General Mills (GIS) 10-Q 23 Sep 15 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Sep. 11, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Aug. 30, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--05-29
Entity Central Index Key	40,704
Trading Symbol	GIS
Entity Registrant Name	GENERAL MILLS INC,
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		597,687,535

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Net sales	$ 4,207.9	$ 4,268.4
Cost of sales	2,653.3	2,829.7
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	811.2	867.2
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	60.1	14
Operating profit	683.3	557.5
Interest, net	75.3	78.5
Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures	608	479
Income taxes	198.6	152.6
After-tax earnings from joint ventures	25.7	26
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	435.1	352.4
Net earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	8.5	7.2
Net earnings attributable to General Mills	$ 426.6	$ 345.2
Earnings per share - basic	$ 0.71	$ 0.56
Earnings per share - diluted	0.69	0.55
Dividends per share	$ 0.44	$ 0.41

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	$ 435.1	$ 352.4
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation	(142.2)	(92.5)
Other fair value changes:
Securities	(0.1)	0.1
Hedge derivatives	10.3	(1.2)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	0.7	3.5
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	30.9	23.5
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(100.4)	(66.6)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	334.7	285.8
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	17.6	(24.8)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to General Mills	$ 317.1	$ 310.6

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 450.6	$ 334.2
Receivables	1,531.5	1,386.7
Inventories	1,795.8	1,540.9
Deferred income taxes	87.6	100.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	439.6	423.8
Total current assets	4,305.1	3,785.7
Land, buildings, and equipment	3,679.2	3,783.3
Goodwill	8,857.7	8,874.9
Other intangible assets	4,655	4,677
Other assets	825.9	811.2
Total assets	22,322.9	21,932.1
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,759.6	1,684
Current portion of long-term debt	1,000.3	1,000.4
Notes payable	823.7	615.8
Other current liabilities	1,716.3	1,589.9
Total current liabilities	5,299.9	4,890.1
Long-term debt	7,609.7	7,575.3
Deferred income taxes	1,560.7	1,550.3
Other liabilities	1,714	1,744.8
Total liabilities	16,184.3	15,760.5
Redeemable interest	786.6	778.9
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, 754.6 shares issued, $0.10 par value	75.5	75.5
Additional paid-in capital	1,232.1	1,296.7
Retained earnings	12,150.9	11,990.8
Common stock in treasury, at cost	(6,089.2)	(6,055.6)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,420.2)	(2,310.7)
Total stockholders' equity	4,949.1	4,996.7
Noncontrolling interests	402.9	396
Total equity	5,352	5,392.7
Total liabilities and equity	$ 22,322.9	$ 21,932.1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U5

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Paranthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Aug. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, shares issued	754.6	754.6
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock in treasury, shares	155.4	155.9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE INTEREST (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Issued-Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Redeemable Interest
Beginning balance, equity at May. 25, 2014	$ 7,005.4	$ 75.5	$ 1,231.8	$ (5,219.4)	$ 11,787.2	$ (1,340.3)	$ 470.6
Beginning balance, equity attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest at May. 25, 2014								$ 984.1
Beginning balance, shares at May. 25, 2014		754.6		(142.3)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	180.9				1,221.3	(970.4)	(70)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable interests								(122.9)
Cash dividends declared	(1,017.7)				(1,017.7)
Shares purchased, value	(1,161.9)			$ (1,161.9)
Shares purchased, shares				(22.3)
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), value	287.6		(38.1)	$ 325.7
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), shares				8.7
Unearned compensation related to restricted stock unit awards	(80.8)		(80.8)
Earned compensation	111.1		111.1
Decrease (increase) in redemption value of redeemable interest	83.2		83.2					(83.2)
Addition of noncontrolling interest	20.7						20.7
Acquisition of interest in subsidiary	(9.9)		(10.5)				0.6
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders	(25.9)						(25.9)	0.9
Ending balance, equity at May. 31, 2015	5,392.7	$ 75.5	1,296.7	$ (6,055.6)	11,990.8	(2,310.7)	396
Ending balance, equity attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest at May. 31, 2015	778.9							778.9
Ending balance, shares at May. 31, 2015		754.6		(155.9)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	325				426.6	(109.5)	7.9
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable interests								9.7
Cash dividends declared	(266.5)				(266.5)
Shares purchased, value	$ (152.1)			$ (152.1)
Shares purchased, shares	(2.7)			(2.7)
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), value	$ 107		(11.5)	$ 118.5
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), shares				3.2
Unearned compensation related to restricted stock unit awards	(51.8)		(51.8)
Earned compensation	30.7		30.7
Decrease (increase) in redemption value of redeemable interest	(32)		(32)					32
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders	(1)						(1)	(34)
Ending balance, equity at Aug. 30, 2015	5,352	$ 75.5	$ 1,232.1	$ (6,089.2)	$ 12,150.9	$ (2,420.2)	$ 402.9
Ending balance, equity attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest at Aug. 30, 2015	$ 786.6							$ 786.6
Ending balance, shares at Aug. 30, 2015		754.6		(155.4)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOT7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE INTEREST (Unaudited) (Paranthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions, shares in Billions	Total
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE INTEREST (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)
Par Value Common Stock	$ 0.10
Shares Authorized	1
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.67
Stock compensation plans, income tax benefits	$ 74.6
Par Value Common Stock	$ 0.10
Shares Authorized	1
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.44
Stock compensation plans, income tax benefits	$ 37.4
Par Value Common Stock	$ 0.10
Shares Authorized	1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Cash Flows - Operating Activities
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	$ 435.1	$ 352.4
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	143.9	150.3
After-tax earnings from joint ventures	(25.7)	(26)
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures	19.1	24.5
Stock-based compensation	31.3	45.6
Deferred income taxes	20.7	17.4
Tax benefit on exercised options	(37.4)	(16.7)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions	(10.6)	(12.3)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs	29.5	23.1
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	47.5	12.8
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions	(200.2)	(211.2)
Other, net	(22.3)	(30.5)
Net cash provided by operating activities	430.9	329.4
Cash Flows - Investing Activities
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment	(147.2)	(148.6)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(12.9)
Investment in affilates, net	1
Investment in affilates, net		(33.2)
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment	0.4	0.3
Other, net	6.7	(2.8)
Net cash used by investing activities	(139.1)	(197.2)
Cash Flows - Financing Activities
Change in notes payable	211.7	631.9
Issuance of long-term debt	0	271.3
Payment of long-term debt	(0.2)	(393.4)
Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options	47.7	17.5
Tax benefit on exercised options	37.4	16.7
Purchases of common stock for treasury	(152.1)	(438.8)
Dividends paid	(266.5)	(254.4)
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders	(35)	(0.8)
Other, net	0.1	(3.1)
Net cash used by financing activities	(156.9)	(153.1)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(18.5)	(5.2)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	116.4	(26.1)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	334.2	867.3
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	450.6	841.2
Cash Flow from Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Receivables	(162.6)	(145.1)
Inventories	(275.2)	(237.2)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(34.3)	58.1
Accounts payable	132.8	42.4
Other current liabilities	139.1	70.6
Changes in current assets and liabilities	$ (200.2)	$ (211.2)

BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Background [Abstract]
Background	(1) Background The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of General Mills, Inc. (we, us, our, General Mills, or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and disclosures required for comprehensive financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature, including the elimination of all intercompany transactions and any noncontrolling and redeemable interests' share of those transactions. Operatin g results for the quarter ended August 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 29, 2016. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. The accounting policies used in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financi al Statements in that Form 10-K.

