General Mills (GIS) 10-Q 21 Mar 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Mar. 14, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Feb. 26, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--05-28
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		576,135,402

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS [ABSTRACT]
Net sales	$ 3,793.2	$ 4,002.4	$ 11,813.2	$ 12,635.2
Cost of sales	2,485.5	2,644.9	7,569.1	8,182.5
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	687.6	755.8	2,107.9	2,339.7
Divestitures loss (gain)	0	(1.5)	13.5	(200.6)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	77.6	16.9	165.5	138.3
Operating profit	542.5	586.3	1,957.2	2,175.3
Interest, net	76.4	77.2	225.8	226.3
Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures	466.1	509.1	1,731.4	1,949
Income taxes	107	157.6	511	667.7
After-tax earnings from joint ventures	11.1	16.2	65.1	65.1
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	370.2	367.7	1,285.5	1,346.4
Net earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	12.4	6	36.9	28.6
Net earnings attributable to General Mills	$ 357.8	$ 361.7	$ 1,248.6	$ 1,317.8
Earnings per share - basic	$ 0.62	$ 0.61	$ 2.12	$ 2.2
Earnings per share - diluted	0.61	0.59	2.08	2.15
Dividends per share	$ 0.48	$ 0.44	$ 1.44	$ 1.32

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [ABSTRACT]
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	$ 370.2	$ 367.7	$ 1,285.5	$ 1,346.4
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation	113.7	(39.9)	88.4	(252.4)
Other fair value changes:
Securities	0.5	(0.2)	0.8	(0.2)
Hedge derivatives	(4.9)	19	42.4	29.4
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	(8.7)	(3.7)	(19.3)	(3.3)
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	29.9	31	92.3	97.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	130.5	6.2	204.6	(128.7)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	500.7	373.9	1,490.1	1,217.7
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	16.4	20.1	(20.3)	4.1
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to General Mills	$ 484.3	$ 353.8	$ 1,510.4	$ 1,213.6

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 26, 2017	May 29, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 899.1	$ 763.7
Receivables	1,427.5	1,360.8
Inventories	1,461	1,413.7
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	340.4	399
Total current assets	4,128	3,937.2
Land, buildings, and equipment	3,575.2	3,743.6
Goodwill	8,705.8	8,741.2
Other intangible assets	4,499.7	4,538.6
Other assets	761.6	751.7
Total assets	21,670.3	21,712.3
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,855.3	2,046.5
Current portion of long-term debt	604.7	1,103.4
Notes payable	1,942	269.8
Other current liabilities	1,341.5	1,595
Total current liabilities	5,743.5	5,014.7
Long-term debt	7,176.4	7,057.7
Deferred income taxes	1,547.7	1,399.6
Other liabilities	1,930	2,087.6
Total liabilities	16,397.6	15,559.6
Redeemable interest	869.2	845.6
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, 754.6 shares issued, $0.10 par value	75.5	75.5
Additional paid-in capital	1,129.8	1,177
Retained earnings	13,008.8	12,616.5
Common stock in treasury, at cost	(7,800.3)	(6,326.6)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,350.4)	(2,612.2)
Total stockholders' equity	4,063.4	4,930.2
Noncontrolling interests	340.1	376.9
Total equity	4,403.5	5,307.1
Total liabilities and equity	$ 21,670.3	$ 21,712.3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U5

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Paranthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Feb. 26, 2017	May 29, 2016	May 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, shares issued	754.6	754.6
Common stock, par value	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Common stock in treasury, shares	178.5	157.8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE INTEREST (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Issued-Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Redeemable Interest [Member]
Beginning balance, equity at May. 31, 2015	$ 5,392.7	$ 75.5	$ 1,296.7	$ (6,055.6)	$ 11,990.8	$ (2,310.7)	$ 396
Beginning balance, equity attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest at May. 31, 2015								$ 778.9
Beginning balance, common stock shares at May. 31, 2015		754.6
Beginning balance, treasury stock shares at May. 31, 2015				(155.9)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	1,407.1				1,697.4	(301.5)	11.2
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable interests								30.3
Cash dividends declared	(1,071.7)				(1,071.7)
Shares purchased, value	(606.7)			$ (606.7)
Shares purchased, shares				(10.7)
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), value	289.4		(46.3)	$ 335.7
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), shares				8.8
Unearned compensation related to restricted stock unit awards	(63.3)		(63.3)
Earned compensation	84.8		84.8
Increase in redemption value of redeemable interest	(91.5)		(91.5)					91.5
Acquisition of interest in subsidiary	(4.5)		(3.4)				(1.1)
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders	(29.2)						(29.2)	(55.1)
Ending balance, equity at May. 29, 2016	5,307.1	$ 75.5	1,177	$ (6,326.6)	12,616.5	(2,612.2)	376.9
Ending balance, equity attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest at May. 29, 2016	$ 845.6							845.6
Ending balance, common stock shares at May. 29, 2016	754.6	754.6
Ending balance, treasury stock shares at May. 29, 2016	(157.8)			(157.8)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 1,505.4				1,248.6	261.8	(5)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable interests								(15.3)
Cash dividends declared	(856.3)				(856.3)
Shares purchased, value	$ (1,650.9)			$ (1,650.9)
Shares purchased, shares	(25.4)			(25.4)
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), value	$ 198.1		20.9	$ 177.2
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits), shares				4.7
Unearned compensation related to restricted stock unit awards	(77.9)		(77.9)
Earned compensation	76.4		76.4
Increase in redemption value of redeemable interest	(66.6)		(66.6)					66.6
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders	(31.8)						(31.8)	(27.7)
Ending balance, equity at Feb. 26, 2017	4,403.5	$ 75.5	$ 1,129.8	$ (7,800.3)	$ 13,008.8	$ (2,350.4)	$ 340.1
Ending balance, equity attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest at Feb. 26, 2017	$ 869.2							$ 869.2
Ending balance, common stock shares at Feb. 26, 2017	754.6	754.6
Ending balance, treasury stock shares at Feb. 26, 2017	(178.5)			(178.5)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOT7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE INTEREST (Unaudited) (Paranthetical) $ in Millions, shares in Billions	USD ($)$ / sharesshares
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE INTEREST (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) [ABSTRACT]
Par Value Common Stock	$ 0.1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized | shares	1
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.78
Stock compensation plans, income tax benefits | $	$ 94.1
Par Value Common Stock	$ 0.1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized | shares	1
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.44
Stock compensation plans, income tax benefits | $	$ 65.1
Par Value Common Stock	$ 0.1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized | shares	1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Cash Flows - Operating Activities
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests	$ 1,285.5	$ 1,346.4
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	448.3	441.2
After-tax earnings from joint ventures	(65.1)	(65.1)
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures	43.7	38.6
Stock-based compensation	76.4	71.7
Deferred income taxes	140.1	37.7
Tax benefit on exercised options	(65.1)	(57.2)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions	(34)	(35.2)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs	26.9	88.2
Divestitures loss (gain)	13.5	(200.6)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	141.1	83
Changes in current assets and liabilities	(404)	206
Other, net	(48.6)	(92.2)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,558.7	1,862.5
Cash Flows - Investing Activities
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment	(475.2)	(477.6)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(84)
Investments in affilates, net proceeds	4.8	63.7
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment	1.2	4.5
Proceeds from divestitures	17.5	825.8
Exchangeable note	13	19.5
Other, net	14.7	(16.8)
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(424)	335.1
Cash Flows - Financing Activities
Change in notes payable	1,681.3	54.8
Issuance of long-term debt	750	542.9
Payment of long-term debt	(1,003)	(1,000.3)
Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options	90.5	103
Tax benefit on exercised options	65.1	57.2
Purchases of common stock for treasury	(1,650.9)	(601.8)
Dividends paid	(856.3)	(794.6)
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders	(59.5)	(81.7)
Net cash used by financing activities	(982.8)	(1,720.5)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(16.5)	(28.6)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	135.4	448.5
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	763.7	334.2
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	899.1	782.7
Cash Flow from changes in current assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(75.1)	(48.7)
Inventories	(42.1)	(89.3)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	53.3	(2.6)
Accounts payable	(100.4)	75.9
Other current liabilities	(239.7)	270.7
Changes in current assets and liabilities	$ (404)	$ 206

BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 inclu de 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. Operating results for the quarter ended February 26, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 28, 2017 . 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 29, 2016 . The accounting policies used in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements are the same a s those described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in that Form 10-K. Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in the “Glossary” section below .

