectively. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the Company had $210 million and $(44) million , respectively, in after-tax net unrealized gains (losses) associated with cash flow hedging instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss . The Company expects that $230 million of after-tax net unrealized gains as of April 24, 2015 will be reclassified into the consolidated statements of earnings over the next 12 months. Fair Value Hedges Interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are designed to manage the exposure to interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs by converting fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. Under these agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the Company had interest rate swaps in gross notional amounts of $2.025 billion and $2.625 billion , respectively, designated as fair value hedges of underlying fixed rate obligations. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the Company had interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges of underlying fixed rate obligations including the Company’s, $600 million 4.750 percent 2005 Senior Notes due 2016 , the $500 million 2.625 percent 2011 Senior Notes due 2016 , the $500 million 4.125 percent 2011 Senior Notes due 2021 , and the $675 million 3.125 percent 2012 Senior Notes due 2022 . As of April 25, 2014 , the Company also had an interest rate swap agreement designated as a fair value hedge underlying the fixed rate obligation related to the Company's $1.250 billion 3.000 percent 2010 Senior Notes , which were due during fiscal year 2015. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the market value of outstanding interest rate swap agreements was an unrealized gain of $18 million and $68 million , respectively, and the market value of the hedged items was an unrealized loss of $18 million and $68 million , respectively, which was recorded in other assets, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and other long-term liabilities with the offsets recorded in long-term debt and short-term borrowings on the consolidated balance sheets. No significant hedge ineffectiveness was recorded as a result of these fair value hedges for fiscal year 2015, 2014, and 2013. During fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company did not have any ineffective fair value hedging instruments. In addition, the Company did not recognize any gains or losses during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 on firm commitments that no longer qualify as fair value hedges. Balance Sheet Presentation The following tables summarize the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 . The fair value amounts are presented on a gross basis and are segregated between derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments and those that are not, and are further segregated by type of contract within those two categories. April 24, 2015 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (in millions) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 10 Other accrued expenses $ — Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 382 Other accrued expenses 12 Interest rate contracts Other assets 79 Other long-term liabilities 71 Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Other assets 143 Other long-term liabilities 3 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 614 $ 86 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 119 Other accrued expenses $ 30 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 119 $ 30 Total derivatives $ 733 $ 116 April 25, 2014 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (in millions) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 13 Other accrued expenses $ — Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 81 Other accrued expenses 84 Interest rate contracts Other assets 73 Other long-term liabilities 11 Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Other assets 8 Other long-term liabilities 30 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 175 $ 125 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ — Other accrued expenses $ 2 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ — $ 2 Total derivatives $ 175 $ 127 The Company has elected to present the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis even when derivative transactions are subject to master netting arrangements and may otherwise qualify for net presentation. The following table provides information as if the Company had elected to offset the asset and liability balances of derivative instruments, netted in accordance with various criteria as stipulated by the terms of the master netting arrangements with each of the counterparties. Derivatives not subject to master netting arrangements are not eligible for net presentation. April 24, 2015 Gross Amount Not Offset on the Balance Sheet (in millions) Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) Financial Instruments Cash Collateral (Received) or Posted Net Amount Derivative Assets Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 644 $ (61 ) $ (325 ) $ 258 Interest rate contracts 89 (10 ) (13 ) 66 $ 733 $ (71 ) $ (338 ) $ 324 Derivative Liabilities Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (45 ) $ 31 — $ (14 ) Interest rate contracts (71 ) 40 8 (23 ) $ (116 ) $ 71 $ 8 $ (37 ) Total $ 617 $ — $ (330 ) $ 287 April 25, 2014 Gross Amount Not Offset on the Balance Sheet (in millions) Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) Financial Instruments Cash Collateral (Received) or Posted Net Amount Derivative Assets Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 89 $ (64 ) $ — $ 25 Interest rate contracts 86 (31 ) — 55 $ 175 $ (95 ) $ — $ 80 Derivative Liabilities Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (116 ) $ 84 $ — $ (32 ) Interest rate contracts (11 ) 11 — — $ (127 ) $ 95 $ — $ (32 ) Total $ 48 $ — $ — $ 48 Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of interest-bearing investments, forward exchange derivative contracts, and trade accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents, investments, and certain other financial instruments (including currency exchange rate and interest rate derivative contracts) with various major financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standings of these financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one institution. In addition, the Company has collateral credit agreements with its primary derivatives counterparties. Under these agreements, either party is required to post eligible collateral when the market value of transactions covered by the agreement exceeds specific thresholds, thus limiting credit exposure for both parties. As of April 24, 2015 , the Company received net cash collateral of $330 million from its counterparties. As of April 25, 2014 , no collateral was posted by either the Company or its counterparties. The collateral received was recorded in cash and cash equivalents , with the offset recorded as an increase in other accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. Global concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many geographic areas. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of its customers to which it grants credit terms in the normal course of business. However, a significant amount of trade receivables are with hospitals that are dependent upon governmental health care systems in many countries. The current economic conditions in many countries outside the U.S. may continue to increase the average length of time it takes the Company to collect on its outstanding trade receivables in these countries as certain payment patterns have been impacted. Although the Company does not currently foresee a significant credit risk associated with the outstanding accounts receivable, repayment is dependent upon the financial stability of the economies of these countries.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity	Shareholders’ Equity Share Capital On January 26, 2015, the Company consummated a reorganization pursuant to which Medtronic plc domiciled in Ireland became the publicly traded parent of Medtronic, Inc. In connection with the reorganization, all issued and outstanding Medtronic, Inc. common shares were canceled and ceased to exist and each Medtronic, Inc. common stock share was converted into one Medtronic plc ordinary share. Subsequent to the reorganization, Medtronic plc is authorized to issue 2.600 billion Ordinary Shares, $0.0001 par value; 40 thousand Euro Deferred Shares, € 1.00 par value; 128 million Preferred Shares, $0.20 par value; and 500 thousand A Preferred Shares, $1.00 par value. Euro Deferred Shares During the Transactions, the Company issued 40 thousand Euro Deferred Shares at their par value of € 1.00 per share. The holders of the Euro Deferred Shares are not entitled to receive any dividend or distribution and are not entitled to receive notice of, nor attend, speak or vote at any general meeting of the Company. On a return of assets, whether on liquidation or otherwise, the Euro Deferred Shares are entitled to only the repayment of the amounts paid up on such shares, after repayment of the capital paid up on the ordinary shares. Euro Deferred shareholders are not entitled to any further participation in the assets or profits of the Company. A Preferred Shares The Company issued 624 A Preferred Shares, par value $1.00 , each to three of its advisors in connection with the Transactions, for a total of 1,872 A Preferred Shares outstanding with an aggregate consideration of $75 thousand . The holders of A Preferred Shares are entitled to payment of dividends prior to any other class of shares in the Company equal to twice the dividend to be paid per Company ordinary share. On a return of assets, whether on liquidation or otherwise, the A Preferred Shares are entitled to repayment of the capital paid up thereon in priority to any repayment of capital to the holders of any other shares and the holders of the A Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to any further participation in the assets or profits of the Company. The holders of the A Preferred Shares are not entitled to receive notice of, nor to attend, speak, or vote at any general meeting of the Company. Dividends The timing, declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our ordinary and A Preferred shares falls within the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and depends upon many factors, including the statutory requirements of Irish law, the Company's earnings and financial condition, the capital requirements of our businesses, industry practice and any other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant. Ordinary Share Repurchase Program Shares are repurchased from time to time to support the Company’s stock-based compensation programs and to return capital to shareholders. In January 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized, subject to the ongoing existence of sufficient distributable reserves, the adoption of the existing Medtronic, Inc. share redemption program. During fiscal years 2015 and 2014 , the Company repurchased approximately 29.8 million and 47.8 million shares at an average price of $64.53 and $53.37 , respectively. As of April 24, 2015 , the Company had used 50.3 million of the 80 million shares authorized under the repurchase program, leaving 29.7 million shares available for future repurchases. In June 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized, subject to the ongoing existence of sufficient distributable reserves, the redemption of an additional 80 million of the Company's ordinary shares. The Company accounts for repurchases of ordinary shares using the par value method and shares repurchased are canceled.

Stock Purchase and Award Plans

Stock Purchase and Award Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	Stock Purchase and Award Plans The Company measures stock-based compensation expense at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. In January 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved an amendment to and assumption of the existing Medtronic, Inc. 2013 Stock Award and Incentive Plan. In fiscal year 2015 , the Company granted stock awards under the Medtronic plc 2013 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (2013 Plan). The 2013 Plan was approved by the Company's shareholders in August 2013 and amended in January 2015. The 2013 Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, and other stock and cash-based awards. As of April 24, 2015 , there were approximately 41 million shares available for future grants under the 2013 Plan. Share Options Options are granted at the exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s ordinary share on the grant date. The majority of the Company’s options are non-qualified options with a 10 -year life and a 4 -year ratable vesting term. In fiscal year 2015 , the Company granted share options under the 2013 Plan. Restricted Stock Awards Restricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively referred to as restricted stock awards) are granted to officers and key employees. Restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the lapse of the restrictions. The Company grants restricted stock awards that typically cliff vest after four years. Restricted stock awards are expensed over the vesting period. The Company also grants shares of performance-based restricted stock awards that typically cliff vest after three years only if the Company has also achieved certain performance objectives. Performance awards are expensed over the performance period based on the probability of achieving the performance objectives. Shares of restricted stock are considered issued and outstanding shares of the Company at the grant date and have the same dividend and voting rights as other ordinary shares. Restricted stock units are not considered issued or outstanding ordinary shares of the Company. Dividend equivalent units are accumulated on restricted stock units during the vesting period. In fiscal year 2015 , the Company granted restricted stock units under the 2013 Plan. As of April 24, 2015 , all restricted stock awards outstanding were restricted stock units. Employees Stock Purchase Plan The Medtronic plc Amended and Restated 2014 Employees Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) allows participating employees to purchase the Company's ordinary shares at a discount through payroll deductions. Employees can contribute up to the lesser of 10 percent of their wages or the statutory limit under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code toward the purchase the Company’s ordinary shares at 85 percent of its market value at the end of the calendar quarter purchase period. Employees purchased 1 million shares at an average price of $57.66 per share in the fiscal year ended April 24, 2015 . As of April 24, 2015 , plan participants have had approximately $11 million withheld to purchase the Company's ordinary shares at 85 percent of its market value on June 30, 2015, the last trading day before the end of the calendar quarter purchase period. At April 24, 2015 , approximately 22 million ordinary shares were available for future purchase under the ESPP. Valuation Assumptions The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model (Black-Scholes model) to determine the fair value of stock options as of the grant date. The fair value of stock options under the Black-Scholes model requires management to make assumptions regarding projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates, volatility of the Company’s stock price, and expected dividends. The expense recognized for shares purchased under the Company’s ESPP is equal to the 15 percent discount the employee receives at the end of the calendar quarter purchase period. The expense recognized for restricted stock awards is equal to the grant date fair value, which is equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant. The following table provides the weighted average fair value of options granted to employees and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model: Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 25.39 $ 12.00 $ 7.42 Assumptions used: Expected life (years) (a) 4.24 6.40 6.50 Risk-free interest rate (b) 0.99 % 1.88 % 0.94 % Volatility (c) 21.29 % 25.20 % 26.22 % Dividend yield (d) 1.66 % 2.02 % 2.64 % (a) Expected life: The Company analyzes historical employee stock option exercise and termination data to estimate the expected life assumption. The Company calculates the expected life assumption using the midpoint scenario, which combines historical exercise data with hypothetical exercise data, as the Company believes this data currently represents the best estimate of the expected life of a new employee option. The Company also stratifies its employee population into two groups based upon distinctive exercise behavior patterns. (b) Risk-free interest rate: The rate is based on the grant date yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond whose maturity period equals the expected term of the option. (c) Volatility: Expected volatility is based on a blend of historical volatility and an implied volatility of the Company’s ordinary shares. Implied volatility is based on market traded options of the Company’s ordinary shares. (d) Dividend yield: The dividend yield rate is calculated by dividing the Company’s annual dividend, based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate, by the closing stock price on the grant date. Stock-Based Compensation Expense Under the fair value recognition provisions of U.S. GAAP for accounting for stock-based compensation, the Company measures stock-based compensation expense at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates pre-vesting forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Ultimately, the total expense recognized over the vesting period will equal the fair value of awards that actually vest. Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, unvested restricted stock units held by Covidien employees that were granted prior to June 15, 2014 accelerated and became vested upon the close of the Covidien acquisition, whereby each share was converted in a manner consistent with the Arrangement Consideration discussed in Note 2. The accelerated vesting and share conversion constituted a modification under the authoritative guidance for accounting for stock compensation and resulted in $91 million of incremental costs on the date of acquisition and is included in acquisition-related items . Also pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, unvested performance share units held by Covidien employees accelerated and vested upon the close of the Covidien acquisition based on performance achieved through January 15, 2015. The modification made to the market-based condition of unvested performance share units as a result of the Covidien acquisition also constituted a modification similar to the modification described above. As a result, the modification resulted in incremental compensation cost of $72 million on the date of the acquisition and is included in acquisition-related items . Additionally, pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, outstanding stock option awards held by Covidien employees upon transaction close were converted into options to acquire the Company's ordinary shares in a manner designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. In addition, pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, unvested restricted stock units granted on or after June 15, 2014 which were held by Covidien employees upon close of the Covidien acquisition were converted into restricted stock units of the Company in a manner designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. The modifications made to the restricted stock units granted on or after June 15, 2014 and all outstanding share options pursuant to the Transaction Agreement that converted such awards constituted modifications under the authoritative guidance for accounting for stock compensation. This guidance requires the Company to revalue the award upon the transaction close and allocate the revised fair value between consideration paid and continuing expense based on the ratio of service performed through the transaction date over the total service period of the award. The revised fair value allocated to post-combination services resulted in incremental expense which is recognized over the remaining service period of the award. The Company recognized $26 million of incremental expense related to these modifications from the date of the acquisition through the end of fiscal year 2015 and is included in acquisition-related items . Except for the conversion of share options and restricted stock units discussed herein, the material terms of these awards remained unchanged. The following table presents the components and classification of stock-based compensation expense, including the modification expense related to the Transaction Agreement, for stock options, restricted stock awards, and ESPP shares recognized for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Stock options $ 140 $ 34 $ 44 Restricted stock awards 284 98 96 Employees stock purchase plan 15 13 12 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 439 $ 145 $ 152 Cost of products sold $ 23 $ 14 $ 12 Research and development expense 29 27 31 Selling, general, and administrative expense 128 104 109 Restructuring charges 70 — — Acquisition-related items 189 — — Total stock-based compensation expense 439 145 152 Income tax benefits (138 ) (40 ) (43 ) Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 301 $ 105 $ 109 Stock Options The following table summarizes all stock option activity, including activity from options assumed or issued as a result of acquisitions, during fiscal year 2015 : Options (in thousands) Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (dollars in millions) Outstanding at April 25, 2014 35,577 $ 44.78 Granted 40,952 57.96 Exercised (13,503 ) 45.32 Expired/Forfeited (1,005 ) 50.43 Outstanding at April 24, 2015 62,021 53.27 7.03 $ 1,351 Vested and expected to vest at April 24, 2015 55,649 51.27 6.75 1,314 Exercisable at April 24, 2015 28,272 39.91 4.53 981 The following table summarizes the total cash received from the issuance of new shares upon stock option award exercises, the total intrinsic value of options exercised and the related tax benefit during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cash proceeds from options exercised $ 609 $ 1,273 $ 230 Intrinsic value of options exercised 329 249 39 Tax benefit related to options exercised 106 78 12 Unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding stock options as of April 24, 2015 was $403 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years . Restricted Stock Awards The following table summarizes restricted stock award activity, including activity from restricted stock awards assumed or issued as a result of acquisitions, during fiscal year 2015 : Awards (in thousands) Wtd. Avg. Grant Price Nonvested at April 25, 2014 9,558 $ 44.06 Granted 3,515 69.30 Vested (2,442 ) 39.53 Forfeited (609 ) 46.22 Nonvested at April 24, 2015 10,022 $ 53.88 The following table summarizes the weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted, total fair value of restricted stock awards vested and related tax benefit during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : (in millions, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average grant-date fair value per restricted stock award $ 69.30 $ 55.62 $ 39.53 Fair value of restricted stock awards vested 174 142 116 Tax benefit related to restricted stock awards vested 50 40 34 Unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards as of April 24, 2015 was $252 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is based on income before income taxes reported for financial statement purposes. The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes, based on tax jurisdiction, are as follows: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 639 $ 1,690 $ 1,806 International 2,847 2,015 2,445 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 3,486 $ 3,705 $ 4,251 The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense: U.S. $ 1,128 $ 532 $ 509 International 502 248 219 Total current tax expense 1,630 780 728 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: U.S. (705 ) (175 ) 46 International (114 ) 35 10 Net deferred tax (benefit) expense (819 ) (140 ) 56 Total provision for income taxes $ 811 $ 640 $ 784 Deferred taxes arise because of the different treatment of transactions for financial statement accounting and income tax accounting, known as “temporary differences.” The Company records the tax effect of these temporary differences as “deferred tax assets” and “deferred tax liabilities.” Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in a tax return in future years for which the Company has already recorded the tax benefit in the consolidated statements of income. The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future taxable income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements for which payment has been deferred or expense has already been taken as a deduction on the Company’s tax return but has not yet been recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements of income. Tax assets (liabilities), shown before jurisdictional netting of deferred tax assets (liabilities), are comprised of the following: (in millions) April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards $ 5,912 $ 487 Other accrued liabilities 585 205 Accrued compensation 330 201 Pension and post-retirement benefits 449 194 Stock-based compensation 418 171 Other 303 171 Inventory 171 118 Federal and state benefit on uncertain tax positions 296 79 Gross deferred tax assets 8,464 1,626 Valuation allowance (5,607 ) (397 ) Total deferred tax assets 2,857 1,229 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (5,393 ) (652 ) Basis impairment (204 ) (225 ) Realized loss on derivative financial instruments (112 ) (110 ) Other (96 ) (24 ) Accumulated depreciation (217 ) (20 ) Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities and derivative financial instruments (160 ) — Total deferred tax liabilities (6,182 ) (1,031 ) Prepaid income taxes 427 320 Income tax receivables 188 113 Tax (liabilities)/assets, net $ (2,710 ) $ 631 Reported as (after valuation allowance and jurisdictional netting): Tax assets $ 1,335 $ 736 Long-term tax assets 774 300 Deferred tax liabilities (119 ) (19 ) Long-term deferred tax liabilities (4,700 ) (386 ) Tax (liabilities)/assets, net $ (2,710 ) $ 631 At April 24, 2015, the Company had approximately $26.794 billion of net operating loss carryforwards in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, of which $20.827 billion have no expiration, and the remaining $5.967 billion will expire in future years through 2035. Included in these net operating loss carryforwards are $17.058 billion of net operating losses related to a subsidiary of the Company, substantially all of which were recorded in fiscal 2008 as a result of the receipt of a favorable tax ruling from certain non-U.S. taxing authorities. The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against these net operating losses as management does not believe that it is more likely than not that these net operating losses will be utilized. Certain of the remaining non-US net operating loss carryforwards of $9.736 billion have a valuation allowance recorded against the carryforwards as management does not believe that it is more likely than not that these net operating losses will be utilized. At April 24, 2015, the Company had $759 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards, which will expire during fiscal 2018 through 2035. For U.S. state purposes, the Company had $1.267 billion of net operating loss carryforwards at April 24, 2015, which will expire during fiscal 2016 through 2035. At April 24, 2015, the Company also had $183 million of tax credits available to reduce future income taxes payable, of which $102 million have no expiration, and the remaining credits begin to expire during fiscal 2016. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against a significant portion of these tax credits as management does not believe that it is more likely than not that they will be utilized. The Company has established valuation allowances of $5.607 billion and $397 million at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , respectively, primarily related to the uncertainty of the utilization of certain deferred tax assets, primarily tax loss and credit carryforwards in various jurisdictions. These valuation allowances would result in a reduction to the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income, if they are ultimately not required. At April 24, 2015, the Company had certain potential non-U.S. tax attributes that had not been recorded in the consolidated financial statements, including $12.587 billion of non-U.S. special deductions with an indefinite carryforward period. The Company has treated these amounts as special deductions for financial statement purposes since utilization is contingent upon the annual performance of certain economic factors. The Company intends to recognize the applicable portion of the special deduction annually at an estimated tax rate of between 1% and 3% when and if these economic factors are met. The Company’s effective income tax rate from continuing operations varied from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as follows: Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 U.S. federal statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from: U.S. state taxes, net of federal tax benefit 0.8 0.6 0.5 Research and development credit (0.7 ) (0.5 ) (1.1 ) Domestic production activities (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.3 ) International (24.3 ) (17.7 ) (16.7 ) Puerto Rico Excise Tax (1.7 ) (1.6 ) (1.3 ) Impact of non-recurring adjustments (a) 13.3 5.6 2.0 Reversal of excess tax accruals — (1.9 ) — Other, net 1.3 (1.8 ) 0.3 Effective tax rate 23.3 % 17.3 % 18.4 % (a) Non-recurring adjustments include the impact of inventory step-up, impact of product technology upgrade commitment, restructuring charges, net, certain litigation charges, net, acquisition-related items, amortization of intangible assets, and certain tax adjustments. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, a tentative settlement was reached with the IRS for the Kyphon acquisition-related matters. As a result, the Company recorded a $329 million certain tax adjustment associated with the proposed settlement. In addition, the certain tax adjustments includes a $20 million charge related to a taxable gain associated with the Covidien acquisition. The $349 million net tax cost was recorded in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of income for fiscal year 2015. In fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded a $71 million net tax benefit associated with the reversal of excess tax accruals. This net tax benefit included $63 million related to the settlement of certain issues reached with the IRS involving the review of the Company’s fiscal years 2009 through 2011 domestic income tax returns and the remaining amount related to the resolution of various state and foreign audit proceedings covering multiple years and issues. The $71 million net tax benefit was recorded in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of income for fiscal year 2014. At April 24, 2015 , no deferred taxes have been provided for any portion of the approximately $27.837 billion of undistributed earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries, since these earnings have been, and under current plans will continue to be, permanently reinvested in these subsidiaries. The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on approximately $20.529 billion , and $18.123 billion of undistributed earnings, net, from non-U.S. subsidiaries as of April 25, 2014 and April 26, 2013 , respectively. Due to the number of legal entities and jurisdictions involved and the complexity of the legal entity structure of the Company, the complexity of the tax laws in the relevant jurisdictions, including, but not limited to the rules pertaining to the utilization of foreign tax credits in the United States and the impact of projections of income for future years to any calculations, the Company believes it is not practicable to estimate, within any reasonable range, the amount of additional taxes which may be payable upon distribution of these earnings. Currently, the Company’s operations in Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Singapore, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Israel have various tax incentive grants. The tax reductions as compared to the local statutory rate favorably impacted earnings per diluted share by $0.37 in fiscal year 2015, $0.42 in fiscal year 2014, and $0.42 in fiscal year 2013. Unless these grants are extended, they will expire between fiscal years 2016 and 2027. The Company’s historical practice has been to renew, extend, or obtain new tax incentive grants upon expiration of existing tax incentive grants. If the Company is not able to renew, extend, or obtain new tax incentive grants, the expiration of existing tax incentive grants could have a material impact on the Company’s financial results in future periods. The Company had $2.860 billion , $1.172 billion , and $1.068 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 , respectively. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 is as follows: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of fiscal year $ 1,172 $ 1,068 $ 917 Gross increases: Prior year tax positions 331 64 12 Current year tax positions 231 166 169 Acquisitions 1,199 — — Gross decreases: Prior year tax positions (40 ) (58 ) (21 ) Settlements (33 ) (66 ) (6 ) Statute of limitation lapses — (2 ) (3 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of fiscal year $ 2,860 $ 1,172 $ 1,068 Cash advance paid in connection with proposed settlements (378 ) — — Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of fiscal year, net of cash advance $ 2,482 $ 1,172 $ 1,068 If all of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits as of April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 were recognized, $2.233 billion , $1.104 billion , and $1.028 billion would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, respectively. Although the Company believes that it has adequately provided for liabilities resulting from tax assessments by taxing authorities, positions taken by these tax authorities could have a material impact on the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods. The Company has recorded $267 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits as a current liability, and $2.593 billion as a long-term liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income and records the liability in the current or long-term accrued income taxes in the consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate. The Company had $656 million , $141 million , and $88 million of accrued gross interest and penalties as of April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 , respectively. During the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 , the Company recognized gross interest expense of approximately $142 million , $36 million , and $33 million in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income, respectively. The Company’s reserves for uncertain tax positions relate to unresolved matters with the IRS and other taxing authorities. These reserves are subject to a high degree of estimation and management judgment. Resolution of these significant unresolved matters, or positions taken by the IRS or foreign tax authorities during future tax audits, could have a material impact on the Company’s financial results in future periods. The Company continues to believe that its reserves for uncertain tax positions are appropriate and that it has meritorious defenses for its tax filings and will vigorously defend them during the audit process, appellate process, and through litigation in courts, as necessary. The major tax jurisdictions where the Company conducts business which remain subject to examination are as follows: Jurisdiction Earliest Year Open United States - federal and state 1996 Brazil 2009 Canada 2005 China 2009 Costa Rica 2012 Dominican Republic 2011 France 2007 Germany 2010 India 2002 Ireland 2010 Israel 2009 Italy 2005 Japan 2009 Luxembourg 2009 Mexico 2005 Puerto Rico 2005 Singapore 2009 Switzerland 2004 United Kingdom 2010 See Note 16 for additional information regarding the status of current tax audits and proceedings.