ACQUISITION

ACQUISITION	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisition	( 2 ) Acquisition On October 21, 2014, we acquired Annie 's, Inc. (Annie's), a publicly traded food company headquartered in Berkeley, California, for an aggregate p urchase price of $821.2 million , which w e funded by issuing debt . We consolidated Annie's into our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recorded goodwill of $589.8 million, an i n definite lived intangible asset for the Annie's brand o f $244.5 million and a f inite lived customer relationship asset of $ 23.9 million. The pro forma effects of this acquisition were not material.

RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES

RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Restructuring Initiatives [Abstract]
Restructuring Initiatives	( 3 ) Restructuring Initiatives We are currently pursuing several multi-year restructuring initiatives designed to increase our efficiency and focus our business behind our key growth strategies. Char ges related to these activities were as follows: Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 In Millions Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Severance Asset Write-offs Total Project Compass $ 44.9 $ - $ - $ 6.6 $ 51.5 $ - $ - $ - Project Century 2.3 2.4 21.4 4.1 30.2 - - - Project Catalyst 0.2 - - - 0.2 - - - Combination of certain operational facilities - - - - - 13.1 0.9 14.0 Total $ 47.4 $ 2.4 $ 21.4 $ 10.7 $ 81.9 $ 13.1 $ 0.9 $ 14.0 In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved Project Compass, a restructuring plan designed to enable our International segment to accelerate long-term growth through increased organizational effectiveness and reduced administrative expense. In connection with this project, we expect to eliminate approximately 675 to 725 positions. We expect to incur approximately $ 59 million of net expenses relating to this action of which approximately $ 56 million will be cash. We recorded $ 51 .5 million of restructuring charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 relating to this action. We expect this action to be completed by the end of fiscal 2017. Project Century (Century) is a review of our North American manufacturing and distribution network to streamline operations and identif y potential capacity reductions. In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we recorded $ 25.3 million of restructuring charges related to Century actions previously announced. As part of Century, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we notified the union member employees and union representatives at our West Chicago, Illinois facility of our tentative decision, pending negotiations and consultation with the union, to close this plant to eliminate excess cereal and dry dinner capacity in our U.S. Retail supply chain. If implemented, t his action would affect approximately 500 positions , and w e expect to incur approximately $120 million of net expenses relating to this action, of which approximately $52 million will be cash. We expect this action to be comp leted by the end of fiscal 2019. We did not record any charges related to this action in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Also as part of Century, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we notified the employees at our snacks manufacturing facility in Joplin, Missouri of our decision to close this plant in our U.S. Retail supply chain. This action will affe ct approximately 120 positions , and w e expect to incur approximately $ 12 million of net expenses relating to this action, of which approximately $5 million will be cash. We recorded $ 4.9 million of restructuring charges in the first quarter of fis cal 2016 relating to this action. We expect this action to be completed by the end of fiscal 2018 . During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we approved Project Catalyst, a restructuring plan to increase organizational effectiveness and reduce overhead expense. In connection with this project, we expect to eliminate approximately 800 positions primarily in the United States . We expect to incur approximately $ 14 8 million of net expenses relating to these actions of which approximately $ 1 18 million will be cash. We recorded $0.2 million of restructuring charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 relating to this action. T hese actions were largely completed in fiscal 2015. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we approved a plan to combine certain Yoplait and General Mills operational facilities within our International segment to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. This action will affect approximately 240 positions. We expect to incur approximately $15 million of net expenses relating to this action of which approximately $14 million will be cash. We recorded $14.0 million of restructuring charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 relating to this action. We expect this action to be completed in fiscal 2016. During the three -month period ended August 30 , 2015, we paid $ 34.3 million in cash related to restructuring initiatives . In addition to restructuring charges, we expect to incur approximately $ 71 million of additional project-related costs , which will be recorded in cost of sales, all of which will be cash . We recorded $ 13.1 million in cost of sales for project-related costs in the first quarter of fiscal 201 6 . Restructuring cha r ges and project-related costs are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows: Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Cost of sales $ 21.8 $ - Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 60.1 14.0 Total restructuring charges 81.9 14.0 Project-related costs classified in cost of sales $ 13.1 $ - The roll forward of our restructuring and other exit cost reserves, included in other current liabilities, is as follows: In Millions Severance Contract Termination Other Exit Costs Total Reserve balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 118.6 $ 0.6 $ 1.6 $ 120.8 Fiscal 2016 charges, including foreign currency translation 46.9 - 3.2 50.1 Utilized in fiscal 2016 (27.0) (0.1) (0.5) (27.6) Reserve balance as of Aug. 30, 2015 $ 138.5 $ 0.5 $ 4.3 $ 143.3 The charges recognized in the roll forward of our reserves for restructuring and other exit costs do not include items charged directly to expense (e.g., asset impairment charges, the gain or loss on the sale of restructured assets, and the write-off of spare parts) and other periodic exit costs recognized as incurred, as those items are not reflected in our restructuring and other exit cost reserves on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	( 4 ) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The components of goodwill and other intangible assets are as follows : In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 Goodwill $ 8,857.7 $ 8,874.9 Other intangible assets: Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles 4,242.0 4,262.1 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Franchise agreements, customer relationships, and other finite-lived intangibles 548.9 544.0 Less accumulated amortization (135.9) (129.1) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 413.0 414.9 Other intangible assets 4,655.0 4,677.0 Total $ 13,512.7 $ 13,551.9 Based on the carrying value of finite-lived intangible assets as of August 30, 2015, annual amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is estimated to be approximately $ 28 million . The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during fiscal 2016 were as follows: In Millions U.S. Retail International Convenience Stores and Foodservice Joint Ventures Total Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 6,419.0 $ 1,133.3 $ 921.1 $ 401.5 $ 8,874.9 Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation - (24.5) - 7.2 (17.2) Balance as of Aug. 30, 2015 $ 6,419.0 $ 1,108.8 $ 921.1 $ 408.7 $ 8,857.7 During the second quarter of fiscal 2015 , we reorganized certain reporting units within our U.S. Retail operating segment . Our chief operating decision maker continues to assess performance and make decisions about resources to be allocated to our segments at the U.S. Retail, International, and Convenience Stores and Foodservice operating segment level. We performed our fiscal 2015 impairment assessment as of the first day of the third quarter of fiscal 201 5 , and det ermined there was no impairment of goodwill for any of our reporting units as their related fair values were substantially in excess of their carrying values. The changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets during fiscal 2016 were as follows: In Millions U.S. Retail International Joint Ventures Total Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 3,311.9 $ 1,301.5 $ 63.6 $ 4,677.0 Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation (0.9) (21.3) 0.2 (22.0) Balance as of Aug. 30, 2015 $ 3,311.0 $ 1,280.2 $ 63.8 $ 4,655.0 We performed our fiscal 2015 impairment assessment as of the first day of the third quarter of fiscal 2015 . As of our assessment date, there was no impairment of any of our indefinite-lived intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values, except for the Mountain High a nd Uncle Toby's brands. The excess fair value above the carrying value of these brand assets is as follows: In Millions Book Value Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value Mountain High $ 35.4 3% Uncle Toby's $ 57.7 7% We will continue to monitor these businesses for potential impairment. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we made a strategic decision to redirect certain resources supporting our Green Giant business in our U.S. Retail segment to other businesses within the segment. Therefore, future sales and profitability projections in our long-range plan for this business declined. As a result of this triggerin g event, we performed an interim impairment assessment of the Green Giant brand intangible asset as of May 31, 2015, and determined that the fair value of the brand asset no longer exceeded the carrying value of the asset. We recorded a $260 million impairment charge in restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 related to this asset.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(5 ) Inventories The components of inventories were as follows: In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 Raw materials and packaging $ 416.7 $ 390.8 Finished goods 1,518.0 1,268.6 Grain 97.5 95.7 Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (236.4) (214.2) Total $ 1,795.8 $ 1,540.9