DIVESTITURES

DIVESTITURES	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Divestitures [Abstract]
Divestitures	( 2 ) Divestitures During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we sold our Martel, Ohio manufacturing facility in our Convenience Stores & Foodservice segment and simultaneously entered into a co-packing arrangement with the purchaser. We received $17.5 million in cash, and recorded a pre-tax loss of $13.5 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we sold our North American Gr een Giant product lines for $822.7 million in cash, and we recorded a pre-tax gain of $199.1 million. We received net cash proceeds of $788 .0 million after transaction- related costs. After the divestiture, we retained a brand intangible asset on our Consolida ted Balance Sheets of $30.1 million related to our continued use of the Green Giant brand in certain markets outside of North America.

RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES

RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVES	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 In Millions Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Global reorganization $ 67.4 $ - $ - $ 5.7 $ 73.1 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant - - 5.6 0.1 5.7 - - - - - Restructuring of certain international product lines 0.6 1.6 - 0.1 2.3 - - - - - Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant - 0.4 7.1 0.2 7.7 - - - - - Project Compass (1.4) - - - (1.4) (0.9) - - 0.1 (0.8) Project Century 0.2 1.7 3.4 1.8 7.1 7.4 10.4 17.0 9.1 43.9 Project Catalyst - - - - - (8.9) - - - (8.9) Combination of certain operational facilities (0.5) - - - (0.5) - - - - - Total $ 66.3 $ 3.7 $ 16.1 $ 7.9 $ 94.0 $ (2.4) $ 10.4 $ 17.0 $ 9.2 $ 34.2 Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 In Millions Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Global reorganization $ 67.4 $ - $ - $ 5.7 $ 73.1 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant 11.3 - 6.3 0.1 17.7 - - - - - Restructuring of certain international product lines 7.0 37.4 (0.3) 1.5 45.6 - - - - - Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant 12.3 5.4 16.1 1.8 35.6 - - - - - Project Compass (1.4) - 0.2 0.8 (0.4) 46.2 - - 6.6 52.8 Project Century 0.7 9.8 18.0 8.7 37.2 35.5 22.9 59.6 37.1 155.1 Project Catalyst - - - - - (8.7) - - - (8.7) Combination of certain operational facilities (0.5) - - - (0.5) - - - - - Total $ 96.8 $ 52.6 $ 40.3 $ 18.6 $ 208.3 $ 73.0 $ 22.9 $ 59.6 $ 43.7 $ 199.2 In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we approved restructuring actions designed to better align our organizational structure with our strategic initiatives . In connection with these actions , we expect to eliminate approximately 400 to 600 positions. We expect to incur approximately $80 million of net expenses relating to these actions, all of which will be cash. We recorded $ 73.1 million of restructuring charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 relating to these actions. We expect these acti ons to be completed by the end of fiscal 2018. In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we notified the employees and their representatives of our decision to close our pasta manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Australia in our Europe & Australia segment t o improve our margin structure. This action will affect approximately 350 positions, and we expect to incur approximately $34 million of net expenses relating to this action, most of which will be non-cash. We recorded $ 5.7 million of restructuring charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and $ 17.7 million in the nine -month period ended February 26, 2017 relating to this action. We expect these actions to be completed by the end of fiscal 2019. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a p lan to restructure certain product lines in our Asia & Latin America segment. To eliminate excess capacity, we closed our snacks manufacturing facility in Marília, Brazil and ceased production operations for meals and snacks at our facility in São Bernard o do Campo, Brazil. We ceased production of certain underperforming snack products at our facility in Nanjing, China. These and other actions will affect approximately 420 positions in our Brazilian operations and approximately 440 positions in our Greater China operations. We expect to incur approximately $38 million of net expenses of which approximately $ 4 million will be cash. We recorded $ 2.3 million of restructuring charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and $ 45.6 million in the nine -month period ended February 26, 2017 relating to this action. We expect these actions to be completed by the end of fiscal 201 8 . In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we approved a plan to close our Vineland, New Jersey facility to eliminate excess soup capa city in our North America Retail segment. This action will affect approximately 370 positions, and we expect to incur approximately $65 million of net expe nses, of which approximately $18 million will be cash. W e recorded $ 7.7 million of restructurin g charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and $ 35.6 million in the nine -month period ended February 26, 2017 relating to this action. We expect this action to be completed by the end of fiscal 2019. In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved Project Compass, a restructuring plan designed to enable our international operations to accelerate long-term growth through increased organizational effectiveness and reduced administrative expense. In conn ection with this project, we eliminate d 749 positions. We incurred $54.3 million of net expenses , all of which was cash. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we reduced the estimate of charges related to this acti on by $1.4 million. We recorded $ 52.8 million of restructur ing charges in the nine -month period ended February 28, 2016 related to this action. This action was completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Project Century (Century) began in fiscal 2015 and was a review of our manufacturing and distribution network to streamline operations and identify potential capacity reductions. A s part of Century, in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we notified the employees and their representatives of our decision to close the dough and dry mix manu facturi ng facility in our Europe & Australia s egment supply chain located in Berwick, Un ited Kingdom. This action affect ed 265 positions, and we incurred $32 million of net expenses related to this action, of which $12 million was cash. We recorded $1.2 million of restructuring charges in the nine -month period ended February 26, 2017 and $17.7 million in the nine -month period ended February 28, 2016 related to this action. This action was completed in fiscal 2017. As part of Century, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved a restructuring plan to close our cereal and dry dinner manufacturing plant in West Chicago, Illinois in our North America Retail segment supply chain. This action will affect approximately 500 positions, and we expect to incur approximat ely $105 million of net expenses relating to this action, of which approximately $44 million will be cash. We recorded $6.7 million of restructuring charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and $19.6 million in the nine -month period ended February 26, 2017 relating to this action. We recorded $8.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and $72.2 million in the nine -month period ended February 28, 2016 relating to this action. We expect this action to be completed by the end of fiscal 2018. A s part of Centu ry, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved a restructuring plan to close our snacks manufacturing facil ity in Joplin, Missouri in our North America Retail segment supply chain. This action affected approximately 120 positions, and we incurred $6. 6 million of net expenses relating to this action, including $0.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and $8.4 million in the nine -month period ended February 28, 2016 , of which less than $1 million w as cash. T his action was com pleted in fiscal 2016 . I n addition, w e recorded restructuring c harg es of $0. 4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, $17. 4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, $16. 4 million in the nine - month period ended February 26, 2017 , and $56. 8 million in the nine -month period ended February 28, 2016 relating to other Century actions previously announced. During the nine - month period ended February 26, 2017 , we paid $ 67 . 1 million in cash relating to restructuring initiatives. In addition to restructuring charges, we recorded $ 11.5 million of project-related costs in cost of sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 , $10.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, $ 36.4 million in the nine - month period ended February 26, 2017 and $39.4 million in the nine -month period ended February 28, 2016. We paid $ 11.5 million in cash in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 for project-related costs. We expect to incur approximately $17.1 million of project-related costs in future periods related to our restructuring in itiatives. Restructuring cha r ges and project-related costs are recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows: Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Cost of sales $ 16.4 $ 17.3 $ 42.8 $ 60.9 Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 77.6 16.9 165.5 138.3 Total restructuring charges 94.0 34.2 208.3 199.2 Project-related costs classified in cost of sales $ 11.5 $ 10.1 $ 36.4 $ 39.4 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 29, 2016 $ 73.6 $ 1.5 $ 1.5 $ 76.6 Fiscal 2017 charges, including foreign currency translation 97.4 0.9 8.3 106.6 Utilized in fiscal 2017 (54.5) (1.6) (6.5) (62.6) Reserve balance as of Feb. 26, 2017 $ 116.5 $ 0.8 $ 3.3 $ 120.6 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	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 Goodwill $ 8,705.8 $ 8,741.2 Other intangible assets: Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles 4,143.7 4,147.5 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Franchise agreements, customer relationships, and other finite-lived intangibles 514.4 536.9 Less accumulated amortization (158.4) (145.8) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 356.0 391.1 Other intangible assets 4,499.7 4,538.6 Total $ 13,205.5 $ 13,279.8 Based on the carrying value of finite-lived intangible assets as of February 26, 2017 , annual amortization expense for each of the next f ive fiscal years is estimated to be approximately $27 million . During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a new global organization structure to streamline our leadership, enhance global scale, and drive improved operational agility to maximize our growth capabilities. As a result of this global reorganization, we reassessed our operating segments as well as our reporting units. Under our new organization structure, our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be allocated to our segments at the North America Retail, C onvenience Stores & Foodservice, Europe & Australia , and Asia & Latin America operating segment level. See Note 15 for additional information on our operating segments. Our reporting units were unchanged with the exception of combin ing our former U.S. Meals and U.S. Baking reporting units into a single reporting unit. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during fiscal 2017 were as follows: In Millions North America Retail Convenience Stores & Foodservice Europe & Australia Asia & Latin America Joint Ventures Total Balance as of May 29, 2016 $ 6,410.3 $ 921.1 $ 716.5 $ 287.1 $ 406.2 $ 8,741.2 Divestiture - (2.3) - - - (2.3) Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation (0.6) - (50.2) 37.9 (20.2) (33.1) Balance as of Feb. 26, 2017 $ 6,409.7 $ 918.8 $ 666.3 $ 325.0 $ 386.0 $ 8,705.8 The changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets during fisca l 2017 were as follows: In Millions Total Balance as of May 29, 2016 $ 4,538.6 Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation (38.9) Balance as of Feb. 26, 2017 $ 4,499.7 Our annual goodwill intangible asset test was performed on the first day of th e second quarter of fiscal 2017 and we d etermined there was no impairment of our goodwill intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values, except for the Latin America reporting unit . We did not consider the new organization structure to be a triggering event requiring a subsequent goodwill imp airment test as our reporting units remain unchanged, with the exception of combining the former U.S. Meals and U.S. Baking reporting units. Our indefinit e-lived intangible asset test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2017. As of the 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 Immaculate Baking brand intangible asset. The excess fair va lue above the car rying value of the Latin America reporting unit and the Immaculate Baking brand intangible asset is as follows: In Millions Carrying Value Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value Latin America $ 523.0 15% Immaculate Baking $ 12.0 17% In addition, while having significant coverage as of our fiscal 2017 assessment date, the Progresso , Green Gian t, and Food Should Taste Good brand intangible assets had risk of decreasing coverage. We will continue to monitor t hese businesses for potential impairment.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(5) Inventories The components of inventories were as follows: In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 Raw materials and packaging $ 369.3 $ 397.3 Finished goods 1,191.1 1,163.1 Grain 93.3 72.6 Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (192.7) (219.3) Total $ 1,461.0 $ 1,413.7