Retirement Benefit Plans

Retirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Benefit Plans	Retirement Benefit Plans The Company sponsors various retirement benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans (pension benefits), post-retirement medical plans (post-retirement benefits), defined contribution savings plans, and termination indemnity plans, covering substantially all U.S. employees and many employees outside the U.S. The expense related to these plans was $433 million , $419 million , and $419 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. In the U.S., the Company maintains a qualified pension plan designed to provide guaranteed minimum retirement benefits to all eligible U.S. employees. Pension coverage for non-U.S. employees is provided, to the extent deemed appropriate, through separate plans. In addition, U.S. and Puerto Rico employees are also eligible to receive specified Company paid health care and life insurance benefits through the Company’s post-retirement benefits. In addition to the benefits provided under the qualified pension plan, retirement benefits associated with wages in excess of the IRS allowable limits are provided to certain employees under a non-qualified plan. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , the net underfunded status of the Company’s benefit plans was $1.274 billion and $488 million , respectively. Defined Benefit Pension Plans The change in benefit obligation and funded status of the Company’s U.S. and Non-U.S. pension benefits are as follows: U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year: $ 2,699 $ 1,996 $ 1,462 $ 871 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,203 $ 2,154 $ 1,031 $ 811 Service cost 104 107 60 54 Interest cost 105 97 33 29 Benefit obligations assumed in Covidien acquisition 214 — 472 — Employee contributions — — 16 16 Plan curtailments and settlements — — (35 ) (2 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 391 (104 ) 354 88 Benefits paid (61 ) (51 ) (34 ) (27 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other — — (250 ) 62 Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 2,956 $ 2,203 $ 1,647 $ 1,031 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 1,917 $ 1,717 $ 889 $ 733 Actual return on plan assets 69 163 162 61 Plan assets acquired in Covidien acquisition 188 — 262 — Employer contributions 91 88 80 48 Employee contributions — — 16 16 Plan settlements — — (1 ) — Benefits paid (61 ) (51 ) (34 ) (27 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — (185 ) 58 Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 2,204 $ 1,917 $ 1,189 $ 889 Funded status at end of year: Fair value of plan assets $ 2,204 $ 1,917 $ 1,189 $ 889 Benefit obligations 2,956 2,203 1,647 1,031 Underfunded status of the plans $ (752 ) $ (286 ) $ (458 ) $ (142 ) Recognized liability $ (752 ) $ (286 ) $ (458 ) $ (142 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets consist of: Non-current assets $ 21 $ — $ 2 $ 17 Current liabilities (11 ) (10 ) (48 ) (4 ) Non-current liabilities (762 ) (276 ) (412 ) (155 ) Recognized liability $ (752 ) $ (286 ) $ (458 ) $ (142 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income: Prior service cost (benefit) $ 4 $ 4 $ (2 ) $ (2 ) Net actuarial loss 1,253 837 372 254 Ending balance $ 1,257 $ 841 $ 370 $ 252 In certain countries outside the U.S., fully funding pension plans is not a common practice, as funding provides no income tax benefit. Consequently, certain pension plans were partially funded as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 . U.S. and non-U.S. plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets consist of the following: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 3,678 $ 2,426 Projected benefit obligation 4,032 2,703 Plan assets at fair value 2,823 2,268 Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets consist of the following: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 4,319 $ 2,864 Plan assets at fair value 3,086 2,419 The net periodic benefit cost of the plans include the following components: U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 104 $ 107 $ 104 $ 60 $ 54 $ 43 Interest cost 105 97 94 33 29 27 Expected return on plan assets (160 ) (141 ) (128 ) (41 ) (35 ) (33 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) — 1 (1 ) — 1 1 Amortization of net actuarial loss 65 85 71 12 11 8 Net periodic benefit cost $ 114 $ 149 $ 140 $ 64 $ 60 $ 46 The other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal year 2015 are as follows: (in millions) U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Net actuarial loss $ 481 $ 199 Amortization of prior service cost — (1 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain (65 ) (12 ) Effect of exchange rates — (68 ) Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 416 $ 118 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 530 $ 182 The estimated net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, before tax, in fiscal year 2016 for U.S. and non-U.S. pension benefits is expected to be $98 million and $22 million , respectively. The actuarial assumptions are as follows: U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average assumptions – projected benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.20 % 4.75 % 4.55 % 1.88 % 3.32 % 3.52 % Rate of compensation increase 3.90 % 3.90 % 3.90 % 2.92 % 2.80 % 2.78 % Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.75 % 4.55 % 5.05 % 3.32 % 3.52 % 3.98 % Expected return on plan assets 8.25 % 8.25 % 8.25 % 4.77 % 4.76 % 5.19 % Rate of compensation increase 3.90 % 3.90 % 3.80 % 2.80 % 2.78 % 2.85 % The Company’s discount rates are determined by considering current yield curves representing high quality, long-term fixed income instruments. The resulting discount rates are consistent with the duration of plan liabilities. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumptions are determined using a building block approach, considering historical averages and real returns of each asset class. In certain countries, where historical returns are not meaningful, consideration is given to local market expectations of long-term returns. Retirement Benefit Plan Investment Strategy The Company has an account that holds the assets for both the U.S. pension plan and other U.S. post-retirement benefits, primarily retiree medical benefits. For investment purposes, the plans are managed in an identical way, as their objectives are similar. The Company has a Qualified Plan Committee (the Plan Committee) that sets investment guidelines for U.S. pension plan and other U.S. post-retirement benefits with the assistance of an external consultant. These guidelines are established based on market conditions, risk tolerance, funding requirements, and expected benefit payments. The Plan Committee also oversees the investment allocation process, selects the investment managers, and monitors asset performance. As pension liabilities are long-term in nature, the Company employs a long-term total return approach to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan assets for a prudent level of risk. An annual analysis on the risk versus the return of the investment portfolio is conducted to justify the expected long-term rate of return assumption. The investment portfolio contains a diversified portfolio of investment categories, including equities, fixed income securities, hedge funds, and private equity. Securities are also diversified in terms of domestic and international securities, short- and long-term securities, growth and value styles, large cap and small cap stocks, active and passive management, and derivative-based styles. Outside the U.S., pension plan assets are typically managed by decentralized fiduciary committees. There is significant variation in policy asset allocation from country to country. Local regulations, local funding rules, and local financial and tax considerations are part of the funding and investment allocation process in each country. The Plan did not hold any investments in the Company’s ordinary shares as of April 24, 2015 or April 25, 2014 . The Company’s pension plan target allocations at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , by asset category, are as follows: U.S. Plans Target Allocation 2015 2014 Asset Category Equity securities 49 % 50 % Debt securities 23 20 Other 28 30 Total 100 % 100 % Non-U.S. Plans Target Allocation 2015 2014 Asset Category Equity securities 35 % 41 % Debt securities 29 22 Other 36 37 Total 100 % 100 % Retirement Benefit Plan Asset Fair Values The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for retirement benefit plan assets measured at fair value. Short-term investments: Valued at the closing price reported in the active markets in which the individual security is traded. U.S. government securities: Certain U.S. government securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active markets in which the individual security is traded. Other U.S. government securities are valued based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. Corporate debt securities: Valued based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. Common stock: Valued at the closing price reported in the active markets in which the individual security is traded. Equity Mutual Funds/Commingled Trusts: Valued based on the year-end net asset values of the investment vehicles. The net asset values of the investment vehicles are based on the fair values of the underlying investments of the partnerships valued at the closing price reported in the active markets in which the individual security is traded. Equity mutual funds have a daily reported net asset value and the Company classifies these investments as Level 2. Commingled trusts do not have a daily reported net asset value and the Company classifies these investments as Level 3. Fixed Income Mutual Funds: Valued based on the year-end net asset values of the investment vehicles. The net asset values of the investment vehicles are based on the fair values of the underlying investments of the partnerships valued based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. Partnership Units: Valued based on the year-end net asset values of the underlying partnerships. The net asset values of the partnerships are based on the fair values of the underlying investments of the partnerships. Quoted market prices are used to value the underlying investments of the partnerships, where the partnerships consist of the investment pools which invest primarily in common stocks. Partnership units include partnerships, private equity investments, and real asset investments. Partnerships primarily include long/short equity and absolute return strategies. These investments can be redeemed monthly with notice periods ranging from 45 to 95 days. As of April 24, 2015 , there are two absolute return strategy funds totaling $4 million that are in the process of liquidation. The Company expects to receive the proceeds over the next five years. Private equity investments consist of common stock and debt instruments of private companies. For private equity funds, the sum of the unfunded commitments as of April 24, 2015 is $59 million and the estimated liquidation period of these funds is expected to be one to 15 years . Real asset investments consist of commodities, derivatives, Real Estate Investment Trusts, and illiquid real estate holdings. These investments have redemption and liquidation periods ranging from 30 days to 10 years . If a quoted market price is not available for a partnership investment, other valuation procedures are utilized to arrive at fair value. Registered Investment Companies: Valued at the quoted market prices of shares held by the plan at year-end in the active market on which the individual securities are traded. Insurance Contracts: Comprised of investments in collective (group) insurance contracts, consisting of individual insurance policies. The policyholder is the employer and each member is the owner/beneficiary of their individual insurance policy. These policies are a part of the insurance company’s general portfolio and participate in the insurer’s profit-sharing policy on an excess yield basis. The methods described above may produce fair values that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . The following tables provide information by level for the retirement benefit plan assets that are measured at fair value, as defined by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1 for discussion of the fair value measurement terms of Levels 1, 2, and 3. U.S. Pension Benefits Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 24, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Short-term investments $ 247 $ 247 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 155 109 46 — Corporate debt securities 5 — 4 1 Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts 951 — 751 200 Fixed income mutual funds 374 — 374 — Partnership units 472 — — 472 $ 2,204 $ 356 $ 1,175 $ 673 Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 25, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Short-term investments $ 157 $ 157 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 158 108 50 — Corporate debt securities 60 — 59 1 Other common stock 125 125 — — Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts 578 — 293 285 Fixed income mutual funds 166 — 166 — Partnership units 673 — — 673 $ 1,917 $ 390 $ 568 $ 959 The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of U.S. pension benefit assets measured at fair value that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate Debt Securities Commingled Trusts Partnership Units Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 959 $ 1 $ 285 $ 673 Total realized gains included in income 162 — 65 97 Total unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (130 ) — (31 ) (99 ) Purchases and sales, net (318 ) — (119 ) (199 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 673 $ 1 $ 200 $ 472 (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate Debt Securities Commingled Trusts Partnership Units Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 851 $ 1 $ 227 $ 623 Total realized gains included in income 23 — — 23 Total unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 86 — 58 28 Purchases and sales, net (1 ) — — (1 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 959 $ 1 $ 285 $ 673 Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 24, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Registered investment companies $ 1,113 $ — $ 1,113 $ — Insurance contracts 60 — — 60 Partnership units 16 — — 16 $ 1,189 $ — $ 1,113 $ 76 Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 25, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Registered investment companies $ 868 $ — $ 868 $ — Insurance contracts 11 — — 11 Partnership units 10 — — 10 $ 889 $ — $ 868 $ 21 The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of non-U.S. pension benefit assets measured at fair value that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Insurance Contracts Partnership Units Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 21 $ 11 $ 10 Total unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 (1 ) 2 Purchases and sales, net 63 56 7 Foreign currency exchange (9 ) (6 ) (3 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 76 $ 60 $ 16 (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Insurance Contracts Partnership Units Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 18 $ 10 $ 8 Total unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 — 1 Purchases and sales, net 1 — 1 Foreign currency exchange 1 1 — Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 21 $ 11 $ 10 Retirement Benefit Plan Funding It is the Company’s policy to fund retirement costs within the limits of allowable tax deductions. During fiscal year 2015 , the Company made discretionary contributions of approximately $91 million to the U.S. pension plan. Internationally, the Company contributed approximately $80 million for pension benefits during fiscal year 2015 . The Company anticipates that it will make contributions of $79 million to its pension benefits in fiscal 2016 . Based on the guidelines under the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the various guidelines which govern the plans outside the U.S., the majority of anticipated fiscal year 2015 contributions will be discretionary. The Company believes that, along with pension assets, the returns on invested pension assets, and Company contributions, the Company will be able to meet its pension and other post-retirement obligations in the future. Retiree benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are anticipated to be paid as follows: (in millions) U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Gross Payments Gross Payments 2016 $ 96 $ 160 2017 93 38 2018 103 40 2019 114 39 2020 125 41 2021 – 2025 792 239 Total $ 1,323 $ 557 Post-retirement Benefit Plans The net periodic benefit cost associated with the Company’s post-retirement benefit plans was $14 million , $15 million , and $20 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The Company’s projected benefit obligation for all post-retirement benefit plans was $352 million and $327 million at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , respectively. The Company’s fair value of plan assets for all post-retirement benefit plans was $288 million and $267 million at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , respectively. The activity during fiscal 2015 and 2014 related to both the change in projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets was not material. Defined Contribution Savings Plans The Company has defined contribution savings plans that cover substantially all U.S. employees and certain non-U.S. employees. The general purpose of these plans is to provide additional financial security during retirement by providing employees with an incentive to make regular savings. Company contributions to the plans are based on employee contributions and Company performance and since fiscal year 2006, the entire match has been made in cash. Expense under these plans was $188 million , $145 million , and $163 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Effective May 1, 2005, the Company froze participation in the existing defined benefit pension plan in the U.S. and implemented two new plans including an additional defined benefit pension plan and a new defined contribution pension plan, respectively: the Personal Pension Account (PPA) and the Personal Investment Account (PIA). Employees in the U.S. hired on or after May 1, 2005 have the option to participate in either the PPA or the PIA. Participants in the PPA receive an annual allocation of their salary and bonus on which they will receive an annual guaranteed rate of return which is based on the ten -year Treasury bond rate. Participants in the PIA also receive an annual allocation of their salary and bonus; however, they are allowed to determine how to invest their funds among identified fund alternatives. The cost associated with the PPA is included in U.S. Pension Benefits in the tables presented earlier. The defined contribution cost associated with the PIA was approximately $53 million , $50 million , and $50 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company leases office, manufacturing, and research facilities and warehouses, as well as transportation, data processing, and other equipment under capital and operating leases. A substantial number of these leases contain options that allow the Company to renew at the fair rental value on the date of renewal. Future minimum payments under capitalized leases and non-cancelable operating leases at April 24, 2015 are: (in millions) Fiscal Year Capitalized Leases Operating Leases 2016 $ 20 $ 196 2017 37 138 2018 23 93 2019 22 66 2020 22 43 Thereafter 43 88 Total minimum lease payments $ 167 $ 624 Less amounts representing interest (22 ) N/A Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 145 N/A Rent expense for all operating leases was $195 million , $150 million , and $140 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The increase in fiscal year 2015 rent expense is primarily related to the January 26, 2015 Covidien acquisition.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in AOCI by component are as follows: (in millions) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Cumulative Translation Adjustments (a) Net Change in Retirement Obligations Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) Balance as of April 26, 2013, net of tax $ 97 $ 205 $ (852 ) $ 58 $ (492 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax (89 ) 13 60 (120 ) (136 ) Tax benefit (expense) 32 — (37 ) 44 39 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax (57 ) 13 23 (76 ) (97 ) Reclassifications, before tax (72 ) — 99 (42 ) (15 ) Tax benefit (expense) 26 — (35 ) 16 7 Reclassifications, net of tax (46 ) (b) — 64 (c) (26 ) (d) (8 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (103 ) 13 87 (102 ) (105 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014, net of tax (6 ) 218 (765 ) (44 ) (597 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax 169 (495 ) (617 ) 545 (398 ) Tax (expense) benefit (60 ) — 198 (199 ) (61 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 109 (495 ) (419 ) 346 (459 ) Reclassifications, before tax (138 ) — 78 (145 ) (205 ) Tax benefit (expense) 49 — (25 ) 53 77 Reclassifications, net of tax (89 ) (b) — 53 (c) (92 ) (d) (128 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 20 (495 ) (366 ) 254 (587 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015, net of tax $ 14 $ (277 ) $ (1,131 ) $ 210 $ (1,184 ) (a) Taxes are not provided on CTA as substantially all translation adjustments relate to earnings that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. (b) Represents net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net (see Note 5). (c) Includes net amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses included in net periodic benefit cost (see Note 13). (d) Relates to foreign currency cash flow hedges that were reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net or cost of products sold and forward starting interest rate derivative instruments that were reclassified from AOCI to interest expense, net (see Note 9).

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies Disclosure	Contingencies The Company and its affiliates are involved in a number of legal actions involving product liability, intellectual property disputes, shareholder related matters, environmental proceedings, income tax disputes, and other matters. The outcomes of these legal actions are not within the Company’s complete control and may not be known for prolonged periods of time. In some actions, the claimants seek damages, as well as other relief (including injunctions barring the sale of products that are the subject of the lawsuit), that could require significant expenditures or result in lost revenues. When determining the estimated loss or range of loss, significant judgment is required to estimate the amount and timing of a loss to be recorded. Estimates of probable losses resulting from litigation and governmental proceedings involving the Company are inherently difficult to predict, particularly when the matters are in early procedural stages, with incomplete scientific facts or legal discovery; involve unsubstantiated or indeterminate claims for damages; potentially involve penalties, fines or punitive damages; or could result in a change in business practice. In addition to the litigation contingencies referenced below, the Company also has certain guarantee obligations that may potentially result in future costs. While it is not possible to predict the outcome for most of the matters discussed below, the Company believes it is possible that costs associated with them could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings, financial position, or cash flows. Product Liability Matters Sprint Fidelis In 2007, a putative class action was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada seeking damages for personal injuries allegedly related to Medtronic, Inc.’s Sprint Fidelis family of defibrillation leads. On October 20, 2009, the court certified a class proceeding but denied class certification on plaintiffs’ claim for punitive damages. Pretrial proceedings are underway. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in connection with this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from this matter. INFUSE Litigation As of June 1, 2015, plaintiffs had filed approximately 800 lawsuits against Medtronic in the U.S. state and federal courts, reflecting approximately 1,500 individual personal injury claims from the INFUSE bone graft product. Certain law firms have advised Medtronic that they represent a large number of similar claimants against Medtronic. The Company estimates those law firms represent approximately 4,600 unfiled claimants. Medtronic recorded expenses of $37 million and $140 million in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to probable and reasonably estimated damages and expenses in connection with these matters. See "Accrued Certain Litigation Charges" within Note 1 for additional discussion. Other INFUSE Litigation On June 5, 2014, Humana, Inc. filed a lawsuit for unspecified monetary damages in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, alleging that Medtronic, Inc. violated federal racketeering (RICO) law and various state laws, by conspiring with physicians to promote unapproved uses of INFUSE. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in connection with this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from this matter. Pelvic Mesh Litigation Covidien currently is involved in litigation in various state and federal courts against manufacturers of pelvic mesh products alleging personal injuries resulting from the implantation of those products. Two subsidiaries of Covidien supplied pelvic mesh products to one of the manufacturers named in the litigation and Covidien is indemnifying that manufacturer on certain claims. In addition, the Company believes that this manufacturer has an obligation to indemnify Covidien with respect to the promotion of the pelvic mesh products. The litigation includes a federal multi-district litigation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and cases in various state courts and jurisdictions outside the United States. Generally, complaints allege design and manufacturing claims, failure to warn, breach of warranty, fraud, violations of state consumer protection laws and loss of consortium claims. As of June 1, 2015, approximately 11,300 pending cases or claims were filed or estimated to be filed involving products manufactured by Covidien’s subsidiaries. See "Accrued Certain Litigation Charges" within Note 1 for additional discussion. Patent Litigation Ethicon On March 28, 2013, the federal court ruled in favor of Covidien in a patent infringement suit against Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Ethicon), a Johnson & Johnson company, relating to Ethicon’s Harmonic ® line of ultrasonic surgical products. The federal court awarded Covidien $177 million in damages upon ruling that several of Covidien’s patents were valid, enforceable and infringed by Ethicon. Ethicon appealed the decision. On December 4, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the $177 million judgment against Ethicon and ruled that the infringed patent claims were invalid. On June 24, 2014, Covidien filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut against Ethicon alleging that Ethicon’s ultrasonic surgical product, the Harmonic ACE ® +7, infringes three of the Company’s patents. Covidien asked the court to enjoin Ethicon from continuing to make and sell the Harmonic ACE ® +7 device and to grant damages for the patent infringement. On October 17, 2014, the district court granted a preliminary injunction against Ethicon, which prevents Ethicon from making and selling the Harmonic ACE ® +7 device. Ethicon obtained a temporary stay and appealed this preliminary injunction ruling. On March 25, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the preliminary injunction entered against the Harmonic ACE ® +7 and remanded for further proceedings. On May 8, 2015, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut dismissed that case involving the Harmonic ACE ® +7. Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., et al. v. Covidien, Inc., et al . is a patent infringement action filed on December 14, 2011 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division. The complaint alleges that Covidien’s Sonicision product infringes several of Ethicon’s design and utility patents. Ethicon is seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief. On January 22, 2014, the district court entered summary judgment in Covidien’s favor, ruling that Covidien does not infringe any of the seven Ethicon patents in dispute and declaring five of Ethicon’s patents invalid. Ethicon has appealed the district court’s decision. Oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was held March 6, 2015. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in connection with the patent litigation matters because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from these matters. Shareholder Related Matters INFUSE On March 12, 2012, Charlotte Kokocinski filed a shareholder derivative action against both Medtronic, Inc. and certain of its current and former officers and members of its Board of Directors in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, setting forth certain allegations, including a claim that defendants violated various purported duties in connection with the INFUSE bone graft product and otherwise. On March 25, 2013, the Court dismissed the case without prejudice. On March 30, 2015, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint, dismissing the case with prejudice. In May 2012, Daniel Himmel and the Saratoga Advantage Trust commenced two other separate shareholder derivative actions in Hennepin County, Minnesota, District Court against the same defendants, making allegations similar to those in the Kokocinski case. On July 1, 2014, Road Carriers Local 707 Welfare & Pension Funds filed a shareholder derivative action in Hennepin County, Minnesota, District Court against the same defendants making allegations similar to those in the Kokocinski, Himmel, and Saratoga Advantage Trust cases. On July 24, 2014, Anne Shirley Cutler filed a shareholder derivative action in Hennepin County, Minnesota, District Court against certain of the same defendants making allegations similar to those in the Kokocinski, Himmel, and Saratoga Advantage Trust cases as well as allegations that defendants violated purported duties in connection with the Synchromed pain pump system. On May 26, 2015, the Himmel , Saratoga Advantage Trust , Road Carriers Local 707 , and Cutler plaintiffs filed Voluntary Stipulations of Dismissal with Prejudice or statements of non-opposition to dismissal of all INFUSE-related claims and allegations. On June 4, 2015, the Court preliminarily approved the INFUSE-related dismissals with prejudice subject to shareholder notice and an opportunity to intervene. On June 9, 2015, the Company provided notice of the Court's order in a Form 8-K filing. On September 26, 2014, Richard Hockstein filed an INFUSE-related shareholder derivative action against both Medtronic, Inc. and certain of its current and former officers and members of its Board of Directors in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota making allegations similar to those in the Kokocinski case. West Virginia Pipe Trades and Phil Pace, on June 27, 2013 and July 3, 2013, respectively, filed putative class action complaints against Medtronic, Inc. and certain of its officers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, alleging that the defendants made false and misleading public statements regarding the INFUSE Bone Graft product during the period of December 8, 2010 through August 3, 2011. Shareholder Related Matters Resulting from the Covidien Acquisition On July 2, 2014, Lewis Merenstein filed a putative shareholder class action in Hennepin County, Minnesota, District Court seeking to enjoin the then-potential acquisition of Covidien. The lawsuit named Medtronic, Inc., Covidien, and each member of the Medtronic, Inc. board at the time as defendants, and alleged that the directors breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders with regard to the then-potential acquisition. On August 21, 2014, Kenneth Steiner filed a putative shareholder class action in Hennepin County, Minnesota, District Court, also seeking an injunction to prevent the potential Covidien acquisition. In September of 2014, the Merenstei n and Steiner matters were consolidated and in December of 2014, the plaintiffs filed a preliminary injunction motion seeking to enjoin the Covidien transaction. On December 30, 2014, a hearing was held on plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction and on defendants’ motion to dismiss. On January 2, 2015, the Court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction and on January 5, 2015 issued its opinion. On March 20, 2015, the Court issued its order and opinion granting Medtronic’s motion to dismiss the case. In May of 2015, the plaintiffs filed an appeal with the Minnesota State Court of Appeals. In connection with the then-potential acquisition of Covidien, on September 19, 2014, William A. Houston filed a putative shareholder class action in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and on October 3, 2014, Marilyn Clark filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota that is nearly identical to the Houston complaint. These actions named as defendants certain members of Medtronic, Inc.’s board of directors at the time and certain of Medtronic, Inc.’s officers, and also named Medtronic, Inc. as a nominal defendant. The Houston and Clark complaints asserted various causes of action under Minnesota law, including that the individual defendants allegedly breached fiduciary duties in providing for excise tax reimbursements to certain individuals who were and/or are directors and executive officers of Medtronic, Inc. in connection with the then-potential acquisition of Covidien. In October of 2014, the Houston and Clark matters were consolidated and the plaintiffs filed a preliminary injunction motion seeking to enjoin the Company from the payment of the excise tax reimbursements. On December 16, 2014, the Court heard the preliminary injunction motion and on December 22, 2014, the Court denied the preliminary injunction motion. On January 6, 2015, the Company consented to plaintiffs’ request to voluntarily dismiss the matter without prejudice. On January 7, 2015, the Court entered its order of dismissal, bringing these matters to a conclusion. Putative shareholder class action complaints have been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts by purported shareholders of Covidien under the captions Taxman v. Covidien plc, et al ., 14-cv-12949, Lipovich v. Covidien plc, et al ., 14-cv-13308 and Rosenfeld Family Foundation v. Covidien plc, et al ., 14-cv-13490. On October 20, 2014, the plaintiff in the Rosenfeld action and another purported shareholder of Covidien filed a motion seeking to consolidate the Taxman, Lipovich and Rosenfeld actions, and on November 14, 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted that motion consolidating the actions (the Consolidated Action). On December 23, 2014, the defendants reached an agreement in principle with plaintiffs in the Consolidated Action, and that agreement is reflected in a memorandum of understanding. In connection with the settlement contemplated by the memorandum of understanding, Covidien agreed to make certain additional disclosures related to the Transactions, which are contained in Covidien’s Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2014. The memorandum of understanding contemplates that the parties will enter into a stipulation of settlement. A stipulation of settlement was filed with the court on May 15, 2015, and a hearing will be scheduled at which the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts will consider the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the settlement, including attorneys' fees and expenses that will be paid to plaintiffs' counsel. If the settlement is finally approved by the court, it will resolve and release all claims in all actions that were or could have been brought by Covidien shareholders challenging any aspect of the Transactions. There can be no assurance that United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts will approve the settlement. In such event, the proposed settlement as contemplated by the memorandum of understanding may be terminated. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in connection with the shareholder related matters because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from these matters. Environmental Proceedings Covidien is involved in various stages of investigation and cleanup related to environmental remediation matters at a number of sites. These projects relate to a variety of activities, including removal of solvents, metals and other hazardous substances from soil and groundwater. The ultimate cost of site cleanup and timing of future cash flows is difficult to predict given uncertainties regarding the extent of the required cleanup, the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, and alternative cleanup methods. Covidien is a successor to a company which owned and operated a chemical manufacturing facility in Orrington, Maine from 1967 until 1982, and is responsible for the costs of completing an environmental site investigation as required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP). MDEP served a compliance order on Mallinckrodt LLC and United States Surgical Corporation in December 2008. The compliance order included a directive to remove a significant volume of soils at the site. On December 19, 2008, Covidien filed an appeal with the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (Maine Board) to challenge the terms of the compliance order. A hearing before the Maine Board began on January 25, 2010 and concluded on February 4, 2010. On August 19, 2010, the Maine Board modified the MDEP order and issued a final order requiring removal of two landfills, capping of the remaining three landfills, installation of a groundwater extraction system and long-term monitoring of the site and the three remaining landfills. On April 3, 2014, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court affirmed the Maine Board’s compliance order. Covidien has proceeded with implementation of the investigation and remediation at the site in accordance with the MDEP order as modified by the Maine Board order. See "Accrued Certain Litigation Charges" within Note 1 for additional discussion. Covidien has also been involved in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Maine People’s Alliance. Plaintiffs sought an injunction requiring Covidien to conduct extensive studies of mercury contamination of the Penobscot River and Bay and options for remediating such contamination, and to perform appropriate remedial activities, if necessary. On July 29, 2002, following a March 2002 trial, the District Court entered an opinion and order which held that conditions in the Penobscot River and Bay may pose an imminent and substantial endangerment and that Covidien was liable for the cost of performing a study of the river and bay. The District Court subsequently appointed an independent study panel to oversee the study and ordered Covidien to pay costs associated with the study. A report issued by the study panel contains recommendations for a variety of potential remedial options which could be implemented individually or in a variety of combinations, and includes preliminary cost estimates for the potential remedial options, which the report describes as “very rough estimates of cost,” ranging from $25 million to $235 million . The report indicates that these costs are subject to uncertainties, and that before any remedial option is implemented, further engineering studies and engineering design work are necessary to determine the feasibility of the proposed remedial options. In June of 2014, a trial was held to determine if remediation was necessary and feasible, and, at a post-trial hearing on June 18, 2015, the Court indicated that further engineering study and engineering design work is appropriate to determine the nature and extent of remediation in the Penobscot River and Bay. See "Accrued Certain Litigation Charges" within Note 1 for additional discussion. Other Matters One of Covidien’s subsidiaries, ev3 Inc., (ev3) acquired Appriva Medical, Inc. in 2002. The acquisition agreement relating to ev3’s acquisition of Appriva Medical contained four contingent milestone payments totaling $175 million . ev3 determined that the milestones were not achieved by the applicable dates and that none of the milestones were payable. On April 7, 2009, Michael Lesh and Erik Van Der Burg, acting jointly as the Shareholder Representatives for the former shareholders of Appriva Medical, filed a motion to amend their previously dismissed complaints in Superior Court of the State of Delaware. The plaintiffs asserted several claims, including breach of contract, fraudulent inducement and violation of California securities law. On May 1, 2013, the jury returned a verdict finding that ev3 breached the merger agreement and awarded $175 million in damages plus interest to the plaintiffs. On September 30, 2014, the Delaware Supreme Court reversed the jury’s verdict and remanded the case for a new trial. See "Accrued Certain Litigation Charges" within Note 1 for additional discussion. Medtronic has received subpoenas or document requests from the Attorneys General in Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Illinois, and Washington seeking information regarding sales, marketing, clinical, and other information relating to the INFUSE bone graft product. The Company is fully cooperating with these requests. On December 3, 2013, Medtronic, Inc. received a subpoena for records from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota requesting information relating to Medtronic, Inc’s compliance with the Trade Agreements Act. In April 2015, the Company settled this matter with no admission of liability and recorded a certain litigation charge of $4 million in fiscal year 2015. On May 2, 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts issued a subpoena to ev3, a subsidiary of the Company, requesting production of documents relating to sales and marketing and other issues in connection with several neurovascular products. The matters under investigation relate to activities prior to Covidien's acquisition of ev3 in 2010. ev3 complied as required with the subpoena and cooperated with the investigation. The Company is fully cooperating with these requests. On September 2, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, issued a subpoena requesting production of documents relating to sales and marketing practices associated with certain of ev3’s peripheral vascular products. The Company is fully cooperating with these requests. Except as noted above, the Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in connection with the issued subpoenas because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from these matters. Income Taxes In March 2009, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued its audit report on Medtronic, Inc. for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Medtronic, Inc. reached agreement with the IRS on some, but not all matters related to these fiscal years. On December 23, 2010, the IRS issued a statutory notice of deficiency with respect to the remaining issues. Medtronic, Inc. filed a Petition with the U.S. Tax Court on March 21, 2011 objecting to the deficiency. During October and November 2012, Medtronic, Inc. reached resolution with the IRS on various matters, including the deductibility of a settlement payment. Medtronic, Inc. and the IRS agreed to hold one issue, the calculation of amounts eligible for the one-time repatriation holiday, because such specific issue was being addressed by other taxpayers in litigation with the IRS. The remaining unresolved issue for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 relates to the allocation of income between Medtronic, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary operating in Puerto Rico, which is one of the Company's key manufacturing sites. The Tax Court proceeding with respect to this issue began on February 3, 2015 and ended on March 12, 2015. The Company expects a ruling from the Tax Court sometime during fiscal year 2017. In October 2011, the IRS issued its audit report on Medtronic, Inc. for fiscal years 2007 and 2008. Medtronic, Inc. reached agreement with the IRS on some but not all matters related to these fiscal years. The significant issues that remain unresolved relate to the allocation of income between Medtronic, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary operating in Puerto Rico and proposed adjustments associated with the tax effects of the Company's acquisition of Kyphon Inc. (Kyphon). During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, a tentative settlement was reached with the IRS for the Kyphon acquisition matters. As a result, the Company recorded a $329 million certain tax adjustment, including interest, during fiscal year 2015. In April 2014, the IRS issued its audit report on Medtronic, Inc. for fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011. Medtronic, Inc. reached agreement with the IRS on some but not all matters related to these fiscal years. The significant issues that remain unresolved relate to the allocation of income between Medtronic, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary operating in Puerto Rico, and proposed adjustments associated with the tax effects of its acquisition structures for Ardian, CoreValve, Inc., and Ablation Frontiers, Inc. The Company disagrees with the IRS and will attempt to resolve these matters at the IRS Appellate level, however, it will proceed through litigation, if necessary. The IRS continues to audit Medtronic, Inc.'s U.S. federal income tax returns for the fiscal years 2012 through 2014. Covidien and the IRS have concluded and reached agreement on its audit of Covidien’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the 2008 and 2009 tax years. The IRS continues to audit Covidien’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 2010 through 2012. Open periods for examination also include certain periods during which Covidien was a subsidiary of Tyco International. The resolution of these matters is subject to the conditions set forth in the Tyco tax sharing agreement. Tyco International has the right to administer, control and settle all U.S. income tax audits for periods prior to the 2007 separation. The IRS has concluded its field examination of certain of Tyco International’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 1997 through 2000 and proposed tax adjustments, several of which also affect Covidien’s income tax returns for certain years after 2000. Tyco International has appealed certain of the tax adjustments proposed by the IRS and has resolved all but one of the matters associated with the proposed tax adjustments. With respect to the outstanding issue that remains in dispute, on June 20, 2013, Tyco International advised Covidien that it had received Notices of Deficiency from the IRS asserting that several of Tyco International’s former U.S. subsidiaries owe additional taxes of $914 million plus penalties of $154 million based on audits of the 1997 through 2000 tax years of Tyco International and its subsidiaries as they existed at that time. These amounts exclude interest and do not reflect the impact on subsequent periods if the IRS position is ultimately proved correct. The IRS has asserted in the Notices of Deficiency that substantially all of Tyco International’s intercompany debt originating during the years 1997 through 2000 should not be treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and has disallowed interest deductions related to the intercompany debt and certain tax attribute adjustments recognized on Tyco International’s U.S. income tax returns totaling approximately $3.0 billion . The Company disagrees with the IRS’s proposed adjustments. On July 22, 2013, Tyco International filed a petition with the U.S. Tax Court contesting the IRS assessment. The Company believes there are meritorious defenses for the tax filings in question, that the IRS positions with regard to these matters are inconsistent with the applicable tax laws and existing Treasury regulations, and that the previously reported taxes for the years in question are appropriate. No payments with respect to these matters or any additional matters that may be raised by the U.S. Tax Court would be required until the dispute is definitively resolved, which could take several years. The timing and outcome of such litigation is highly uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In particular, if the IRS is successful in asserting its claim, it would likely assert that approximately $6.6 billion of interest deductions with respect to Tyco International’s intercompany debt in subsequent time periods should also be disallowed. Covidien’s income tax returns for the years 2001 through 2003 remain subject to adjustment by the IRS upon ultimate resolution of the disputed issue involving certain intercompany loans that originated during 1997 through 2000. Covidien and the IRS have effectively settled its audits of tax matters for the years 2004 through 2007. See Note 12 for additional discussion of income taxes. Guarantees As a result of the recent acquisition of Covidien, the Company has guarantee commitments and indemnifications with Tyco International, TE Connectivity, and Mallinckrodt plc (Mallinckrodt) which relate to certain contingent tax liabilities. On June 29, 2007, Covidien entered into a tax sharing agreement, under which Covidien shares responsibility for certain of its, Tyco International’s and TE Connectivity’s income tax liabilities for periods prior to Covidien’s 2007 separation from Tyco International (2007 separation). Covidien, Tyco International and TE Connectivity share 42% , 27% , and 31% , respectively, of U.S. income tax liabilities that arise from adjustments made by tax authorities to Covidien's, Tyco International’s and TE Connectivity’s U.S. income tax returns, certain income tax liabilities arising from adjustments made by tax authorities to intercompany transactions or similar adjustments, and certain taxes attributable to internal transactions undertaken in anticipation of the 2007 separation. If Tyco International and TE Connectivity default on their obligations to Covidien under the Tyco tax sharing agreement, the Company would be liable for the entire amount of these liabilities. All costs and expenses associated with the management of these tax liabilities are being shared equally among the parties. In connection with the 2007 separation, all tax liabilities associated with Covidien business became Covidien’s tax liabilities. Following Covidien’s spin-off of its Pharmaceuticals business to Covidien shareholders through a distribution of all the outstanding ordinary shares of Mallinkrodt (2013 separation), Mallinckrodt became the primary obligor to the taxing authorities for the tax liabilities attributable to its subsidiaries, a significant portion of which relate to periods prior to the 2007 separation. However, Covidien remains the sole party subject to the tax sharing agreement with Tyco International and TE Connectivity. Accordingly, Mallinckrodt does not share in Covidien’s liability to Tyco International and TE Connectivity, nor in the receivable that Covidien has from Tyco International and TE Connectivity. If any party to the Tyco tax sharing agreement were to default in its obligation to another party to pay its share of the distribution taxes that arise as a result of no party’s fault, each non-defaulting party would be required to pay, equally with any other non-defaulting party, the amounts in default. In addition, if another party to the Tyco tax sharing agreement that is responsible for all or a portion of an income tax liability were to default in its payment of such liability to a taxing authority, the Company could be legally liable under applicable tax law for such liabilities and be required to make additional tax payments. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, the Company may be obligated to pay amounts in excess of the Company’s agreed upon share of Covidien's, Tyco International’s and TE Connectivity’s tax liabilities. The Company has used available information to develop its best estimates for certain assets and liabilities related to periods prior to the 2007 separation, including amounts subject to or impacted by the provisions of the Tyco tax sharing agreement. The actual amounts that the Company may be required to ultimately accrue or pay under the Tyco tax sharing agreement, however, could vary depending upon the outcome of the unresolved tax matters. Final determination of the balances will be made in subsequent periods, primarily related to certain pre-2007 separation tax liabilities and tax years open for examination. These balances will also be impacted by the filing of final or amended income tax returns in certain jurisdictions where those returns include a combination of Tyco International, Covidien and/or TE Connectivity legal entities for periods prior to the 2007 separation. In conjunction with the 2013 separation, Mallinckrodt assumed the tax liabilities that are a

Quarterly Financial Data (unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (in millions, except per share data) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Net Sales 2015 $ 4,273 $ 4,366 $ 4,318 $ 7,304 $ 20,261 2014 4,083 4,194 4,163 4,566 17,005 Gross Profit 2015 $ 3,168 $ 3,224 $ 3,190 $ 4,370 $ 13,952 2014 3,061 3,104 3,113 3,395 12,672 Net Income (Loss) 2015 $ 871 $ 828 $ 977 $ (1 ) $ 2,675 2014 953 902 762 448 3,065 Basic Earnings per Share 2015 $ 0.88 $ 0.84 $ 0.99 $ — 2.44 2014 0.94 0.90 0.76 0.45 3.06 Diluted Earnings per Share 2015 $ 0.87 $ 0.83 $ 0.98 $ — 2.41 2014 0.93 0.89 0.75 0.44 3.02 The data in the schedule above has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million, and therefore, the quarterly amounts may not sum to the fiscal year-to-date amounts.