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Risk Management Activities [Abstract]
Risk Management Activities	( 6 ) Risk Management Activities Many commodities we use in the production and distribution of our products are exposed to market price risks. We utilize derivatives to manage price risk for our principal ingredients and energy costs, including grains (oats, wheat, and corn), oils (principally soybean), non-fat dry milk, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Our primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. We manage our exposures through a combination of purchase orders, long-term contracts with suppliers, exchange-traded futures and options, and over-the-counter options and swaps. We offset our exposures based on current and projected market conditions and generally seek to acquire the inputs at as close to our planned cost as possible. We use derivatives to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices. We do not perform the assessments required to achieve hedge accounting for commodity derivative positions. Accordingly, the changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded currently in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Although we do not meet the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting, we believe that these instruments are effective in achieving our objective of providing certainty in the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. Accordingly, for purposes of measuring segment operating performance certain gains and losses are reported in unallocated corporate items outside of segment operating results until such time that the exposure we are managing affects earnings. At that time we reclassify the gain or loss from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit, allowing our operating segments to realize the economic effects of the d erivative without experiencing the resulting mark-to-market volatility, which remains in unallocated corporate items. Unallocated corporate items for the quarter ended August 30, 2015 and August 24, 2014, included: Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net loss on certain mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions $ (22.3) $ (41.4) Net loss (gain) on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit 26.9 (4.8) Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories (1.9) (3.0) Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items $ 2.7 $ (49.2) As of August 30, 2015, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $224.6 million, of which $176.1 million related to energy inputs and $48.5 million rel ated to agricultural inputs . These contracts relate to inputs that generally wil l be utilized within the next 12 months. The fair values of the derivative positions used in our risk management activities and other assets recorded at fair value were not material as of August 30, 2015 and were Level 1 or Level 2 assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy. We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods. We offer certain suppliers access to a third party service that allows them to view our scheduled payments online. The third party service also allows suppliers to finance advances on our scheduled payments at the sole discretion of the supplier and the third party. We have no economic interest in these financing arrangements and no direct relationship with the suppliers, the third party, or any financial institutions concerning this service. All of our accounts payable remain as obligations to our suppliers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of August 30, 2015, $ 4 92.5 million of our total accounts payabl e is payable to suppliers who utilize this third party service.

DEBT

DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	(7 ) Debt The components of notes payable were as follows: In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 U.S. commercial paper $ 524.0 $ 432.0 Financial institutions 299.7 183.8 Total $ 823.7 $ 615.8 To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines sufficient to cover our outstanding notes payable . Commercial paper is a continuing source of short-term financing. We have commercial paper programs available to us i n the United States and Europe. We also have committed, uncommitted , and asset-backed credit lines that support our foreign operations. The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of August 30, 2015: In Billions Facility Amount Borrowed Amount Credit facility expiring: April 2017 $ 1.7 $ - May 2019 1.0 - June 2019 0.2 0.1 Total committed credit facilities 2.9 0.1 Uncommitted credit facilities 0.5 0.2 Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities $ 3.4 $ 0.3 In June 2014, our subsidiary Yoplait SAS entered into a €200.0 million fee-paid committed credit facility that is scheduled to expire in June 2019. The credit facilities contain covenants, including a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2.5 times. We were in compliance with all credit facility covenants as of August 30, 2015 . Long-Term Debt The fair values and carrying amounts of long -term debt, including the current portion, were $8,858.5 million and $8,610.0 million, respectively, as of August 30, 2015. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using market quotations and discounted cash flows based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments. Long-term debt is a Level 2 liability in the fair value hierarchy. In April 2015, we issued €500.0 million principal amount of 1.0 percent fixed-rate notes due April 27, 2023 and €400.0 million principal amount of 1.5 percent fixed-rate notes due April 27, 2027. Interest on the notes is payable annually in arrears. The notes due April 27, 2023 may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at our option at any time prior to January 27, 2023 for a specified make whole amount and any time on or after that date at par. The notes due April 27, 2027 may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at our option at any time prior to January 27, 2027 for a specified make whole amount and any time on or after that date at par. These notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes and to reduce our commercial paper borrowings. In March 2015, we repaid $750.0 million of 5.2 percent notes. In October 2014, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.4 percent fixed-rate notes due October 20, 2017 and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.2 percent fixed-rate notes due October 21, 2019. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The notes may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at our option at any time at the applicable redemption price. The notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to fund our acquisitio n of Annie's and for general corporate purposes. In June 2014, we issued €200.0 million principal amount of 2.2 percent fixed-rate senior unsecured notes due June 24, 2021 in a private placement offering. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears . The notes may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at our option at any time for a specific make- whole amount and include a change of control repurchase provision . The net proceeds were used to refinance existing debt . In June 2014, we repaid €290.0 million of floating-rate notes. Certain of our long-term debt agreements contain restrictive covenants. As of August 30, 2015, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

REDEEMABLE AND NONCONTROLLING I

REDEEMABLE AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Redeemable and Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable and Noncontrolling Interests	(8) Redeemable and Noncontrolling Interests We have a 51 percent co ntrolling interest in Yoplait SAS and a 50 percent int erest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl . Sodiaal International ( Sodiaal ) holds the remaining interests in each of the entities. On the acquisition date , we recorded the $904.4 million fair value of Sodiaal's 49 percent euro-denomi nated interest in Yoplait SAS as a redeemable interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Sodiaal has the ability to put a limited portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value once per year through a maximum term expiring December 2020 . We adjust the value of the redeemable interest through additional paid-in capital on our Consolidated Balance Sheets quarterly to the redeemable interest's redemption value, which approximate s its fair value. Yoplait SAS pays dividends annually if it meets certain financial metrics set forth in its shareholde rs ' agreement. As of August 30, 2015 , the redemption value of the euro-denominated redeemable interest was $ 786.6 m illion. A subsidiary of Yoplait SAS has entered into an exclusive milk supply agreement for its European operations with Sodiaal through July 1, 2021. Net purchases totaled $ 71.5 million for the quarter ended August 30, 2015 and $ 74.2 million for the quarter ended August 24, 2014 . On the acquisition dates, we recorded the $281.4 million fair value of Sodiaal's 50 percent euro-denominated interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and 50 percent Canadian dollar-denominated interest in Liberté Marques Sàrl as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Yoplait Marques SNC earns a royalty stream through a licensing agreement with Yoplait SAS for the rights to Yoplait and related trademarks. Liberté Marques Sàrl earns a royalty stream through licensing agreements with certain Yoplait group companies for the rights to Libe rt é and related trademarks. These entities pay dividends annually based on their available cash as of their fiscal year end. The third-party holder of the Class A Interests in our General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) consolidated subsidiary receives quarterly preferred distributions from available net income based on the application of a floating preferred return rate to the holder's capital account balance established in the most recent mark-to-market valuation (currently $251.5 million). The preferred return rate is adjusted every three years through a negotiated agreement with the Class A Interest holder or through a remarketing auction. On June 1, 2015, the floating preferred return rate on GMC's Class A Interests was reset to the sum of three-month LIBOR plus 125 basis points. Our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. As of August 30, 2015 , we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(9 ) Stockholders' Equity The following table s provide details of total comprehensive income (loss) : Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 General Mills Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Interest General Mills Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Interest In Millions Pretax Tax Net Net Net Pretax Tax Net Net Net Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests $ 426.6 $ 2.6 $ 5.9 $ 345.2 $ 1.6 $ 5.6 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation $ (149.9) $ - (149.9) 5.3 2.4 $ (60.4) $ - (60.4) (11.6) (20.5) Other fair value changes: Securities (0.1) - (0.1) - - 0.2 (0.1) 0.1 - - Hedge derivatives 13.2 (3.1) 10.1 - 0.2 (0.8) 0.2 (0.6) - (0.6) Reclassification to earnings: Hedge derivatives (a) (1.1) 0.6 (0.5) - 1.2 3.4 (0.6) 2.8 - 0.7 Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b) 49.7 (18.8) 30.9 - - 38.9 (15.4) 23.5 - - Other comprehensive income (loss): $ (88.2) $ (21.3) (109.5) 5.3 3.8 $ (18.7) $ (15.9) (34.6) (11.6) (20.4) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 317.1 $ 7.9 $ 9.7 $ 310.6 $ (10.0) $ (14.8) (a) (Gain) l oss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts. (b) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in SG&A expenses. Except for reclassifications to earnings, changes in other comprehensive income (loss) are primarily non-cash items. Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax effects, were as follows: In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (686.5) $ (536.6) Unrealized gain (loss) from: Securities 3.6 3.7 Hedge derivatives (19.2) (28.8) Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits: Net actuarial loss (1,725.5) (1,756.1) Prior service costs 7.4 7.1 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (2,420.2) $ (2,310.7)