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 mana ge 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 genera lly 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 position s. 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 e ffective 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 segmen ts to realize the economic effects of the derivative without experiencing the resulting mark-to-market volatility, which remains in unallocated corporate items. Unallocated corporate items for the quarters and nine -month periods ended February 26, 2017 , and February 28, 2016 included: Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net gain (loss) on mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions $ - $ (42.7) $ (15.9) $ (96.7) Net loss on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit 4.0 39.8 27.7 101.9 Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories 4.2 (4.4) 8.9 (2.1) Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items $ 8.2 $ (7.3) $ 20.7 $ 3.1 As of February 26, 2017 , the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $ 279.1 million, of which $ 57.9 million related to energy inputs and $ 221.2 million related to agricultural inputs. These contracts relate to inputs that generally will be utilized within the next 12 months. In advance of planned debt financing, during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we entered into $400 million and $100 million, respe ctively, of treasury locks due February 15, 2017 with an average fixed rate of 2.0 percent. All of these treasury locks were cash settled for $17.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2017, concurrent with the issuance of our $750.0 million 10-year fixed-rate notes. As of February 26, 2017 , the net notional value of foreign exchange derivatives was $871.0 million. 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 February 26, 2017 , 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 suppli ers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of February 26, 2017 , $563.0 million of our total accounts payabl e were payable to suppliers who utilize this third party service.

DEBT

DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	(7) Debt The components of notes payable were as follows: In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 U.S. commercial paper $ 1,637.9 $ - Financial institutions 304.1 269.8 Total $ 1,942.0 $ 269.8 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 February 26, 2017 : In Billions Facility Amount Borrowed Amount Credit facility expiring: May 2021 $ 2.7 $ - June 2019 0.2 0.2 Total committed credit facilities 2.9 0.2 Uncommitted credit facilities 0.5 0.1 Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities $ 3.4 $ 0.3 In fiscal 2016, we entered into a $2.7 billion fee-paid committed credit facility that is scheduled to expire in May 2021. Concurrent with the execution of this credit facility, we terminated our $1.7 billion and $1.0 billion credit facilities. 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 February 26, 2017 . Long-Term Debt The fair values and carrying amount s of long-term debt, including the current portion, were $ 8,107.5 million and $ 7,781.1 million, respectively, as of February 26, 2017 . The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using market quotations and discounted cash f lows 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 March 2017, subsequent to the end of our fiscal third quarter, we issued €300.0 million principal amount of floating-rate notes due March 20, 2019. Interest on the notes is payable quarterly in arrears. We may redeem the notes if certain tax laws change and we would be obligated to pay additional amounts on the notes. These notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper. In February 2017, we repaid $1.0 billion of 5.7 percent fixed-rate notes. In January 2017, we issued $750.0 million principal amount of 3.2 percent fixed-rate notes due February 10, 2027. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annual ly in arrears. We may redeem the notes in whole, or in part, 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 repay a portion of our maturing long-term debt. In January 2016, we issued €500.0 million principal amount of floating-rate notes due January 15, 2020. Interest on the note s is payable qu arterl y in arrears. We may redeem the notes if certain tax laws change and we would be obligated to pay additional amounts on the notes. These notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of our maturing long-term debt . In January 2016, we repai d $250 million of 0 .875 percent fixed- rate notes and $750 million of floating-rate notes. Certain of our long-term debt agreements contain restrictive covenants. As of February 26, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