Segment and Geographic Informat

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Information	Segment and Geographic Information The Company’s management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit and loss from operations before income taxes and interest expense, net, not including special (gains) charges, net, restructuring charges, net, certain litigation charges, net, acquisition-related items, and certain tax adjustments. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company amended the way in which management evaluates performance and allocates resources due to the Covidien acquisition. As a result, the Company began to operate under four reportable segments and four operating segments. This change had no impact on the Company’s consolidated results for prior periods presented. The Company’s Cardiac and Vascular Group consists of three divisions: Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure, Coronary & Structural Heart, and Aortic & Peripheral Vascular. The primary products sold by this operating segment include those for cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiovascular disease. The Company’s Minimally Invasive Therapies Group consists of two divisions: Surgical Solutions and Patient Monitoring & Recovery. The primary products sold by this operating segment include those for advanced and general surgical care and patient monitoring, nursing and patient care, and airway and ventilation. The Company’s Restorative Therapies Group consists of four divisions: Spine, Neuromodulation, Surgical Technologies, and Neurovascular. The primary products sold by this operating segment include those for spinal conditions and musculoskeletal trauma, neurological disorders, urological and digestive disorders, and ear, nose, and throat conditions. The primary products sold by the Company’s Diabetes Group include those for diabetes management. Net sales of the Company’s reportable segments include end-customer revenues from the sale of products they each develop and manufacture or distribute. Net sales and income before income taxes by reportable segment are as follows: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cardiac and Vascular Group $ 9,361 $ 8,847 $ 8,695 Minimally Invasive Therapies Group 2,387 — — Restorative Therapies Group 6,751 6,501 6,369 Diabetes Group 1,762 1,657 1,526 Total Net Sales $ 20,261 $ 17,005 $ 16,590 Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cardiac and Vascular Group $ 3,140 $ 2,982 $ 2,935 Minimally Invasive Therapies Group 342 — — Restorative Therapies Group 1,828 1,821 1,778 Diabetes Group 540 457 432 Total Reportable Segments’ Income Before Income Taxes 5,850 5,260 5,145 Impact of inventory step-up (623 ) — — Impact of product technology upgrade commitment (74 ) — — Special (gains) charges, net 38 (40 ) — Restructuring charges, net (a) (252 ) (88 ) (182 ) Certain litigation charges, net (42 ) (770 ) (245 ) Acquisition-related items (550 ) (117 ) 49 Interest expense, net (280 ) (108 ) (151 ) Corporate (581 ) (432 ) (365 ) Total Income From Operations Before Income Taxes $ 3,486 $ 3,705 $ 4,251 (a) Restructuring charges, net within this table include the impact of amounts recorded within cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income. The following table presents the Company’s assets by reportable segment: (in millions) April 24, April 25, Cardiac and Vascular Group $ 13,642 $ 8,705 Minimally Invasive Therapies Group 51,228 — Restorative Therapies Group 15,249 10,568 Diabetes Group 2,597 2,038 Total Assets of Reportable Segments 82,716 21,311 Corporate 23,969 16,632 Total Assets $ 106,685 $ 37,943 Geographic Information In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company amended the way in which management evaluates performance and allocates resources by geography. As a result, the Company began to operate under four geographic regions: Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Greater China. Accordingly, the geographic information for the prior years has been restated to present these regions. Net sales to external customers and property, plant, and equipment, net by geography are as follows: (in millions) Americas EMEA (a) Asia Pacific Greater China Consolidated Fiscal Year 2015 Net sales to external customers $ 12,125 $ 5,064 $ 2,059 $ 1,013 $ 20,261 Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 3,626 $ 725 $ 165 $ 183 $ 4,699 Fiscal Year 2014 Net sales to external customers $ 9,922 $ 4,483 $ 1,776 $ 824 $ 17,005 Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,833 $ 393 $ 74 $ 92 $ 2,392 Fiscal Year 2013 Net sales to external customers $ 9,761 $ 4,225 $ 1,886 $ 718 $ 16,590 Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,920 $ 397 $ 74 $ 99 $ 2,490 (a) Sales to Ireland were insignificant during all periods presented. Property, plant, and equipment, net includes $151 million , $72 million , and $70 million in Ireland in fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. No single customer represented over 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 .

Guarantor Financial Information

Guarantor Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information	Guarantor Financial Information On January 26, 2015, Medtronic plc ("Parent Company Guarantor") and Medtronic Luxco, a subsidiary guarantor, each provided a full and unconditional guarantee of the obligations of Medtronic, Inc. under the Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes. In addition, Medtronic plc and Medtronic Luxco each provided a full and unconditional guarantee of the obligations of CIFSA, assumed as part of the Covidien acquisition, under the CIFSA Senior Notes. These guarantees of the CIFSA Senior Notes were in addition to the guarantees of the CIFSA Senior Notes by legacy Covidien holding companies Covidien Ltd. (f/k/a Covidien plc) and Covidien Group Holdings Ltd. (f/k/a Covidien Ltd.), both of which remain guarantors of the CIFSA Senior Notes. A summary of the guarantees is as follows: Guarantees of Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes • Parent Company Guarantor - Medtronic plc • Subsidiary Issuer - Medtronic, Inc. • Subsidiary Guarantor - Medtronic Luxco Since Medtronic plc and Medtronic Luxco did not exist in prior years, the Parent Company Guarantor column and Subsidiary Guarantor Column in the consolidating financial information for the guarantee of the Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes will appear as zeros for fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2013. Accordingly, the prior years' consolidating financial information are those of the predecessor registrant Medtronic, Inc. Guarantees of CIFSA Senior Notes • Parent Company Guarantor - Medtronic plc • Subsidiary Issuer - CIFSA • Subsidiary Guarantors - Medtronic Luxco, Covidien Ltd., and Covidien Group Holdings Ltd. There were no Medtronic plc or Medtronic Luxco guarantees in effect in prior periods, and the CIFSA Senior Notes were assumed as part of the Covidien acquisition. Therefore, no consolidating financial information for the years ended April 25, 2014 and April 26, 2013 is presented related to the guarantee of the CIFSA Senior Notes. The following presents the Company’s Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows as of and for the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 , and Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 . The guarantees provided by the Parent Company Guarantor and Subsidiary Guarantors are joint and several. Condensed consolidating financial information for Medtronic plc, Medtronic Luxco, Medtronic, Inc. and CIFSA, on a stand-alone basis, is presented using the equity method of accounting for subsidiaries. Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,261 $ — $ 20,261 $ (1,261 ) $ 20,261 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — 1,234 — 5,969 (894 ) 6,309 Research and development expense — 390 — 1,250 — 1,640 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 535 — 6,369 — 6,904 Special (gains) charges, net — — — (38 ) — (38 ) Restructuring charges, net — — — 237 — 237 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 42 — 42 Acquisition-related items — — — 550 — 550 Amortization of intangible assets — 11 — 722 — 733 Other (income) expense, net (108 ) (712 ) — 938 — 118 Operating profit 108 (197 ) — 4,222 (367 ) 3,766 Interest income — — (170 ) (386 ) 170 (386 ) Interest expense — 706 — 130 (170 ) 666 Interest expense (income), net — 706 (170 ) (256 ) — 280 Equity in net income of subsidiaries (2,578 ) (3,629 ) (2,408 ) — 8,615 — Income from operations before income taxes 2,686 2,726 2,578 4,478 (8,982 ) 3,486 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 11 (330 ) — 1,268 (138 ) 811 Net income 2,675 3,056 2,578 3,210 (8,844 ) 2,675 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) 1,761 (587 ) Total comprehensive income $ 2,088 $ 2,469 $ 1,991 $ 2,623 $ (7,083 ) $ 2,088 Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 25, 2014 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,155 $ — $ 17,005 $ (1,155 ) $ 17,005 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — 1,123 — 4,353 (1,143 ) 4,333 Research and development expense — 380 — 1,097 — 1,477 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 617 — 5,230 — 5,847 Special charges — — — 40 — 40 Restructuring charges, net — — — 78 — 78 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 770 — 770 Acquisition-related items — — — 117 — 117 Amortization of intangible assets — 12 — 337 — 349 Other (income) expense, net — (1,219 ) — 1,400 — 181 Operating profit — 242 — 3,583 (12 ) 3,813 Interest income — (5 ) — (266 ) — (271 ) Interest expense — 317 — 62 — 379 Interest expense (income), net — 312 — (204 ) — 108 Equity in net income of subsidiaries — (3,560 ) — — 3,560 — Income from operations before income taxes — 3,490 — 3,787 (3,572 ) 3,705 Provision for income taxes — 425 — 227 (12 ) 640 Net income — 3,065 — 3,560 (3,560 ) 3,065 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — (105 ) — (105 ) 105 (105 ) Total comprehensive income $ — $ 2,960 $ — $ 3,455 $ (3,455 ) $ 2,960 Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 26, 2013 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,090 $ — $ 16,590 $ (1,090 ) $ 16,590 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — 1,057 — 4,147 (1,078 ) 4,126 Research and development expense — 421 — 1,136 — 1,557 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 542 — 5,156 — 5,698 Special charges — — — — — — Restructuring charges, net — — — 172 — 172 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 245 — 245 Acquisition-related items — — — (49 ) — (49 ) Amortization of intangible assets — 14 — 317 — 331 Other (income) expense, net — (1,136 ) — 1,244 — 108 Operating profit — 192 — 4,222 (12 ) 4,402 Interest income — — — (237 ) — (237 ) Interest expense — 329 — 59 — 388 Interest expense (income), net — 329 — (178 ) — 151 Equity in net income of subsidiaries — (3,945 ) — — 3,945 — Income from operations before income taxes — 3,808 — 4,400 (3,957 ) 4,251 Provision for income taxes — 341 — 455 (12 ) 784 Net income — 3,467 — 3,945 (3,945 ) 3,467 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — (19 ) — (19 ) 19 (19 ) Total comprehensive income $ — $ 3,448 $ — $ 3,926 $ (3,926 ) $ 3,448 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 263 $ 1,071 $ 170 $ 3,339 $ — $ 4,843 Investments — — — 14,637 — 14,637 Accounts receivable, net — — — 5,112 — 5,112 Inventories — 165 — 3,298 — 3,463 Intercompany receivable 259 146,373 — 150,679 (297,311 ) — Tax assets — 770 — 729 (164 ) 1,335 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4 128 — 1,322 — 1,454 Total current assets 526 148,507 170 179,116 (297,475 ) 30,844 Property, plant and equipment, net — 976 — 3,753 (30 ) 4,699 Goodwill — 1,607 — 38,923 — 40,530 Other intangible assets, net — 39 — 28,062 — 28,101 Long-term tax assets — 643 — 559 (428 ) 774 Investment in subsidiaries 70,255 41,218 64,335 — (175,808 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,000 6,516 10,000 10,218 (29,734 ) — Other assets — 678 — 1,059 — 1,737 Total assets $ 73,781 $ 200,184 $ 74,505 $ 261,690 $ (503,475 ) $ 106,685 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings $ — $ 1,110 $ — $ 1,324 $ — $ 2,434 Accounts payable — 261 — 1,349 — 1,610 Intercompany payable 20,506 135,091 — 141,714 (297,311 ) — Accrued compensation 1 490 — 1,120 — 1,611 Accrued income taxes 41 371 — 523 — 935 Deferred tax liabilities 3 — — 280 (164 ) 119 Other accrued expenses — 600 — 1,894 (30 ) 2,464 Total current liabilities 20,551 137,923 — 148,204 (297,505 ) 9,173 Long-term debt — 29,004 — 4,748 — 33,752 Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits — 965 — 570 — 1,535 Long-term accrued income taxes — 1,450 — 1,026 — 2,476 Long-term intercompany loans payable — 10,218 10,000 9,516 (29,734 ) — Long-term deferred tax liabilities — — — 5,128 (428 ) 4,700 Other long-term liabilities — 207 — 1,612 — 1,819 Total liabilities 20,551 179,767 10,000 170,804 (327,667 ) 53,455 Shareholders’ equity 53,230 20,417 64,505 90,886 (175,808 ) 53,230 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 73,781 $ 200,184 $ 74,505 $ 261,690 $ (503,475 ) $ 106,685 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Fiscal Year Ended April 25, 2014 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 264 $ — $ 1,139 $ — $ 1,403 Investments — — — 12,838 — 12,838 Accounts receivable, net — — — 3,811 — 3,811 Inventories — 154 — 1,571 — 1,725 Intercompany receivable — 43,377 — 51,593 (94,970 ) — Tax assets — 602 — 193 (59 ) 736 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 479 — 597 (379 ) 697 Total current assets — 44,876 — 71,742 (95,408 ) 21,210 Property, plant and equipment, net — 954 — 1,461 (23 ) 2,392 Goodwill — 1,565 — 9,028 — 10,593 Other intangible assets, net — 51 — 2,235 — 2,286 Long-term tax assets — 435 — 252 (387 ) 300 Investment in subsidiaries 36,943 — (36,943 ) — Intercompany loans receivable — 20 — 273 (293 ) — Other assets — 573 — 589 — 1,162 Total assets $ — $ 85,417 $ — $ 85,580 $ (133,054 ) $ 37,943 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings $ — $ 1,262 $ — $ 351 $ — $ 1,613 Accounts payable — 201 — 541 — 742 Intercompany payable — 51,593 — 43,377 (94,970 ) — Accrued compensation — 405 — 610 — 1,015 Accrued income taxes — 144 — 20 — 164 Deferred tax liabilities — — — 78 (59 ) 19 Other accrued expenses — — — 2,408 (402 ) 2,006 Total current liabilities — 53,605 — 47,385 (95,431 ) 5,559 Long-term debt — 10,177 — 138 — 10,315 Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits — 487 — 175 — 662 Long-term accrued income taxes — 1,315 — 28 — 1,343 Long-term intercompany loans payable — 273 — 20 (293 ) — Long-term deferred tax liabilities — — — 773 (387 ) 386 Other long-term liabilities — 117 — 118 — 235 Total liabilities — 65,974 — 48,637 (96,111 ) 18,500 Shareholders’ equity — 19,443 — 36,943 (36,943 ) 19,443 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ — $ 85,417 $ — $ 85,580 $ (133,054 ) $ 37,943 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 26 $ 1,649 $ 170 $ 3,057 $ — $ 4,902 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (9,700 ) (65 ) — (5,119 ) — (14,884 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — — — (571 ) — (571 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (7,582 ) — (7,582 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 5,890 — 5,890 Net decrease in intercompany loans — (16,996 ) — 55 16,941 — Other investing activities, net — — — 89 — 89 Net cash used in investing activities (9,700 ) (17,061 ) — (7,238 ) 16,941 (17,058 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (85 ) — (85 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — (150 ) — — — (150 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — 150 — — — 150 Issuance of long-term debt — 19,942 — — — 19,942 Payments on long-term debt — (1,268 ) — — — (1,268 ) Dividends to shareholders (435 ) (902 ) — — — (1,337 ) Issuance of ordinary shares 172 477 — — — 649 Repurchase of ordinary shares (300 ) (1,620 ) — — — (1,920 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 10,500 (55 ) — 6,496 (16,941 ) — Other financing activities — — — (31 ) — (31 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 9,937 16,574 — 6,379 (16,941 ) 15,949 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (355 ) — 2 — (353 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 263 807 170 2,200 — 3,440 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — 264 — 1,139 — 1,403 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 263 $ 1,071 $ 170 $ 3,339 $ — $ 4,843 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 25, 2014 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ 1,384 $ — $ 3,575 $ — $ 4,959 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — — (385 ) — (385 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — (154 ) — (242 ) — (396 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (10,895 ) — (10,895 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 8,111 — 8,111 Net decrease in intercompany loans — 1 — (12 ) 11 — Increase in investment in subsidiary — — — — — — Other investing activities, net — — — (29 ) — (29 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (153 ) — (3,452 ) 11 (3,594 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — — — 127 — 127 Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — (1,301 ) — — — (1,301 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — 1,045 — 131 — 1,176 Issuance of long-term debt — 1,994 — — — 1,994 Payments on long-term debt — (565 ) — — — (565 ) Dividends to shareholders — (1,116 ) — — — (1,116 ) Issuance of ordinary shares — 1,307 — — — 1,307 Repurchase of ordinary shares — (2,553 ) — — — (2,553 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) — 12 — (1 ) (11 ) — Other financing activities — 14 — — — 14 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities — (1,163 ) — 256 (11 ) (918 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — 37 — 37 Net change in cash and cash equivalents — 68 — 416 — 484 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — 196 — 723 — 919 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ — $ 264 $ — $ 1,139 $ — $ 1,403 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 26, 2013 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ 2,298 $ — $ 2,644 $ — $ 4,942 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — — (820 ) — (820 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — (119 ) — (338 ) — (457 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (12,321 ) — (12,321 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 10,511 — 10,511 Net decrease in intercompany loans — — — 17 (17 ) — Increase in investment in subsidiary — — — — — — Other investing activities, net — — — (14 ) — (14 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (119 ) — (2,965 ) (17 ) (3,101 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (18 ) — (18 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — (699 ) — (21 ) — (720 ) Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — (2,700 ) — — — (2,700 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — 2,628 — — — 2,628 Issuance of long-term debt — 2,980 — — — 2,980 Payments on long-term debt — (2,214 ) — — — (2,214 ) Dividends to shareholders — (1,055 ) — — — (1,055 ) Issuance of ordinary shares — 267 — — — 267 Repurchase of ordinary shares — (1,247 ) — — — (1,247 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) — (17 ) — — 17 — Other financing activities — (22 ) — — — (22 ) Net cash used in financing activities — (2,079 ) — (39 ) 17 (2,101 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — 7 — 7 Net change in cash and cash equivalents — 100 — (353 ) — (253 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — 96 — 1,076 — 1,172 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ — $ 196 $ — $ 723 $ — $ 919 Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 CIFSA Senior Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (CIFSA) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ — $ — $ 20,261 $ — $ 20,261 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — — — 6,309 — 6,309 Research and development expense — — — 1,640 — 1,640 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 21 6,883 — 6,904 Special (gains) charges, net — — — (38 ) — (38 ) Restructuring charges, net — — — 237 — 237 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 42 — 42 Acquisition-related items — — — 550 — 550 Amortization of intangible assets — — — 733 — 733 Other (income) expense, net (108 ) 1 26 199 — 118 Operating profit 108 (1 ) (47 ) 3,706 — 3,766 Interest income — (149 ) (170 ) (386 ) 319 (386 ) Interest expense — 29 — 956 (319 ) 666 Interest (income) expense, net — (120 ) (170 ) 570 — 280 Equity in net income of subsidiaries (2,578 ) 626 (2,410 ) — 4,362 — Income (loss) from operations before income taxes 2,686 (507 ) 2,533 3,136 (4,362 ) 3,486 Provision for income taxes 11 — — 800 — 811 Net income (loss) 2,675 (507 ) 2,533 2,336 (4,362 ) 2,675 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) 1,761 (587 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 2,088 $ (1,094 ) $ 1,946 $ 1,749 $ (2,601 ) $ 2,088 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 CIFSA Senior Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (CIFSA) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 263 $ 728 $ 170 $ 3,682 $ — $ 4,843 Investments — — — 14,637 — 14,637 Accounts receivable, net — — — 5,112 — 5,112 Inventories — — — 3,463 — 3,463 Intercompany receivable 259 — 269 20,508 (21,036 ) — Tax assets — — — 1,335 — 1,335 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4 — 6 1,444 — 1,454 Total current assets 526 728 445 50,181 (21,036 ) 30,844 Property, plant and equipment, net — — 1 4,728 (30 ) 4,699 Goodwill — — — 40,530 — 40,530 Other intangible assets, net — — — 28,101 — 28,101 Long-term tax assets — — — 774 — 774 Investment in subsidiaries 70,255 7,040 64,335 — (141,630 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,000 7,401 11,303 6,372 (28,076 ) — Other assets — — — 1,737 — 1,737 Total assets $ 73,781 $ 15,169 $ 76,084 $ 132,423 $ (190,772 ) $ 106,685 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings $ — $ 1,002 $ — $ 1,432 $ — $ 2,434 Accounts payable — — 2 1,608 — 1,610 Intercompany payable 20,506 — 280 250 (21,036 ) — Accrued compensation 1 — — 1,610 — 1,611 Accrued income taxes 41 — — 894 — 935 Deferred tax liabilities 3 — — 116 — 119 Other accrued expenses — 610 1 1,883 (30 ) 2,464 Total current liabilities 20,551 1,612 283 7,793 (21,066 ) 9,173 Long-term debt — 4,580 — 29,172 — 33,752 Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits — — — 1,535 — 1,535 Long-term accrued income taxes — — — 2,476 — 2,476 Long-term intercompany loans payable — 8,385 10,002 9,689 (28,076 ) — Long-term deferred tax liabilities — — — 4,700 — 4,700 Other long-term liabilities — — — 1,819 — 1,819 Total liabilities 20,551 14,577 10,285 57,184 (49,142 ) 53,455 Shareholders’ equity 53,230 592 65,799 75,239 (141,630 ) 53,230 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 73,781 $ 15,169 $ 76,084 $ 132,423 $ (190,772 ) $ 106,685 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 CIFSA Senior Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (CIFSA) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 26 $ (205 ) $ 1,472 $ 4,709 $ (1,100 ) $ 4,902 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (9,700 ) — — (5,184 ) — (14,884 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — — (1 ) (570 ) — (571 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (7,582 ) — (7,582 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 5,890 — 5,890 Net decrease in intercompany loans — (7,401 ) (1,303 ) (18,887 ) 27,591 — Other investing activities, net — — — 89 — 89 Net cash used in investing activities (9,700 ) (7,401 ) (1,304 ) (26,244 ) 27,591 (17,058 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (85 ) — (85 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — — — (150 ) — (150 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — — — 150 — 150 Issuance of long-term debt — — — 19,942 — 19,942 Payments on long-term debt — (51 ) — (1,217 ) — (1,268 ) Dividends to shareholders (435 ) — — (902 ) — (1,337 ) Issuance of ordinary shares 172 — — 477 — 649 Repurchase of ordinary shares (300 ) — — (1,620 ) — (1,920 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 10,500 8,385 2 8,704 (27,591 ) — Intercompany dividend paid — — — (1,100 ) 1,100 — Other financing activities — — — (31 ) — (31 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 9,937 8,334 2 24,167 (26,491 ) 15,949 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (353 ) — (353 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 263 728 170 2,279 — 3,440 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — — — 1,403 — 1,403 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 263 $ 728 $ 170 $ 3,682 $ — $ 4,843