STOCK PLANS

STOCK PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Stock Plans	(10 ) Stock Plans We have various stock-based compensation programs under which awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units , and performance awards , may be granted to employees and non-employee directors. These programs and related acco unting are described in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was as follows: Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Compensation expense related to stock-based payments $ 32.9 $ 45.6 Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings includes amounts recognized in r estructuring, impairment, and other exit costs. As of August 30, 2015 , unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock units , and performance award units was $141.5 million. This expense will be recognized over 24 months, on average . Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options less shares used for withholding taxes and the intrinsic value of options exercised were as follows: Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net cash proceeds $ 47.7 $ 17.5 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 82.2 $ 18.3 We estimate the fair value of each stock option on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pric ing model. Black-Scholes option- pricing models require us to make predictive assumptions regarding future stock price volatility, employee exercise behavior, and dividend yield. We estimate our future stock price volatility using the historical volatility over the expected term of the option, excluding time periods of volatility we believe a marketplace participant would exclude in estimating our stock price volatility. We also have considered, but did not use, implied volatility in our estimate, because trading activity in options on our stock, especially those with tenors of greater than 6 months, is insufficient to provide a reliable measure of expected volatility. Our method of selecting the other valuation a ssumptions is explained in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. The estimated fair values of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows: Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Estimated fair values of stock options granted $ 7.24 $ 7.22 Assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 2.4 % 2.6 % Expected term 8.5 years 8.5 years Expected volatility 17.6 % 17.5 % Dividend yield 3.2 % 3.0 % Information on stock option activity follows: Options Outstanding (Thousands) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Millions) Balance as of May 31, 2015 39,077.2 $ 34.35 Granted 1,930.2 55.72 Exercised (2,748.2) 28.08 Forfeited or expired (12.0) 49.17 Outstanding as of Aug. 30, 2015 38,247.2 $ 35.87 4.63 $ 813.1 Exercisable as of Aug. 30, 2015 28,026.1 $ 31.59 3.40 $ 715.8 Information on restricted stock and performance award unit activity follows: Equity Classified Liability Classified Share-Settled Units (Thousands) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-Settled Units (Thousands) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested as of May 31, 2015 6,235.6 $ 46.44 237.0 $ 44.84 Granted 1,142.7 55.83 63.6 55.83 Vested (1,625.2) 47.48 (62.0) 39.74 Forfeited (77.3) 48.20 (13.7) 51.85 Non-vested as of Aug. 30, 2015 5,675.8 $ 48.01 224.9 $ 48.29 The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested in the quarter ended August 30, 2015 was $79.8 million, and restricted stock units with a grant-date fair value of $98.9 million vested in the quarter ended August 24, 2014.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(11 ) Earnings Per Share Basic and diluted earnings per share ( EPS ) were calculated using the following: Quarter Ended In Millions, Except per Share Data Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net earnings attributable to General Mills $ 426.6 $ 345.2 Average number of common shares - basic EPS 601.7 612.6 Incremental share effect from: (a) Stock options 10.4 12.1 Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other 3.4 4.4 Average number of common shares - diluted EPS 615.5 629.1 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.71 $ 0.56 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.69 $ 0.55 (a ) Increme ntal shares from stock options, restricted stock units , and performance share units are computed by the treasury stock method. Stock options, restricted stock units , and performance share units excluded from our computation of diluted EPS because they were not dilutive were as follows: Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock units 2.4 1.5

SHARE REPURCHASES

SHARE REPURCHASES	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Shares Repurchases [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	(12 ) Share Repurchases During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we repurchased 2.7 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $152.1 million . During the first quarter of fiscal 2015 , we repurchased 8.8 million shares of common stock with an aggregate purchase price of $462.5 million which includes 0.4 million shares that did not settle until the second quarter of fiscal 2015 with an aggregate price of $23.7 million .

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Statements of Cash Flows	(13) Statements of Cash Flows During the quarter ended August 30, 2015, we made net cash interest payments of $123.4 million, compared to $119.0 million in the same period last year. Also, in the quarter ended August 30, 2015, we made net income tax payments of $9.7 million, compared to $60.5 millio n in the same period last year.

RETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT B

RETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Retirement and Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement and Postemployment Benefits	(14 ) Retirement and Postemployment Benefits Components of net periodic benefit expense are as follows: Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Postemployment Benefit Plans Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Service cost $ 33.7 $ 34.4 $ 4.8 $ 5.6 $ 1.9 $ 1.9 Interest cost 67.0 62.5 11.0 11.8 1.0 1.1 Expected return on plan assets (124.3) (119.3) (11.6) (10.0) - - Amortization of losses 47.4 35.4 1.7 1.2 0.2 0.2 Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 1.2 1.9 (1.4) (0.4) 0.6 0.6 Other adjustments - - - - 3.2 3.1 Net expense $ 25.0 $ 14.9 $ 4.5 $ 8.2 $ 6.9 $ 6.9