REDEEMABLE AND NONCONTROLLING I

REDEEMABLE AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 all or a portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value once per year, up to three times before December 2024. We adjust the value of the redeemable interest through additional paid-in capital on our Consolidated Balance She ets 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 shareholders’ agreement. As of February 26, 2017 , the redemption value of the euro-denominated redeemable interest was $ 869.2 million. A subsidiary of Yoplait SAS has an exclusive milk supply agreement for its European operations with Sodiaal through July 1, 2021. Net purchases t otaled $ 189.5 million for the nine -month period ended February 26, 2017 and $213.5 million for the nine -month period ended February 28, 2016 . On the acquisition dates, we recorded the $281.4 million fair value of Sodiaal’s 50 percent euro-denominated interest in Yoplait Mar ques 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 agreeme nts with certain Yoplait group companies for the rights to Libe rté 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 Intere st 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 February 26, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(9) Stockholders’ Equity The following tables provide details of total comprehensive income: Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 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 $ 357.8 $ 2.9 $ 9.5 $ 361.7 $ 1.7 $ 4.3 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation $ 109.0 $ - 109.0 (0.5) 5.2 $ (50.4) $ - (50.4) 9.5 1.0 Other fair value changes: Securities 0.7 (0.2) 0.5 - - (0.3) 0.1 (0.2) - - Hedge derivatives (6.2) 1.3 (4.9) - - 15.7 (0.2) 15.5 - 3.5 Reclassification to earnings: Hedge derivatives (a) (9.8) 1.8 (8.0) - (0.7) (4.7) 0.9 (3.8) - 0.1 Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b) 48.0 (18.1) 29.9 - - 49.7 (18.7) 31.0 - - Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 141.7 $ (15.2) 126.5 (0.5) 4.5 $ 10.0 $ (17.9) (7.9) 9.5 4.6 Total comprehensive income $ 484.3 $ 2.4 $ 14.0 $ 353.8 $ 11.2 $ 8.9 (a) (Gain) loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for foreign exchange contracts. (b) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in SG&A expenses. Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 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 $ 1,248.6 $ 10.7 $ 26.2 $ 1,317.8 $ 8.2 $ 20.4 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation $ 146.0 $ - 146.0 (15.7) (41.9) $ (223.1) $ - (223.1) (2.7) (26.6) Other fair value changes: Securities 1.2 (0.4) 0.8 - - (0.3) 0.1 (0.2) - - Hedge derivatives 52.5 (12.8) 39.7 - 2.7 31.0 (4.4) 26.6 - 2.8 Reclassification to earnings: Hedge derivatives (a) (18.4) 1.4 (17.0) - (2.3) (7.0) 1.7 (5.3) - 2.0 Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b) 148.8 (56.5) 92.3 - - 157.1 (59.3) 97.8 - - Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 330.1 $ (68.3) 261.8 (15.7) (41.5) $ (42.3) $ (61.9) (104.2) (2.7) (21.8) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,510.4 $ (5.0) $ (15.3) $ 1,213.6 $ 5.5 $ (1.4) (a) (Gain) loss 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. Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax effects, were as follows: In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (498.2) $ (644.2) Unrealized gain (loss) from: Securities 4.6 3.8 Hedge derivatives (2.8) (25.5) Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits: Net actuarial loss (1,867.7) (1,958.2) Prior service costs 13.7 11.9 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (2,350.4) $ (2,612.2)

STOCK PLANS

STOCK PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 accounting 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 29, 2016 . Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in the Consoli dated Statements of Earnings was as follows: Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Compensation expense related to stock-based payments $ 20.1 $ 19.1 $ 77.7 $ 73.4 Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings includes amounts recognized in restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs in fiscal 2016. As of February 26, 2017 , unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units was $ 117.1 million. This expense will be recognized over 21 months, on average. Net cash proceeds from the exerc ise of stock options less shares used for withholding taxes and the intrinsic value of options exercised were as follows: Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net cash proceeds $ 90.5 $ 103.0 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 153.1 $ 141.7 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 stoc k 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 exp ected 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 29, 2016 . The estimated fair values of stock op tions granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows: Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Estimated fair values of stock options granted $8.80 $7.24 Assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 2.4 % Expected term 8.5 years 8.5 years Expected volatility 17.8 % 17.6 % Dividend yield 2.9 % 3.2 % 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 29, 2016 32,401.6 $ 37.09 Granted 2,446.0 66.52 Exercised (3,980.2) 30.43 Forfeited or expired (103.9) 57.44 Outstanding as of Feb. 26, 2017 30,763.5 $ 40.22 4.37 $ 662.9 Exercisable as of Feb. 26, 2017 21,816.9 $ 33.75 2.96 $ 602.6 Information on restricted stock and performance share 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 29, 2016 5,100.4 $ 48.60 211.4 $ 48.37 Granted 1,387.9 67.08 49.1 66.92 Vested (1,610.1) 41.75 (89.6) 38.77 Forfeited (272.4) 57.25 (8.6) 57.18 Exercisable as of Feb. 26, 2017 4,605.8 $ 56.07 162.3 $ 55.99 The total grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested during the period follows: Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Total grant date fair value $71.2 $98.4

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions, Except per Share Data Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net earnings attributable to General Mills $ 357.8 $ 361.7 $ 1,248.6 $ 1,317.8 Average number of common shares - basic EPS 580.7 595.6 589.8 599.1 Incremental share effect from: (a) Stock options 7.8 9.6 8.5 9.9 Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other 2.9 3.3 2.8 3.2 Average number of common shares - diluted EPS 591.4 608.5 601.1 612.2 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.62 $ 0.61 $ 2.12 $ 2.20 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.61 $ 0.59 $ 2.08 $ 2.15 Incremental 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 Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units 2.4 1.2 2.2 2.7

SHARE REPURCHASES

SHARE REPURCHASES	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Shares Repurchases [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	(12) Share Repurchases Share repurchases were as follows: Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Shares of common stock 4.9 1.1 25.4 10.6 Aggregate purchase price $301.0 $64.5 $1,650.9 $601.8

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Statements of Cash Flows	(13) Statements of Cash Flows Our Consolidated Statement s of Cash F low s include the following: Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net cash interest payments $ 263.8 $ 269.6 Net income tax payments $ 394.3 $ 421.1

RETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT B

RETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Retirement and Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement and Postemployment Benefits	(14) Retirement and Postemployment Benefits Beginning in fiscal 2017, we changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit expense for our United States and most of our international defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans. We adopted a full yield curve approach to estimate service cost and interest cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligation t o the relevant projected cash flows. This method provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by correlating the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding rate on the yield curve. Previously, we estimated service cost and interest cost using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. This change does not affect the measurement of our benefit obligations related to thes e plans. We have accounted for this change prospectively as a change in accounting estimate beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The change in methodology resulted in a decrease in service and interest cost of approximately $17 million in the th ree months ended February 26, 2017 and approximately $51 million in the nine -month period ended February 26, 2017 compared to what our costs would have been under the previous method. We expect this change to result in a reduction in our service and interest cost of app roxi mately $68 million for fiscal 2017 compared to our previous methodology . The fiscal 2017 reduction in our net periodic benefit expense as a result of this change in methodology is partially offset by a reduction in our weighted-average expected rate o f return on plan assets for our principal defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in the United States to 8.25 percent as a result of asset changes that decreased investment risk in the portfolio. 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 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Service cost $ 29.9 $ 33.5 $ 3.2 $ 4.7 $ 2.2 $ 1.9 Interest cost 54.1 66.9 8.2 11.0 0.7 1.0 Expected return on plan assets (121.6) (124.2) (12.1) (11.5) - - Amortization of losses 47.2 47.6 0.6 1.7 0.4 0.1 Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 0.6 1.2 (1.5) (1.4) 0.2 0.6 Other adjustments - 0.1 - - 3.4 2.8 Net expense (income) $ 10.2 $ 25.1 $ (1.6) $ 4.5 $ 6.9 $ 6.4 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Postemployment Benefit Plans Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Service cost $ 89.9 $ 100.9 $ 9.4 $ 14.2 $ 6.6 $ 5.7 Interest cost 162.4 200.9 24.2 33.0 2.1 3.0 Expected return on plan assets (365.1) (372.8) (36.3) (34.6) - - Amortization of losses 142.2 142.3 1.9 5.0 1.3 0.5 Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 1.8 3.6 (4.1) (4.1) 0.5 1.8 Other adjustments 2.1 5.1 1.3 2.4 10.2 9.3 Settlement or curtailment losses 4.4 11.3 0.7 0.2 - - Net expense (income) $ 37.7 $ 91.3 $ (2.9) $ 16.1 $ 20.7 $ 20.3