Schedule II

Schedule II	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	MEDTRONIC PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in millions) Additions Deductions Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year Charges to Income Charges to Other Accounts Other Changes (Debit) Credit Balance at End of Fiscal Year Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year ended 4/24/15 $ 115 $ 35 $ 34 (a) $ (36 ) (b) $ 144 $ (4 ) (c) Year ended 4/25/14 $ 98 $ 43 $ — $ (30 ) (b) $ 115 $ 4 (c) Year ended 4/26/13 $ 100 $ 51 $ — $ (53 ) (b) $ 98 $ — (c) Deferred tax valuation allowance: Year ended 4/24/15 $ 397 $ 40 $ 5,660 (a) $ (56 ) (e) $ 5,607 $ (434 ) (c) Year ended 4/25/14 $ 313 $ 104 $ 5 $ (29 ) (e) $ 397 $ 4 (c) Year ended 4/26/13 $ 258 $ 71 $ — $ (15 ) (e) $ 313 $ (1 ) (c) (a) Reflects the impact from acquisitions (b) Uncollectible accounts written off, less recoveries. (c) Reflects primarily the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. (d) Reflects rebate payments. (e) Decrease in deferred tax valuation allowance due to carryover attribute utilization and expiration.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Medtronic plc (Medtronic plc, Medtronic or the Company), the successor registrant to Medtronic, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, was incorporated in Ireland on June 12, 2014 as a private limited company, and was re-registered effective January 26, 2015 as a public limited company. The Company was established for the purpose of facilitating the acquisition of Covidien plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of Ireland (Covidien), which closed on January 26, 2015 (Acquisition Date). Upon completion of this transaction, Medtronic replaced Medtronic, Inc., as the ultimate parent company of the Medtronic group. This part of the transaction was accounted for in the consolidated financial statements as a merger between entities under common control; accordingly, the historical consolidated financial statements of Medtronic, Inc. for periods prior to this transaction are considered to be the historical financial statements of the Company.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Medtronic plc and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Fiscal Year-End	Fiscal Year-End The Company utilizes a 52/53-week fiscal year, ending the last Friday in April. The Company’s fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 ended on April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 , respectively, all of which were 52-week years. Fiscal year 2016 is a 53-week year, with the extra week occurring during the first quarter.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Investments	Investments Investments in marketable equity securities and certain debt securities are classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. Debt securities include corporate debt securities, U.S. and foreign government and agency securities, certificates of deposit, mortgage-backed securities, other asset-backed securities, debt funds, and auction rate securities. These investments are recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The change in fair value for available-for-sale securities is recorded, net of taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each balance sheet date. The classification of marketable securities as current or long-term is based on the nature of the securities and their availability for use in current operations consistent with how the Company manages its capital structure and liquidity. Investments in securities that are classified and accounted for as trading securities primarily include exchange-traded funds and are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company seeks to offset changes in liabilities related to equity and other market risks of certain deferred compensation arrangements. The change in fair value for trading securities is recorded as a component of interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of income. Certain of the Company’s investments in equity and other securities are long-term, strategic investments in companies that are in varied stages of development. These investments are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounts for these investments under the cost or the equity method of accounting, as appropriate. Certain of these investments are publicly traded companies and are therefore accounted for as available for sale. The valuation of equity and other securities accounted for under the cost method considers all available financial information related to the investee, including valuations based on recent third-party equity investments in the investee. If an unrealized loss for any investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of income in the period the determination is made. Equity securities accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at the amount of the Company’s investment and are adjusted each period for the Company’s share of the investee’s income or loss and dividends paid. Equity securities accounted for under both the cost and equity methods are reviewed quarterly for changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events that suggest the Company’s investment may not be recoverable. See Note 5 for discussion of the gains and losses recognized on equity and other securities.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company reduces the carrying value of inventories for those items that are potentially excess, obsolete or slow-moving based on changes in customer demand, technology developments or other economic factors.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost. Additions and improvements that extend the lives of the assets are capitalized while expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various assets.
Goodwill	Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets of acquired businesses. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized. The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill annually in the third quarter and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceed the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The estimated fair value is determined using a discounted future cash flow analysis.
Intangible Assets	Intangible assets include patents, trademarks, tradenames, customer relationships, purchased technology, and in-process research and development (IPR&D). Intangible assets with a definite life are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis, as appropriate, with estimated useful lives ranging from three to 20 years . Intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an intangible asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually in the third quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment is calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted future cash flow analysis.
IPR&D	IPR&D acquired in a business combination is initially capitalized at its fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. IPR&D has an indefinite life and is not amortized until regulatory approval is received and the product is launched, at which time the IPR&D becomes an amortizable asset. IPR&D represents the fair value of those research and development (R&D) projects for which the related products have not received regulatory approval and have no alternative future use. Determining the fair value of IPR&D requires the Company to make significant estimates. The fair value of IPR&D is determined by estimating the future cash flows of each R&D project or technology and discounting the net cash flows back to their present values. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies. At the time of acquisition, the Company expects that all acquired IPR&D will reach technological feasibility, but there can be no assurance that the commercial viability of these products will actually be achieved. The nature of the efforts to develop the acquired technologies into commercially viable products consists principally of planning, designing, and conducting clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approvals. The risks associated with achieving commercialization include, but are not limited to, delays or failure to obtain regulatory approvals to conduct clinical trials, delays or failure to obtain required market clearances, or delays or issues with patent issuance, validity, and litigation. If commercial viability were not achieved, the Company would likely look to other alternatives to provide these therapies. If the related R&D project is not completed in a timely manner or the R&D project is terminated or abandoned, the Company may have an impairment related to the IPR&D, calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value.
Contingent Consideration	Contingent Consideration The Company recognizes contingent consideration at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to be transferred, estimated as the probability-weighted future cash flows, discounted back to present value. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period with the change in fair value, including accretion for the passage of time, recognized as income or expense within acquisition-related items in the consolidated statements of income. Changes in the fair value will impact the Company’s earnings in such reporting period thereby resulting in potential variability in the Company’s earnings until contingencies are resolved.
Derivatives	Derivatives U.S. GAAP requires companies to recognize all derivatives as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure the instruments at fair value through earnings unless the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting. If the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting, depending on the nature of the hedge and hedge effectiveness, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be recognized immediately in earnings or recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings upon settlement/termination. The changes in the fair value of the derivative are intended to offset the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or probable commitment. The Company evaluates hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. If a derivative is no longer expected to be highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is recorded in earnings. Cash flows from derivative contracts are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company uses operational and economic hedges, as well as currency exchange rate derivative contracts and interest rate derivative instruments, to manage the impact of currency exchange and interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows. In order to minimize earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from currency exchange rate changes, the Company enters into derivative instruments, principally forward currency exchange rate contracts. These contracts are designed to hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions and changes in the value of specific assets and liabilities. At inception of the forward contract, the derivative is designated as either a freestanding derivative or a cash flow hedge. The Company does not enter into currency exchange rate derivative contracts for speculative purposes. All derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other accrued expenses, or other long-term liabilities depending upon the gain or loss position of the contract and contract maturity date. Forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are designed to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency that will take place in the future. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss . The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reclassified into earnings and is included in other expense, net or cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income, depending on the underlying transaction that is being hedged, in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Company uses freestanding derivative forward contracts to offset its exposure to the change in value of specific foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and to offset variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency. These derivatives are not designated as hedges, and therefore, changes in the value of these forward contracts are recognized in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related change in value of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The Company uses forward starting interest rate derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges to manage the exposure to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuances of fixed-rate debt. The effective portion of the gains or losses on the forward starting interest rate derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Beginning in the period in which the planned debt issuance occurs and the related derivative instruments are terminated, the effective portion of the gains or losses are then reclassified into interest expense, net over the term of the related debt. Any portion of the gains or losses that are determined to be ineffective are immediately recognized in interest expense, net . The Company uses interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges to manage the exposure to interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs by converting fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. Under these agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in interest expense, net, and are offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying debt instrument. The gains (losses) from terminated interest rate swap agreements are recorded in long-term debt , increasing (decreasing) the outstanding balances of the debt, and amortized as a reduction of (addition to) interest expense, net over the remaining life of the related debt. The cash flows from the termination of the interest rate swap agreements are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. In addition, the Company has collateral credit agreements with its primary derivative counterparties. Under these agreements, either party is required to post eligible collateral when the market value of transactions covered by the agreement exceeds specific thresholds, thus limiting credit exposure for both parties.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The Company follows the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis. Under this guidance, fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The authoritative guidance also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The categorization of financial assets and financial liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels defined as follows: • Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability. Financial assets that are classified as Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds within U.S. government and agency securities, marketable equity securities, and exchange-traded funds for which quoted market prices are available. In addition, the Company classifies foreign currency forward contracts as Level 1 since they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets which have identical assets or liabilities. The valuation for most fixed maturity securities are classified as Level 2. Financial assets that are classified as Level 2 include corporate debt securities, U.S. government and agency securities, foreign government and agency securities, certificates of deposit, other asset-backed securities, debt funds, and certain mortgage-backed securities whose value is determined using inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data such as pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, cash flow models with yield curves, and benchmark securities. In addition, interest rate swaps are included in Level 2 as the Company uses inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset. The Level 2 derivative instruments are primarily valued using standard calculations and models that use readily observable market data as their basis. Financial assets are considered Level 3 when their fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. Level 3 financial assets also include certain investment securities for which there is limited market activity such that the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation. Level 3 investment securities include certain corporate debt securities, auction rate securities, and certain mortgage-backed securities. With the exception of auction rate securities, these securities were valued using third-party pricing sources that incorporate transaction details such as contractual terms, maturity, timing, and amount of expected future cash flows, as well as assumptions about liquidity and credit valuation adjustments by market participants. The fair value of auction rate securities is estimated by the Company using a discounted cash flow model, which incorporates significant unobservable inputs. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s auction rate securities are years to principal recovery and the illiquidity premium that is incorporated into the discount rate. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value of the securities.
Warranty Obligation	Warranty Obligation The Company offers a warranty on various products. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is sold. The amount of the reserve recorded is equal to the net costs to repair or otherwise satisfy the claim. The Company includes the warranty obligation in other accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company includes the covered costs associated with field actions, if any, in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income.
Self-Insurance	Self-Insurance With the exception of insurance that Covidien currently holds for certain risks, it is the Company’s policy to self-insure the vast majority of its insurable risks including medical and dental costs, disability coverage, physical loss to property, business interruptions, workers’ compensation, comprehensive general, and product liability. Insurance coverage is obtained for those risks required to be insured by law or contract. The Company uses claims data and historical experience, as applicable, to estimate liabilities associated with the exposures that the Company has self-insured. Based on historical loss trends, the Company believes that its self-insurance program accruals and its existing insurance coverage will be adequate to cover future losses. Historical trends, however, may not be indicative of future losses. These losses could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Retirement Benefit Plan Assumptions	Retirement Benefit Plan Assumptions The Company sponsors various retirement benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans (pension benefits), post-retirement medical plans (post-retirement benefits), defined contribution savings plans, and termination indemnity plans, covering substantially all U.S. employees and many employees outside the U.S. Pension benefit costs include assumptions for the discount rate, retirement age, compensation rate increases, and the expected return on plan assets. Post-retirement medical benefit costs include assumptions for the discount rate, retirement age, expected return on plan assets, and health care cost trend rate assumptions.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company sells its products through direct sales representatives and independent distributors. The Company recognizes revenue when title to the goods and risk of loss transfers to customers, which may be upon shipment or upon delivery to the customer site, based on the contract terms or legal requirements in non-U.S. jurisdictions, provided there are no material remaining performance obligations required of the Company or any matters requiring customer acceptance. In cases where the Company utilizes distributors or ships product directly to the end user, it generally recognizes revenue upon shipment provided all revenue recognition criteria have been met. A portion of the Company’s revenue is generated from inventory maintained at hospitals or with field representatives. For these products, revenue is recognized at the time the product has been used or implanted. The Company records estimated sales returns, discounts, and rebates as a reduction of net sales in the same period revenue is recognized. Provisions for rebates, as well as sales discounts and returns, are accounted for as a reduction of sales when revenue is recognized. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience, and trend analysis. In estimating rebates, the Company considers the lag time between the point of sale and the payment of the rebate claim, contractual commitments, including stated rebate rates, and other relevant information. The Company adjusts reserves to reflect differences between estimated and actual experience, and records such adjustment as a reduction of sales in the period of adjustment. In certain circumstances, the Company enters into arrangements in which it provides multiple deliverables to its customers. Agreements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting. Total revenue is first allocated among the deliverables based upon their relative fair values. Revenue is then recognized for each deliverable in accordance with the principles described above. Fair values are determined based on the prices at which the individual deliverables are regularly sold to other third parties.
Shipping and Handling	Shipping and Handling Shipping and handling costs incurred were $284 million , $194 million , and $182 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, and are included in selling, general, and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Research and development costs include costs of all basic research activities as well as other research, engineering, and technical effort required to develop a new product or service or make significant improvement to an existing product or manufacturing process. Research and development costs also include pre-approval regulatory and clinical trial expenses.
Costs Associated with Exit Activities	Costs Associated with Exit Activities The Company accrues employee termination costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, including benefits provided as part of the Company’s U.S. severance policy or provided in accordance with non-U.S. statutory requirements, if the obligation is attributed to prior services rendered, the rights to the benefits have vested, the payment is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Other costs associated with exit activities may include distributor cancellation fees, costs related to leased facilities to be abandoned or subleased, and asset impairments.
Contingencies and Accrued Certain Litigation Charges	Contingencies The Company records a liability in the consolidated financial statements for loss contingencies when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss is a range, and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. If a loss is reasonably possible but not known or probable, and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, income tax liabilities are not accounted for under the loss contingency rules, but rather specific accounting guidance. Insurance recoveries related to potential claims are recognized up to the amount of the recorded liability when coverage is confirmed and the estimated recoveries are probable of payment. These recoveries are not netted against the related liabilities for financial statement presentation. Accrued Certain Litigation Charges The Company accrues for legal and environmental matters that are probable and estimable and includes certain estimated costs of settlement and damages for legal matters and cleanup and remediation for environmental matters. Legal costs of defending legal claims are generally expensed as incurred. As of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , accrued certain litigation charges involving product liability, intellectual property disputes, shareholder related matters, environmental proceedings, and other matters were $879 million and $917 million , respectively. The Company includes accrued certain litigation and environmental charges in other accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Tax Guarantees	Tax Guarantees As a result of the recent acquisition of Covidien, the Company has guarantee commitments and indemnifications with Tyco International plc (Tyco International) and TE Connectivity Ltd. (TE Connectivity) which relate to certain contingent tax liabilities as part of a tax sharing agreement. These commitments and indemnifications were recorded at their respective fair values as of the Acquisition Date. Each reporting period, the Company evaluates the potential loss that it believes is probable. This guarantee currently has not been amortized into income because there has been no predictable pattern of performance. As a result, the liability generally will be reduced upon the Company’s release from its obligations or as payments are made.
Other Expense, Net	Other Expense, Net Other expense, net includes royalty income and expense, realized equity security gains and losses, realized foreign currency transaction and derivative gains and losses, impairment charges on equity securities, Puerto Rico excise tax, and U.S. medical device excise tax.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. dollar functional currency entities are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and the resulting gains and losses arising from the translation of those net assets are recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Elements of the consolidated statements of income are translated at the average monthly currency exchange rates in effect during the period and foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income.
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss In addition to net income, comprehensive income includes changes in currency exchange rate translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on currency exchange rate derivative contracts and interest rate derivative instruments qualifying and designated as cash flow hedges, net changes in retirement obligation funded status, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities. Taxes are not provided on cumulative translation adjustments as substantially all translation adjustments relate to earnings that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method, as the Company's A Preferred Shares, issued as part of the Transaction, are considered a participating security. Accordingly, earnings are allocated to both ordinary shares and participating securities in determining earnings per ordinary share. Due to the limited number of A Preferred Shares outstanding, this allocation had no effect on ordinary earnings per share; therefore, it is not presented below. Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive ordinary shares been issued, and reduced by the number of shares the Company could have repurchased from the proceeds from issuance of the potentially dilutive shares. Potentially dilutive ordinary shares include stock options and other stock-based awards granted under stock-based compensation plans and shares committed to be purchased under the employee stock purchase plan.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance on a parent company's accounting for the CTA recorded in AOCI associated with a foreign entity. The amendment requires a parent to release into net income the CTA related to its investment in a foreign entity when it either sells a part or all of its investment, or no longer holds a controlling financial interest, in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This accounting guidance was effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. This amended guidance has not had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. In July 2013, the FASB issued amended guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented as a reduction of a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists, with certain exceptions. The Company prospectively adopted this accounting guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Not Yet Adopted In April 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance for reporting discontinued operations. The amended guidance changes the criteria for determining when the results of operations are to be reported as discontinued operations and expands the related disclosure requirements. The guidance defines a discontinued operation as a component or group of components that is disposed of or classified as held for sale which is a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on financial position and results of operations. This accounting guidance is effective prospectively for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued amended revenue recognition guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the transfer of goods or services. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required about customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using one of two prescribed retrospective methods. However, the FASB has recently proposed a one-year deferral of the effective date, which is currently subject to approval. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended revenue recognition guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-Based Compensation Expense Under the fair value recognition provisions of U.S. GAAP for accounting for stock-based compensation, the Company measures stock-based compensation expense at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates pre-vesting forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Ultimately, the total expense recognized over the vesting period will equal the fair value of awards that actually vest.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Net of Reserves	Inventory balances are as follows: (in millions) April 24, April 25, Finished goods $ 2,268 $ 1,196 Work in-process 509 247 Raw materials 686 282 Total $ 3,463 $ 1,725
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant, and equipment balances and corresponding lives are as follows: (in millions) April 24, April 25, Lives Land and land improvements $ 217 $ 152 Up to 20 Buildings and leasehold improvements 2,314 1,565 Up to 40 Equipment 5,649 4,409 Generally 3-7, up to 15 Construction in progress 683 313 — Subtotal 8,863 6,439 Less: Accumulated depreciation (4,164 ) (4,047 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 4,699 $ 2,392
Schedule of Product Warranty Obligations	Changes in the Company’s product warranty obligations during the years ended April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 consisted of the following: (in millions) Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 35 Warranty claims provision 25 Settlements made (28 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 32 Fair value of warranty obligation acquired from Covidien 23 Technology upgrade commitment 74 Warranty claims provision 30 Settlements made (24 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 135
Schedule of AOCI	Presented below is a summary of activity for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal year 2013: (in millions) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Cumulative Translation Adjustments Net Change in Retirement Obligations Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance as of April 27, 2012 $ 130 $ 306 $ (834 ) $ (75 ) $ (473 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (33 ) (21 ) (18 ) 53 (19 ) Correction of classification — (80 ) — 80 — Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 97 $ 205 $ (852 ) $ 58 $ (492 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in AOCI by component are as follows: (in millions) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Cumulative Translation Adjustments (a) Net Change in Retirement Obligations Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) Balance as of April 26, 2013, net of tax $ 97 $ 205 $ (852 ) $ 58 $ (492 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax (89 ) 13 60 (120 ) (136 ) Tax benefit (expense) 32 — (37 ) 44 39 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax (57 ) 13 23 (76 ) (97 ) Reclassifications, before tax (72 ) — 99 (42 ) (15 ) Tax benefit (expense) 26 — (35 ) 16 7 Reclassifications, net of tax (46 ) (b) — 64 (c) (26 ) (d) (8 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (103 ) 13 87 (102 ) (105 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014, net of tax (6 ) 218 (765 ) (44 ) (597 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax 169 (495 ) (617 ) 545 (398 ) Tax (expense) benefit (60 ) — 198 (199 ) (61 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 109 (495 ) (419 ) 346 (459 ) Reclassifications, before tax (138 ) — 78 (145 ) (205 ) Tax benefit (expense) 49 — (25 ) 53 77 Reclassifications, net of tax (89 ) (b) — 53 (c) (92 ) (d) (128 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 20 (495 ) (366 ) 254 (587 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015, net of tax $ 14 $ (277 ) $ (1,131 ) $ 210 $ (1,184 ) (a) Taxes are not provided on CTA as substantially all translation adjustments relate to earnings that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. (b) Represents net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net (see Note 5). (c) Includes net amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses included in net periodic benefit cost (see Note 13). (d) Relates to foreign currency cash flow hedges that were reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net or cost of products sold and forward starting interest rate derivative instruments that were reclassified from AOCI to interest expense, net (see Note 9).
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	The table below sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Fiscal Year (in millions, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders $ 2,675 $ 3,065 $ 3,467 Denominator: Basic – weighted average shares outstanding 1,095.5 1,002.1 1,019.3 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options 9.1 7.1 2.8 Employee restricted stock units 4.3 4.3 5.3 Other 0.1 0.1 0.1 Diluted – weighted average shares outstanding 1,109.0 1,013.6 1,027.5 Basic earnings per share $ 2.44 $ 3.06 $ 3.40 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.41 $ 3.02 $ 3.37

Acquisitions and Acquisition-31

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	The following unaudited pro forma information gives effect to Medtronic's acquisition of Covidien as if the acquisition had occurred on April 27, 2013, the first day of fiscal year 2014, and had been included in the Company's consolidated statements of income for fiscal years 2015 and 2014. (in millions) 2015 2014 Pro forma net sales $ 28,369 $ 27,380 Pro forma net income $ 3,944 $ 3,280
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information	The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of contingent consideration include the following significant unobservable inputs: ($ in millions) Fair Value at April 24, 2015 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Discount rate 0% - 27% Revenue-based payments $ 159 Discounted cash flow Probability of payment 70% - 100% Projected fiscal year of payment 2016 - 2025 Discount rate 0.5% - 5.5% Product development-based payments $ 105 Discounted cash flow Probability of payment 75% - 100% Projected fiscal year of payment 2016 - 2020
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Contingent Consideration Associated with Acquisitions	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of contingent consideration: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 Beginning Balance $ 68 $ 142 Acquired contingent consideration 236 — Purchase price contingent consideration 40 65 Contingent consideration payments (85 ) (1 ) Change in fair value of contingent consideration 5 (138 ) Ending Balance $ 264 $ 68
Covidien plc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of Fair Value of Consideration Transferred	The following table summarizes the total fair value of consideration transferred: (in millions, except $ per share data) Cash consideration paid to Covidien shareholders ($35.19 per share) $ 15,994 Cash consideration paid for vested Covidien share awards ($35.19 per share) 33 Total cash consideration $ 16,027 Covidien shares outstanding as of January 23, 2015 455 Exchange ratio per share 0.956 Total Medtronic shares issued to Covidien shareholders (a) 435 Medtronic per share value as of January 23, 2015 $ 76.95 Fair value of Medtronic shares issued to Covidien shareholders $ 33,435 Fair value of shares issued to Covidien share award holders (a) 70 Fair value of share options and awards issued to Covidien share option and award holders 456 Total fair value of consideration transferred $ 49,988 (a) 1 million ordinary shares were issued, net, to Covidien share award holders.
Schedule of Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows: (estimated in millions) Accounts receivable $ 1,349 Inventories 2,222 Other current assets 2,949 Property, plant, and equipment 2,354 Goodwill 29,586 Intangible assets 26,265 Other assets 747 Total assets acquired 65,472 Short-term borrowings 1,011 Other current liabilities 2,331 Long-term debt 4,623 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 4,736 Other long-term liabilities 2,783 Total liabilities assumed 15,484 Net assets acquired $ 49,988
Acquisitions 2,015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from other acquisitions during fiscal year 2015 are as follows: (in millions) NGC Medical S.p.A. Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation All Other Total Other current assets $ 55 $ 3 $ 12 $ 70 Property, plant, and equipment 15 1 2 18 IPR&D — 30 41 71 Other intangible assets 159 — 157 316 Goodwill 197 170 105 472 Other assets 3 3 50 56 Total assets acquired 429 207 367 1,003 Current liabilities 34 4 6 44 Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net 51 — 66 117 Other liabilities 4 — — 4 Total liabilities assumed 89 4 72 165 Net assets acquired $ 340 $ 203 $ 295 $ 838
Acquisitions 2,014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during fiscal year 2014 are as follows: (in millions) TYRX, Inc. Cardiocom, LLC Current assets $ 6 $ 14 Property, plant, and equipment 1 7 Intangible assets 94 61 Goodwill 132 123 Total assets acquired 233 205 Current liabilities 4 12 Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net 7 — Total liabilities assumed 11 12 Net assets acquired $ 222 $ 193
China Kanghui Holdings
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions accounted for as business combinations during fiscal year 2013 are as follows: (in millions) China Kanghui Holdings Current assets $ 106 Property, plant, and equipment 56 Intangible assets 341 Goodwill 409 Other assets 11 Total assets acquired 923 Current liabilities 29 Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net 77 Other long-term liabilities 1 Total liabilities assumed 107 Net assets acquired $ 816

Restructuring Charges, Net (Tab

Restructuring Charges, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	A summary of the activity related to the fiscal year 2015 initiative is presented below: Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative (in millions) Employee Termination Costs Asset Write-downs Other Costs Total Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 213 28 7 248 Payments/write-downs (77 ) (28 ) — (105 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 136 $ — $ 7 $ 143
Covidien Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	A summary of the activity related to the Covidien initiative is presented below: Covidien Initiative (in millions) Employee Termination Costs Other Costs Total Balance as of January 26, 2015 (Acquisition Date) $ 76 $ 27 $ 103 Restructuring charges — — — Payments/write-downs (10 ) (10 ) (20 ) Reversal of excess accrual (5 ) — (5 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 61 $ 17 $ 78
Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	A summary of the activity related to the fiscal year 2014 initiative is presented below: Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative (in millions) Employee Termination Costs Asset Write-downs Other Costs Total Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 65 26 25 116 Payments/write-downs (1 ) (26 ) (14 ) (41 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 64 $ — $ 11 $ 75 Restructuring charges 1 9 28 38 Payments/write-downs (44 ) (9 ) (34 ) (87 ) Reversal of excess accrual (14 ) — (3 ) (17 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 7 $ — $ 2 $ 9

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Information Regarding Short-term and Long-term Investments	Information regarding the Company’s investments at April 24, 2015 is as follows: (in millions) Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 6,283 $ 105 $ (10 ) $ 6,378 Auction rate securities 109 — (4 ) 105 Mortgage-backed securities 1,462 22 (6 ) 1,478 U.S. government and agency securities 3,122 21 (4 ) 3,139 Foreign government and agency securities 85 — — 85 Certificates of deposit 44 — — 44 Other asset-backed securities 504 3 — 507 Debt funds 3,061 19 (150 ) 2,930 Marketable equity securities 64 35 (19 ) 80 Trading securities: Exchange-traded funds 58 19 — 77 Cost method, equity method, and other investments 520 — — NA Total investments $ 15,312 $ 224 $ (193 ) $ 14,823 Information regarding the Company’s investments at April 25, 2014 is as follows: (in millions) Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Corporate debt securities $ 5,504 $ 55 $ (17 ) $ 5,542 Auction rate securities 109 — (12 ) 97 Mortgage-backed securities 1,337 7 (8 ) 1,336 U.S. government and agency securities 3,138 7 (29 ) 3,116 Foreign government and agency securities 67 — — 67 Certificates of deposit 54 — — 54 Other asset-backed securities 540 2 — 542 Debt funds 2,143 9 (29 ) 2,123 Marketable equity securities 47 15 (13 ) 49 Trading securities: Exchange-traded funds 54 13 — 67 Cost method, equity method, and other investments 666 — — NA Total investments $ 13,659 $ 108 $ (108 ) $ 12,993
Information Regarding Available-for-sale and Trading Securities	Information regarding the Company’s consolidated balance sheets presentation at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 is as follows: April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 (in millions) Investments Other Assets Investments Other Assets Available-for-sale securities $ 14,560 $ 186 $ 12,771 $ 155 Trading securities 77 — 67 — Cost method, equity method, and other investments — 520 — 666 Total $ 14,637 $ 706 $ 12,838 $ 821
Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values of Available-for-sale Securities that Have Been in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Deemed to be Temporary for Less than 12 Months and for More than 12 months, Aggregated by Investment Category	The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair values of the Company’s available-for-sale securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position deemed to be temporary, aggregated by investment category as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 : April 24, 2015 Less than 12 Months More than 12 Months (in millions) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Corporate debt securities $ 944 $ (9 ) $ 34 $ (1 ) Auction rate securities — — 105 (4 ) Mortgage-backed securities 346 (3 ) 206 (3 ) U.S. government and agency securities 356 (1 ) 267 (3 ) Debt funds 1,291 (109 ) 559 (41 ) Marketable equity securities 4 (19 ) — — Total $ 2,941 $ (141 ) $ 1,171 $ (52 ) April 25, 2014 Less than 12 Months More than 12 Months (in millions) Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Corporate debt securities $ 1,601 $ (14 ) $ 50 $ (3 ) Auction rate securities — — 97 (12 ) Mortgage-backed securities 682 (7 ) 28 (1 ) U.S. government and agency securities 1,500 (27 ) 46 (2 ) Debt funds 1,224 (29 ) — — Marketable equity securities 25 (13 ) — — Total $ 5,032 $ (90 ) $ 221 $ (18 )
Activity Related to Short-term and Long-term Investment Portfolio	Activity related to the Company’s investment portfolio is as follows: Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Debt (a) Equity (b) (c) Debt (a) Equity (b) Debt (a) Equity (b) Proceeds from sales $ 5,640 $ 250 $ 7,991 $ 120 $ 10,350 $ 161 Gross realized gains $ 33 $ 164 $ 15 $ 69 $ 59 $ 94 Gross realized losses $ (19 ) $ — $ (12 ) $ — $ (17 ) $ — Impairment losses recognized $ — $ (29 ) $ (1 ) $ (9 ) $ — $ (21 ) (a) Includes available-for-sale debt securities. (b) Includes marketable equity securities, cost method, equity method, exchange-traded funds, and other investments. (c) As a result of certain acquisitions that occurred during fiscal year 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash realized gain of $41 million on its previously-held minority investments included in other expense, net on the consolidated statement of income.
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Contractual Maturities	The April 24, 2015 balance of available-for-sale debt securities, excluding debt funds which have no single maturity date, by contractual maturity is shown in the following table. Within the table, maturities of mortgage-backed securities have been allocated based upon timing of estimated cash flows, assuming no change in the current interest rate environment. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties. (in millions) April 24, 2015 Due in one year or less $ 1,812 Due after one year through five years 6,646 Due after five years through 10 years 3,097 Due after 10 years 182 Total debt securities $ 11,737

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Information by Level for Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following tables provide information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 24, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Corporate debt securities $ 6,378 $ — $ 6,377 $ 1 Auction rate securities 105 — — 105 Mortgage-backed securities 1,478 — 1,478 — U.S. government and agency securities 3,139 1,541 1,598 — Foreign government and agency securities 85 — 85 — Certificates of deposit 44 — 44 — Other asset-backed securities 507 — 507 — Debt funds 2,930 — 2,930 — Marketable equity securities 80 80 — — Exchange-traded funds 77 77 — — Derivative assets 733 644 89 — Total assets $ 15,556 $ 2,342 $ 13,108 $ 106 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 116 $ 45 $ 71 $ — Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009 264 — — 264 Total liabilities $ 380 $ 45 $ 71 $ 264 Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 25, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Corporate debt securities $ 5,542 $ — $ 5,533 $ 9 Auction rate securities 97 — — 97 Mortgage-backed securities 1,336 — 1,336 — U.S. government and agency securities 3,116 1,251 1,865 — Foreign government and agency securities 67 — 67 — Certificates of deposit 54 — 54 — Other asset-backed securities 542 — 542 — Debt funds 2,123 — 2,123 — Marketable equity securities 49 49 — — Exchange-traded funds 67 67 — — Derivative assets 175 89 86 — Total assets $ 13,168 $ 1,456 $ 11,606 $ 106 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ 127 $ 116 $ 11 $ — Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009 68 — — 68 Total liabilities $ 195 $ 116 $ 11 $ 68
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	The following table represents the range of the unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurement of the auction rate securities classified as Level 3 as of April 24, 2015 : Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) Auction rate securities Discounted cash flow Years to principal recovery 2 yrs. - 12 yrs. (3 yrs.) Illiquidity premium 6%
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis that Used Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	The following tables provide reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate debt securities Auction rate securities Mortgage- backed securities Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 106 $ 9 $ 97 $ — Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings (5 ) (5 ) — — Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income 10 2 8 — Settlements (5 ) (5 ) — — Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 106 $ 1 $ 105 $ — (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate debt securities Auction rate securities Mortgage- backed securities Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 127 $ 10 $ 103 $ 14 Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings (5 ) — (5 ) — Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income 4 — 3 1 Settlements (20 ) (1 ) (4 ) (15 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 106 $ 9 $ 97 $ —

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (in millions) Cardiac and Vascular Group Minimally Invasive Therapies Group Restorative Therapies Group Diabetes Group Total Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 2,624 $ — $ 6,361 $ 1,344 $ 10,329 Goodwill as a result of acquisitions 279 — — — 279 Other adjustments, net (8 ) — 7 — (1 ) Currency adjustment, net (14 ) — — — (14 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 2,881 $ — $ 6,368 $ 1,344 $ 10,593 Goodwill as a result of Covidien acquisition 2,795 23,399 2,892 500 29,586 Goodwill as a result of other acquisitions 245 — 218 9 472 Other adjustments, net — — (9 ) — (9 ) Currency adjustment, net (66 ) — (45 ) (1 ) (112 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 5,855 $ 23,399 $ 9,424 $ 1,852 $ 40,530
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets at the end of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2014 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortizable: Customer-related $ 18,492 $ (273 ) $ 76 $ (6 ) Purchased technology and patents 11,118 (2,268 ) 3,857 (1,878 ) Trademarks and tradenames 640 (363 ) 408 (332 ) Other 79 (44 ) 124 (82 ) Total $ 30,329 $ (2,948 ) $ 4,465 $ (2,298 ) Non-Amortizable: IPR&D $ 470 $ 119 Tradenames 250 — Total $ 720 $ 119
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets at the end of fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2014 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortizable: Customer-related $ 18,492 $ (273 ) $ 76 $ (6 ) Purchased technology and patents 11,118 (2,268 ) 3,857 (1,878 ) Trademarks and tradenames 640 (363 ) 408 (332 ) Other 79 (44 ) 124 (82 ) Total $ 30,329 $ (2,948 ) $ 4,465 $ (2,298 ) Non-Amortizable: IPR&D $ 470 $ 119 Tradenames 250 — Total $ 720 $ 119
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable intangible assets, excluding any possible future amortization associated with acquired IPR&D, which has not met technological feasibility, is as follows: (in millions) Fiscal Year Amortization Expense 2016 $ 1,911 2017 1,889 2018 1,858 2019 1,765 2020 1,717

Financing Arrangements (Tables)

Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Short-term Debt	Short-term debt consisted of the following: April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 (in millions) Payable Payable Capital lease obligations $ 16 $ 14 Bank borrowings 303 337 3.000 percent five-year 2010 senior notes — 1,250 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes 500 — 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes 600 — 1.350 percent 2012 CIFSA senior notes 600 — 2.800 percent 2010 CIFSA senior notes 400 — Interest rate swaps 10 12 Debt premium 5 — Total Short-Term Borrowings $ 2,434 $ 1,613
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following: April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 (in millions, except interest rates) Maturity by Fiscal Year Payable Effective Interest Rate Payable Effective Interest Rate 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes 2016 $ — — $ 600 4.76 % 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes 2016 — — 500 2.72 % Floating rate three-year 2014 senior notes 2017 250 0.32 % 250 0.32 % 0.875 percent three-year 2014 senior notes 2017 250 0.91 % 250 0.91 % 6.000 percent ten-year 2008 CIFSA senior notes 2018 1,150 1.41 % — — 1.375 percent five-year 2013 senior notes 2018 1,000 1.41 % 1,000 1.41 % 1.500 percent three-year 2015 senior notes 2018 1,000 1.59 % — — 5.600 percent ten-year 2009 senior notes 2019 400 5.61 % 400 5.61 % 4.450 percent ten-year 2010 senior notes 2020 1,250 4.47 % 1,250 4.47 % 4.200 percent ten-year 2010 CIFSA senior notes 2020 600 2.22 % — — 2.500 percent five-year 2015 senior notes 2020 2,500 2.52 % — — Floating rate five-year 2015 senior notes 2020 500 1.04 % — — 4.125 percent ten-year 2011 senior notes 2021 500 4.19 % 500 4.19 % 3.125 percent ten-year 2012 senior notes 2022 675 3.16 % 675 3.16 % 3.200 percent ten-year 2012 CIFSA senior notes 2022 650 2.66 % — — 3.150 percent seven-year 2015 senior notes 2022 2,500 3.18 % — — 2.750 percent ten-year 2013 senior notes 2023 1,250 2.78 % 1,250 2.78 % 2.950 percent ten-year 2013 CIFSA senior notes 2023 750 2.67 % — — 3.625 percent ten-year 2014 senior notes 2024 850 3.65 % 850 3.65 % 3.500 percent ten-year 2015 senior notes 2025 4,000 3.61 % — — 4.375 percent twenty-year 2015 senior notes 2035 2,500 4.44 % — — 6.550 percent thirty-year 2007 CIFSA senior notes 2037 850 3.75 % — — 6.500 percent thirty-year 2009 senior notes 2039 300 6.52 % 300 6.52 % 5.550 percent thirty-year 2010 senior notes 2040 500 5.56 % 500 5.56 % 4.500 percent thirty-year 2012 senior notes 2042 400 4.51 % 400 4.51 % 4.000 percent thirty-year 2013 senior notes 2043 750 4.12 % 750 4.12 % 4.625 percent thirty-year 2014 senior notes 2044 650 4.67 % 650 4.67 % 4.625 percent thirty-year 2015 senior notes 2045 4,000 4.64 % — — Three-year term loan 2018 3,000 1.12 % — — Interest rate swaps 2016-2022 79 — 56 — Deferred gains from interest rate swap terminations, net — 3 — 20 — Capital lease obligations 2016-2025 129 3.52 % 139 3.62 % Bank borrowings 2021 17 — — — Debt premium (discount) 2017-2045 499 — (25 ) — Total Long-Term Debt $ 33,752 $ 10,315
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Contractual maturities of debt for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, excluding the debt premium and discount, the fair value of outstanding interest rate swap agreements, and the remaining deferred gains from terminated interest rate swap agreements are as follows: (in millions) Fiscal Year 2016 $ 2,419 2017 538 2018 6,173 2019 423 2020 4,273 Thereafter 21,764 Total debt 35,590 Less: Current portion of debt 2,419 Long-term portion of debt $ 33,171

Derivatives and Foreign Excha37

Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The amount and location of the gains in the consolidated statements of income related to derivative instruments, not designated as hedging instruments, for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 are as follows: (in millions) Fiscal Year Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location 2015 2014 2013 Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Other expense, net $ 210 $ 15 $ 26
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Other Comprehensive Income, Location	The amount of gains (losses) and location of the gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income (OCI) related to foreign currency exchange rate contract derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the fiscal years ended April 24, 2015 , April 25, 2014 , and April 26, 2013 are as follows: April 24, 2015 Gross Gains Recognized in OCI on Effective Portion of Derivative Effective Portion of Gains (Losses) on Derivative Reclassified from AOCI into Income (in millions) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount Location Amount Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 707 Other expense, net $ 221 Cost of products sold (65 ) Total $ 707 $ 156 April 25, 2014 Gross Losses Recognized in OCI on Effective Portion of Derivative Effective Portion of Gains (Losses) on Derivative Reclassified from AOCI into Income (in millions) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount Location Amount Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (152 ) Other expense, net $ 94 Cost of products sold (43 ) Total $ (152 ) $ 51 April 26, 2013 Gross Gains Recognized in OCI on Effective Portion of Derivative Effective Portion of Gains (Losses) on Derivative Reclassified from AOCI into Income (in millions) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount Location Amount Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 121 Other expense, net $ 103 Cost of products sold (2 ) Total $ 121 $ 101
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The following tables summarize the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 . The fair value amounts are presented on a gross basis and are segregated between derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments and those that are not, and are further segregated by type of contract within those two categories. April 24, 2015 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (in millions) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 10 Other accrued expenses $ — Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 382 Other accrued expenses 12 Interest rate contracts Other assets 79 Other long-term liabilities 71 Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Other assets 143 Other long-term liabilities 3 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 614 $ 86 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 119 Other accrued expenses $ 30 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 119 $ 30 Total derivatives $ 733 $ 116 April 25, 2014 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives (in millions) Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 13 Other accrued expenses $ — Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets 81 Other accrued expenses 84 Interest rate contracts Other assets 73 Other long-term liabilities 11 Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Other assets 8 Other long-term liabilities 30 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 175 $ 125 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency exchange rate contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ — Other accrued expenses $ 2 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ — $ 2 Total derivatives $ 175 $ 127
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information as if the Company had elected to offset the asset and liability balances of derivative instruments, netted in accordance with various criteria as stipulated by the terms of the master netting arrangements with each of the counterparties. Derivatives not subject to master netting arrangements are not eligible for net presentation. April 24, 2015 Gross Amount Not Offset on the Balance Sheet (in millions) Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) Financial Instruments Cash Collateral (Received) or Posted Net Amount Derivative Assets Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 644 $ (61 ) $ (325 ) $ 258 Interest rate contracts 89 (10 ) (13 ) 66 $ 733 $ (71 ) $ (338 ) $ 324 Derivative Liabilities Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (45 ) $ 31 — $ (14 ) Interest rate contracts (71 ) 40 8 (23 ) $ (116 ) $ 71 $ 8 $ (37 ) Total $ 617 $ — $ (330 ) $ 287 April 25, 2014 Gross Amount Not Offset on the Balance Sheet (in millions) Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) Financial Instruments Cash Collateral (Received) or Posted Net Amount Derivative Assets Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 89 $ (64 ) $ — $ 25 Interest rate contracts 86 (31 ) — 55 $ 175 $ (95 ) $ — $ 80 Derivative Liabilities Foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (116 ) $ 84 $ — $ (32 ) Interest rate contracts (11 ) 11 — — $ (127 ) $ 95 $ — $ (32 ) Total $ 48 $ — $ — $ 48