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	(15 ) Business Segment Information We operate in the consumer foods industry. We have three operating segments by type of customer and geographic region as follows: U.S. Retail; International; and Convenience Stores and Foodservice . Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we realigned certain operating units within our U.S. Retail operating segment. We also changed the name of our Yoplait operating unit to Yogurt and our Big G operating unit to Cereal. Frozen Foods transitioned into Meals and Baking Products. Small Planet Foods transitioned into Snacks, Cereal, and Meals. The Yogurt operating unit was unchanged. We revised the amounts previously reported in the net sales percentage change by operating unit within our U.S. Retail segment to conform to the new operating unit structure. These realignments had no effect on previously reported consolidated net sales, operating segments' net sales, operating profit, segment operating profit, net earnings attributable to General Mills, or EPS. In addition, results from the acquired Annie's business are included in the Meals and Snacks operating units. Our chief operating decision maker continues to assess performance and make decisions about resources to be allocated to our segments at the U.S. Retail, International, and Convenience Stores and Foodservice operating segment level. Our U.S. Retail segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, and drug, dollar and discount chains operating througho ut the United States. Our product categories in this business segment are ready-to-eat cereals, ref rigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits , shelf stable and frozen vegetables, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, grain, fruit and savory snacks, and a wide variety of organic products including meal kits, granola bars, and cereal. Our International segment consists of retail and foodservice businesses outside of the United States. Our product categories include ready-to-eat cereals, shelf stable an d frozen vegetables, meal kits , refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza snacks, refrigerated yogurt, grain and fruit snacks , and super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts . We also sell super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts directly to consumers through owned retail shops. Our International segment also includes products manufactured in the United States for export, mainly to Caribbean and Latin American markets, as well as products we manufacture for sale to our international joint ventures. Revenues from export activities and franchise fees are reported in the region or country where the end customer is located. In our Convenience Stores and Foodservice segment o ur major product categories are ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, refrigerated yogurt, frozen breakfast, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, baking mixes, and flour. Many products we sell are branded to the consumer and nearly all are branded to our customers. We sell to distributors and operators in many customer channels including foodservice, convenience stores, vending, and supermarket bakeries. Substantially all of this segment's operations are located in the United States. Operating profit for these segments exclu des unallocated corporate items and restructuring, i mpairment, and other exit costs. Unallocated corporate items include corporate overhead expenses, variances to planned domestic employee benefits and incentives, contributions to the General Mills Foundation, asset and liability remeasurement impact of hyperinflationary economies , restructuring initiative project-related costs, and other items that are not part of our measurement of segment operating performance. These include gains and losses arising from the revaluation of certain grain inventories and gains and losses from mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions until passed back to our operating segments. These items affecting operating profit are centrally managed at the corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by executive management. Under our supply chain organization, our manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution activities are substantially integrated across our operations in order to maximize efficiency and productivity. As a result, fixed assets and depreciation and amortization expenses are neither maintained nor available by operating segment. Our operating segment results were as follows: Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net sales: U.S. Retail $ 2,531.2 $ 2,444.3 International 1,199.0 1,351.1 Convenience Stores and Foodservice 477.7 473.0 Total $ 4,207.9 $ 4,268.4 Operating profit: U.S. Retail $ 629.7 $ 457.2 International 117.0 146.0 Convenience Stores and Foodservice 79.8 87.3 Total segment operating profit 826.5 690.5 Unallocated corporate items 83.1 119.0 Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 60.1 14.0 Operating profit $ 683.3 $ 557.5

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	(16 ) New Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we elected to adopt new accounting requirements for classification of debt issuance costs presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. This presentation change has been implemented retroactively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	(17 ) Subsequent Event s After the end of the first quarter of fiscal 201 6 , we reached a definitive agreement to sell our Green Giant business in our U.S. Retail segment and a portion of the business in our International segment for $765 million in cash, subject to an inventory adjustment at closing . We expect this transaction to close , subject to regulatory approval, in fiscal 2016. We expect to record a gain on the sale of this business during the quarter in which the transaction closes . The assets we expect to sell are currently reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Inventories $ 223.4 Land, buildings, and equipment 27.0 Goodwill 252.1 Other intangible assets 121.5 Total assets held for sale $ 624.0

Restructuring Initiatives (Tabl

Restructuring Initiatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Restructuring Initiatives [Abstract]
Schedule of restructuring initiatives [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 In Millions Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Severance Asset Write-offs Total Project Compass $ 44.9 $ - $ - $ 6.6 $ 51.5 $ - $ - $ - Project Century 2.3 2.4 21.4 4.1 30.2 - - - Project Catalyst 0.2 - - - 0.2 - - - Combination of certain operational facilities - - - - - 13.1 0.9 14.0 Total $ 47.4 $ 2.4 $ 21.4 $ 10.7 $ 81.9 $ 13.1 $ 0.9 $ 14.0
Schedule of restructuring charges and project-related costs classification [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Cost of sales $ 21.8 $ - Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 60.1 14.0 Total restructuring charges 81.9 14.0 Project-related costs classified in cost of sales $ 13.1 $ -
Rollforward of restructuring and other exit cost reserves [Table Text Block]	In Millions Severance Contract Termination Other Exit Costs Total Reserve balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 118.6 $ 0.6 $ 1.6 $ 120.8 Fiscal 2016 charges, including foreign currency translation 46.9 - 3.2 50.1 Utilized in fiscal 2016 (27.0) (0.1) (0.5) (27.6) Reserve balance as of Aug. 30, 2015 $ 138.5 $ 0.5 $ 4.3 $ 143.3

Goodwill and Other Intangible27

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of components of goodwill and other intangible assets [Table Text Block]	In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 Goodwill $ 8,857.7 $ 8,874.9 Other intangible assets: Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles 4,242.0 4,262.1 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Franchise agreements, customer relationships, and other finite-lived intangibles 548.9 544.0 Less accumulated amortization (135.9) (129.1) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 413.0 414.9 Other intangible assets 4,655.0 4,677.0 Total $ 13,512.7 $ 13,551.9
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill [Table Text Block]	In Millions U.S. Retail International Convenience Stores and Foodservice Joint Ventures Total Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 6,419.0 $ 1,133.3 $ 921.1 $ 401.5 $ 8,874.9 Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation - (24.5) - 7.2 (17.2) Balance as of Aug. 30, 2015 $ 6,419.0 $ 1,108.8 $ 921.1 $ 408.7 $ 8,857.7
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets [Table Text Block]	In Millions U.S. Retail International Joint Ventures Total Balance as of May 31, 2015 $ 3,311.9 $ 1,301.5 $ 63.6 $ 4,677.0 Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation (0.9) (21.3) 0.2 (22.0) Balance as of Aug. 30, 2015 $ 3,311.0 $ 1,280.2 $ 63.8 $ 4,655.0
Schedule of at-risk brand assets [Table Text Block]	In Millions Book Value Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value Mountain High $ 35.4 3% Uncle Toby's $ 57.7 7%

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of components of inventories [Table Text Block]	In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 Raw materials and packaging $ 416.7 $ 390.8 Finished goods 1,518.0 1,268.6 Grain 97.5 95.7 Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (236.4) (214.2) Total $ 1,795.8 $ 1,540.9

Risk Management Activities (Tab

Risk Management Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Risk Management Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of unallocated corporate items [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net loss on certain mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions $ (22.3) $ (41.4) Net loss (gain) on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit 26.9 (4.8) Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories (1.9) (3.0) Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items $ 2.7 $ (49.2)

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of components of notes payable [Table Text Block]	In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 U.S. commercial paper $ 524.0 $ 432.0 Financial institutions 299.7 183.8 Total $ 823.7 $ 615.8
Schedule of fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines [Table Text Block]	In Billions Facility Amount Borrowed Amount Credit facility expiring: April 2017 $ 1.7 $ - May 2019 1.0 - June 2019 0.2 0.1 Total committed credit facilities 2.9 0.1 Uncommitted credit facilities 0.5 0.2 Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities $ 3.4 $ 0.3