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	(15) Business Segment Information We operate in the consumer foods industry. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a new global organization structure to streamline our leadership, enhance global scale, and drive improved operational agility to maximize our growth capabilities. This global reorganization required us to reevaluate our operating segments. Under our new organization structure, our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to b e allocated to our operating segments as follows: North America Retail; Convenience Stores & Foodservice; Europe & Australia; and Asia & Latin America. We have restated our net sales by segment and segment operating profit to reflect our new operating seg ments. These segment changes had no effect on previously reported consolidated net sales, operating profit, net earnings attributable to General Mills, or earnings per share. Our North America Retail operating segment consists of our former U.S. Retail ope rating units and our Canada region. Within our North America Retail operating segment, our former U.S. Meals operating unit and U.S. Baking operating unit have been combined into one operating unit: U.S. Meals & Baking. The segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount chains, and e-commerce grocery providers. Our product categories in this business segment are ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, 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 ready-to-eat cereal. Our Conven ience Stores & Foodservice operating segment was unchanged. Our major product categories in this segment are ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, refrigerated yogurt, frozen meals, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, and baking mixes. 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 in the United States. Our Europe & Au stralia operating segment consists of our former Europe region. The segment reflects retail and foodservice businesses in the greater Europe & Australia regions. Our product categories include refrigerated yogurt, meal kits, super-premium ice cream, refrig erated and frozen dough products, shelf stable vegetables, grain snacks, and dessert and baking mixes. We also sell super-premium ice cream directly to consumers through owned retail shops. Revenues from franchise fees are reported in the region or country where the end customer is located. Our Asia & Latin America operating segment consists of our former Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions. The segment consists of retail and foodservice businesses in the greater Asia and South America regions. Our produc t categories include super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, meal kits, salty and grain snacks, wellness beverages, and refrigerated yogurt. We also sell super-premium ice cream and fro zen desserts directly to consumers through owned retail shops. Our Asia & Latin America 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 are reported in the region or country where the end customer is located. Operating profit for these segments excludes unallocated corporate items, gain or loss on divestitures, and restructuring, impairment, 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 revaluati on 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 exclu ded 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 efficienc y 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 Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net sales: North America Retail $ 2,499.0 $ 2,686.6 $ 7,804.8 $ 8,460.7 Convenience Stores & Foodservice 448.5 453.7 1,382.3 1,437.2 Europe & Australia 424.5 439.4 1,338.0 1,431.3 Asia & Latin America 421.2 422.7 1,288.1 1,306.0 Total $ 3,793.2 $ 4,002.4 $ 11,813.2 $ 12,635.2 Operating profit: North America Retail $ 516.7 $ 552.7 $ 1,795.9 $ 1,886.0 Convenience Stores & Foodservice 93.6 90.6 295.4 273.2 Europe & Australia 42.0 33.6 127.2 143.9 Asia & Latin America 10.0 2.5 61.3 42.2 Total segment operating profit 662.3 679.4 2,279.8 2,345.3 Unallocated corporate items 42.2 77.7 143.6 232.3 Divestitures loss (gain) - (1.5) 13.5 (200.6) Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 77.6 16.9 165.5 138.3 Operating profit $ 542.5 $ 586.3 $ 1,957.2 $ 2,175.3

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	(16) New Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted new accounting requirements for the presentation of certain investments using the net asset value, providing a practical expedient to exclude such investments from categorization within the fair value hierarchy and separate disclosure. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations or financial position. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted new accounting requirements which permit reporting entities with a fiscal year-end that does not coincide with a month-end to apply a practical expedient that permits the entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fisca l year-end and apply such practical expedient consistently to all plans. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

Restructuring Initiatives (Tabl

Restructuring Initiatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Restructuring Initiatives [Abstract]
Schedule of restructuring initiatives [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 In Millions Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Global reorganization $ 67.4 $ - $ - $ 5.7 $ 73.1 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant - - 5.6 0.1 5.7 - - - - - Restructuring of certain international product lines 0.6 1.6 - 0.1 2.3 - - - - - Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant - 0.4 7.1 0.2 7.7 - - - - - Project Compass (1.4) - - - (1.4) (0.9) - - 0.1 (0.8) Project Century 0.2 1.7 3.4 1.8 7.1 7.4 10.4 17.0 9.1 43.9 Project Catalyst - - - - - (8.9) - - - (8.9) Combination of certain operational facilities (0.5) - - - (0.5) - - - - - Total $ 66.3 $ 3.7 $ 16.1 $ 7.9 $ 94.0 $ (2.4) $ 10.4 $ 17.0 $ 9.2 $ 34.2 Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 In Millions Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Severance Asset Write-offs Accelerated Depreciation Other Total Global reorganization $ 67.4 $ - $ - $ 5.7 $ 73.1 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant 11.3 - 6.3 0.1 17.7 - - - - - Restructuring of certain international product lines 7.0 37.4 (0.3) 1.5 45.6 - - - - - Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant 12.3 5.4 16.1 1.8 35.6 - - - - - Project Compass (1.4) - 0.2 0.8 (0.4) 46.2 - - 6.6 52.8 Project Century 0.7 9.8 18.0 8.7 37.2 35.5 22.9 59.6 37.1 155.1 Project Catalyst - - - - - (8.7) - - - (8.7) Combination of certain operational facilities (0.5) - - - (0.5) - - - - - Total $ 96.8 $ 52.6 $ 40.3 $ 18.6 $ 208.3 $ 73.0 $ 22.9 $ 59.6 $ 43.7 $ 199.2
Schedule of restructuring charges and project-related costs presentation [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Cost of sales $ 16.4 $ 17.3 $ 42.8 $ 60.9 Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 77.6 16.9 165.5 138.3 Total restructuring charges 94.0 34.2 208.3 199.2 Project-related costs classified in cost of sales $ 11.5 $ 10.1 $ 36.4 $ 39.4
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 29, 2016 $ 73.6 $ 1.5 $ 1.5 $ 76.6 Fiscal 2017 charges, including foreign currency translation 97.4 0.9 8.3 106.6 Utilized in fiscal 2017 (54.5) (1.6) (6.5) (62.6) Reserve balance as of Feb. 26, 2017 $ 116.5 $ 0.8 $ 3.3 $ 120.6

Goodwill and Other Intangible26

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of components of goodwill and other intangible assets [Table Text Block]	In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 Goodwill $ 8,705.8 $ 8,741.2 Other intangible assets: Intangible assets not subject to amortization: Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles 4,143.7 4,147.5 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Franchise agreements, customer relationships, and other finite-lived intangibles 514.4 536.9 Less accumulated amortization (158.4) (145.8) Intangible assets subject to amortization, net 356.0 391.1 Other intangible assets 4,499.7 4,538.6 Total $ 13,205.5 $ 13,279.8
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill [Table Text Block]	In Millions North America Retail Convenience Stores & Foodservice Europe & Australia Asia & Latin America Joint Ventures Total Balance as of May 29, 2016 $ 6,410.3 $ 921.1 $ 716.5 $ 287.1 $ 406.2 $ 8,741.2 Divestiture - (2.3) - - - (2.3) Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation (0.6) - (50.2) 37.9 (20.2) (33.1) Balance as of Feb. 26, 2017 $ 6,409.7 $ 918.8 $ 666.3 $ 325.0 $ 386.0 $ 8,705.8
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets [Table Text Block]	In Millions Total Balance as of May 29, 2016 $ 4,538.6 Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation (38.9) Balance as of Feb. 26, 2017 $ 4,499.7
Schedule of at-risk brand assets [Table Text Block]	Our indefinit e-lived intangible asset test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2017. As of the 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 Immaculate Baking brand intangible asset. The excess fair va lue above the car rying value of the Latin America reporting unit and the Immaculate Baking brand intangible asset is as follows: In Millions Carrying Value Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value Latin America $ 523.0 15% Immaculate Baking $ 12.0 17%