Stock Purchase and Award Plans

Stock Purchase and Award Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Options Valuation Assumptions	The following table provides the weighted average fair value of options granted to employees and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model: Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 25.39 $ 12.00 $ 7.42 Assumptions used: Expected life (years) (a) 4.24 6.40 6.50 Risk-free interest rate (b) 0.99 % 1.88 % 0.94 % Volatility (c) 21.29 % 25.20 % 26.22 % Dividend yield (d) 1.66 % 2.02 % 2.64 % (a) Expected life: The Company analyzes historical employee stock option exercise and termination data to estimate the expected life assumption. The Company calculates the expected life assumption using the midpoint scenario, which combines historical exercise data with hypothetical exercise data, as the Company believes this data currently represents the best estimate of the expected life of a new employee option. The Company also stratifies its employee population into two groups based upon distinctive exercise behavior patterns. (b) Risk-free interest rate: The rate is based on the grant date yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond whose maturity period equals the expected term of the option. (c) Volatility: Expected volatility is based on a blend of historical volatility and an implied volatility of the Company’s ordinary shares. Implied volatility is based on market traded options of the Company’s ordinary shares. (d) Dividend yield: The dividend yield rate is calculated by dividing the Company’s annual dividend, based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate, by the closing stock price on the grant date.
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense by Plan	The following table presents the components and classification of stock-based compensation expense, including the modification expense related to the Transaction Agreement, for stock options, restricted stock awards, and ESPP shares recognized for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Stock options $ 140 $ 34 $ 44 Restricted stock awards 284 98 96 Employees stock purchase plan 15 13 12 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 439 $ 145 $ 152 Cost of products sold $ 23 $ 14 $ 12 Research and development expense 29 27 31 Selling, general, and administrative expense 128 104 109 Restructuring charges 70 — — Acquisition-related items 189 — — Total stock-based compensation expense 439 145 152 Income tax benefits (138 ) (40 ) (43 ) Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 301 $ 105 $ 109
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	Stock Options The following table summarizes all stock option activity, including activity from options assumed or issued as a result of acquisitions, during fiscal year 2015 : Options (in thousands) Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (dollars in millions) Outstanding at April 25, 2014 35,577 $ 44.78 Granted 40,952 57.96 Exercised (13,503 ) 45.32 Expired/Forfeited (1,005 ) 50.43 Outstanding at April 24, 2015 62,021 53.27 7.03 $ 1,351 Vested and expected to vest at April 24, 2015 55,649 51.27 6.75 1,314 Exercisable at April 24, 2015 28,272 39.91 4.53 981 The following table summarizes the total cash received from the issuance of new shares upon stock option award exercises, the total intrinsic value of options exercised and the related tax benefit during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cash proceeds from options exercised $ 609 $ 1,273 $ 230 Intrinsic value of options exercised 329 249 39 Tax benefit related to options exercised 106 78 12
Schedule of Restricted Stock Award Activity	Restricted Stock Awards The following table summarizes restricted stock award activity, including activity from restricted stock awards assumed or issued as a result of acquisitions, during fiscal year 2015 : Awards (in thousands) Wtd. Avg. Grant Price Nonvested at April 25, 2014 9,558 $ 44.06 Granted 3,515 69.30 Vested (2,442 ) 39.53 Forfeited (609 ) 46.22 Nonvested at April 24, 2015 10,022 $ 53.88 The following table summarizes the weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted, total fair value of restricted stock awards vested and related tax benefit during fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : (in millions, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average grant-date fair value per restricted stock award $ 69.30 $ 55.62 $ 39.53 Fair value of restricted stock awards vested 174 142 116 Tax benefit related to restricted stock awards vested 50 40 34

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Based on Tax Jurisdiction	The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes, based on tax jurisdiction, are as follows: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 U.S. $ 639 $ 1,690 $ 1,806 International 2,847 2,015 2,445 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 3,486 $ 3,705 $ 4,251
Provision for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current tax expense: U.S. $ 1,128 $ 532 $ 509 International 502 248 219 Total current tax expense 1,630 780 728 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: U.S. (705 ) (175 ) 46 International (114 ) 35 10 Net deferred tax (benefit) expense (819 ) (140 ) 56 Total provision for income taxes $ 811 $ 640 $ 784
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Tax assets (liabilities), shown before jurisdictional netting of deferred tax assets (liabilities), are comprised of the following: (in millions) April 24, 2015 April 25, 2014 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards $ 5,912 $ 487 Other accrued liabilities 585 205 Accrued compensation 330 201 Pension and post-retirement benefits 449 194 Stock-based compensation 418 171 Other 303 171 Inventory 171 118 Federal and state benefit on uncertain tax positions 296 79 Gross deferred tax assets 8,464 1,626 Valuation allowance (5,607 ) (397 ) Total deferred tax assets 2,857 1,229 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (5,393 ) (652 ) Basis impairment (204 ) (225 ) Realized loss on derivative financial instruments (112 ) (110 ) Other (96 ) (24 ) Accumulated depreciation (217 ) (20 ) Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities and derivative financial instruments (160 ) — Total deferred tax liabilities (6,182 ) (1,031 ) Prepaid income taxes 427 320 Income tax receivables 188 113 Tax (liabilities)/assets, net $ (2,710 ) $ 631 Reported as (after valuation allowance and jurisdictional netting): Tax assets $ 1,335 $ 736 Long-term tax assets 774 300 Deferred tax liabilities (119 ) (19 ) Long-term deferred tax liabilities (4,700 ) (386 ) Tax (liabilities)/assets, net $ (2,710 ) $ 631
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The Company’s effective income tax rate from continuing operations varied from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as follows: Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 U.S. federal statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from: U.S. state taxes, net of federal tax benefit 0.8 0.6 0.5 Research and development credit (0.7 ) (0.5 ) (1.1 ) Domestic production activities (0.4 ) (0.4 ) (0.3 ) International (24.3 ) (17.7 ) (16.7 ) Puerto Rico Excise Tax (1.7 ) (1.6 ) (1.3 ) Impact of non-recurring adjustments (a) 13.3 5.6 2.0 Reversal of excess tax accruals — (1.9 ) — Other, net 1.3 (1.8 ) 0.3 Effective tax rate 23.3 % 17.3 % 18.4 % (a) Non-recurring adjustments include the impact of inventory step-up, impact of product technology upgrade commitment, restructuring charges, net, certain litigation charges, net, acquisition-related items, amortization of intangible assets, and certain tax adjustments.
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 is as follows: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of fiscal year $ 1,172 $ 1,068 $ 917 Gross increases: Prior year tax positions 331 64 12 Current year tax positions 231 166 169 Acquisitions 1,199 — — Gross decreases: Prior year tax positions (40 ) (58 ) (21 ) Settlements (33 ) (66 ) (6 ) Statute of limitation lapses — (2 ) (3 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of fiscal year $ 2,860 $ 1,172 $ 1,068 Cash advance paid in connection with proposed settlements (378 ) — — Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of fiscal year, net of cash advance $ 2,482 $ 1,172 $ 1,068
Major Tax Jurisdictions Which Remain Subject to Examination	The major tax jurisdictions where the Company conducts business which remain subject to examination are as follows: Jurisdiction Earliest Year Open United States - federal and state 1996 Brazil 2009 Canada 2005 China 2009 Costa Rica 2012 Dominican Republic 2011 France 2007 Germany 2010 India 2002 Ireland 2010 Israel 2009 Italy 2005 Japan 2009 Luxembourg 2009 Mexico 2005 Puerto Rico 2005 Singapore 2009 Switzerland 2004 United Kingdom 2010

Retirement Benefit Plans (Table

Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans	The change in benefit obligation and funded status of the Company’s U.S. and Non-U.S. pension benefits are as follows: U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year: $ 2,699 $ 1,996 $ 1,462 $ 871 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,203 $ 2,154 $ 1,031 $ 811 Service cost 104 107 60 54 Interest cost 105 97 33 29 Benefit obligations assumed in Covidien acquisition 214 — 472 — Employee contributions — — 16 16 Plan curtailments and settlements — — (35 ) (2 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 391 (104 ) 354 88 Benefits paid (61 ) (51 ) (34 ) (27 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other — — (250 ) 62 Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 2,956 $ 2,203 $ 1,647 $ 1,031 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 1,917 $ 1,717 $ 889 $ 733 Actual return on plan assets 69 163 162 61 Plan assets acquired in Covidien acquisition 188 — 262 — Employer contributions 91 88 80 48 Employee contributions — — 16 16 Plan settlements — — (1 ) — Benefits paid (61 ) (51 ) (34 ) (27 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — (185 ) 58 Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 2,204 $ 1,917 $ 1,189 $ 889 Funded status at end of year: Fair value of plan assets $ 2,204 $ 1,917 $ 1,189 $ 889 Benefit obligations 2,956 2,203 1,647 1,031 Underfunded status of the plans $ (752 ) $ (286 ) $ (458 ) $ (142 ) Recognized liability $ (752 ) $ (286 ) $ (458 ) $ (142 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets consist of: Non-current assets $ 21 $ — $ 2 $ 17 Current liabilities (11 ) (10 ) (48 ) (4 ) Non-current liabilities (762 ) (276 ) (412 ) (155 ) Recognized liability $ (752 ) $ (286 ) $ (458 ) $ (142 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income: Prior service cost (benefit) $ 4 $ 4 $ (2 ) $ (2 ) Net actuarial loss 1,253 837 372 254 Ending balance $ 1,257 $ 841 $ 370 $ 252
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	U.S. and non-U.S. plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets consist of the following: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 3,678 $ 2,426 Projected benefit obligation 4,032 2,703 Plan assets at fair value 2,823 2,268
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets consist of the following: Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 4,319 $ 2,864 Plan assets at fair value 3,086 2,419
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	The net periodic benefit cost of the plans include the following components: U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 104 $ 107 $ 104 $ 60 $ 54 $ 43 Interest cost 105 97 94 33 29 27 Expected return on plan assets (160 ) (141 ) (128 ) (41 ) (35 ) (33 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) — 1 (1 ) — 1 1 Amortization of net actuarial loss 65 85 71 12 11 8 Net periodic benefit cost $ 114 $ 149 $ 140 $ 64 $ 60 $ 46
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The other changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal year 2015 are as follows: (in millions) U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Net actuarial loss $ 481 $ 199 Amortization of prior service cost — (1 ) Amortization of net actuarial gain (65 ) (12 ) Effect of exchange rates — (68 ) Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 416 $ 118 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 530 $ 182
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The actuarial assumptions are as follows: U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average assumptions – projected benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.20 % 4.75 % 4.55 % 1.88 % 3.32 % 3.52 % Rate of compensation increase 3.90 % 3.90 % 3.90 % 2.92 % 2.80 % 2.78 % Weighted average assumptions – net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.75 % 4.55 % 5.05 % 3.32 % 3.52 % 3.98 % Expected return on plan assets 8.25 % 8.25 % 8.25 % 4.77 % 4.76 % 5.19 % Rate of compensation increase 3.90 % 3.90 % 3.80 % 2.80 % 2.78 % 2.85 %
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The Company’s pension plan target allocations at April 24, 2015 and April 25, 2014 , by asset category, are as follows: U.S. Plans Target Allocation 2015 2014 Asset Category Equity securities 49 % 50 % Debt securities 23 20 Other 28 30 Total 100 % 100 % Non-U.S. Plans Target Allocation 2015 2014 Asset Category Equity securities 35 % 41 % Debt securities 29 22 Other 36 37 Total 100 % 100 %
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	Retiree benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are anticipated to be paid as follows: (in millions) U.S. Pension Benefits Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fiscal Year Gross Payments Gross Payments 2016 $ 96 $ 160 2017 93 38 2018 103 40 2019 114 39 2020 125 41 2021 – 2025 792 239 Total $ 1,323 $ 557
U.S. Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair Value Measurements, Retirement Benefit Plan Assets	The following tables provide information by level for the retirement benefit plan assets that are measured at fair value, as defined by U.S. GAAP. See Note 1 for discussion of the fair value measurement terms of Levels 1, 2, and 3. U.S. Pension Benefits Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 24, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Short-term investments $ 247 $ 247 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 155 109 46 — Corporate debt securities 5 — 4 1 Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts 951 — 751 200 Fixed income mutual funds 374 — 374 — Partnership units 472 — — 472 $ 2,204 $ 356 $ 1,175 $ 673 Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 25, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Short-term investments $ 157 $ 157 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 158 108 50 — Corporate debt securities 60 — 59 1 Other common stock 125 125 — — Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts 578 — 293 285 Fixed income mutual funds 166 — 166 — Partnership units 673 — — 673 $ 1,917 $ 390 $ 568 $ 959
Fair Value, Retirement Benefit Plan Assets, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of U.S. pension benefit assets measured at fair value that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate Debt Securities Commingled Trusts Partnership Units Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 959 $ 1 $ 285 $ 673 Total realized gains included in income 162 — 65 97 Total unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (130 ) — (31 ) (99 ) Purchases and sales, net (318 ) — (119 ) (199 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 673 $ 1 $ 200 $ 472 (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Corporate Debt Securities Commingled Trusts Partnership Units Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 851 $ 1 $ 227 $ 623 Total realized gains included in income 23 — — 23 Total unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 86 — 58 28 Purchases and sales, net (1 ) — — (1 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 959 $ 1 $ 285 $ 673
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair Value Measurements, Retirement Benefit Plan Assets	Non-U.S. Pension Benefits Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 24, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Registered investment companies $ 1,113 $ — $ 1,113 $ — Insurance contracts 60 — — 60 Partnership units 16 — — 16 $ 1,189 $ — $ 1,113 $ 76 Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as (in millions) April 25, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Registered investment companies $ 868 $ — $ 868 $ — Insurance contracts 11 — — 11 Partnership units 10 — — 10 $ 889 $ — $ 868 $ 21
Fair Value, Retirement Benefit Plan Assets, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of non-U.S. pension benefit assets measured at fair value that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Insurance Contracts Partnership Units Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 21 $ 11 $ 10 Total unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 (1 ) 2 Purchases and sales, net 63 56 7 Foreign currency exchange (9 ) (6 ) (3 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015 $ 76 $ 60 $ 16 (in millions) Total Level 3 Investments Insurance Contracts Partnership Units Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 18 $ 10 $ 8 Total unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 1 — 1 Purchases and sales, net 1 — 1 Foreign currency exchange 1 1 — Balance as of April 25, 2014 $ 21 $ 11 $ 10

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases and Operating Leases	Future minimum payments under capitalized leases and non-cancelable operating leases at April 24, 2015 are: (in millions) Fiscal Year Capitalized Leases Operating Leases 2016 $ 20 $ 196 2017 37 138 2018 23 93 2019 22 66 2020 22 43 Thereafter 43 88 Total minimum lease payments $ 167 $ 624 Less amounts representing interest (22 ) N/A Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 145 N/A

Accumulated Other Comprehensi42

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of AOCI	Presented below is a summary of activity for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for fiscal year 2013: (in millions) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Cumulative Translation Adjustments Net Change in Retirement Obligations Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance as of April 27, 2012 $ 130 $ 306 $ (834 ) $ (75 ) $ (473 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (33 ) (21 ) (18 ) 53 (19 ) Correction of classification — (80 ) — 80 — Balance as of April 26, 2013 $ 97 $ 205 $ (852 ) $ 58 $ (492 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in AOCI by component are as follows: (in millions) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities Cumulative Translation Adjustments (a) Net Change in Retirement Obligations Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) Balance as of April 26, 2013, net of tax $ 97 $ 205 $ (852 ) $ 58 $ (492 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax (89 ) 13 60 (120 ) (136 ) Tax benefit (expense) 32 — (37 ) 44 39 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax (57 ) 13 23 (76 ) (97 ) Reclassifications, before tax (72 ) — 99 (42 ) (15 ) Tax benefit (expense) 26 — (35 ) 16 7 Reclassifications, net of tax (46 ) (b) — 64 (c) (26 ) (d) (8 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (103 ) 13 87 (102 ) (105 ) Balance as of April 25, 2014, net of tax (6 ) 218 (765 ) (44 ) (597 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax 169 (495 ) (617 ) 545 (398 ) Tax (expense) benefit (60 ) — 198 (199 ) (61 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 109 (495 ) (419 ) 346 (459 ) Reclassifications, before tax (138 ) — 78 (145 ) (205 ) Tax benefit (expense) 49 — (25 ) 53 77 Reclassifications, net of tax (89 ) (b) — 53 (c) (92 ) (d) (128 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 20 (495 ) (366 ) 254 (587 ) Balance as of April 24, 2015, net of tax $ 14 $ (277 ) $ (1,131 ) $ 210 $ (1,184 ) (a) Taxes are not provided on CTA as substantially all translation adjustments relate to earnings that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. (b) Represents net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities that were reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net (see Note 5). (c) Includes net amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses included in net periodic benefit cost (see Note 13). (d) Relates to foreign currency cash flow hedges that were reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net or cost of products sold and forward starting interest rate derivative instruments that were reclassified from AOCI to interest expense, net (see Note 9).

Quarterly Financial Data (una43

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	(in millions, except per share data) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Net Sales 2015 $ 4,273 $ 4,366 $ 4,318 $ 7,304 $ 20,261 2014 4,083 4,194 4,163 4,566 17,005 Gross Profit 2015 $ 3,168 $ 3,224 $ 3,190 $ 4,370 $ 13,952 2014 3,061 3,104 3,113 3,395 12,672 Net Income (Loss) 2015 $ 871 $ 828 $ 977 $ (1 ) $ 2,675 2014 953 902 762 448 3,065 Basic Earnings per Share 2015 $ 0.88 $ 0.84 $ 0.99 $ — 2.44 2014 0.94 0.90 0.76 0.45 3.06 Diluted Earnings per Share 2015 $ 0.87 $ 0.83 $ 0.98 $ — 2.41 2014 0.93 0.89 0.75 0.44 3.02

Segment and Geographic Inform44

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated	Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cardiac and Vascular Group $ 9,361 $ 8,847 $ 8,695 Minimally Invasive Therapies Group 2,387 — — Restorative Therapies Group 6,751 6,501 6,369 Diabetes Group 1,762 1,657 1,526 Total Net Sales $ 20,261 $ 17,005 $ 16,590
Reconciliation of Income from Operations Before Income Taxes from Segments to Consolidated	Fiscal Year (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Cardiac and Vascular Group $ 3,140 $ 2,982 $ 2,935 Minimally Invasive Therapies Group 342 — — Restorative Therapies Group 1,828 1,821 1,778 Diabetes Group 540 457 432 Total Reportable Segments’ Income Before Income Taxes 5,850 5,260 5,145 Impact of inventory step-up (623 ) — — Impact of product technology upgrade commitment (74 ) — — Special (gains) charges, net 38 (40 ) — Restructuring charges, net (a) (252 ) (88 ) (182 ) Certain litigation charges, net (42 ) (770 ) (245 ) Acquisition-related items (550 ) (117 ) 49 Interest expense, net (280 ) (108 ) (151 ) Corporate (581 ) (432 ) (365 ) Total Income From Operations Before Income Taxes $ 3,486 $ 3,705 $ 4,251 (a) Restructuring charges, net within this table include the impact of amounts recorded within cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income.
Reconciliation of Assets from Segments to Consolidated	The following table presents the Company’s assets by reportable segment: (in millions) April 24, April 25, Cardiac and Vascular Group $ 13,642 $ 8,705 Minimally Invasive Therapies Group 51,228 — Restorative Therapies Group 15,249 10,568 Diabetes Group 2,597 2,038 Total Assets of Reportable Segments 82,716 21,311 Corporate 23,969 16,632 Total Assets $ 106,685 $ 37,943
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net, by Geographical Areas	Geographic Information In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company amended the way in which management evaluates performance and allocates resources by geography. As a result, the Company began to operate under four geographic regions: Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Greater China. Accordingly, the geographic information for the prior years has been restated to present these regions. Net sales to external customers and property, plant, and equipment, net by geography are as follows: (in millions) Americas EMEA (a) Asia Pacific Greater China Consolidated Fiscal Year 2015 Net sales to external customers $ 12,125 $ 5,064 $ 2,059 $ 1,013 $ 20,261 Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 3,626 $ 725 $ 165 $ 183 $ 4,699 Fiscal Year 2014 Net sales to external customers $ 9,922 $ 4,483 $ 1,776 $ 824 $ 17,005 Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,833 $ 393 $ 74 $ 92 $ 2,392 Fiscal Year 2013 Net sales to external customers $ 9,761 $ 4,225 $ 1,886 $ 718 $ 16,590 Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 1,920 $ 397 $ 74 $ 99 $ 2,490 (a) Sales to Ireland were insignificant during all periods presented. Property, plant, and equipment, net includes $151 million , $72 million , and $70 million in Ireland in fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Guarantor Financial Informati45

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,261 $ — $ 20,261 $ (1,261 ) $ 20,261 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — 1,234 — 5,969 (894 ) 6,309 Research and development expense — 390 — 1,250 — 1,640 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 535 — 6,369 — 6,904 Special (gains) charges, net — — — (38 ) — (38 ) Restructuring charges, net — — — 237 — 237 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 42 — 42 Acquisition-related items — — — 550 — 550 Amortization of intangible assets — 11 — 722 — 733 Other (income) expense, net (108 ) (712 ) — 938 — 118 Operating profit 108 (197 ) — 4,222 (367 ) 3,766 Interest income — — (170 ) (386 ) 170 (386 ) Interest expense — 706 — 130 (170 ) 666 Interest expense (income), net — 706 (170 ) (256 ) — 280 Equity in net income of subsidiaries (2,578 ) (3,629 ) (2,408 ) — 8,615 — Income from operations before income taxes 2,686 2,726 2,578 4,478 (8,982 ) 3,486 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 11 (330 ) — 1,268 (138 ) 811 Net income 2,675 3,056 2,578 3,210 (8,844 ) 2,675 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) 1,761 (587 ) Total comprehensive income $ 2,088 $ 2,469 $ 1,991 $ 2,623 $ (7,083 ) $ 2,088 Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 25, 2014 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,155 $ — $ 17,005 $ (1,155 ) $ 17,005 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — 1,123 — 4,353 (1,143 ) 4,333 Research and development expense — 380 — 1,097 — 1,477 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 617 — 5,230 — 5,847 Special charges — — — 40 — 40 Restructuring charges, net — — — 78 — 78 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 770 — 770 Acquisition-related items — — — 117 — 117 Amortization of intangible assets — 12 — 337 — 349 Other (income) expense, net — (1,219 ) — 1,400 — 181 Operating profit — 242 — 3,583 (12 ) 3,813 Interest income — (5 ) — (266 ) — (271 ) Interest expense — 317 — 62 — 379 Interest expense (income), net — 312 — (204 ) — 108 Equity in net income of subsidiaries — (3,560 ) — — 3,560 — Income from operations before income taxes — 3,490 — 3,787 (3,572 ) 3,705 Provision for income taxes — 425 — 227 (12 ) 640 Net income — 3,065 — 3,560 (3,560 ) 3,065 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — (105 ) — (105 ) 105 (105 ) Total comprehensive income $ — $ 2,960 $ — $ 3,455 $ (3,455 ) $ 2,960 Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 26, 2013 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ 1,090 $ — $ 16,590 $ (1,090 ) $ 16,590 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — 1,057 — 4,147 (1,078 ) 4,126 Research and development expense — 421 — 1,136 — 1,557 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 542 — 5,156 — 5,698 Special charges — — — — — — Restructuring charges, net — — — 172 — 172 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 245 — 245 Acquisition-related items — — — (49 ) — (49 ) Amortization of intangible assets — 14 — 317 — 331 Other (income) expense, net — (1,136 ) — 1,244 — 108 Operating profit — 192 — 4,222 (12 ) 4,402 Interest income — — — (237 ) — (237 ) Interest expense — 329 — 59 — 388 Interest expense (income), net — 329 — (178 ) — 151 Equity in net income of subsidiaries — (3,945 ) — — 3,945 — Income from operations before income taxes — 3,808 — 4,400 (3,957 ) 4,251 Provision for income taxes — 341 — 455 (12 ) 784 Net income — 3,467 — 3,945 (3,945 ) 3,467 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — (19 ) — (19 ) 19 (19 ) Total comprehensive income $ — $ 3,448 $ — $ 3,926 $ (3,926 ) $ 3,448 Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 CIFSA Senior Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (CIFSA) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Net sales $ — $ — $ — $ 20,261 $ — $ 20,261 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold — — — 6,309 — 6,309 Research and development expense — — — 1,640 — 1,640 Selling, general, and administrative expense — 21 6,883 — 6,904 Special (gains) charges, net — — — (38 ) — (38 ) Restructuring charges, net — — — 237 — 237 Certain litigation charges, net — — — 42 — 42 Acquisition-related items — — — 550 — 550 Amortization of intangible assets — — — 733 — 733 Other (income) expense, net (108 ) 1 26 199 — 118 Operating profit 108 (1 ) (47 ) 3,706 — 3,766 Interest income — (149 ) (170 ) (386 ) 319 (386 ) Interest expense — 29 — 956 (319 ) 666 Interest (income) expense, net — (120 ) (170 ) 570 — 280 Equity in net income of subsidiaries (2,578 ) 626 (2,410 ) — 4,362 — Income (loss) from operations before income taxes 2,686 (507 ) 2,533 3,136 (4,362 ) 3,486 Provision for income taxes 11 — — 800 — 811 Net income (loss) 2,675 (507 ) 2,533 2,336 (4,362 ) 2,675 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) (587 ) 1,761 (587 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 2,088 $ (1,094 ) $ 1,946 $ 1,749 $ (2,601 ) $ 2,088
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 263 $ 1,071 $ 170 $ 3,339 $ — $ 4,843 Investments — — — 14,637 — 14,637 Accounts receivable, net — — — 5,112 — 5,112 Inventories — 165 — 3,298 — 3,463 Intercompany receivable 259 146,373 — 150,679 (297,311 ) — Tax assets — 770 — 729 (164 ) 1,335 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4 128 — 1,322 — 1,454 Total current assets 526 148,507 170 179,116 (297,475 ) 30,844 Property, plant and equipment, net — 976 — 3,753 (30 ) 4,699 Goodwill — 1,607 — 38,923 — 40,530 Other intangible assets, net — 39 — 28,062 — 28,101 Long-term tax assets — 643 — 559 (428 ) 774 Investment in subsidiaries 70,255 41,218 64,335 — (175,808 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,000 6,516 10,000 10,218 (29,734 ) — Other assets — 678 — 1,059 — 1,737 Total assets $ 73,781 $ 200,184 $ 74,505 $ 261,690 $ (503,475 ) $ 106,685 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings $ — $ 1,110 $ — $ 1,324 $ — $ 2,434 Accounts payable — 261 — 1,349 — 1,610 Intercompany payable 20,506 135,091 — 141,714 (297,311 ) — Accrued compensation 1 490 — 1,120 — 1,611 Accrued income taxes 41 371 — 523 — 935 Deferred tax liabilities 3 — — 280 (164 ) 119 Other accrued expenses — 600 — 1,894 (30 ) 2,464 Total current liabilities 20,551 137,923 — 148,204 (297,505 ) 9,173 Long-term debt — 29,004 — 4,748 — 33,752 Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits — 965 — 570 — 1,535 Long-term accrued income taxes — 1,450 — 1,026 — 2,476 Long-term intercompany loans payable — 10,218 10,000 9,516 (29,734 ) — Long-term deferred tax liabilities — — — 5,128 (428 ) 4,700 Other long-term liabilities — 207 — 1,612 — 1,819 Total liabilities 20,551 179,767 10,000 170,804 (327,667 ) 53,455 Shareholders’ equity 53,230 20,417 64,505 90,886 (175,808 ) 53,230 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 73,781 $ 200,184 $ 74,505 $ 261,690 $ (503,475 ) $ 106,685 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Fiscal Year Ended April 25, 2014 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 264 $ — $ 1,139 $ — $ 1,403 Investments — — — 12,838 — 12,838 Accounts receivable, net — — — 3,811 — 3,811 Inventories — 154 — 1,571 — 1,725 Intercompany receivable — 43,377 — 51,593 (94,970 ) — Tax assets — 602 — 193 (59 ) 736 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 479 — 597 (379 ) 697 Total current assets — 44,876 — 71,742 (95,408 ) 21,210 Property, plant and equipment, net — 954 — 1,461 (23 ) 2,392 Goodwill — 1,565 — 9,028 — 10,593 Other intangible assets, net — 51 — 2,235 — 2,286 Long-term tax assets — 435 — 252 (387 ) 300 Investment in subsidiaries 36,943 — (36,943 ) — Intercompany loans receivable — 20 — 273 (293 ) — Other assets — 573 — 589 — 1,162 Total assets $ — $ 85,417 $ — $ 85,580 $ (133,054 ) $ 37,943 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings $ — $ 1,262 $ — $ 351 $ — $ 1,613 Accounts payable — 201 — 541 — 742 Intercompany payable — 51,593 — 43,377 (94,970 ) — Accrued compensation — 405 — 610 — 1,015 Accrued income taxes — 144 — 20 — 164 Deferred tax liabilities — — — 78 (59 ) 19 Other accrued expenses — — — 2,408 (402 ) 2,006 Total current liabilities — 53,605 — 47,385 (95,431 ) 5,559 Long-term debt — 10,177 — 138 — 10,315 Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits — 487 — 175 — 662 Long-term accrued income taxes — 1,315 — 28 — 1,343 Long-term intercompany loans payable — 273 — 20 (293 ) — Long-term deferred tax liabilities — — — 773 (387 ) 386 Other long-term liabilities — 117 — 118 — 235 Total liabilities — 65,974 — 48,637 (96,111 ) 18,500 Shareholders’ equity — 19,443 — 36,943 (36,943 ) 19,443 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ — $ 85,417 $ — $ 85,580 $ (133,054 ) $ 37,943 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 CIFSA Senior Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (CIFSA) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 263 $ 728 $ 170 $ 3,682 $ — $ 4,843 Investments — — — 14,637 — 14,637 Accounts receivable, net — — — 5,112 — 5,112 Inventories — — — 3,463 — 3,463 Intercompany receivable 259 — 269 20,508 (21,036 ) — Tax assets — — — 1,335 — 1,335 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4 — 6 1,444 — 1,454 Total current assets 526 728 445 50,181 (21,036 ) 30,844 Property, plant and equipment, net — — 1 4,728 (30 ) 4,699 Goodwill — — — 40,530 — 40,530 Other intangible assets, net — — — 28,101 — 28,101 Long-term tax assets — — — 774 — 774 Investment in subsidiaries 70,255 7,040 64,335 — (141,630 ) — Intercompany loans receivable 3,000 7,401 11,303 6,372 (28,076 ) — Other assets — — — 1,737 — 1,737 Total assets $ 73,781 $ 15,169 $ 76,084 $ 132,423 $ (190,772 ) $ 106,685 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings $ — $ 1,002 $ — $ 1,432 $ — $ 2,434 Accounts payable — — 2 1,608 — 1,610 Intercompany payable 20,506 — 280 250 (21,036 ) — Accrued compensation 1 — — 1,610 — 1,611 Accrued income taxes 41 — — 894 — 935 Deferred tax liabilities 3 — — 116 — 119 Other accrued expenses — 610 1 1,883 (30 ) 2,464 Total current liabilities 20,551 1,612 283 7,793 (21,066 ) 9,173 Long-term debt — 4,580 — 29,172 — 33,752 Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits — — — 1,535 — 1,535 Long-term accrued income taxes — — — 2,476 — 2,476 Long-term intercompany loans payable — 8,385 10,002 9,689 (28,076 ) — Long-term deferred tax liabilities — — — 4,700 — 4,700 Other long-term liabilities — — — 1,819 — 1,819 Total liabilities 20,551 14,577 10,285 57,184 (49,142 ) 53,455 Shareholders’ equity 53,230 592 65,799 75,239 (141,630 ) 53,230 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 73,781 $ 15,169 $ 76,084 $ 132,423 $ (190,772 ) $ 106,685
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 26 $ 1,649 $ 170 $ 3,057 $ — $ 4,902 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (9,700 ) (65 ) — (5,119 ) — (14,884 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — — — (571 ) — (571 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (7,582 ) — (7,582 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 5,890 — 5,890 Net decrease in intercompany loans — (16,996 ) — 55 16,941 — Other investing activities, net — — — 89 — 89 Net cash used in investing activities (9,700 ) (17,061 ) — (7,238 ) 16,941 (17,058 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (85 ) — (85 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — (150 ) — — — (150 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — 150 — — — 150 Issuance of long-term debt — 19,942 — — — 19,942 Payments on long-term debt — (1,268 ) — — — (1,268 ) Dividends to shareholders (435 ) (902 ) — — — (1,337 ) Issuance of ordinary shares 172 477 — — — 649 Repurchase of ordinary shares (300 ) (1,620 ) — — — (1,920 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 10,500 (55 ) — 6,496 (16,941 ) — Other financing activities — — — (31 ) — (31 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 9,937 16,574 — 6,379 (16,941 ) 15,949 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (355 ) — 2 — (353 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 263 807 170 2,200 — 3,440 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — 264 — 1,139 — 1,403 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 263 $ 1,071 $ 170 $ 3,339 $ — $ 4,843 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 25, 2014 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ 1,384 $ — $ 3,575 $ — $ 4,959 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — — (385 ) — (385 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — (154 ) — (242 ) — (396 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (10,895 ) — (10,895 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 8,111 — 8,111 Net decrease in intercompany loans — 1 — (12 ) 11 — Increase in investment in subsidiary — — — — — — Other investing activities, net — — — (29 ) — (29 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (153 ) — (3,452 ) 11 (3,594 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — — — 127 — 127 Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — (1,301 ) — — — (1,301 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — 1,045 — 131 — 1,176 Issuance of long-term debt — 1,994 — — — 1,994 Payments on long-term debt — (565 ) — — — (565 ) Dividends to shareholders — (1,116 ) — — — (1,116 ) Issuance of ordinary shares — 1,307 — — — 1,307 Repurchase of ordinary shares — (2,553 ) — — — (2,553 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) — 12 — (1 ) (11 ) — Other financing activities — 14 — — — 14 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities — (1,163 ) — 256 (11 ) (918 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — 37 — 37 Net change in cash and cash equivalents — 68 — 416 — 484 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — 196 — 723 — 919 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ — $ 264 $ — $ 1,139 $ — $ 1,403 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 26, 2013 Medtronic 2015 Senior Notes and Medtronic Outstanding Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (Medtronic, Inc.) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ — $ 2,298 $ — $ 2,644 $ — $ 4,942 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — — (820 ) — (820 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — (119 ) — (338 ) — (457 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (12,321 ) — (12,321 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 10,511 — 10,511 Net decrease in intercompany loans — — — 17 (17 ) — Increase in investment in subsidiary — — — — — — Other investing activities, net — — — (14 ) — (14 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (119 ) — (2,965 ) (17 ) (3,101 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (18 ) — (18 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — (699 ) — (21 ) — (720 ) Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — (2,700 ) — — — (2,700 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — 2,628 — — — 2,628 Issuance of long-term debt — 2,980 — — — 2,980 Payments on long-term debt — (2,214 ) — — — (2,214 ) Dividends to shareholders — (1,055 ) — — — (1,055 ) Issuance of ordinary shares — 267 — — — 267 Repurchase of ordinary shares — (1,247 ) — — — (1,247 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) — (17 ) — — 17 — Other financing activities — (22 ) — — — (22 ) Net cash used in financing activities — (2,079 ) — (39 ) 17 (2,101 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — 7 — 7 Net change in cash and cash equivalents — 100 — (353 ) — (253 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — 96 — 1,076 — 1,172 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ — $ 196 $ — $ 723 $ — $ 919 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Fiscal Year Ended April 24, 2015 CIFSA Senior Notes (in millions) Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) Subsidiary Issuer (CIFSA) Subsidiary Guarantors Subsidiary Non-guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Total Operating Activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 26 $ (205 ) $ 1,472 $ 4,709 $ (1,100 ) $ 4,902 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (9,700 ) — — (5,184 ) — (14,884 ) Additions to property, plant, and equipment — — (1 ) (570 ) — (571 ) Purchases of marketable securities — — — (7,582 ) — (7,582 ) Sales and maturities of marketable securities — — — 5,890 — 5,890 Net decrease in intercompany loans — (7,401 ) (1,303 ) (18,887 ) 27,591 — Other investing activities, net — — — 89 — 89 Net cash used in investing activities (9,700 ) (7,401 ) (1,304 ) (26,244 ) 27,591 (17,058 ) Financing Activities: Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — — (85 ) — (85 ) Change in short-term borrowings, net — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — — — (150 ) — (150 ) Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days) — — — 150 — 150 Issuance of long-term debt — — — 19,942 — 19,942 Payments on long-term debt — (51 ) — (1,217 ) — (1,268 ) Dividends to shareholders (435 ) — — (902 ) — (1,337 ) Issuance of ordinary shares 172 — — 477 — 649 Repurchase of ordinary shares (300 ) — — (1,620 ) — (1,920 ) Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments) 10,500 8,385 2 8,704 (27,591 ) — Intercompany dividend paid — — — (1,100 ) 1,100 — Other financing activities — — — (31 ) — (31 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 9,937 8,334 2 24,167 (26,491 ) 15,949 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — (353 ) — (353 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 263 728 170 2,279 — 3,440 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period — — — 1,403 — 1,403 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 263 $ 728 $ 170 $ 3,682 $ — $ 4,843