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of total comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 General Mills Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Interest General Mills Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Interest In Millions Pretax Tax Net Net Net Pretax Tax Net Net Net Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests $ 426.6 $ 2.6 $ 5.9 $ 345.2 $ 1.6 $ 5.6 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation $ (149.9) $ - (149.9) 5.3 2.4 $ (60.4) $ - (60.4) (11.6) (20.5) Other fair value changes: Securities (0.1) - (0.1) - - 0.2 (0.1) 0.1 - - Hedge derivatives 13.2 (3.1) 10.1 - 0.2 (0.8) 0.2 (0.6) - (0.6) Reclassification to earnings: Hedge derivatives (a) (1.1) 0.6 (0.5) - 1.2 3.4 (0.6) 2.8 - 0.7 Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b) 49.7 (18.8) 30.9 - - 38.9 (15.4) 23.5 - - Other comprehensive income (loss): $ (88.2) $ (21.3) (109.5) 5.3 3.8 $ (18.7) $ (15.9) (34.6) (11.6) (20.4) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 317.1 $ 7.9 $ 9.7 $ 310.6 $ (10.0) $ (14.8) (a) (Gain) l oss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts. (b) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in SG&A expenses. Except for reclassifications to earnings, changes in other comprehensive income (loss) are primarily non-cash items. Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax effects, were as follows:
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects [Table Text Block]	In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 May 31, 2015 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (686.5) $ (536.6) Unrealized gain (loss) from: Securities 3.6 3.7 Hedge derivatives (19.2) (28.8) Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits: Net actuarial loss (1,725.5) (1,756.1) Prior service costs 7.4 7.1 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (2,420.2) $ (2,310.7)

Stock Plans (Tables)

Stock Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of compensation expense related to stock-based payments [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Compensation expense related to stock-based payments $ 32.9 $ 45.6
Schedule of net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options less shares used for withholding taxes and the intrinsic value of options exercised [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net cash proceeds $ 47.7 $ 17.5 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 82.2 $ 18.3
Schedule of estimated fair value of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Estimated fair values of stock options granted $ 7.24 $ 7.22 Assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 2.4 % 2.6 % Expected term 8.5 years 8.5 years Expected volatility 17.6 % 17.5 % Dividend yield 3.2 % 3.0 %
Schedule of information on stock option activity [Table Text Block]	Options Outstanding (Thousands) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Millions) Balance as of May 31, 2015 39,077.2 $ 34.35 Granted 1,930.2 55.72 Exercised (2,748.2) 28.08 Forfeited or expired (12.0) 49.17 Outstanding as of Aug. 30, 2015 38,247.2 $ 35.87 4.63 $ 813.1 Exercisable as of Aug. 30, 2015 28,026.1 $ 31.59 3.40 $ 715.8
Schedule of information on restricted stock and performance award unit activity [Table Text Block]	Equity Classified Liability Classified Share-Settled Units (Thousands) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-Settled Units (Thousands) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested as of May 31, 2015 6,235.6 $ 46.44 237.0 $ 44.84 Granted 1,142.7 55.83 63.6 55.83 Vested (1,625.2) 47.48 (62.0) 39.74 Forfeited (77.3) 48.20 (13.7) 51.85 Non-vested as of Aug. 30, 2015 5,675.8 $ 48.01 224.9 $ 48.29

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended In Millions, Except per Share Data Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net earnings attributable to General Mills $ 426.6 $ 345.2 Average number of common shares - basic EPS 601.7 612.6 Incremental share effect from: (a) Stock options 10.4 12.1 Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other 3.4 4.4 Average number of common shares - diluted EPS 615.5 629.1 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.71 $ 0.56 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.69 $ 0.55 (a ) Increme ntal shares from stock options, restricted stock units , and performance share units are computed by the treasury stock method.
Schedule of anti-dulitive stock options and restricted stock units [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock units 2.4 1.5

Retirement and Postemployment34

Retirement and Postemployment Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Retirement and Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit expense [Table Text Block]	Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Postemployment Benefit Plans Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Service cost $ 33.7 $ 34.4 $ 4.8 $ 5.6 $ 1.9 $ 1.9 Interest cost 67.0 62.5 11.0 11.8 1.0 1.1 Expected return on plan assets (124.3) (119.3) (11.6) (10.0) - - Amortization of losses 47.4 35.4 1.7 1.2 0.2 0.2 Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 1.2 1.9 (1.4) (0.4) 0.6 0.6 Other adjustments - - - - 3.2 3.1 Net expense $ 25.0 $ 14.9 $ 4.5 $ 8.2 $ 6.9 $ 6.9

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of operating segment results [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 24, 2014 Net sales: U.S. Retail $ 2,531.2 $ 2,444.3 International 1,199.0 1,351.1 Convenience Stores and Foodservice 477.7 473.0 Total $ 4,207.9 $ 4,268.4 Operating profit: U.S. Retail $ 629.7 $ 457.2 International 117.0 146.0 Convenience Stores and Foodservice 79.8 87.3 Total segment operating profit 826.5 690.5 Unallocated corporate items 83.1 119.0 Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 60.1 14.0 Operating profit $ 683.3 $ 557.5

Subsequent Events (Tables)

Subsequent Events (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block]	(17 ) Subsequent Event s After the end of the first quarter of fiscal 201 6 , we reached a definitive agreement to sell our Green Giant business in our U.S. Retail segment and a portion of the business in our International segment for $765 million in cash, subject to an inventory adjustment at closing . We expect this transaction to close , subject to regulatory approval, in fiscal 2016. We expect to record a gain on the sale of this business during the quarter in which the transaction closes . The assets we expect to sell are currently reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: In Millions Aug. 30, 2015 Inventories $ 223.4 Land, buildings, and equipment 27.0 Goodwill 252.1 Other intangible assets 121.5 Total assets held for sale $ 624.0

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - Business Acquisition, Annie's Inc [Member] $ in Millions	Oct. 21, 2014USD ($)
Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price	$ 821.2
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	589.8
Brands [Member]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Acquired	244.5
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 23.9

Restructuring Initiatives (Narr

Restructuring Initiatives (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended		36 Months Ended	48 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 24, 2014USD ($)	May. 31, 2015USD ($)positions	May. 28, 2017USD ($)positions	May. 29, 2016USD ($)positions	May. 27, 2018USD ($)positions	May. 26, 2019USD ($)positions
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	$ 81.9	$ 14
Cash payments	34.3
Project-related costs classified in cost of sales	13.1	0
Q1 2016 Project Compass [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	51.5	0
Q2 2015 Project Century [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	30.2	0
Charges Related to Project Century Restructuring Actions Previously Announced [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	25.3
Q2 2015 Project Catalyst [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions			800
Net restructuring charges	0.2	0	$ 148
Cash payments			$ 118
Q1 2015 Combination of Certain Operational Facilities [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	0	$ 14
U.S. Retail [Member] | Q1 2016 Project Century, Exit Joplin Facility [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Cash payments	4.9
International [Member] | Q1 2016 Project Compass [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	$ 51.5
Forecast [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Project-related costs classified in cost of sales							$ 71
Forecast [Member] | U.S. Retail [Member] | Q1 2016 Project Century, Exit West Chicago Facility [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions							500
Net restructuring charges							$ 120
Cash payments							$ 52
Forecast [Member] | U.S. Retail [Member] | Q1 2016 Project Century, Exit Joplin Facility [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions						120
Net restructuring charges						$ 12
Cash payments						$ 5
Forecast [Member] | International [Member] | Q1 2016 Project Compass [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges				$ 59
Cash payments				$ 56
Forecast [Member] | International [Member] | Q1 2016 Project Compass [Member] | Minimum Member
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions				675
Forecast [Member] | International [Member] | Q1 2016 Project Compass [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions				725
Forecast [Member] | International [Member] | Q1 2015 Combination of Certain Operational Facilities [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions					240
Net restructuring charges					$ 15
Cash payments					$ 14