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of components of inventories [Table Text Block]	In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 Raw materials and packaging $ 369.3 $ 397.3 Finished goods 1,191.1 1,163.1 Grain 93.3 72.6 Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (192.7) (219.3) Total $ 1,461.0 $ 1,413.7

Risk Management Activities (Tab

Risk Management Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Risk Management Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of unallocated corporate items [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net gain (loss) on mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions $ - $ (42.7) $ (15.9) $ (96.7) Net loss on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit 4.0 39.8 27.7 101.9 Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories 4.2 (4.4) 8.9 (2.1) Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items $ 8.2 $ (7.3) $ 20.7 $ 3.1

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of components of notes payable [Table Text Block]	In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 U.S. commercial paper $ 1,637.9 $ - Financial institutions 304.1 269.8 Total $ 1,942.0 $ 269.8
Schedule of fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines [Table Text Block]	The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of February 26, 2017 : In Billions Facility Amount Borrowed Amount Credit facility expiring: May 2021 $ 2.7 $ - June 2019 0.2 0.2 Total committed credit facilities 2.9 0.2 Uncommitted credit facilities 0.5 0.1 Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities $ 3.4 $ 0.3

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of total comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 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 $ 357.8 $ 2.9 $ 9.5 $ 361.7 $ 1.7 $ 4.3 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation $ 109.0 $ - 109.0 (0.5) 5.2 $ (50.4) $ - (50.4) 9.5 1.0 Other fair value changes: Securities 0.7 (0.2) 0.5 - - (0.3) 0.1 (0.2) - - Hedge derivatives (6.2) 1.3 (4.9) - - 15.7 (0.2) 15.5 - 3.5 Reclassification to earnings: Hedge derivatives (a) (9.8) 1.8 (8.0) - (0.7) (4.7) 0.9 (3.8) - 0.1 Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b) 48.0 (18.1) 29.9 - - 49.7 (18.7) 31.0 - - Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 141.7 $ (15.2) 126.5 (0.5) 4.5 $ 10.0 $ (17.9) (7.9) 9.5 4.6 Total comprehensive income $ 484.3 $ 2.4 $ 14.0 $ 353.8 $ 11.2 $ 8.9 (a) (Gain) loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for foreign exchange contracts. (b) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in SG&A expenses. Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 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 $ 1,248.6 $ 10.7 $ 26.2 $ 1,317.8 $ 8.2 $ 20.4 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation $ 146.0 $ - 146.0 (15.7) (41.9) $ (223.1) $ - (223.1) (2.7) (26.6) Other fair value changes: Securities 1.2 (0.4) 0.8 - - (0.3) 0.1 (0.2) - - Hedge derivatives 52.5 (12.8) 39.7 - 2.7 31.0 (4.4) 26.6 - 2.8 Reclassification to earnings: Hedge derivatives (a) (18.4) 1.4 (17.0) - (2.3) (7.0) 1.7 (5.3) - 2.0 Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b) 148.8 (56.5) 92.3 - - 157.1 (59.3) 97.8 - - Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 330.1 $ (68.3) 261.8 (15.7) (41.5) $ (42.3) $ (61.9) (104.2) (2.7) (21.8) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,510.4 $ (5.0) $ (15.3) $ 1,213.6 $ 5.5 $ (1.4) (a) (Gain) loss 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.
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects [Table Text Block]	In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 May 29, 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (498.2) $ (644.2) Unrealized gain (loss) from: Securities 4.6 3.8 Hedge derivatives (2.8) (25.5) Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits: Net actuarial loss (1,867.7) (1,958.2) Prior service costs 13.7 11.9 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (2,350.4) $ (2,612.2)

Stock Plans (Tables)

Stock Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of compensation expense related to stock-based payments [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Compensation expense related to stock-based payments $ 20.1 $ 19.1 $ 77.7 $ 73.4
Schedule of net cash proceeds received from the exercise of stock options [Table Text Block]	Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net cash proceeds $ 90.5 $ 103.0 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 153.1 $ 141.7
Schedule of estimated fair value of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model [Table Text Block]	Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Estimated fair values of stock options granted $8.80 $7.24 Assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 1.7 % 2.4 % Expected term 8.5 years 8.5 years Expected volatility 17.8 % 17.6 % Dividend yield 2.9 % 3.2 %
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 29, 2016 32,401.6 $ 37.09 Granted 2,446.0 66.52 Exercised (3,980.2) 30.43 Forfeited or expired (103.9) 57.44 Outstanding as of Feb. 26, 2017 30,763.5 $ 40.22 4.37 $ 662.9 Exercisable as of Feb. 26, 2017 21,816.9 $ 33.75 2.96 $ 602.6
Schedule of information on restricted stock and performance share 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 29, 2016 5,100.4 $ 48.60 211.4 $ 48.37 Granted 1,387.9 67.08 49.1 66.92 Vested (1,610.1) 41.75 (89.6) 38.77 Forfeited (272.4) 57.25 (8.6) 57.18 Exercisable as of Feb. 26, 2017 4,605.8 $ 56.07 162.3 $ 55.99 The total grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested during the period follows: Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Total grant date fair value $71.2 $98.4

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions, Except per Share Data Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net earnings attributable to General Mills $ 357.8 $ 361.7 $ 1,248.6 $ 1,317.8 Average number of common shares - basic EPS 580.7 595.6 589.8 599.1 Incremental share effect from: (a) Stock options 7.8 9.6 8.5 9.9 Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other 2.9 3.3 2.8 3.2 Average number of common shares - diluted EPS 591.4 608.5 601.1 612.2 Earnings per share - basic $ 0.62 $ 0.61 $ 2.12 $ 2.20 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.61 $ 0.59 $ 2.08 $ 2.15 Incremental shares from stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units are computed by the treasury stock method.
Schedule of anti-dulitive stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units 2.4 1.2 2.2 2.7

Share Repurchases (Tables)

Share Repurchases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Shares Repurchases [Abstract]
Share repurchases [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Shares of common stock 4.9 1.1 25.4 10.6 Aggregate purchase price $301.0 $64.5 $1,650.9 $601.8

Statements of Cash Flows (Table

Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net cash interest payments $ 263.8 $ 269.6 Net income tax payments $ 394.3 $ 421.1

Retirement and Postemployment35

Retirement and Postemployment Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
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 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Service cost $ 29.9 $ 33.5 $ 3.2 $ 4.7 $ 2.2 $ 1.9 Interest cost 54.1 66.9 8.2 11.0 0.7 1.0 Expected return on plan assets (121.6) (124.2) (12.1) (11.5) - - Amortization of losses 47.2 47.6 0.6 1.7 0.4 0.1 Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 0.6 1.2 (1.5) (1.4) 0.2 0.6 Other adjustments - 0.1 - - 3.4 2.8 Net expense (income) $ 10.2 $ 25.1 $ (1.6) $ 4.5 $ 6.9 $ 6.4 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Postemployment Benefit Plans Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Service cost $ 89.9 $ 100.9 $ 9.4 $ 14.2 $ 6.6 $ 5.7 Interest cost 162.4 200.9 24.2 33.0 2.1 3.0 Expected return on plan assets (365.1) (372.8) (36.3) (34.6) - - Amortization of losses 142.2 142.3 1.9 5.0 1.3 0.5 Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 1.8 3.6 (4.1) (4.1) 0.5 1.8 Other adjustments 2.1 5.1 1.3 2.4 10.2 9.3 Settlement or curtailment losses 4.4 11.3 0.7 0.2 - - Net expense (income) $ 37.7 $ 91.3 $ (2.9) $ 16.1 $ 20.7 $ 20.3