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Oct. 24, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Jan. 24, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Inventories
Finished goods	$ 2,268				$ 1,196				$ 2,268	$ 1,196
Work in process	509				247				509	247
Raw materials	686				282				686	282
Total	3,463				1,725				3,463	1,725
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	8,863				6,439				8,863	6,439
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(4,164)				(4,047)				(4,164)	(4,047)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,699				2,392				4,699	2,392	$ 2,490
Depreciation expense									573	501	488
Changes in Product Warranty Obligations
Balance as of beginning of period				$ 32				$ 35	32	35
Fair value of warranty obligation acquired from Covidien									23
Technology upgrade commitment									74
Warranty claims provision									30	25
Settlements made									(24)	(28)
Balance as of end of peridod	135				32				135	32	35
Accrued certain litigations charges	879				917				879	917
Shipping and handling costs									284	194	182
AOCI
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments								97		97	130
Cumulative Translation Adjustments								205		205	306
Net Change in Retirement Obligations								(852)		(852)	(834)
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives								58		58	(75)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period				$ (597)				$ (492)	(597)	(492)	(473)
OCI
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments									20	(103)	(33)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments									(495)	13	(21)
Net Change in Retirement Obligations									(366)	87	(18)
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives									254	(102)	53
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(587)	(105)	(19)
Cumulative Translation Adjustments - Correction of classification											(80)
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives - Correction of classification											80
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments											97
Cumulative Translation Adjustments											205
Net Change in Retirement Obligations											(852)
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives											58
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	$ (1,184)				$ (597)				(1,184)	(597)	(492)
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders									$ 2,675	$ 3,065	$ 3,467
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									1,095.5	1,002.1	1,019.3
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (in shares)									9.1	7.1	2.8
Employee restricted stock units (in shares)									4.3	4.3	5.3
Other (in shares)									0.1	0.1	0.1
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									1,109	1,013.6	1,027.5
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.99	$ 0.84	$ 0.88	$ 0.45	$ 0.76	$ 0.90	$ 0.94	$ 2.44	$ 3.06	$ 3.40
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.98	$ 0.83	$ 0.87	$ 0.44	$ 0.75	$ 0.89	$ 0.93	$ 2.41	$ 3.02	$ 3.37
Tyco International and TE Connectivity
Changes in Product Warranty Obligations
Receivables, tax sharing agreement	$ 296								$ 296
Tyco International and TE Connectivity | Guarantee commitments and indemnifications
Changes in Product Warranty Obligations
Guaranty commitments, tax sharing agreement	481								$ 481
Stock Options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)									2	5	38
Minimum
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, estimated useful life									3 years
Maximum
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, estimated useful life									20 years
Land and land improvements
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	217				$ 152				$ 217	$ 152
Land and land improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life									20 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	2,314				1,565				$ 2,314	1,565
Buildings and leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life									40 years
Equipment
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	5,649				4,409				$ 5,649	4,409
Property, plant, and equipment, general useful life range, minimum									3 years
Property, plant, and equipment, general useful life range, maximum									7 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, useful life									15 years
Construction in progress
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 683				$ 313				$ 683	$ 313

Acquisitions and Acquisition-47

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items , Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

Jun. 19, 2015

Jun. 18, 2015

Mar. 26, 2015

Jan. 26, 2015

Jan. 23, 2015

Dec. 19, 2014

Aug. 26, 2014

Aug. 25, 2014

Jul. 25, 2014

Jun. 20, 2014

Dec. 30, 2013

Aug. 07, 2013

Nov. 01, 2012

Apr. 24, 2015

Apr. 25, 2014

Apr. 26, 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

$ 40,530

$ 10,593

$ 10,329

Amortization of intangible assets

733

349

331

Payments to Acquire Business, Net of Cash Acquired

14,884

385

820

Contingent consideration

264

68

142

Acquisition-related items

550

117

(49)

Other Accrued Expenses

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration

22

17

Other Long-term Liabilities

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration

242

51

Change in the Amount of Contingent Consideration

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition-related items

(138)

(62)

Professional Services and Integration Costs

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition-related items

275

Accelerated or Incremental Equity-based Compensation Expense

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition-related items

189

Incremental Officer and Director Excise Tax

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition-related items

69

Covidien plc

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash issued per share

$ 35.19

Exchange ratio per share (in shares)

0.956

0.956

Percent Ownership Owned By Shareholders of Acquiror Subsequent to Acquisition

69.00%

Percent Ownership Owned By Shareholders of Acquiree Subsequent to Acquisition

31.00%

Total consideration

$ 49,988

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

16,027

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Non-cash

34,000

Business Combination, Acquiree Share Awards And Share Options Deemed To Have Been Earned

559

Business Combination, Acquiree Share Awards And Share Options Deemed Not To Have Been Earned

$ 496

Goodwill

$ 29,586

Contingent liabilities assumed

2,200

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

2,683

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

(423)

Amortization of Step-up In Fair Value of Inventory Acquired

623

Amortization of intangible assets

379

Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs

218

Restructuring Costs

142

Payments to Acquire Business, Net of Cash Acquired

16,000

Intangible assets

26,265

Covidien plc | Income tax

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent liabilities assumed

1,500

Covidien plc | Legal matters

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent liabilities assumed

500

Covidien plc | Environmental matters

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent liabilities assumed

200

Covidien plc | IPR&D

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

IPR&D

400

Covidien plc | Customer-related

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 18,300

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

18 years

Covidien plc | Technology-Based Intangible Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 7,100

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

16 years

Covidien plc | Tradenames

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 500

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

3 years

Covidien plc | Acquisition-related items

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Acquiree Share Awards And Share Options Deemed Not To Have Been Earned, Amount Expensed During The Period

189

Covidien plc | Restructuring charges, net

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Acquiree Share Awards And Share Options Deemed Not To Have Been Earned, Amount Expensed During The Period

70

Sophono

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 17

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

6

Goodwill

5

Additional capital required

11

Sophono | IPR&D

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

IPR&D

2

Sophono | Technology-Based Intangible Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 11

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

13 years

Diabeter

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 10

Goodwill

$ 9

NGC Medical SpA

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 238

Finite-lived intangibles

159

IPR&D

0

Goodwill

197

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination

$ 340

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage

30.00%

NGC Medical SpA | Trade Names and Customer-Related Intangible Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 159

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

20 years

Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 203

Finite-lived intangibles

0

IPR&D

30

Goodwill

170

Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation | IPR&D

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

IPR&D

$ 30

Visualase

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 97

Goodwill

43

Visualase | Technology-Based Intangible Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 66

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

10 years

Corventis

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 131

Goodwill

48

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Settled

50

Corventis | Technology-Based Intangible Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 80

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

16 years

Neuromodulation Division Business

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 39

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

33

IPR&D

39

Additional capital required

$ 6

TYRX

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 222

Goodwill

132

Payments to Acquire Business, Net of Cash Acquired

159

Intangible assets

94

TYRX | Product development-based payments

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration

25

Estimated maximum potential amount of undiscounted future contingent consideration

40

TYRX | Revenue-based payments

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent consideration

$ 35

TYRX | Technology-Based Intangible Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

14 years

Intangible assets

$ 94

Cardiocom

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 193

Goodwill

123

Intangible assets

$ 61

Cardiocom | Customer-related

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

7 years

Intangible assets

$ 61

Ardian | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition-related items

$ 236

China Kanghui Holdings

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total consideration

$ 816

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

11 years

Goodwill

$ 409

Intangible assets

341

Acquisition-related items

$ 13

Transaction value net of acquired cash

797

China Kanghui Holdings | Technology-Based Intangible Assets

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

288

China Kanghui Holdings | Tradenames

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-lived intangibles

$ 53

Business combinations or purchases of intellectual property prior to April 24, 2009

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Estimated maximum potential amount of undiscounted future contingent consideration

$ 193

Subsequent Event | CardioInsight Technologies, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 75

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Settled

$ 25

Subsequent Event | Aptus Endosystems, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 110

Acquisitions and Acquisition-48

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items , Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) - Covidien plc - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 26, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration paid to Covidien shareholders ($35.19 per share)		$ 15,994
Cash consideration paid for vested Covidien share awards ($35.19 per share)		33
Total cash consideration		$ 16,027
Covidien shares outstanding as of January 23, 2015 (in shares)		455,000,000
Exchange ratio per share (in shares)	0.956	0.956
Total Medtronic shares issued to Covidien shareholders (in shares)		435,000,000
Medtronic per share value as of January 23, 2015 (in dollars per share)		$ 76.95
Fair value of Medtronic shares issued to Covidien shareholders		$ 33,435
Fair value of shares issued to Covidien share award holders		70
Fair value of share options and awards issued to Covidien share option and award holders		456
Total fair value of consideration transferred		49,988
Cash consideration per share paid to Covidien shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 35.19
Cash consideration per share paid for vested Covidien share awards (in dollars per share)	$ 35.19
Number of ordinary shares issued, net, to Covidien share award holders (in shares)	1,000,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Non-cash		$ 34,000

Acquisitions and Acquisition-49

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items , Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 26, 2015	Aug. 26, 2014	Aug. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Aug. 07, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013	Nov. 01, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 40,530				$ 10,593			$ 10,329
Acquisitions 2,015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	70
Property, plant, and equipment	18
Goodwill	472
IPR&D	71
Other intangible assets	316
Other assets	56
Total assets acquired	1,003
Current liabilities	44
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	117
Other long-term liabilities	4
Total liabilities assumed	165
Net assets acquired	838
Covidien plc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		$ 1,349
Inventories		2,222
Other current assets		2,949
Property, plant, and equipment		2,354
Goodwill		29,586
Intangible assets		26,265
Other assets		747
Total assets acquired		65,472
Short-term borrowings		1,011
Other current liabilities		2,331
Long-term debt		4,623
Long-term deferred tax liabilities		4,736
Other long-term liabilities		2,783
Total liabilities assumed		15,484
Net assets acquired		49,988
NGC Medical SpA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets			$ 55
Property, plant, and equipment			15
Goodwill			197
IPR&D			0
Other intangible assets			159
Other assets			3
Total assets acquired			429
Current liabilities			34
Long-term deferred tax liabilities			51
Other long-term liabilities			4
Total liabilities assumed			89
Net assets acquired			340
Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets				$ 3
Property, plant, and equipment				1
Goodwill				170
IPR&D				30
Other intangible assets				0
Other assets				3
Total assets acquired				207
Current liabilities				4
Long-term deferred tax liabilities				0
Other long-term liabilities				0
Total liabilities assumed				4
Net assets acquired				203
Other Acquisitions 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	12
Property, plant, and equipment	2
Goodwill	105
IPR&D	41
Other intangible assets	157
Other assets	50
Total assets acquired	367
Current liabilities	6
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	66
Other long-term liabilities	0
Total liabilities assumed	72
Net assets acquired	$ 295
TYRX
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets						$ 6
Property, plant, and equipment						1
Goodwill						132
Intangible assets						94
Total assets acquired						233
Current liabilities						4
Long-term deferred tax liabilities						7
Total liabilities assumed						11
Net assets acquired						$ 222
Cardiocom
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets							$ 14
Property, plant, and equipment							7
Goodwill							123
Intangible assets							61
Total assets acquired							205
Current liabilities							12
Long-term deferred tax liabilities							0
Total liabilities assumed							12
Net assets acquired							$ 193
China Kanghui Holdings
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets									$ 106
Property, plant, and equipment									56
Goodwill									409
Intangible assets									341
Other assets									11
Total assets acquired									923
Current liabilities									29
Long-term deferred tax liabilities									77
Other long-term liabilities									1
Total liabilities assumed									107
Net assets acquired									$ 816
IPR&D | Covidien plc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
IPR&D		$ 400
IPR&D | Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
IPR&D				$ 30
Trade Names and Customer-Related Intangible Assets | NGC Medical SpA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets			$ 159

Acquisitions and Acquisition-50

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items , Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Pro forma net sales	$ 28,369	$ 27,380
Pro forma net income	$ 3,944	$ 3,280

Acquisitions and Acquisition-51

Acquisitions and Acquisition-Related Items , Contingent Consideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Fair Value Inputs
Contingent consideration	$ 68	$ 142
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Contingent Milestone Payments Associated with Acquisitions
Beginning Balance	68	142
Acquired contingent consideration	236	0
Purchase price contingent consideration	40	65
Contingent milestone payments	(85)	(1)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	5	(138)
Ending Balance	264	68
Recurring
Fair Value Inputs
Contingent consideration	68	68
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Contingent Milestone Payments Associated with Acquisitions
Beginning Balance	68
Ending Balance	264	68
Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value Inputs
Contingent consideration	68	68
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Contingent Milestone Payments Associated with Acquisitions
Beginning Balance	68
Ending Balance	264	$ 68
Recurring | Level 3 | Revenue-based payments
Fair Value Inputs
Contingent consideration	159
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Contingent Milestone Payments Associated with Acquisitions
Ending Balance	$ 159
Recurring | Level 3 | Revenue-based payments | Discounted Cash Flow | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs
Discount rate	0.00%
Probability of payment	70.00%
Projected fiscal year of payment	2,016
Recurring | Level 3 | Revenue-based payments | Discounted Cash Flow | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs
Discount rate	27.20%
Probability of payment	100.00%
Projected fiscal year of payment	2,025
Recurring | Level 3 | Product development-based payments
Fair Value Inputs
Contingent consideration	$ 105
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Contingent Milestone Payments Associated with Acquisitions
Ending Balance	$ 105
Recurring | Level 3 | Product development-based payments | Discounted Cash Flow | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs
Discount rate	0.50%
Probability of payment	75.00%
Projected fiscal year of payment	2,016
Recurring | Level 3 | Product development-based payments | Discounted Cash Flow | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs
Discount rate	5.50%
Probability of payment	100.00%
Projected fiscal year of payment	2,020

Restructuring Charges, Net (Det

Restructuring Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Jul. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			$ 0		$ 0
Restructuring charges	$ 248				248
Payments/Write-downs					(105)
Balance as of	143	$ 143		$ 0	143	$ 0
Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative | Employee Termination Costs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			0		0
Restructuring charges	213				213
Payments/Write-downs					(77)
Balance as of	136	136		0	136	0
Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative | Asset Write-downs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			0		0
Restructuring charges	28				28
Payments/Write-downs					(28)
Balance as of	0	0		0	0	0
Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative | Contract Termination and Other Costs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			0		0
Restructuring charges					7
Payments/Write-downs					0
Balance as of	7	7		0	7	0
Covidien Initiative
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of		103
Restructuring charges		0
Payments/Write-downs		(20)
Reversal of excess accrual		(5)
Balance as of	78	78			78
Covidien Initiative | Employee Termination Costs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of		76
Restructuring charges		0
Payments/Write-downs		(10)
Reversal of excess accrual		(5)
Balance as of	61	61			61
Covidien Initiative | Contract Termination and Other Costs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of		27
Restructuring charges		0
Payments/Write-downs		(10)
Reversal of excess accrual		0
Balance as of	17	17			17
Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			75		75	0
Restructuring charges			38	116	38	116
Payments/Write-downs					(87)	(41)
Reversal of excess accrual					(17)
Balance as of	9	9		75	9	75
Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative | Employee Termination Costs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			64		64	0
Restructuring charges				65	1	65
Payments/Write-downs					(44)	(1)
Reversal of excess accrual					(14)
Balance as of	7	7		64	7	64
Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative | Asset Write-downs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			0		0	0
Restructuring charges				26	9	26
Payments/Write-downs					(9)	(26)
Reversal of excess accrual					0
Balance as of	0	0		0	0	0
Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative | Contract Termination and Other Costs
Changes in Restructuring Reserves
Balance as of			11		11	0
Restructuring charges			$ 28		28	25
Payments/Write-downs					(34)	(14)
Reversal of excess accrual					(3)
Balance as of	$ 2	$ 2		$ 11	$ 2	$ 11

Restructuring Charges, Net , Ad

Restructuring Charges, Net , Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 26, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Jul. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Covidien plc
Restructuring Charges
Business Combination, Expected Cost Synergies	$ 850
Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges		$ 248						$ 248
Covidien Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges			$ 0
Reversal of excess accrual			5
Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges				$ 38	$ 116			38	$ 116
Reversal of excess accrual								17
Fiscal Year 2013 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges						$ 18	$ 192
Reversal of excess accrual								10	46
Employee Termination Costs | Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges		213						213
Employee Termination Costs | Covidien Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges			0
Reversal of excess accrual			5
Employee Termination Costs | Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges					65			1	65
Reversal of excess accrual								14
Employee Termination Costs | Fiscal Year 2013 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges							150
Asset Write-downs | Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges		28						28
Asset Write-downs | Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges					26			9	26
Reversal of excess accrual								0
Asset Write-downs | Fiscal Year 2013 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges							13
Inventory Write-Offs | Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges		15
Inventory Write-Offs | Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges					10
Inventory Write-Offs | Fiscal Year 2013 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges							10
Contract Termination and Other Costs | Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges								7
Contract Termination and Other Costs | Covidien Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges			0
Reversal of excess accrual			$ 0
Contract Termination and Other Costs | Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges				$ 28				28	$ 25
Reversal of excess accrual								$ 3
Contract Termination | Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges		6
Contract Termination | Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges					3
Contract Termination | Fiscal Year 2013 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges						14	18
Other Related Costs | Fiscal Year 2015 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges		$ 1
Other Related Costs | Fiscal Year 2014 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges					$ 22
Other Related Costs | Fiscal Year 2013 Initiative
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges						$ 4	$ 11

Special (Gains) Charges, Net 54

Special (Gains) Charges, Net and Certain Litigation Charges, Net , Special Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Special Charges and Certain Litigation Charges, Net [Abstract]
Gain recognized	$ 138
Gain on sale of product line	41
Gain on sale of equity method investment	97
Charitable contribution	$ 100	$ 40

Special (Gains) Charges, Net 55

Special (Gains) Charges, Net and Certain Litigation Charges, Net , Certain Litigation Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Loss Contingencies
Certain litigation charges, net	$ 42	$ 770	$ 245
Litigation with Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Loss Contingencies
Certain litigation charges, net		589
INFUSE Product Liability Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Certain litigation charges, net	$ 37	$ 140

Investments , Investments Portf

Investments , Investments Portfolio and AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Cost method, equity method, and other investments:
Cost and Equity Method Investment without Quoted Market Price	$ 520	$ 666
Short-term and long-term investments, cost	15,312	13,659
Short-term and long-term investments, unrealized gains	224	108
Short-term and long-term investments, unrealized losses	(193)	(108)
Short-term and long-term investments, fair value	14,823	12,993
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 months, fair value	2,941	5,032
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(141)	(90)
More than 12 months, fair value	1,171	221
More than 12 months, unrealized losses	(52)	(18)
NGC and Visualase
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Non-cash gain on previously-held minority investments	41
Available for Sale Securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	64	47
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	35	15
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	(19)	(13)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	80	49
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 months, fair value	4	25
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(19)	(13)
More than 12 months, fair value	0	0
More than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	6,283	5,504
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	105	55
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	(10)	(17)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	6,378	5,542
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 months, fair value	944	1,601
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(9)	(14)
More than 12 months, fair value	34	50
More than 12 months, unrealized losses	(1)	(3)
Auction Rate Securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	109	109
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	0	0
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	(4)	(12)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	105	97
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 months, fair value	0	0
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	0
More than 12 months, fair value	105	97
More than 12 months, unrealized losses	(4)	(12)
Mortgage Backed Securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	1,462	1,337
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	22	7
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	(6)	(8)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	1,478	1,336
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 months, fair value	346	682
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(3)	(7)
More than 12 months, fair value	206	28
More than 12 months, unrealized losses	(3)	(1)
US Government and Agency Securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	3,122	3,138
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	21	7
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	(4)	(29)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	3,139	3,116
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 months, fair value	356	1,500
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(1)	(27)
More than 12 months, fair value	267	46
Available-For-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months Or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(3)
More than 12 months, unrealized losses		(2)
Foreign Government and Agency Securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	85	67
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	0	0
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	85	67
Certificates of Deposit
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	44	54
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	0	0
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	44	54
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	504	540
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	3	2
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	507	542
Debt funds
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities, cost	3,061	2,143
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, Before Tax	19	9
Available-For-Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	(150)	(29)
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	2,930	2,123
AFS Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 months, fair value	1,291	1,224
Available-For-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less Than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(109)	(29)
More than 12 months, fair value	559	0
Available-For-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months Or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(41)	0
Exchange Traded Funds
Trading securities:
Trading securities, cost	58	54
Trading securities, unrealized gains	19	13
Trading securities, unrealized losses	0	0
Trading securities, fair value	$ 77	$ 67

Investments , Marketable Securi

Investments , Marketable Securities, Credit Losses on and Maturities of Debt Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments	$ 14,637	$ 12,838
Long-term Investments	706	821
Credit Loss Portion of Other-than-temporary Impairments on Debt Securities
Beginning Balance	4	9
Reductions for securities sold during the period	4	5
Ending Balance		4	$ 9
AFS Debt Maturities
Due in one year or less	1,812
Due after one year through five years	6,646
Due after five years through ten years	3,097
Due after ten years	182
Total debt securities	11,737
Investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	14,560	12,771
Trading securities, fair value	77	67
Investments Other than Available-for-sale and Trading Securities	0	0
Other Assets
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	186	155
Trading securities, fair value	0	0
Investments Other than Available-for-sale and Trading Securities	520	666
Debt Securities
AFS Gross Realized Gain (Loss)
Proceeds from sales	5,640	7,991	10,350
Gross realized gains	33	15	59
Gross realized losses	(19)	(12)	(17)
Impairment losses recognized	0	(1)	0
Equity Securities
AFS Gross Realized Gain (Loss)
Proceeds from sales	250	120	161
Gross realized gains	164	69	94
Gross realized losses	0	0	0
Impairment losses recognized	$ (29)	$ (9)	$ (21)

Investments , Other Disclosures

Investments , Other Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying amount of investments in equity and other securities that are accounted for using the cost or equity method	$ 520	$ 666

Fair Value Measurements , Fair

Fair Value Measurements , Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009	$ 264	$ 68	$ 142
Recurring
Assets:
Corporate debt securities	6,378	5,542
Auction rate securities	105	97
Mortgage-backed securities	1,478	1,336
U.S. government and agency securities	3,139	3,116
Foreign government and agency securities	85	67
Certificates of deposit	44	54
Other asset-backed securities	507	542
Debt funds	2,930	2,123
Marketable equity securities	80	49
Exchange-traded funds	77	67
Derivative assets	733	175
Total assets	15,556	13,168
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	116	127
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009	264	68
Total liabilities	380	195
Recurring | Level 1
Assets:
Corporate debt securities	0	0
Auction rate securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities	0	0
U.S. government and agency securities	1,541	1,251
Foreign government and agency securities	0	0
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Other asset-backed securities	0	0
Debt funds	0	0
Marketable equity securities	80	49
Exchange-traded funds	77	67
Derivative assets	644	89
Total assets	2,342	1,456
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	45	116
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009	0	0
Total liabilities	45	116
Recurring | Level 2
Assets:
Corporate debt securities	6,377	5,533
Auction rate securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities	1,478	1,336
U.S. government and agency securities	1,598	1,865
Foreign government and agency securities	85	67
Certificates of deposit	44	54
Other asset-backed securities	507	542
Debt funds	2,930	2,123
Marketable equity securities	0	0
Exchange-traded funds	0	0
Derivative assets	89	86
Total assets	13,108	11,606
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	71	11
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009	0	0
Total liabilities	71	11
Recurring | Level 3
Assets:
Corporate debt securities	1	9
Auction rate securities	105	97
Mortgage-backed securities	0	0
U.S. government and agency securities	0	0
Foreign government and agency securities	0	0
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Other asset-backed securities	0	0
Debt funds	0	0
Marketable equity securities	0	0
Exchange-traded funds	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets	106	106
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions subsequent to April 24, 2009	264	68
Total liabilities	$ 264	$ 68

Fair Value Measurements , Valua

Fair Value Measurements , Valuation Techniques (Details) - Recurring - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	$ 106	$ 127
Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings	(5)	(5)
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income	10	4
Settlements	(5)	(20)
Ending balance	106	106
Corporate Debt Securities
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	9	10
Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings	(5)	0
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income	2	0
Settlements	(5)	(1)
Ending balance	$ 1	9
Auction Rate Securities
Fair Value Inputs
Illiquidity premium	6.00%
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	$ 97	103
Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings	0	(5)
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income	8	3
Settlements	0	(4)
Ending balance	$ 105	97
Auction Rate Securities | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs
Years to Principal Recovery	2 years
Auction Rate Securities | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs
Years to Principal Recovery	12 years
Auction Rate Securities | Weighted Average
Fair Value Inputs
Years to Principal Recovery	3 years
Mortgage Backed Securities
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	$ 0	14
Total realized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses included in earnings	0	0
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income	0	1
Settlements	0	(15)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements , Fai61

Fair Value Measurements , Fair Value Measured on Nonrecurring Basis and Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis
Aggregate carrying amount of investments in equity and other securities that are accounted for using the cost or equity method	$ 520	$ 666
Carrying amount of goodwill	40,530	10,593	$ 10,329
Carrying amount of IPR&D	470	119
Acquisition-related items	550	117	(49)
Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
Long-term debt, fair value	34,637	11,856
Long-term debt, principal value	32,125	11,375
Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis
Aggregate carrying amount of investments in equity and other securities that are accounted for using the cost or equity method	520	666
Cost-method investment impairment charges	7	10	$ 21
Carrying amount of intangible assets, excluding IPR&D	27,381	$ 2,167
Intangible assets measured on a nonrecurring basis as a percentage of total intangible assets, maximum		5.00%	5.00%
Property, plant and equipment impairments	8	$ 16	$ 6
Nonrecurring | Impairment of Acquired in Process Research and Development
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis
Acquisition-related items	$ 5	207	$ 5
Nonrecurring | Ardian
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis
Impairment of intangible assets		41
Property, plant and equipment impairments		$ 3

Goodwill and Other Intangible62

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , Changes in Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 10,593	$ 10,329
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions		279
Other adjustments, net	(9)	(1)
Currency adjustment, net	(112)	(14)
Goodwill, ending balance	40,530	10,593
Restorative Therapies Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	6,368	6,361
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions		0
Other adjustments, net	(9)	7
Currency adjustment, net	(45)	0
Goodwill, ending balance	9,424	6,368
Diabetes Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,344	1,344
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions		0
Other adjustments, net	0	0
Currency adjustment, net	(1)	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,852	1,344
Cardiac and Vascular Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	2,881	2,624
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions		279
Other adjustments, net	0	(8)
Currency adjustment, net	(66)	(14)
Goodwill, ending balance	5,855	2,881
Minimally Invasive Therapies Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions		0
Other adjustments, net	0	0
Currency adjustment, net	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	23,399	$ 0
Covidien plc
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	29,586
Covidien plc | Restorative Therapies Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	2,892
Covidien plc | Diabetes Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	500
Covidien plc | Cardiac and Vascular Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	2,795
Covidien plc | Minimally Invasive Therapies Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	23,399
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	472
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | Restorative Therapies Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	218
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | Diabetes Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	9
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | Cardiac and Vascular Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	245
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | Minimally Invasive Therapies Group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible63

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 26, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount, Amortizable	$ 30,329		$ 4,465
Accumulated Amortization	(2,948)		(2,298)
Gross Carrying Amount, Non-Amortizable	720		119
IPR&D
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount, Non-Amortizable	470		119
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount, Non-Amortizable	250		0
Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount, Amortizable	18,492		76
Accumulated Amortization	(273)		(6)
Purchased technology and patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount, Amortizable	11,118		3,857
Accumulated Amortization	(2,268)		(1,878)
Trademarks and tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount, Amortizable	640		408
Accumulated Amortization	(363)		(332)
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount, Amortizable	79		124
Accumulated Amortization	$ (44)		$ (82)
Covidien plc | IPR&D
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
IPR&D		$ 400
Covidien plc | Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		18,300
Covidien plc | Technology-Based Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		7,100
Covidien plc | Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		$ 500

Goodwill and Other Intangible64

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 733	$ 349	$ 331
2,016	1,911
2,017	1,889
2,018	1,858
2,019	1,765
2,020	$ 1,717