Restructuring Initiatives (Sche

Restructuring Initiatives (Schedule of restructuring charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014	May. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	$ 47.4	$ 13.1
Asset write-offs	2.4	0.9
Accelerated depreciation	21.4
Other	10.7
Total restructuring charges	81.9	14
Project Compass [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	44.9	0
Asset write-offs	0	0
Accelerated depreciation	0
Other	6.6
Total restructuring charges	51.5	0
Project Century [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	2.3	0
Asset write-offs	2.4	0
Accelerated depreciation	21.4
Other	4.1
Total restructuring charges	30.2	0
Project Catalyst [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	0.2	0
Asset write-offs	0	0
Accelerated depreciation	0
Other	0
Total restructuring charges	0.2	0	$ 148
Combination of Certain Operational Facilities [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	0	13.1
Asset write-offs	0	0.9
Accelerated depreciation	0
Other	0
Total restructuring charges	$ 0	$ 14

Restructuring Initiatives (Sc40

Restructuring Initiatives (Schedule of restructuring charges classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 81.9	$ 14
Project-related costs classified in cost of sales	13.1	0
Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	21.8	0
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 60.1	$ 14

Restructuring Initiatives (Sc41

Restructuring Initiatives (Schedule of restructuring and other exit cost reserves) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	$ 120.8
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	50.1
Restructuring reserve utilized	(27.6)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	143.3
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	118.6
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	46.9
Restructuring reserve utilized	(27)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	138.5
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	0.6
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	0
Restructuring reserve utilized	(0.1)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0.5
Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	1.6
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	3.2
Restructuring reserve utilized	(0.5)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	$ 4.3

Goodwill and Other Intangible42

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 25, 2014	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Future Amortization Expense, Year One			$ 28,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two			28,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three			28,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four			28,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five			$ 28,000,000
Goodwill impairment	$ 0
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment	$ 0
Green Giant Brand [Member] | U.S. Retail [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment		$ 260,000,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible43

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of components of goodwill and other intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 8,857.7	$ 8,874.9
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles	4,242	4,262.1
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Franchise agreements, customer relationships, and other finite-lived intangibles	548.9	544
Less accumulated amortization	(135.9)	(129.1)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	413	414.9
Other intangible assets	4,655	4,677
Total	$ 13,512.7	$ 13,551.9

Goodwill and Other Intangible44

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 8,874.9
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(17.2)
Ending balance	8,857.7
U.S. Retail [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,419
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	0
Ending balance	6,419
International [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,133.3
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(24.5)
Ending balance	1,108.8
Convenience Stores and Foodservice [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	921.1
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	0
Ending balance	921.1
Joint Ventures [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	401.5
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	7.2
Ending balance	$ 408.7

Goodwill and Other Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015USD ($)
Intangible Assets, Net [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 4,677
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(22)
Ending balance	4,655
U.S. Retail [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,311.9
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(0.9)
Ending balance	3,311
International [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,301.5
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(21.3)
Ending balance	1,280.2
Joint Ventures [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net [Line Items]
Beginning balance	63.6
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	0.2
Ending balance	$ 63.8

Goodwill and Other Intangible46

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of at-risk brand intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 25, 2014	Aug. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Book Value		$ 4,655	$ 4,677
Mountain High Brand [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Book Value	$ 35.4
Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value, Percentage	3.00%
Uncle Toby's Brand [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Book Value	$ 57.7
Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value, Percentage	7.00%

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and packaging	$ 416.7	$ 390.8
Finished goods	1,518	1,268.6
Grain	97.5	95.7
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost	(236.4)	(214.2)
Total	$ 1,795.8	$ 1,540.9

Risk Management Activities (Nar

Risk Management Activities (Narrative) (Details) - Aug. 30, 2015 - Long-term Debt Type [Domain] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total
Credit Risk [Abstract]
Accounts Payable to Suppliers that Utilize Third Party Service	$ 492.5
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 224.6
Derivative Contracts Inputs, Average Period of Utilization	12 months
Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 176.1
Agricultural Related Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 48.5

Risk Management Activities (Sch

Risk Management Activities (Schedule of unallocated corporate items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Commodity Price Risk [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on certain mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions	$ (22.3)	$ (41.4)
Net loss on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit	26.9	(4.8)
Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories	(1.9)	(3)
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items	$ 2.7	$ (49.2)

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014EUR (€)	Aug. 30, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 24, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value					$ 8,858.5
Long-term debt, carrying value					8,610
Issuance of long-term debt					0	$ 271.3
Repayment of long-term debt					$ 0.2	$ 393.4
1.0% Notes Due April 2023 Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt | €	€ 500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.00%
1.5% Notes Due April 2027 Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt | €	€ 400
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.50%
5.2% Notes Due March 2015 Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt		$ 750
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.20%
1.4% Notes Due October 2017 Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt			$ 500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			1.40%
2.2% Notes Due October 2019 Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt			$ 500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			2.20%
2.2% Senior Unsecured Notes Due June 2021 Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt | €				€ 200
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				2.20%
Floating Rate Notes Due in 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt | €				€ 290

Debt (Schedule of short-term de

Debt (Schedule of short-term debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 823.7	$ 615.8
Commercial Paper [Member] | U.S. Retail [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	524	432
Financial Institutions [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 299.7	$ 183.8

Debt (Schedule of credit facili

Debt (Schedule of credit facilities) (Details) - Aug. 30, 2015 € in Millions, $ in Billions	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	$ 3.4
Borrowed Amount	0.3
Committed Credit Facilities Member
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	2.9
Borrowed Amount	$ 0.1
Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	2.5	2.5
Committed Credit Facilities Member | Expiration Date April 2017 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	$ 1.7
Borrowed Amount	0
Committed Credit Facilities Member | Expiration Date May 2019 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	1
Borrowed Amount	0
Committed Credit Facilities Member | Expiration Date June 2019 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	0.2
Borrowed Amount	0.1
Committed Credit Facilities Member | Expiration Date June 2019 [Member] | Yoplait SAS [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount | €		€ 200
Uncommitted Credit Facilities Member
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	0.5
Borrowed Amount	$ 0.2

Redeemable and Noncontrolling53

Redeemable and Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014	May. 31, 2015	Jul. 01, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable interest	$ 786.6		$ 778.9
Noncontrolling interests held by Sodiaal	$ 402.9		$ 396
Yoplait SAS [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage in consolidated subsidiary	51.00%
Redeemable interest	$ 786.6			$ 904.4
Redeemable interest percentage held by Sodiaal	49.00%
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$ 71.5	$ 74.2
Yoplait Marques SAS and Liberte Marques Sarl [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage in consolidated subsidiary	50.00%
Ownership interest percentage held by noncontrolling owners	50.00%
Noncontrolling interests held by Sodiaal				$ 281.4
General Mills Cereals Llc [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest Holders Capital Account, General Mills Cereals, LLC	$ 251.5
Preferred distributions variable rate	three-month LIBOR
The percentage points added to the floating preferred return rate to compute the variable rate on preferred distributions.	1.25%
Preferred return rate adjustment period	3 years