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of operating segment results [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended Nine-Month Period Ended In Millions Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Feb. 26, 2017 Feb. 28, 2016 Net sales: North America Retail $ 2,499.0 $ 2,686.6 $ 7,804.8 $ 8,460.7 Convenience Stores & Foodservice 448.5 453.7 1,382.3 1,437.2 Europe & Australia 424.5 439.4 1,338.0 1,431.3 Asia & Latin America 421.2 422.7 1,288.1 1,306.0 Total $ 3,793.2 $ 4,002.4 $ 11,813.2 $ 12,635.2 Operating profit: North America Retail $ 516.7 $ 552.7 $ 1,795.9 $ 1,886.0 Convenience Stores & Foodservice 93.6 90.6 295.4 273.2 Europe & Australia 42.0 33.6 127.2 143.9 Asia & Latin America 10.0 2.5 61.3 42.2 Total segment operating profit 662.3 679.4 2,279.8 2,345.3 Unallocated corporate items 42.2 77.7 143.6 232.3 Divestitures loss (gain) - (1.5) 13.5 (200.6) Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 77.6 16.9 165.5 138.3 Operating profit $ 542.5 $ 586.3 $ 1,957.2 $ 2,175.3

Divestitures (Details)

Divestitures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Nov. 27, 2016	Feb. 28, 2016	Nov. 29, 2015	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	May 29, 2016
Divestitures [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestitures					$ 17.5	$ 825.8
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of business	$ 0		$ 1.5		(13.5)	$ 200.6
Brand asset retained	$ 4,143.7				$ 4,143.7		$ 4,147.5
Green Giant Brand [Member] | Regions Excluding North America [Member]
Divestitures [Line Items]
Brand asset retained				$ 30.1
Sale of Martel, Ohio Manufacturing Facility [Member] | Convenience Stores and Foodservice Segment [Member]
Divestitures [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestitures		$ 17.5
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of business		$ (13.5)
Sale of North American Green Giant Product Lines [Member]
Divestitures [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestitures				822.7
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of business				199.1
Net cash proceeds after transaction related costs				$ 788

Restructuring Initiatives (Narr

Restructuring Initiatives (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)positions	Feb. 28, 2016USD ($)	May 29, 2016USD ($)positions
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	$ 94	$ 34.2	$ 208.3	$ 199.2
Cash payments for restructuring			67.1
Payments for other project-related costs	11.5
Expected additional project-related costs			$ 17.1
Q3 2017 Organizational Restructuring Realignment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			Feb. 26, 2017
Restructuring action completion date			May 27, 2018
Expected net expense of restructuring action	80		$ 80
Expected cash payments for restructuring			80
Net restructuring charges	73.1	0	$ 73.1	0
Q3 2017 Organizational Restructuring Realignment [Member] | Minimum {Member}
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions			400
Q3 2017 Organizational Restructuring Realignment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions			600
Q2 2017 Melbourne Pasta Manufacturing Facility Closure [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	5.7	0	$ 17.7	0
Q2 2017 Melbourne Pasta Manufacturing Facility Closure [Member] | Europe and Australia Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			Nov. 27, 2016
Restructuring action completion date			May 26, 2019
Number of positions affected | positions			350
Expected net expense of restructuring action	34		$ 34
Net restructuring charges	5.7		17.7
Q1 2017 Certain Product Lines Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	2.3	0	$ 45.6	0
Q1 2017 Certain Product Lines Restructuring [Member] | Asia and Latin America Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			Aug. 28, 2016
Restructuring action completion date			May 27, 2018
Expected net expense of restructuring action	38		$ 38
Expected cash payments for restructuring			4
Net restructuring charges	2.3		$ 45.6
Q1 2017 Brazilian Facilities Restructuring [Member] | Asia and Latin America Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions			420
Q1 2017 China Facilities Restructuring [Member] | Asia and Latin America Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Number of positions affected | positions			440
Q1 2017 Vineland Facility Closure [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	7.7	0	$ 35.6	0
Q1 2017 Vineland Facility Closure [Member] | North America Retail Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			Aug. 28, 2016
Restructuring action completion date			May 26, 2019
Number of positions affected | positions			370
Expected net expense of restructuring action	65		$ 65
Expected cash payments for restructuring			18
Net restructuring charges	7.7		$ 35.6
Q1 2016 Project Compass Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			Aug. 30, 2015
Restructuring action completion date			Feb. 26, 2017
Number of positions affected | positions			749
Actual restructuring costs incurred to date	54.3		$ 54.3
Actual cash payments for restructuring paid to date			54.3
Net restructuring charges				52.8
Reduction in estimated restructuring charges	1.4	0.8	$ 0.4
Q2 2015 Project Century Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			May 31, 2015
Net restructuring charges	7.1	43.9	$ 37.2	155.1
Q2 2016 Project Century Restructuring, Exit Berwick Facility [Member] | Europe and Australia Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			Nov. 29, 2015
Restructuring action completion date			May 28, 2017
Number of positions affected | positions			265
Actual restructuring costs incurred to date	32		$ 32
Actual cash payments for restructuring paid to date			12
Net restructuring charges			$ 1.2	17.7
Q1 2016 Project Century Restructuring, Exit West Chicago Facility [Member] | North America Retail Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date			Aug. 30, 2015
Restructuring action completion date			May 27, 2018
Number of positions affected | positions			500
Expected net expense of restructuring action	105		$ 105
Expected cash payments for restructuring			44
Net restructuring charges	6.7	8.2	19.6	72.2
Q1 2016 Project Century Restructuring, Exit Joplin Facility [Member] | North America Retail Segment [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring action initiation date					Aug. 30, 2015
Restructuring action completion date					May 29, 2016
Number of positions affected | positions					120
Actual restructuring costs incurred to date					$ 6.6
Net restructuring charges		0.6		8.4
Q1 2016 Project Century Restructuring, Exit Joplin Facility [Member] | North America Retail Segment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Cash payments for restructuring				1
Charges Related to Project Century Restructuring Actions Previously Announced [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Net restructuring charges	$ 0.4	$ 17.4	$ 16.4	$ 56.8

Restructuring Initiatives (Sche

Restructuring Initiatives (Schedule of restructuring charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	$ 66.3		$ 96.8	$ 73
Severance reversal		$ (2.4)
Asset write-offs	3.7	10.4	52.6	22.9
Accelerated depreciation	16.1	17	40.3	59.6
Other	7.9	9.2	18.6	43.7
Total restructuring charges	94	34.2	208.3	199.2
Global reorganization [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	67.4	0	67.4	0
Asset write-offs	0	0	0	0
Accelerated depreciation	0	0	0	0
Other	5.7	0	5.7	0
Total restructuring charges	73.1	0	73.1	0
Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	0	0	11.3	0
Asset write-offs	0	0	0	0
Accelerated depreciation	5.6	0	6.3	0
Other	0.1	0	0.1	0
Total restructuring charges	5.7	0	17.7	0
Restructuring of certain international product lines [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	0.6	0	7	0
Asset write-offs	1.6	0	37.4	0
Accelerated depreciation	0	0		0
Accelerated depreciation reversal			(0.3)
Other	0.1	0	1.5	0
Total restructuring charges	2.3	0	45.6	0
Closure of Vineland, New Jersey Plant [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	0	0	12.3	0
Asset write-offs	0.4	0	5.4	0
Accelerated depreciation	7.1	0	16.1	0
Other	0.2	0	1.8	0
Total restructuring charges	7.7	0	35.6	0
Project Compass [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance				46.2
Severance reversal	(1.4)	(0.9)	(1.4)
Asset write-offs	0	0	0	0
Accelerated depreciation	0	0	0.2	0
Other	0	0.1	0.8	6.6
Total restructuring charges				52.8
Restructuring charges reversal	(1.4)	(0.8)	(0.4)
Project Century [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	0.2	7.4	0.7	35.5
Asset write-offs	1.7	10.4	9.8	22.9
Accelerated depreciation	3.4	17	18	59.6
Other	1.8	9.1	8.7	37.1
Total restructuring charges	7.1	43.9	37.2	155.1
Project Catalyst [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance	0		0
Severance reversal		(8.9)		(8.7)
Asset write-offs	0	0	0	0
Accelerated depreciation	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Total restructuring charges	0		0
Restructuring charges reversal		(8.9)		(8.7)
Combination of certain operational facilities [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Severance		0		0
Severance reversal	(0.5)		(0.5)
Asset write-offs	0	0	0	0
Accelerated depreciation	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Total restructuring charges		$ 0		$ 0
Restructuring charges reversal	$ (0.5)		$ (0.5)