Financing Arrangements , Additi

Financing Arrangements , Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 26, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Dec. 10, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	$ 5,000,000					$ 5,000,000	$ 0
Cash consideration for acquisition						14,884,000,000	$ 385,000,000	$ 820,000,000
Covidien plc
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash consideration for acquisition		$ 16,000,000,000
Estimated total consideration for acquisition			$ 49,988,000,000
Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	2,250,000,000					$ 2,250,000,000
Length of extension from maturity date						1 year
Committed line of credit outstanding	0					$ 0
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 3,500,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity		$ 500,000,000
Committed line of credit outstanding	$ 0					$ 0
Senior Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		3 years
Proceeds from Lines of Credit		$ 3,000,000,000
Commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average original maturity						52 days	53 days
Weighted average interest rate	0.13%					0.13%	0.09%
Commercial paper | Commercial Paper Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,250,000,000					$ 2,250,000,000
Commercial paper | 2015 Commercial Paper Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper, maximum borrowing capacity		3,500,000,000
Commercial paper outstanding	$ 0					$ 0
Bank borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate range, minimum						0.28%
Stated interest rate range, maximum						0.29%
Senior notes | Senior Notes 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value				$ 17,000,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes				16,800,000,000
Senior notes | 1.500 percent three-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						3 years
Face value				$ 1,000,000,000
Stated interest rate	1.50%			1.50%		1.50%
Senior notes | 2.500 percent five-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						5 years
Face value				$ 2,500,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.50%			2.50%		2.50%
Senior notes | Floating rate five-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						5 years
Face value				$ 500,000,000
Senior notes | Floating rate five-year 2015 senior notes | London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on debt variable rate				80.00%
Senior notes | 3.150 percent seven-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						7 years
Face value				$ 2,500,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.15%			3.15%		3.15%
Senior notes | 3.500 percent ten-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value				$ 4,000,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.50%			3.50%		3.50%
Senior notes | 4.375 percent twenty-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						20 years
Face value				$ 2,500,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.375%			4.375%		4.375%
Senior notes | 4.625 thirty-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						30 years
Face value				$ 4,000,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.625%			4.625%		4.625%
Senior notes | 2014 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value					$ 2,000,000,000
Senior notes | Floating rate three-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						3 years
Face value					$ 250,000,000
Senior notes | Floating rate three-year 2014 senior notes | London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on debt variable rate					9.00%
Senior notes | 0.875 percent three-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						3 years
Face value					$ 250,000,000
Stated interest rate	0.875%				0.875%	0.875%
Senior notes | 3.625 percent ten-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value					$ 850,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.625%				3.625%	3.625%
Senior notes | 4.625 percent thirty-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						30 years
Face value					$ 650,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.625%				4.625%	4.625%
Senior notes | Covidien Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		5,000,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium		607,000,000
Senior notes | 2.950 percent senior notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 750,000,000
Stated interest rate		2.95%
Senior notes | 1.350 percent senior notes due 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 600,000,000
Stated interest rate		1.35%
Senior notes | 3.200 percent senior notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 650,000,000
Stated interest rate		3.20%
Senior notes | 2.80 percent senior notes due 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 400,000,000
Stated interest rate		2.80%
Senior notes | 4.20 percent senior notes due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 600,000,000
Stated interest rate		4.20%
Senior notes | 6.000 percent senior notes due 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 1,150,000,000
Stated interest rate		6.00%
Senior notes | 6.550 percent senior notes due 2037
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face value		$ 850,000,000
Stated interest rate		6.55%
Senior notes | 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value	$ 600,000,000					$ 600,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.75%					4.75%
Senior notes | 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						5 years
Face value	$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.625%					2.625%
Senior notes | 4.125 percent ten-year 2011 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value	$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.125%					4.125%
Senior notes | 2.950 percent ten-year 2013 CIFSA senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Stated interest rate	2.95%					2.95%
Senior notes | 3.125 percent ten-year 2012 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						10 years
Face value	$ 675,000,000					$ 675,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.125%					3.125%
3.000 percent five-year 2010 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate derivatives hedged items	$1.250 billion 3.000 percent 2010 Senior Notes

Financing Arrangements , Short-

Financing Arrangements , Short-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 2,434	$ 1,613
Debt premium	5	0
Capital lease obligations
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total Short-Term Borrowings	16	14
Bank borrowings
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 303	337
Senior notes | 3.000 percent five-year 2010 senior notes
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	3.00%
Debt term	5 years
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 0	1,250
Senior notes | 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.625%
Debt term	5 years
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 500	0
Senior notes | 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
Debt term	10 years
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 600	0
Senior notes | 1.350 percent 2012 CIFSA senior notes
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.35%
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 600	0
Senior notes | 2.800 percent 2010 CIFSA senior notes
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.80%
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 400	0
Interest rate swaps
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total Short-Term Borrowings	$ 10	$ 12

Financing Arrangements , Long-t

Financing Arrangements , Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 26, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Dec. 10, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred gains from interest rate swap terminations, net		$ (3,000,000)		$ (20,000,000)
Discount		(499,000,000)		25,000,000
Total Long-Term Debt		$ 33,752,000,000		10,315,000,000
Senior Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$ 3,000,000,000
Debt term	3 years
Senior notes | 4.750 percent ten-year 2005 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.75%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 0		$ 600,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		0.00%		4.76%
Senior notes | 2.625 percent five-year 2011 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.625%
Debt term		5 years
Long-term Debt		$ 0		$ 500,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		0.00%		2.72%
Senior notes | Floating rate three-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		3 years
Long-term Debt		$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		0.32%		0.32%
Senior notes | 0.875 percent three-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		0.875%			0.875%
Debt term		3 years
Long-term Debt		$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		0.91%		0.91%
Senior notes | 6.000 percent ten-year 2008 CIFSA senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		6.00%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 1,150,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		1.41%		0.00%
Senior notes | 1.375 percent five-year 2013 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		1.375%
Debt term		5 years
Long-term Debt		$ 1,000,000,000		$ 1,000,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		1.41%		1.41%
Senior notes | 1.500 percent three-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		1.50%	1.50%
Debt term		3 years
Long-term Debt		$ 1,000,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		1.59%		0.00%
Senior notes | 5.600 percent ten-year 2009 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.60%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		5.61%		5.61%
Senior notes | 4.450 percent ten-year 2010 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.45%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 1,250,000,000		$ 1,250,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		4.47%		4.47%
Senior notes | 4.200 percent ten-year 2010 CIFSA senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.20%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 600,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		2.22%		0.00%
Senior notes | 2.500 percent five-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.50%	2.50%
Debt term		5 years
Long-term Debt		$ 2,500,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		2.52%		0.00%
Senior notes | Floating rate five-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		5 years
Long-term Debt		$ 500,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		1.04%		0.00%
Senior notes | 4.125 percent ten-year 2011 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.125%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		4.19%		4.19%
Senior notes | 3.125 percent ten-year 2012 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.125%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 675,000,000		$ 675,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		3.16%		3.16%
Senior notes | 3.200 percent ten-year 2012 CIFSA senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.20%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 650,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		2.66%		0.00%
Senior notes | 3.150 percent seven-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.15%	3.15%
Debt term		7 years
Long-term Debt		$ 2,500,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		3.18%		0.00%
Senior notes | 2.750 percent ten-year 2013 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.75%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 1,250,000,000		$ 1,250,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		2.78%		2.78%
Senior notes | 2.950 percent ten-year 2013 CIFSA senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.95%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 750,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		2.67%		0.00%
Senior notes | 3.625 percent ten-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.625%			3.625%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 850,000,000		$ 850,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		3.65%		3.65%
Senior notes | 3.500 percent ten-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		3.50%	3.50%
Debt term		10 years
Long-term Debt		$ 4,000,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		3.61%		0.00%
Senior notes | 4.375 percent twenty-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.375%	4.375%
Debt term		20 years
Long-term Debt		$ 2,500,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		4.44%		0.00%
Senior notes | 6.550 percent thirty-year 2007 CIFSA senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		6.55%
Debt term		30 years
Long-term Debt		$ 850,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		3.75%		0.00%
Senior notes | 6.500 percent thirty-year 2009 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		6.50%
Debt term		30 years
Long-term Debt		$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		6.52%		6.52%
Senior notes | 5.550 percent thirty-year 2010 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.55%
Debt term		30 years
Long-term Debt		$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		5.56%		5.56%
Senior notes | 4.500 percent thirty-year 2012 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.50%
Debt term		30 years
Long-term Debt		$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		4.51%		4.51%
Senior notes | 4.000 percent thirty-year 2013 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.00%
Debt term		30 years
Long-term Debt		$ 750,000,000		$ 750,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		4.12%		4.12%
Senior notes | 4.625 percent thirty-year 2014 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.625%			4.625%
Debt term		30 years
Long-term Debt		$ 650,000,000		$ 650,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		4.67%		4.67%
Senior notes | 4.625 thirty-year 2015 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		4.625%	4.625%
Debt term		30 years
Long-term Debt		$ 4,000,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		4.64%		0.00%
Senior notes | Three-year term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		3 years
Long-term Debt		$ 3,000,000,000		$ 0
Effective Interest Rate		1.12%		0.00%
Interest rate swaps
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 79,000,000		$ 56,000,000
Capital lease obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations		$ 129,000,000		$ 139,000,000
Effective Interest Rate		3.52%		3.62%
Bank borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 17,000,000		$ 0

Financing Arrangements , Long68

Financing Arrangements , Long-term Debt Maturities (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
2,016	$ 2,419
2,017	538
2,018	6,173
2,019	423
2,020	4,273
Thereafter	21,764
Total debt	35,590
Less: Current portion of debt	2,419
Long-term portion of debt	$ 33,171

Derivatives and Foreign Excha69

Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management , Freestanding Derivative Forward Contracts and Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 10, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Assets and Liabilities, Net, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash		$ 330	$ 0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash		338	0
Cash Flow Hedges
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		210	(44)
Cash flow hedge unrealized gains to be reclassified over the next twelve months, net of tax		230
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Derivative Instruments
Derivative, Notional Amount		9,782	8,051
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash		$ 325	0
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash							$ 8
Cash receipts upon termination of hedge	$ 79
Cash Flow Hedges
Weighted average fixed rate of interest rate derivatives		2.99%
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments		$ (71)	7
Other Expense, Net | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Freestanding Derivative Forward Contracts
Gain (loss) on foreign currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		210	15	$ 26
Cash Flow Hedging
Cash Flow Hedges
Gains (losses) recognized in OCI on effective portion of derivative		707	(152)	121
Effective portion of gains (losses) on derivative reclassified from AOCI into income		156	51	101
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Cash Flow Hedges
Gains (losses) recognized in OCI on effective portion of derivative		707	(152)	121
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Expense [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Cash Flow Hedges
Effective portion of gains (losses) on derivative reclassified from AOCI into income		11	8
Cash Flow Hedging | Other Expense, Net | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Cash Flow Hedges
Effective portion of gains (losses) on derivative reclassified from AOCI into income		221	94	103
Cash Flow Hedging | Cost of products sold | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Cash Flow Hedges
Effective portion of gains (losses) on derivative reclassified from AOCI into income		(65)	(43)	$ (2)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Derivative Instruments
Derivative, Notional Amount		4,713	2,202
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Derivative Instruments
Derivative, Notional Amount		5,069	$ 5,849
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 800			$ 250	$ 5,850

Derivatives and Foreign Excha70

Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management , Fair Value Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 10, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	$ 338		$ 338	$ 0
Senior Notes 2005 Due 2016 | Senior notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%		4.75%	4.75%
Fair Value Hedges
Principal amount	$ 600		$ 600	$ 600
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2016 | Senior notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.625%		2.625%	2.625%
Fair Value Hedges
Principal amount	$ 500		$ 500	$ 500
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2021 | Senior notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.125%		4.125%	4.125%
Fair Value Hedges
Principal amount	$ 500		$ 500	$ 500
Senior Notes 2012 Due 2022 | Senior notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.125%		3.125%	3.125%
Fair Value Hedges
Principal amount	$ 675		$ 675	$ 675
Senior Notes 2010 Due 2015 | Senior notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.00%		3.00%	3.00%
Fair Value Hedges
Principal amount	$ 1,250		$ 1,250	$ 1,250
Senior Notes 2005 Due 2016
Fair Value Hedges
Interest rate derivatives hedged items			$600 million 4.750 percent 2005 Senior Notes due 2016
Senior Notes 2010 Due 2015
Fair Value Hedges
Interest rate derivatives hedged items	$1.250 billion 3.000 percent 2010 Senior Notes
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2021
Fair Value Hedges
Interest rate derivatives hedged items			$500 million 4.125 percent 2011 Senior Notes due 2021
Senior Notes 2011 Due 2016
Fair Value Hedges
Interest rate derivatives hedged items			$500 million 2.625 percent 2011 Senior Notes due 2016
Senior Notes 2012 Due 2022
Fair Value Hedges
Interest rate derivatives hedged items			$675 million 3.125 percent 2012 Senior Notes due 2022
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash							$ 8
Fair Value Hedges
Cash receipts upon termination of hedge		$ 79
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 800		$ 800		$ 250	$ 5,850
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Hedges
Unrealized gain on interest rate fair value hedging instruments			18	68
Unrealized loss on interest rate fair value hedged items			(18)	(68)
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 2,025		$ 2,025	$ 2,625

Derivatives and Foreign Excha71

Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management , Balance Sheet Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	$ 733	$ 175
Liability derivatives	116	127
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	644	89
Liability derivatives	45	116
Interest Rate Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	89	86
Liability derivatives	71	11
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	614	175
Liability derivatives	86	125
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	382	81
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts | Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	143	8
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts | Other Accrued Expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	12	84
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts | Other Long-term Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	3	30
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	10
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts | Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	79	73
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts | Other Accrued Expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts | Other Long-term Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	71	11
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	119	0
Liability derivatives	30	2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	119	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts | Other Accrued Expenses
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	$ 30	$ 2

Derivatives and Foreign Excha72

Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management , Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative assets, gross amount	$ 733	$ 175
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, financial instruments	(71)	(95)
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, cash collateral (received) or pledged	(338)	0
Derivative assets, net amount	324	80
Derivative liability, gross amount	(116)	(127)
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, financial instrument	71	95
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, cash collateral (received) or pledged	8	0
Derivative liabilities, net amount	(37)	(32)
Total derivatives, gross amount of recognized assets/(liabilities)	617	48
Total derivatives, gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, financial instruments	0	0
Total derivatives, gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, cash collateral (received) or pledged	(330)	0
Total derivatives, net amount	287	48
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative assets, gross amount	644	89
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, financial instruments	(61)	(64)
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, cash collateral (received) or pledged	(325)	0
Derivative assets, net amount	258	25
Derivative liability, gross amount	(45)	(116)
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, financial instrument	31	84
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, cash collateral (received) or pledged	0	0
Derivative liabilities, net amount	(14)	(32)
Interest Rate Contracts
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative assets, gross amount	89	86
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, financial instruments	(10)	(31)
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, cash collateral (received) or pledged	(13)	0
Derivative assets, net amount	66	55
Derivative liability, gross amount	(71)	(11)
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, financial instrument	40	11
Gross amount not offset on the Balance Sheet, cash collateral (received) or pledged	8	0
Derivative liabilities, net amount	$ (23)	$ 0

Derivatives and Foreign Excha73

Derivatives and Foreign Exchange Risk Management , Credit Risk and Other Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
General Discussion of Derivatives
Net currency exchange rate gains/(losses)	$ 131	$ (1)	$ 25
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Derivative Assets and Liabilities, Net, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	330	0
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts
General Discussion of Derivatives
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 9,782	$ 8,051

Shareholders' Equity (Details)

Shareholders' Equity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 26, 2015shares	Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Apr. 25, 2014$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2015shares	Apr. 24, 2015€ / sharesshares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized		2,600,000,000	1,600,000,000		2,600,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.0001	$ 0.10
Deferred stock, shares authorized		40,000			40,000
Deferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | € / shares					€ 1
Stock issued to advisors (in shares)		624
Preferred stock, shares authorized		128,000,000			128,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.20
Stock issued during period (in shares)		1,872
Stock issued during period | $		$ 75
Shares repurchased (in shares)		29,800,000	47,800,000
Average repurchase price (per share) | $ / shares		$ 64.53	$ 53.37
Number of common stock authorized to be repurchased (in shares)		80,000,000			80,000,000
Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of common stock authorized to be repurchased (in shares)				80,000,000
June 2013 Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)		50,300,000
Shares available for future repurchases (in shares)		29,700,000			29,700,000
New Medtronic ordinary shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued for each share of outstanding Medtronic, Inc. common stock	1
Series A Preferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		500,000			500,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 1
Euro Deferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock issued during period (in shares)		40,000

Stock Purchase and Award Plan75

Stock Purchase and Award Plans , Valuation Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Fair Value Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Model
Weighted average fair value of options granted (per share)	$ 25.39	$ 12	$ 7.42
Expected life (years)	4 years 2 months 27 days	6 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	0.99%	1.88%	0.94%
Volatility	21.29%	25.20%	26.22%
Dividend yield	1.66%	2.02%	2.64%

Stock Purchase and Award Plan76

Stock Purchase and Award Plans , Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 439	$ 145	$ 152
Income tax benefits	(138)	(40)	(43)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	301	105	109
Cost of products sold
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	23	14	12
Research and development expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	29	27	31
Selling, general, and administrative expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	128	104	109
Restructuring charges
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	70	0	0
Acquisition-related items
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	189	0	0
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	140	34	44
Restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	284	98	96
Employees stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 15	$ 13	$ 12

Stock Purchase and Award Plan77

Stock Purchase and Award Plans , Stock Options Activity (Details) - Stock Options - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Stock Options Activities (in shares)
Beginning balance	35,577
Granted	40,952
Exercised	(13,503)
Expired/Forfeited	(1,005)
Outstanding at year-end	62,021	35,577
Options, Vested and expected to vest	55,649
Options, Exercisable	28,272
Stock Options Activities (per share)
Beginning Balance	$ 44.78
Granted	57.96
Exercised	45.32
Expired/Forfeited	50.43
Outstanding at year-end	53.27	$ 44.78
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest	51.27
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 39.91
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	7 years 11 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and expected to vest	6 years 9 months
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	4 years 6 months 11 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 1,351
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest	1,314
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	981
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	609	$ 1,273	$ 230
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	329	249	39
Tax benefit related to options exercised	$ 106	$ 78	$ 12

Stock Purchase and Award Plan78

Stock Purchase and Award Plans , Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - Restricted stock awards - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Restricted Stock Award Activity (in shares)
Nonvested, beginning balance	9,558
Granted	3,515
Vested	(2,442)
Forfeited	(609)
Nonvested at year-end	10,022	9,558
Restricted Stock Award Activity (per share)
Nonvested, beginning balance	$ 44.06
Granted	69.30	$ 55.62	$ 39.53
Vested	39.53
Forfeited	46.22
Nonvested at year-end	$ 53.88	$ 44.06
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested	$ 174	$ 142	$ 116
Tax benefit related to restricted stock awards vested	$ 50	$ 40	$ 34

Stock Purchase and Award Plan79

Stock Purchase and Award Plans , Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 439	$ 145	$ 152
Acquisition-related items
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 189	0	0
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period		10 years
Vesting period		4 years
Unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding stock options	$ 403	$ 403
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized		2 years
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 140	34	44
Stock options | Acquisition-related items | Covidien plc
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	26
Restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	$ 252	$ 252
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized		2 years 2 months 12 days
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 284	98	96
Performance-based restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Employees stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum employee contribution rate	10.00%	10.00%
Purchase price of common stock as a percentage of its fair market value		85.00%
Shares purchased by employees (in shares)		1
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)		$ 57.66
Amount withheld to purchase common stock	$ 11	$ 11
Shares available for future purchase (in shares)	22	22
The discount rate from market value on purchase date		15.00%
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 15	$ 13	$ 12
Restricted stock units | Acquisition-related items | Covidien plc
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accelerated stock-based compensation expense	$ 91
Performance share units | Acquisition-related items | Covidien plc
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accelerated stock-based compensation expense	$ 72
2013 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	41	41

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, by Jurisdiction
U.S.	$ 639	$ 1,690	$ 1,806
International	2,847	2,015	2,445
Income from operations before income taxes	3,486	3,705	4,251
Current tax expense:
U.S.	1,128	532	509
International	502	248	219
Total current tax expense	1,630	780	728
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
U.S.	(705)	(175)	46
International	(114)	35	10
Net deferred tax expense (benefit)	(819)	(140)	56
Total provision for income taxes	811	640	$ 784
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss, capital loss, and credit carryforwards	5,912	487
Other accrued liabilities	585	205
Accrued compensation	330	201
Pension and post-retirement benefits	449	194
Stock-based compensation	418	171
Other	303	171
Inventory	171	118
Federal and state benefit on uncertain tax positions	296	79
Gross deferred tax assets	8,464	1,626
Valuation allowance	(5,607)	(397)
Total deferred tax assets	2,857	1,229
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(5,393)	(652)
Basis impairment	(204)	(225)
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments	(112)	(110)
Other	(96)	(24)
Accumulated depreciation	(217)	(20)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities and derivative financial instruments	(160)	0
Total deferred tax liabilities	(6,182)	(1,031)
Prepaid income taxes	427	320
Income tax receivables	188	113
Tax (liabilities)/assets, net	(2,710)	631
Reported as (after jurisdictional netting):
Tax assets	1,335	736
Long-term tax assets	774	300
Deferred tax liabilities	(119)	(19)
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	$ (4,700)	$ (386)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
U.S. Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from:
U.S. state taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	0.80%	0.60%	0.50%
Research and development credit	(0.70%)	(0.50%)	(1.10%)
Domestic production activities	(0.40%)	(0.40%)	(0.30%)
International	(24.30%)	(17.70%)	(16.70%)
Puerto Rico Excise Tax	(1.70%)	(1.60%)	(1.30%)
Impact of non-recurring adjustments	13.30%	5.60%	2.00%
Reversal of excess tax accruals	(0.00%)	(1.90%)	(0.00%)
Other, net	1.30%	(1.80%)	0.30%
Effective tax rate	23.30%	17.30%	18.40%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at begining of fiscal year	$ 1,172	$ 1,068	$ 917
Gross increases:
Prior year tax positions	331	64	12
Current year tax positions	231	166	169
Acquisitions	1,199	0	0
Gross decreases:
Prior year tax positions	(40)	(58)	(21)
Settlements	(33)	(66)	(6)
Statute of limitation lapses	0	(2)	(3)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of fiscal year	2,860	1,172	1,068
Cash advance paid in connection with proposed settlements	(378)	0	0
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of fiscal year, net of cash advance	$ 2,482	$ 1,172	$ 1,068

Income Taxes , Other Disclosure

Income Taxes , Other Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 26, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013	Apr. 27, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward		$ 183	$ 183
Tax credit carryforward, no expiration		102	102
Valuation allowance		5,607	5,607	$ 397
Tax adjustment associated with proposed settlement		329
Net tax cost for proposed settlement and tax associated with Covidien acquisition			349
Tax benefit associated with the reversal of excess tax accruals			71
Tax benefit related to the settlement of certain issues reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Services			63
Undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries		27,837	27,837	20,529	$ 18,123
Gross unrecognized tax benefits		2,860	2,860	1,172	1,068	$ 917
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate		2,233	2,233	1,104	1,028
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, current liability		267	267
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, long-term liability		2,593	2,593
Accrued income tax penalties and interest		656	656	141	88
Interest expense			142	$ 36	$ 33
Covidien plc
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax on gain associated with the Covidien acquisition	$ 20
Non-U.S. Tax Authorities
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		26,794	26,794
Net operating loss carryforwards, no expiration		20,827	20,827
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiring in future years		5,967	5,967
Net operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance		9,736	9,736
Special deductions not recorded			$ 12,587
Special deductions, estimated tax rate, minimum			1.00%
Special deductions, estimated tax rate, maximum			3.00%
Impact on diluted earnings per share			$ 0.37	$ 0.42	$ 0.42
Non-U.S. Tax Authorities | Subsidiary
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		17,058	$ 17,058
U.S. Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		759	759
State and Local Tax Authorities
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		$ 1,267	$ 1,267

Retirement Benefit Plans , Othe

Retirement Benefit Plans , Other Disclosures (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 25, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2013USD ($)	May. 01, 2005plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Cost of retirement benefit plans	$ 433	$ 419	$ 419
Underfunded status of the plan	(1,274)	(488)
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	79
Defined Contribution Savings Plan
Expense under defined contribution plans	$ 188	145	163
Treasury bond rate of guaranteed rate of return	10 years
U.S. Defined Contribution Pension Plan, PIA
Defined Contribution Savings Plan
Expense under defined contribution plans	$ 53	50	50
U.S. Defined Contribution Pension Plan, PIA
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Underfunded status of the plan	(752)	(286)
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of net actuarial loss	(98)
Employer contributions	91	88
Post-retirement benefit plans, net periodic benefit cost	114	149	140
Post-retirement benefit plans, benefit obligations	2,956	2,203	2,154
Post-retirement benefit plans, fair value of plan assets	2,204	1,917	1,717
Defined Contribution Savings Plan
Number of new plans created | plan				2
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Underfunded status of the plan	(458)	(142)
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of net actuarial loss	(22)
Employer contributions	80	48
Post-retirement benefit plans, net periodic benefit cost	64	60	46
Post-retirement benefit plans, benefit obligations	1,647	1,031	811
Post-retirement benefit plans, fair value of plan assets	1,189	889	733
Post-Retirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Post-retirement benefit plans, net periodic benefit cost	14	15	$ 20
Post-retirement benefit plans, benefit obligations	352	327
Post-retirement benefit plans, fair value of plan assets	$ 288	$ 267

Retirement Benefit Plans , Chan

Retirement Benefit Plans , Change in Benefit Obligation and Funded Status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014
Funded status at end of year:
Underfunded status of the plan				$ (1,274)	$ (488)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Non-current liabilities				(1,535)	(662)
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Accumulated benefit obligation				3,678	2,426
Projected benefit obligation				4,032	2,703
Plan asset at fair value				2,823	2,268
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation				4,319	2,864
Plan assets at fair value				3,086	2,419
U.S. Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year				2,699	1,996
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 2,203	$ 2,154
Service cost	104	107	$ 104
Interest cost	105	97	94
Benefit obligations assumed in Covidien acquisition	214	0
Employee contributions	0	0
Plan curtailments and settlements	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	391	(104)
Benefits paid	(61)	(51)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other	0	0
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	2,956	2,203	2,154
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,917	1,717
Actual return on plan assets	69	163
Plan assets acquired in Covidien acquisition	188	0
Employer contributions	91	88
Employee contributions	0	0
Plan settlements	0	0
Benefits paid	(61)	(51)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,204	1,917	1,717
Funded status at end of year:
Fair value of plan assets	1,917	1,717	1,717	2,204	1,917
Benefit obligations	2,203	2,154	2,154	2,956	2,203
Underfunded status of the plan				(752)	(286)
Recognized liability				(752)	(286)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Non-current assets				21	0
Current liabilities				(11)	(10)
Non-current liabilities				(762)	(276)
Recognized liability				(752)	(286)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Prior service cost (benefit)				4	4
Net actuarial loss				1,253	837
Ending balance				1,257	841
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year				1,462	871
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,031	811
Service cost	60	54	43
Interest cost	33	29	27
Benefit obligations assumed in Covidien acquisition	472	0
Employee contributions	16	16
Plan curtailments and settlements	(35)	(2)
Actuarial (gain) loss	354	88
Benefits paid	(34)	(27)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other	(250)	62
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	1,647	1,031	811
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	889	733
Actual return on plan assets	162	61
Plan assets acquired in Covidien acquisition	262	0
Employer contributions	80	48
Employee contributions	16	16
Plan settlements	(1)	0
Benefits paid	(34)	(27)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(185)	58
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,189	889	733
Funded status at end of year:
Fair value of plan assets	889	733	733	1,189	889
Benefit obligations	$ 1,031	$ 811	$ 811	1,647	1,031
Underfunded status of the plan				(458)	(142)
Recognized liability				(458)	(142)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet consist of:
Non-current assets				2	17
Current liabilities				(48)	(4)
Non-current liabilities				(412)	(155)
Recognized liability				(458)	(142)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Prior service cost (benefit)				(2)	(2)
Net actuarial loss				372	254
Ending balance				$ 370	$ 252

Retirement Benefit Plans , Net

Retirement Benefit Plans , Net Periodic Cost and AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
U.S. Pension Benefits
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 104	$ 107	$ 104
Interest cost	105	97	94
Expected return on plan assets	(160)	(141)	(128)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	1	(1)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	65	85	71
Net periodic benefit cost	114	149	140
Amounts Recognized in AOCI
Net actuarial loss	481
Amortization of prior service cost	0
Amortization of net actuarial gain	(65)
Effect of exchange rates	0
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	416
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss	530
Estimated Amounts That Will be Amortized from AOCI in Next Fiscal Year
Amortization of net actuarial loss	98
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	60	54	43
Interest cost	33	29	27
Expected return on plan assets	(41)	(35)	(33)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	1	1
Amortization of net actuarial loss	12	11	8
Net periodic benefit cost	64	$ 60	$ 46
Amounts Recognized in AOCI
Net actuarial loss	199
Amortization of prior service cost	(1)
Amortization of net actuarial gain	(12)
Effect of exchange rates	(68)
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	118
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss	182
Estimated Amounts That Will be Amortized from AOCI in Next Fiscal Year
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$ 22

Retirement Benefit Plans , Actu

Retirement Benefit Plans , Actuarial Assumptions and Plan Assets Target Allocations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
U.S. Pension Benefits
Weighted average assumptions - projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate	4.20%	4.75%	4.55%
Rate of compensation increase	3.90%	3.90%	3.90%
Weighted average assumptions - net period benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.75%	4.55%	5.05%
Expected return on plan assets	8.25%	8.25%	8.25%
Rate of compensation increase	3.90%	3.90%	3.80%
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Pension Benefits | Equity Securities
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	49.00%	50.00%
U.S. Pension Benefits | Debt Securities
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	23.00%	20.00%
U.S. Pension Benefits | Other
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	28.00%	30.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Weighted average assumptions - projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate	1.88%	3.32%	3.52%
Rate of compensation increase	2.92%	2.80%	2.78%
Weighted average assumptions - net period benefit cost:
Discount rate	3.32%	3.52%	3.98%
Expected return on plan assets	4.77%	4.76%	5.19%
Rate of compensation increase	2.80%	2.78%	2.85%
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Equity Securities
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	35.00%	41.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Debt Securities
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	29.00%	22.00%
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Other
Plan Assets Target Allocations
Target allocations	36.00%	37.00%

Retirement Benefit Plans , Fair

Retirement Benefit Plans , Fair Value Measurement (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)fund	Apr. 25, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2013USD ($)
Absolute return strategy funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Number of funds | fund	2
Absolute return strategy funds in process of liquidation, fair value	$ 4
Absolute return strategy funds in process of liquidation, expected receipt of proceeds	5 years
Private equity fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Private equity funds, unfunded commitments	$ 59
Private equity funds, estimated minimum liquidation period	1 year
Private equity funds, estimated maximum liquidation period	15 years
U.S. Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,204	$ 1,917	$ 1,717
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	959	851
Total realized gains included in income	162	23
Total unrealized (losses) gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(130)	86
Purchases and sales, net	(318)	(1)
Ending balance	673	959
U.S. Pension Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	356	390
U.S. Pension Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,175	568
U.S. Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	673	959
U.S. Pension Benefits | Short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	247	157
U.S. Pension Benefits | Short-term investments | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	247	157
U.S. Pension Benefits | Short-term investments | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Short-term investments | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	155	158
U.S. Pension Benefits | U.S. government securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	109	108
U.S. Pension Benefits | U.S. government securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	46	50
U.S. Pension Benefits | U.S. government securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Corporate debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	5	60
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	1	1
Total realized gains included in income	0	0
Total unrealized (losses) gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Purchases and sales, net	0	0
Ending balance	1	1
U.S. Pension Benefits | Corporate debt securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Corporate debt securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	4	59
U.S. Pension Benefits | Corporate debt securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	1	1
U.S. Pension Benefits | Other common stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets		125
U.S. Pension Benefits | Other common stock | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets		125
U.S. Pension Benefits | Other common stock | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Other common stock | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	951	578
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	285	227
Total realized gains included in income	65	0
Total unrealized (losses) gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(31)	58
Purchases and sales, net	(119)	0
Ending balance	200	285
U.S. Pension Benefits | Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	751	293
U.S. Pension Benefits | Equity mutual funds/commingled trusts | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	200	285
U.S. Pension Benefits | Fixed income mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	374	166
U.S. Pension Benefits | Fixed income mutual funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Fixed income mutual funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	374	166
U.S. Pension Benefits | Fixed income mutual funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	472	673
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	673	623
Total realized gains included in income	97	23
Total unrealized (losses) gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(99)	28
Purchases and sales, net	(199)	(1)
Ending balance	472	673
U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	472	673
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,189	889	$ 733
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	21	18
Total unrealized (losses) gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	1	1
Purchases and sales, net	63	1
Foreign currency exchange	(9)	1
Ending balance	76	21
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,113	868
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	76	21
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	16	10
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	10	8
Total unrealized (losses) gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	2	1
Purchases and sales, net	7	1
Foreign currency exchange	(3)	0
Ending balance	16	10
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Partnership units | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	16	10
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Registered investment companies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,113	868
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Registered investment companies | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Registered investment companies | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,113	868
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Registered investment companies | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	60	11
Reconciliation of Retirement Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Beginning balance	11	10
Total unrealized (losses) gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1)	0
Purchases and sales, net	56	0
Foreign currency exchange	(6)	1
Ending balance	60	11
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Insurance contracts | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Insurance contracts | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits | Insurance contracts | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 60	$ 11
Minimum | Partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Range of notice period	45 days
Minimum | Real asset investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Real asset investments, estimated liquidation and redemption period	30 days
Maximum | Partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Range of notice period	95 days
Maximum | Real asset investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line items]
Real asset investments, estimated liquidation and redemption period	10 years

Retirement Benefit Plans, Futur

Retirement Benefit Plans, Future Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)
U.S. Pension Benefits
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2,016	$ 96
2,017	93
2,018	103
2,019	114
2,020	125
2021 – 2025	792
Total	1,323
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2,016	160
2,017	38
2,018	40
2,019	39
2,020	41
2021 – 2025	239
Total	$ 557

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Capitalized Leases
2,016	$ 20
2,017	37
2,018	23
2,019	22
2,020	22
Thereafter	43
Total minimum lease payments	167
Less amounts representing interest	(22)
Present value of net minimum lease payments	145
Operating Leases
2,016	196
2,017	138
2,018	93
2,019	66
2,020	43
Thereafter	88
Total minimum lease payments	624
Rent expense for operating leases	$ 195	$ 150	$ 140

Accumulated Other Comprehensi89

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	$ (597)	$ (492)	$ (473)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	(398)	(136)
Tax benefit (expense)	(61)	39
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	(459)	(97)
Reclassifications, before tax	(205)	(15)
Tax benefit (expense)	77	7
Reclassifications, net of tax	(128)	(8)
Other comprehensive loss	(587)	(105)	(19)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	(1,184)	(597)	(492)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	(6)	97
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	169	(89)
Tax benefit (expense)	(60)	32
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	109	(57)
Reclassifications, before tax	(138)	(72)
Tax benefit (expense)	49	26
Reclassifications, net of tax	(89)	(46)
Other comprehensive loss	20	(103)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	14	(6)	97
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	218	205
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	(495)	13
Tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	(495)	13
Reclassifications, before tax	0	0
Tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Reclassifications, net of tax	0	0
Other comprehensive loss	(495)	13
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	(277)	218	205
Net Change in Retirement Obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	(765)	(852)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	(617)	60
Tax benefit (expense)	198	(37)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	(419)	23
Reclassifications, before tax	78	99
Tax benefit (expense)	(25)	(35)
Reclassifications, net of tax	53	64
Other comprehensive loss	(366)	87
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	(1,131)	(765)	(852)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	(44)	58
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, before tax	545	(120)
Tax benefit (expense)	(199)	44
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	346	(76)
Reclassifications, before tax	(145)	(42)
Tax benefit (expense)	53	16
Reclassifications, net of tax	(92)	(26)
Other comprehensive loss	254	(102)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	$ 210	$ (44)	$ 58

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions

Jun. 01, 2015claimLawsuits

Dec. 04, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 20, 2013USD ($)

May. 01, 2013USD ($)

Apr. 17, 2013USD ($)

Mar. 28, 2013USD ($)

Jun. 29, 2007

Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)

Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)

Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)

Apr. 25, 2014USD ($)

Apr. 26, 2013USD ($)

Apr. 07, 2009USD ($)

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Certain litigation charges, net

$ 42

$ 770

$ 245

Contingent consideration

$ 264

$ 264

264

68

142

Tax adjustment associated with proposed settlement

$ 329

INFUSE Product Liability Litigation

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Certain litigation charges, net

37

$ 140

INFUSE Product Liability Litigation | Subsequent Event

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

New claims filed, number | Lawsuits

800

Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | claim

1,500

Estimated number of unfiled claims | claim

4,600

Pelvic Mesh Litigation | Subsequent Event

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

New claims filed, number | claim

11,300

Covidien plc

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Tax Sharing Percentage, Parent

42.00%

Tax Sharing Percentage, Former Parent

27.00%

Tax Sharing Percentage, Former Affiliate

31.00%

Positive Outcome of Litigation

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Gain (reversal of gain) related to patent infringement litigation

$ (177)

$ 177

Breach of Contract | Acquisition Agreement with Appriva Medical, Inc.