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of total comprehensive income (loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014	May. 31, 2015
Net earnings attributable to General Mills	$ 426.6	$ 345.2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation	(142.2)	(92.5)
Other fair value changes:
Securities	(0.1)	0.1
Hedge derivatives	10.3	(1.2)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	0.7	3.5
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	30.9	23.5
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(100.4)	(66.6)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to General Mills	317.1	310.6
General Mills [Member]
Net earnings attributable to General Mills	426.6	345.2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pretax:
Foreign currency translation	(149.9)	(60.4)
Other fair value changes:
Securities	(0.1)	0.2
Hedge derivatives	13.2	(0.8)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	(1.1)	3.4
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	49.7	38.9
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(88.2)	(18.7)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax:
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Other fair value changes:
Securities	0	(0.1)
Hedge derivatives	(3.1)	0.2
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	0.6	(0.6)
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	(18.8)	(15.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	(21.3)	(15.9)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation	(149.9)	(60.4)
Other fair value changes:
Securities	(0.1)	0.1
Hedge derivatives	10.1	(0.6)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	(0.5)	2.8
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	30.9	23.5
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(109.5)	(34.6)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to General Mills	317.1	310.6
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	2.6	1.6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation	5.3	(11.6)
Other fair value changes:
Securities	0	0
Hedge derivatives	0	0
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	0	0
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5.3	(11.6)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	7.9	(10)
Redeemable Interests [Member]
Net earnings attributable to redeemable interests	5.9	5.6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation	2.4	(20.5)
Other fair value changes:
Securities	0	0
Hedge derivatives	0.2	(0.6)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	1.2	0.7
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3.8	(20.4)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable interests	$ 9.7	$ (14.8)	$ (122.9)

Stockholders' Equity (Schedul55

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of accumulated other income income (loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 30, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (686.5)	$ (536.6)
Unrealized gain (loss) from:
Securities	3.6	3.7
Hedge derivatives	(19.2)	(28.8)
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(1,725.5)	(1,756.1)
Prior service costs	7.4	7.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (2,420.2)	$ (2,310.7)

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Detail

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Share-based Compensation Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock, and performance award units	$ 141.5
Unrecognized compensation expense on non-vested awards weighted average period of recognition	24 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used	We estimate the fair value of each stock option on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Black-Scholes option-pricing models require us to make predictive assumptions regarding future stock price volatility, employee exercise behavior, and dividend yield. We estimate our future stock price volatility using the historical volatility over the expected term of the option, excluding time periods of volatility we believe a marketplace participant would exclude in estimating our stock price volatility. We also have considered, but did not use, implied volatility in our estimate, because trading activity in options on our stock, especially those with tenors of greater than 6 months, is insufficient to provide a reliable measure of expected volatility. Our method of selecting the other valuation assumptions is explained in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	$ 79.8	$ 98.9

Stock Plans (Schedule of compen

Stock Plans (Schedule of compensation expense related to stock-based payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Compensation expense related to stock-based payments	$ 32.9	$ 45.6

Stock Plans (Schedule of net ca

Stock Plans (Schedule of net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options less shares used for withholding taxes and the intrisic value of options exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Net cash proceeds	$ 47.7	$ 17.5
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 82.2	$ 18.3

Stock Plans (Schedule of estima

Stock Plans (Schedule of estimated fair value of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model) (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Estimated fair values of stock options granted	$ 7.24	$ 7.22
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate	2.40%	2.60%
Expected term	8 years 6 months	8 years 6 months
Expected volatility	17.60%	17.50%
Dividend yield	3.20%	3.00%

Stock Plans (Schedule of inform

Stock Plans (Schedule of information on stock option activity) (Details) - Aug. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Total
Options Outstanding (Thousands) [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Outstanding	39,077,200
Granted	1,930,200
Exercised	(2,748,200)
Forfeited or expired	(12,000)
Ending Balance, Outstanding	38,247,200
Ending Balance, Exercisable	28,026,100
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Outstanding	$ 34.35
Granted	55.72
Exercised	28.08
Forfeited or expired	49.17
Ending Balance, Outstanding	35.87
Ending Balance, Exercisable	$ 31.59
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Ending Balance, Outstanding	4 years 7 months 17 days
Ending Balance, Exercisable	3 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Ending Balance, Outstanding	$ 813.1
Ending Balance, Exercisable	$ 715.8

Stock Plans (Schedule of info61

Stock Plans (Schedule of information on restricted stock and performance award unit activity) (Details) - 3 months ended Aug. 30, 2015 - $ / shares	Total
Equity Classified Share-Settled Units [Member]
Settled Units (Thousands) [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	6,235,600
Granted	1,142,700
Vested	(1,625,200)
Forfeited	(77,300)
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	5,675,800
Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	$ 46.44
Granted	55.83
Vested	47.48
Forfeited	48.20
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	$ 48.01
Liability Classified Share-Settled Units [Member]
Settled Units (Thousands) [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	237,000
Granted	63,600
Vested	(62,000)
Forfeited	(13,700)
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	224,900
Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	$ 44.84
Granted	55.83
Vested	39.74
Forfeited	51.85
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	$ 48.29

Earnings per Share (Schedule of

Earnings per Share (Schedule of earnings per share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to General Mills	$ 426.6	$ 345.2
Average number of common shares - basic EPS	601.7	612.6
Incremental share effect from:
Stock options	10.4	12.1
Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other	3.4	4.4
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS	615.5	629.1
Earnings per share - basic	$ 0.71	$ 0.56
Earnings per share - diluted	$ 0.69	$ 0.55
Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	2.4	1.5

Share Repurchases (Details)

Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014	May. 31, 2015
Shares Repurchases [Abstract]
Shares purchased, value	$ 152.1	$ 462.5	$ 1,161.9
Shares purchased, shares	2.7	8.8
Shares purchased but not settled until next period, value		$ 23.7
Share purchased but not settled until next period, shares		0.4

Statements of Cash Flows (Detai

Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net cash interest payments	$ 123.4	$ 119
Net income tax payments	$ 9.7	$ 60.5

Retirement and Postemployment65

Retirement and Postemployment Benefits (Schedule of components of net pension, other postretirement, and postemployment (income) expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 33.7	$ 34.4
Interest cost	67	62.5
Expected return on plan assets	(124.3)	(119.3)
Amortization of losses	47.4	35.4
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)	1.2	1.9
Other adjustments	0	0
Net expense	25	14.9
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	4.8	5.6
Interest cost	11	11.8
Expected return on plan assets	(11.6)	(10)
Amortization of losses	1.7	1.2
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)	(1.4)	(0.4)
Other adjustments	0	0
Net expense	4.5	8.2
Postemployment Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1.9	1.9
Interest cost	1	1.1
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of losses	0.2	0.2
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)	0.6	0.6
Other adjustments	3.2	3.1
Net expense	$ 6.9	$ 6.9

Business Segment Information (N

Business Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015segment
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments	3

Business Segment Information (S

Business Segment Information (Schedule of operating segment results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 30, 2015	Aug. 24, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,207.9	$ 4,268.4
Operating profit	683.3	557.5
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	60.1	14
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	4,207.9	4,268.4
Operating profit	826.5	690.5
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	60.1	14
Corporate Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	83.1	119
U.S. Retail [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,531.2	2,444.3
Operating profit	629.7	457.2
International [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,199	1,351.1
Operating profit	117	146
Convenience Stores and Foodservice [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	477.7	473
Operating profit	$ 79.8	$ 87.3

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] - Forecast [Member] - Green Giant Business [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	May. 29, 2016	Aug. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Line Items]
Cash to be received on sale of business	$ 765
Assets expected to be sold:
Inventories		$ 223.4
Land, buildings, and equipment		27
Goodwill		252.1
Other intangible assets		121.5
Total assets held for sale		$ 624