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Damages awarded to plaintiff

$ 175

Contingent consideration

$ 175

Unfavorable Regulatory Action | Trade Agreements Act Compliance Matter

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Settlement consideration

$ 4

Penobscot River and Bay Remediation

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum

$ 25

Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum

$ 235

Tax Years Prior To 2013 | Indemnification Agreement | Covidien plc

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum

$ 200

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Tax adjustment associated with proposed settlement

$ 329

Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Possible Loss, Income Taxes

$ 914

Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Possible Loss, Penalties and Interest

154

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Tax Year 1997 Through Tax Year 2000

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Income Tax Examination, Disallowed Deductions

3,000

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Tax Years Subsequent to 2000

Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters

Income Tax Examination, Disallowed Deductions

$ 6,600

Quarterly Financial Data (una91

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Oct. 24, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Jan. 24, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 7,304	$ 4,318	$ 4,366	$ 4,273	$ 4,566	$ 4,163	$ 4,194	$ 4,083	$ 20,261	$ 17,005	$ 16,590
Gross Profit	4,370	3,190	3,224	3,168	3,395	3,113	3,104	3,061	13,952	12,672
Net Income (Loss)	$ (1)	$ 977	$ 828	$ 871	$ 448	$ 762	$ 902	$ 953	$ 2,675	$ 3,065	$ 3,467
Basic earnings per share:
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.99	$ 0.84	$ 0.88	$ 0.45	$ 0.76	$ 0.90	$ 0.94	$ 2.44	$ 3.06	$ 3.40
Diluted earnings per share:
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.98	$ 0.83	$ 0.87	$ 0.44	$ 0.75	$ 0.89	$ 0.93	$ 2.41	$ 3.02	$ 3.37

Segment and Geographic Inform92

Segment and Geographic Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 23, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 24, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 25, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 25, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 24, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 25, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 26, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 24, 2015USD ($)customersegmentregion	Apr. 25, 2014USD ($)customer	Apr. 26, 2013USD ($)customer
Segment Reporting Information
Number of Reportable Segments | segment									4
Number of Operating Segments | segment									4
Number of Operating Geographic Regions | region									4
Net sales	$ 7,304	$ 4,318	$ 4,366	$ 4,273	$ 4,566	$ 4,163	$ 4,194	$ 4,083	$ 20,261	$ 17,005	$ 16,590
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Special charges									38	(40)	0
Certain litigation charges, net									(42)	(770)	(245)
Acquisition-related items									(550)	(117)	49
Income from operations before income taxes									3,486	3,705	4,251
Assets, Net	106,685				37,943				106,685	37,943
Geographic Information
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,699				2,392				$ 4,699	$ 2,392	$ 2,490
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Concentration Risk, Customer | customer									0	0	0
Americas
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									$ 12,125	$ 9,922	$ 9,761
Geographic Information
Property, plant, and equipment, net	3,626				1,833				3,626	1,833	1,920
EMEA
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									5,064	4,483	4,225
Geographic Information
Property, plant, and equipment, net	725				393				725	393	397
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									2,059	1,776	1,886
Geographic Information
Property, plant, and equipment, net	165				74				165	74	74
Greater China
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									1,013	824	718
Geographic Information
Property, plant, and equipment, net	183				92				183	92	99
Ireland
Geographic Information
Property, plant, and equipment, net	151				72				151	72	70
Cardiac and Vascular Group
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									9,361	8,847	8,695
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Reportable segments' earnings before income taxes									3,140	2,982	2,935
Assets, Net	13,642				8,705				13,642	8,705
Minimally Invasive Therapies Group
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									2,387	0	0
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Reportable segments' earnings before income taxes									342	0	0
Assets, Net	51,228				0				51,228	0
Restorative Therapies Group
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									6,751	6,501	6,369
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Reportable segments' earnings before income taxes									1,828	1,821	1,778
Assets, Net	15,249				10,568				15,249	10,568
Diabetes Group
Segment Reporting Information
Net sales									1,762	1,657	1,526
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Reportable segments' earnings before income taxes									540	457	432
Assets, Net	2,597				2,038				2,597	2,038
Total Reportable Segments
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Reportable segments' earnings before income taxes									5,850	5,260	5,145
Assets, Net	82,716				21,311				82,716	21,311
Segment Reconciling Items
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Impact of inventory step-up									(623)	0	0
Impact of product technology upgrade commitment									(74)	0	0
Special charges									38	(40)	0
Restructuring Charges, Net of Reversals Including Cost of Product Sold Impact									(252)	(88)	(182)
Certain litigation charges, net									(42)	(770)	(245)
Acquisition-related items									(550)	(117)	49
Interest expense, net									(280)	(108)	(151)
Corporate									(581)	(432)	$ (365)
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Earnings before Income Taxes by Reportable Segment
Assets, Net	$ 23,969				$ 16,632				$ 23,969	$ 16,632

Guarantor Financial Informati93

Guarantor Financial Information , Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Oct. 24, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Jan. 24, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 7,304	$ 4,318	$ 4,366	$ 4,273	$ 4,566	$ 4,163	$ 4,194	$ 4,083	$ 20,261	$ 17,005	$ 16,590
Cost of products sold									6,309	4,333	4,126
Research and development expense									1,640	1,477	1,557
Selling, general, and administrative expense									6,904	5,847	5,698
Special (gains) charges, net									(38)	40	0
Restructuring charges, net									237	78	172
Certain litigation charges, net									42	770	245
Acquisition-related items									550	117	(49)
Amortization of intangible assets									733	349	331
Other expense, net									118	181	108
Operating profit									3,766	3,813	4,402
Interest income									(386)	(271)	(237)
Interest expense									666	379	388
Interest expense, net									280	108	151
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Income from operations before income taxes									3,486	3,705	4,251
Provision for income taxes									811	640	784
Net income	$ (1)	$ 977	$ 828	$ 871	$ 448	$ 762	$ 902	$ 953	2,675	3,065	3,467
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)	(105)	(19)
Comprehensive income									2,088	2,960	3,448
Consolidating Adjustments | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(1,261)	(1,155)	(1,090)
Cost of products sold									(894)	(1,143)	(1,078)
Research and development expense									0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expense									0	0	0
Special (gains) charges, net									0	0	0
Restructuring charges, net									0	0	0
Certain litigation charges, net									0	0	0
Acquisition-related items									0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets									0	0	0
Other expense, net									0	0	0
Operating profit									(367)	(12)	(12)
Interest income									170	0	0
Interest expense									(170)	0	0
Interest expense, net									0	0	0
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									8,615	3,560	3,945
Income from operations before income taxes									(8,982)	(3,572)	(3,957)
Provision for income taxes									(138)	(12)	(12)
Net income									(8,844)	(3,560)	(3,945)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									1,761	105	19
Comprehensive income									(7,083)	(3,455)	(3,926)
Consolidating Adjustments | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0
Cost of products sold									0
Research and development expense									0
Selling, general, and administrative expense									0
Special (gains) charges, net									0
Restructuring charges, net									0
Certain litigation charges, net									0
Acquisition-related items									0
Amortization of intangible assets									0
Other expense, net									0
Operating profit									0
Interest income									319
Interest expense									(319)
Interest expense, net									0
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									4,362
Income from operations before income taxes									(4,362)
Provision for income taxes									0
Net income									(4,362)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									1,761
Comprehensive income									(2,601)
Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of products sold									0	0	0
Research and development expense									0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expense									0	0	0
Special (gains) charges, net									0	0	0
Restructuring charges, net									0	0	0
Certain litigation charges, net									0	0	0
Acquisition-related items									0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets									0	0	0
Other expense, net									(108)	0	0
Operating profit									108	0	0
Interest income									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Interest expense, net									0	0	0
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(2,578)	0	0
Income from operations before income taxes									2,686	0	0
Provision for income taxes									11	0	0
Net income									2,675	0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)	0	0
Comprehensive income									2,088	0	0
Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0
Cost of products sold									0
Research and development expense									$ 0
Selling, general, and administrative expense
Special (gains) charges, net									$ 0
Restructuring charges, net									0
Certain litigation charges, net									0
Acquisition-related items									0
Amortization of intangible assets									0
Other expense, net									(108)
Operating profit									108
Interest income									0
Interest expense									0
Interest expense, net									0
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(2,578)
Income from operations before income taxes									2,686
Provision for income taxes									11
Net income									2,675
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)
Comprehensive income									2,088
Subsidiary Issuer | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,261	1,155	1,090
Cost of products sold									1,234	1,123	1,057
Research and development expense									390	380	421
Selling, general, and administrative expense									535	617	542
Special (gains) charges, net									0	0	0
Restructuring charges, net									0	0	0
Certain litigation charges, net									0	0	0
Acquisition-related items									0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets									11	12	14
Other expense, net									(712)	(1,219)	(1,136)
Operating profit									(197)	242	192
Interest income									0	(5)	0
Interest expense									706	317	329
Interest expense, net									706	312	329
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(3,629)	(3,560)	(3,945)
Income from operations before income taxes									2,726	3,490	3,808
Provision for income taxes									(330)	425	341
Net income									3,056	3,065	3,467
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)	(105)	(19)
Comprehensive income									2,469	2,960	3,448
Subsidiary Issuer | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0
Cost of products sold									0
Research and development expense									0
Selling, general, and administrative expense									0
Special (gains) charges, net									0
Restructuring charges, net									0
Certain litigation charges, net									0
Acquisition-related items									0
Amortization of intangible assets									0
Other expense, net									1
Operating profit									(1)
Interest income									(149)
Interest expense									29
Interest expense, net									(120)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									626
Income from operations before income taxes									(507)
Provision for income taxes									0
Net income									(507)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)
Comprehensive income									(1,094)
Subsidiary Guarantors | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of products sold									0	0	0
Research and development expense									0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expense									0	0	0
Special (gains) charges, net									0	0	0
Restructuring charges, net									0	0	0
Certain litigation charges, net									0	0	0
Acquisition-related items									0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets									0	0	0
Other expense, net									0	0	0
Operating profit									0	0	0
Interest income									(170)	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Interest expense, net									(170)	0	0
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(2,408)	0	0
Income from operations before income taxes									2,578	0	0
Provision for income taxes									0	0	0
Net income									2,578	0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)	0	0
Comprehensive income									1,991	0	0
Subsidiary Guarantors | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0
Cost of products sold									0
Research and development expense									0
Selling, general, and administrative expense									21
Special (gains) charges, net									0
Restructuring charges, net									0
Certain litigation charges, net									0
Acquisition-related items									0
Amortization of intangible assets									0
Other expense, net									26
Operating profit									(47)
Interest income									(170)
Interest expense									0
Interest expense, net									(170)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(2,410)
Income from operations before income taxes									2,533
Provision for income taxes									0
Net income									2,533
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)
Comprehensive income									1,946
Subsidiary Non-guarantors | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									20,261	17,005	16,590
Cost of products sold									5,969	4,353	4,147
Research and development expense									1,250	1,097	1,136
Selling, general, and administrative expense									6,369	5,230	5,156
Special (gains) charges, net									(38)	40	0
Restructuring charges, net									237	78	172
Certain litigation charges, net									42	770	245
Acquisition-related items									550	117	(49)
Amortization of intangible assets									722	337	317
Other expense, net									938	1,400	1,244
Operating profit									4,222	3,583	4,222
Interest income									(386)	(266)	(237)
Interest expense									130	62	59
Interest expense, net									(256)	(204)	(178)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Income from operations before income taxes									4,478	3,787	4,400
Provision for income taxes									1,268	227	455
Net income									3,210	3,560	3,945
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)	(105)	(19)
Comprehensive income									2,623	$ 3,455	$ 3,926
Subsidiary Non-guarantors | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									20,261
Cost of products sold									6,309
Research and development expense									1,640
Selling, general, and administrative expense									6,883
Special (gains) charges, net									(38)
Restructuring charges, net									237
Certain litigation charges, net									42
Acquisition-related items									550
Amortization of intangible assets									733
Other expense, net									199
Operating profit									3,706
Interest income									(386)
Interest expense									956
Interest expense, net									570
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									0
Income from operations before income taxes									3,136
Provision for income taxes									800
Net income									2,336
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(587)
Comprehensive income									$ 1,749

Guarantor Financial Informati94

Guarantor Financial Information , Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013	Apr. 27, 2012
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,843	$ 1,403	$ 919	$ 1,172
Investments	14,637	12,838
Accounts receivable, net	5,112	3,811
Inventories	3,463	1,725
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Tax assets	1,335	736
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,454	697
Total current assets	30,844	21,210
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,699	2,392	2,490
Goodwill	40,530	10,593	10,329
Other intangible assets, net	28,101	2,286
Long-term tax assets	774	300
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany loans receivable	0	0
Other assets	1,737	1,162
Total assets	106,685	37,943
Short-term borrowings	2,434	1,613
Accounts payable	1,610	742
Intercompany payable	0	0
Accrued compensation	1,611	1,015
Accrued income taxes	935	164
Deferred tax liabilities	119	19
Other accrued expenses	2,464	2,006
Total current liabilities	9,173	5,559
Long-term debt	33,752	10,315
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	1,535	662
Long-term accrued income taxes	2,476	1,343
Long-term intercompany loans payable	0	0
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	4,700	386
Other long-term liabilities	1,819	235
Total liabilities	53,455	18,500
Shareholders’ equity	53,230	19,443	18,671	17,113
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	106,685	37,943
Consolidating Adjustments | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Investments	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Intercompany receivable	(297,311)	(94,970)
Tax assets	(164)	(59)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	(379)
Total current assets	(297,475)	(95,408)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	(30)	(23)
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets, net	0	0
Long-term tax assets	(428)	(387)
Investment in subsidiaries	(175,808)	(36,943)
Intercompany loans receivable	(29,734)	(293)
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	(503,475)	(133,054)
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany payable	(297,311)	(94,970)
Accrued compensation	0	0
Accrued income taxes	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	(164)	(59)
Other accrued expenses	(30)	(402)
Total current liabilities	(297,505)	(95,431)
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	0	0
Long-term accrued income taxes	0	0
Long-term intercompany loans payable	(29,734)	(293)
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	(428)	(387)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(327,667)	(96,111)
Shareholders’ equity	(175,808)	(36,943)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	(503,475)	(133,054)
Consolidating Adjustments | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments	0
Accounts receivable, net	0
Inventories	0
Intercompany receivable	(21,036)
Tax assets	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0
Total current assets	(21,036)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	(30)
Goodwill	0
Other intangible assets, net	0
Long-term tax assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(141,630)
Intercompany loans receivable	(28,076)
Other assets	0
Total assets	(190,772)
Short-term borrowings	0
Accounts payable	0
Intercompany payable	(21,036)
Accrued compensation	0
Accrued income taxes	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Other accrued expenses	(30)
Total current liabilities	(21,066)
Long-term debt	0
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	0
Long-term accrued income taxes	0
Long-term intercompany loans payable	(28,076)
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	0
Other long-term liabilities	0
Total liabilities	(49,142)
Shareholders’ equity	(141,630)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	(190,772)
Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	263	0	0	0
Investments	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Intercompany receivable	259	0
Tax assets	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4	0
Total current assets	526	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets, net	0	0
Long-term tax assets	0	$ 0
Investment in subsidiaries	70,255
Intercompany loans receivable	3,000	$ 0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	73,781	0
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany payable	20,506	0
Accrued compensation	1	0
Accrued income taxes	41	0
Deferred tax liabilities	3	0
Other accrued expenses	0	0
Total current liabilities	20,551	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	0	0
Long-term accrued income taxes	0	0
Long-term intercompany loans payable	0	0
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	20,551	0
Shareholders’ equity	53,230	0
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	73,781	0
Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	263
Investments	0
Accounts receivable, net	0
Inventories	0
Intercompany receivable	259
Tax assets	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4
Total current assets	526
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0
Goodwill	0
Other intangible assets, net	0
Long-term tax assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	70,255
Intercompany loans receivable	3,000
Other assets	0
Total assets	73,781
Short-term borrowings	0
Accounts payable	0
Intercompany payable	20,506
Accrued compensation	1
Accrued income taxes	41
Deferred tax liabilities	3
Other accrued expenses	0
Total current liabilities	20,551
Long-term debt	0
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	0
Long-term accrued income taxes	0
Long-term intercompany loans payable	0
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	0
Other long-term liabilities	0
Total liabilities	20,551
Shareholders’ equity	53,230
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	73,781
Subsidiary Issuer | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,071	264	196	96
Investments	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	165	154
Intercompany receivable	146,373	43,377
Tax assets	770	602
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	128	479
Total current assets	148,507	44,876
Property, plant, and equipment, net	976	954
Goodwill	1,607	1,565
Other intangible assets, net	39	51
Long-term tax assets	643	435
Investment in subsidiaries	41,218	36,943
Intercompany loans receivable	6,516	20
Other assets	678	573
Total assets	200,184	85,417
Short-term borrowings	1,110	1,262
Accounts payable	261	201
Intercompany payable	135,091	51,593
Accrued compensation	490	405
Accrued income taxes	371	144
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Other accrued expenses	600	0
Total current liabilities	137,923	53,605
Long-term debt	29,004	10,177
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	965	487
Long-term accrued income taxes	1,450	1,315
Long-term intercompany loans payable	10,218	273
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	207	117
Total liabilities	179,767	65,974
Shareholders’ equity	20,417	19,443
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	200,184	85,417
Subsidiary Issuer | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	728	0
Investments	0
Accounts receivable, net	0
Inventories	0
Intercompany receivable	0
Tax assets	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0
Total current assets	728
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0
Goodwill	0
Other intangible assets, net	0
Long-term tax assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	7,040
Intercompany loans receivable	7,401
Other assets	0
Total assets	15,169
Short-term borrowings	1,002
Accounts payable	0
Intercompany payable	0
Accrued compensation	0
Accrued income taxes	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Other accrued expenses	610
Total current liabilities	1,612
Long-term debt	4,580
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	0
Long-term accrued income taxes	0
Long-term intercompany loans payable	8,385
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	0
Other long-term liabilities	0
Total liabilities	14,577
Shareholders’ equity	592
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	15,169
Subsidiary Guarantors | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	170	0	0	0
Investments	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Tax assets	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	170	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets, net	0	0
Long-term tax assets	0	$ 0
Investment in subsidiaries	64,335
Intercompany loans receivable	10,000	$ 0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	74,505	0
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany payable	0	0
Accrued compensation	0	0
Accrued income taxes	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Other accrued expenses	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	0	0
Long-term accrued income taxes	0	0
Long-term intercompany loans payable	10,000	0
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	10,000	0
Shareholders’ equity	64,505	0
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	74,505	0
Subsidiary Guarantors | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	170	0
Investments	0
Accounts receivable, net	0
Inventories	0
Intercompany receivable	269
Tax assets	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6
Total current assets	445
Property, plant, and equipment, net	1
Goodwill	0
Other intangible assets, net	0
Long-term tax assets	0
Investment in subsidiaries	64,335
Intercompany loans receivable	11,303
Other assets	0
Total assets	76,084
Short-term borrowings	0
Accounts payable	2
Intercompany payable	280
Accrued compensation	0
Accrued income taxes	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Other accrued expenses	1
Total current liabilities	283
Long-term debt	0
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	0
Long-term accrued income taxes	0
Long-term intercompany loans payable	10,002
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	0
Other long-term liabilities	0
Total liabilities	10,285
Shareholders’ equity	65,799
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	76,084
Subsidiary Non-guarantors | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,339	1,139	$ 723	$ 1,076
Investments	14,637	12,838
Accounts receivable, net	5,112	3,811
Inventories	3,298	1,571
Intercompany receivable	150,679	51,593
Tax assets	729	193
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,322	597
Total current assets	179,116	71,742
Property, plant, and equipment, net	3,753	1,461
Goodwill	38,923	9,028
Other intangible assets, net	28,062	2,235
Long-term tax assets	559	252
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany loans receivable	10,218	273
Other assets	1,059	589
Total assets	261,690	85,580
Short-term borrowings	1,324	351
Accounts payable	1,349	541
Intercompany payable	141,714	43,377
Accrued compensation	1,120	610
Accrued income taxes	523	20
Deferred tax liabilities	280	78
Other accrued expenses	1,894	2,408
Total current liabilities	148,204	47,385
Long-term debt	4,748	138
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	570	175
Long-term accrued income taxes	1,026	28
Long-term intercompany loans payable	9,516	20
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	5,128	773
Other long-term liabilities	1,612	118
Total liabilities	170,804	48,637
Shareholders’ equity	90,886	36,943
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	261,690	85,580
Subsidiary Non-guarantors | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,682	$ 1,403
Investments	14,637
Accounts receivable, net	5,112
Inventories	3,463
Intercompany receivable	20,508
Tax assets	1,335
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,444
Total current assets	50,181
Property, plant, and equipment, net	4,728
Goodwill	40,530
Other intangible assets, net	28,101
Long-term tax assets	774
Investment in subsidiaries	0
Intercompany loans receivable	6,372
Other assets	1,737
Total assets	132,423
Short-term borrowings	1,432
Accounts payable	1,608
Intercompany payable	250
Accrued compensation	1,610
Accrued income taxes	894
Deferred tax liabilities	116
Other accrued expenses	1,883
Total current liabilities	7,793
Long-term debt	29,172
Long-term accrued compensation and retirement benefits	1,535
Long-term accrued income taxes	2,476
Long-term intercompany loans payable	9,689
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	4,700
Other long-term liabilities	1,819
Total liabilities	57,184
Shareholders’ equity	75,239
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 132,423

Guarantor Financial Informati95

Guarantor Financial Information , Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 4,902	$ 4,959	$ 4,942
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(14,884)	(385)	(820)
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(571)	(396)	(457)
Purchases of marketable securities	(7,582)	(10,895)	(12,321)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,890	8,111	10,511
Net decrease in intercompany loans	0	0	0
Increase in investment in subsidiary		0	0
Other investing activities, net	89	(29)	(14)
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,058)	(3,594)	(3,101)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	(85)	(1)	(18)
Change in short-term borrowings, net	(1)	127	(720)
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	(150)	(1,301)	(2,700)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	150	1,176	2,628
Issuance of long-term debt	19,942	1,994	2,980
Payments on long-term debt	(1,268)	(565)	(2,214)
Dividends to shareholders	(1,337)	(1,116)	(1,055)
Issuance of ordinary shares	649	1,307	267
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(1,920)	(2,553)	(1,247)
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	0	0	0
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other financing activities	(31)	14	(22)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	15,949	(918)	(2,101)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(353)	37	7
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	3,440	484	(253)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,403	919	1,172
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,843	1,403	919
Consolidating Adjustments | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Purchases of marketable securities	0	0	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0	0	0
Net decrease in intercompany loans	16,941	11	(17)
Increase in investment in subsidiary		0	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	16,941	11	(17)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0	0	0
Change in short-term borrowings, net	0	0	0
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	0	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	0	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0	0
Dividends to shareholders	0	0	0
Issuance of ordinary shares	0	0	0
Repurchase of ordinary shares	0	0	0
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	(16,941)	(11)	17
Other financing activities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(16,941)	(11)	17
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0	0
Consolidating Adjustments | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	(1,100)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	0
Purchases of marketable securities	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0
Net decrease in intercompany loans	27,591
Other investing activities, net	0
Net cash used in investing activities	27,591
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0
Change in short-term borrowings, net	0
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0
Payments on long-term debt	0
Dividends to shareholders	0
Issuance of ordinary shares	0
Repurchase of ordinary shares	0
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	(27,591)
Intercompany dividend paid	1,100
Other financing activities	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(26,491)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	26	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(9,700)	0	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Purchases of marketable securities	0	0	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0	0	0
Net decrease in intercompany loans	0	0	0
Increase in investment in subsidiary		0	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(9,700)	0	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0	0	0
Change in short-term borrowings, net	0	0	0
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	0	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	0	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0	0
Dividends to shareholders	(435)	0	0
Issuance of ordinary shares	172	0	0
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(300)	0	0
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	10,500	0	0
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other financing activities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	9,937	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	263	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	263	0	0
Parent Company Guarantor (Medtronic plc) | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	263
Subsidiary Issuer | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,649	1,384	2,298
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(65)	0	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	0	(154)	(119)
Purchases of marketable securities	0	0	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0	0	0
Net decrease in intercompany loans	(16,996)	1	0
Increase in investment in subsidiary		0	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,061)	(153)	(119)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0	0	0
Change in short-term borrowings, net	0	0	(699)
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	(150)	(1,301)	(2,700)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	150	1,045	2,628
Issuance of long-term debt	19,942	1,994	2,980
Payments on long-term debt	(1,268)	(565)	(2,214)
Dividends to shareholders	(902)	(1,116)	(1,055)
Issuance of ordinary shares	477	1,307	267
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(1,620)	(2,553)	(1,247)
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	(55)	12	(17)
Other financing activities	0	14	(22)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	16,574	(1,163)	(2,079)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(355)	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	807	68	100
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	264	196	96
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,071	264	196
Subsidiary Issuer | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	(205)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	0
Purchases of marketable securities	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0
Net decrease in intercompany loans	(7,401)
Other investing activities, net	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,401)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0
Change in short-term borrowings, net	0
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0
Payments on long-term debt	(51)
Dividends to shareholders	0
Issuance of ordinary shares	0
Repurchase of ordinary shares	0
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	8,385
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other financing activities	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	8,334
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	728
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	728	0
Subsidiary Guarantors | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	170	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Purchases of marketable securities	0	0	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0	0	0
Net decrease in intercompany loans	0	0	0
Increase in investment in subsidiary		0	0
Other investing activities, net	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	0
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0	0	0
Change in short-term borrowings, net	0	0	0
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	0	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	0	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0	0
Dividends to shareholders	0	0	0
Issuance of ordinary shares	0	0	0
Repurchase of ordinary shares	0	0	0
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	0	0	0
Other financing activities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	170	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	170	0	0
Subsidiary Guarantors | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,472
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(1)
Purchases of marketable securities	0
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	0
Net decrease in intercompany loans	(1,303)
Other investing activities, net	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,304)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0
Change in short-term borrowings, net	0
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0
Payments on long-term debt	0
Dividends to shareholders	0
Issuance of ordinary shares	0
Repurchase of ordinary shares	0
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	2
Intercompany dividend paid	0
Other financing activities	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	170
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	170	0
Subsidiary Non-guarantors | Medtronic Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,057	3,575	2,644
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,119)	(385)	(820)
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(571)	(242)	(338)
Purchases of marketable securities	(7,582)	(10,895)	(12,321)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,890	8,111	10,511
Net decrease in intercompany loans	55	(12)	17
Increase in investment in subsidiary		0	0
Other investing activities, net	89	(29)	(14)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,238)	(3,452)	(2,965)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	(85)	(1)	(18)
Change in short-term borrowings, net	(1)	127	(21)
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	0	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	0	131	0
Issuance of long-term debt	0	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0	0
Dividends to shareholders	0	0	0
Issuance of ordinary shares	0	0	0
Repurchase of ordinary shares	0	0	0
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	6,496	(1)	0
Other financing activities	(31)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	6,379	256	(39)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2	37	7
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2,200	416	(353)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,139	723	1,076
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,339	1,139	$ 723
Subsidiary Non-guarantors | CIFSA Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,709
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,184)
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(570)
Purchases of marketable securities	(7,582)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	5,890
Net decrease in intercompany loans	(18,887)
Other investing activities, net	89
Net cash used in investing activities	(26,244)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	(85)
Change in short-term borrowings, net	(1)
Repayment of short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	(150)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings (maturities greater than 90 days)	150
Issuance of long-term debt	19,942
Payments on long-term debt	(1,217)
Dividends to shareholders	(902)
Issuance of ordinary shares	477
Repurchase of ordinary shares	(1,620)
Net intercompany loan borrowings (repayments)	8,704
Intercompany dividend paid	(1,100)
Other financing activities	(31)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	24,167
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(353)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	2,279
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,403
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 3,682	$ 1,403

Schedule II (Details)

Schedule II (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year	$ 115,000,000	$ 98,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Charges to Income	35,000,000	43,000,000	51,000,000
Charges to Other Accounts	34,000,000	0	0
Other Changes (Debit) Credit	(36,000,000)	(30,000,000)	(53,000,000)
Effects of Foreign Currency	(4,000,000)	4,000,000	0
Balance at End of Fiscal Year	144,000,000	115,000,000	98,000,000
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Fiscal Year	397,000,000	313,000,000	258,000,000
Charges to Income	40,000,000	104,000,000	71,000,000
Charges to Other Accounts	5,660,000,000	5,000,000	0
Other Changes (Debit) Credit	(56,000,000)	(29,000,000)	(15,000,000)
Effects of Foreign Currency	(434,000,000)	4,000,000	(1,000,000)
Balance at End of Fiscal Year	$ 5,607,000,000	$ 397,000,000	$ 313,000,000