Restructuring Initiatives (Sc40

Restructuring Initiatives (Schedule of restructuring charges classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 94	$ 34.2	$ 208.3	$ 199.2
Project-related costs classified in cost of sales	11.5	10.1	36.4	39.4
Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	16.4	17.3	42.8	60.9
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 77.6	$ 16.9	$ 165.5	$ 138.3

Restructuring Initiatives (Sc41

Restructuring Initiatives (Schedule of restructuring and other exit cost reserves) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	$ 76.6
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	106.6
Restructuring reserve utilized	(62.6)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	120.6
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	73.6
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	97.4
Restructuring reserve utilized	(54.5)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	116.5
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	1.5
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	0.9
Restructuring reserve utilized	(1.6)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0.8
Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	1.5
Restructuring charges paid out of reserve, including foreign currency translation	8.3
Restructuring reserve utilized	(6.5)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	$ 3.3

Goodwill and Other Intangible42

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	$ 27,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	27,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	27,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	27,000,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	27,000,000
Goodwill impairment	0
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible43

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of components of goodwill and other intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 26, 2017	May 29, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 8,705.8	$ 8,741.2
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles	4,143.7	4,147.5
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Franchise agreements, customer relationships, and other finite-lived intangibles	514.4	536.9
Less accumulated amortization	(158.4)	(145.8)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net	356	391.1
Other intangible assets	4,499.7	4,538.6
Total	$ 13,205.5	$ 13,279.8

Goodwill and Other Intangible44

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 8,741.2
Divestiture	(2.3)
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(33.1)
Ending balance	8,705.8
North America Retail [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,410.3
Divestiture	0
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(0.6)
Ending balance	6,409.7
Convenience Stores and Foodservice [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	921.1
Divestiture	(2.3)
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	0
Ending balance	918.8
Europe and Australia [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	716.5
Divestiture	0
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(50.2)
Ending balance	666.3
Asia and Latin America [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	287.1
Divestiture	0
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	37.9
Ending balance	325
Joint Ventures [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	406.2
Divestiture	0
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(20.2)
Ending balance	$ 386

Goodwill and Other Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 4,538.6
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation	(38.9)
Ending balance	$ 4,499.7

Goodwill and Other Intangible46

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of at-risk brand intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	May 29, 2016
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 4,499.7	$ 4,538.6
Latin America {Member}
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 523
Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value, Percentage	15.00%
Immaculate Baking Brand [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 12
Excess Fair Value Above Carrying Value, Percentage	17.00%

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 26, 2017	May 29, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and packaging	$ 369.3	$ 397.3
Finished goods	1,191.1	1,163.1
Grain	93.3	72.6
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost	(192.7)	(219.3)
Total	$ 1,461	$ 1,413.7

Risk Management Activities (Nar

Risk Management Activities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt			$ 750	$ 542.9
Credit Risk [Abstract]
Accounts Payable to Suppliers that Utilize Third Party Service		$ 563	563
3.2% Notes Due February 2027 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.20%
Issuance of long-term debt	$ 750	$ 750
Debt Instrument Term		10 years
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 279.1	$ 279.1
Derivative Contracts Inputs, Average Period of Utilization			12 months
Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		57.9	$ 57.9
Agricultural Related Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		221.2	221.2
Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash paid (received) upon settlement		(17.2)
Treasury Lock One Expiring February 2017 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 400	$ 400
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate		2.00%	2.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date			Feb. 15, 2017
Treasury Lock Two Expiring February 2017 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 100	$ 100
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate		2.00%	2.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date			Feb. 15, 2017
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 871	$ 871

Risk Management Activities (Sch

Risk Management Activities (Schedule of unallocated corporate items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Commodity Price Risk [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions	$ 0	$ (42.7)	$ (15.9)	$ (96.7)
Net loss on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit	4	39.8	27.7	101.9
Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories	4.2	(4.4)	8.9	(2.1)
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items	$ 8.2	$ (7.3)	$ 20.7	$ 3.1

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, carrying value						$ 7,781.1	$ 7,781.1
Issuance of long-term debt							750	$ 542.9
Repayment of long-term debt							$ 1,003	$ 1,000.3
Floating Rate Notes Due March 2019 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt | €	€ 300
Maturity date	Mar. 20, 2019
5.7% Notes Due February 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt		$ 1,000
Fixed interest rate percentage		5.70%
3.2% Notes Due February 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt			$ 750			750
Maturity date			Feb. 10, 2027
Fixed interest rate percentage			3.20%
Floating Rate Notes Due January 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of long-term debt | €				€ 500
Maturity date				Jan. 15, 2020	Jan. 15, 2020
0.875% Notes Due January 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt					$ 250
Fixed interest rate percentage				0.875%	0.875%
Floating Rate Notes Due January 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long-term debt					$ 750
Long-term Debt Agreements Containing Restrictive Covenants [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Covenant compliancee							As of quarter end, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value						$ 8,107.5	$ 8,107.5

Debt (Schedule of short-term de

Debt (Schedule of short-term debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 26, 2017	May 29, 2016
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 1,942	$ 269.8
Commercial Paper [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	1,637.9	0
Financial Institutions [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 304.1	$ 269.8

Debt (Schedule of credit facili

Debt (Schedule of credit facilities) (Details) $ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)
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	$ 0.2
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	2.5
Compliance with credit facility covenants	As of quarter end, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
Line of Credit Expiring May 2021 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	$ 2.7
Borrowed Amount	$ 0
Expiration date of credit facility	May 31, 2021
Line of Credit Expiring June 2019 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	$ 0.2
Borrowed Amount	$ 0.2
Expiration date of credit facility	Jun. 30, 2019
Line of Credit One Terminated in Fiscal 2016 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	$ 1.7
Line of Credit Two Terminated in Fiscal 2016 [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	1
Uncommitted Credit Facilities [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Facility Amount	0.5
Borrowed Amount	$ 0.1

Redeemable and Noncontrolling53

Redeemable and Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	May 29, 2016	May 31, 2015	Jul. 01, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable interest value	$ 869.2		$ 845.6
Noncontrolling interests	$ 340.1		376.9
Noncontrolling interests covenant compliancee	Our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. As of quarter end, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
General Mills Cereals, LLC [Member] | Preferred Class A [Member] | Third Party Interest Holder [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest Holders Capital Account, General Mills Cereals, LLC	$ 251.5
Preferred return rate adjustment period	3 years
Preferred distributions variable rate	three-month LIBOR
Preferred distributions, basis spread on variable rate	1.25%
General Mills [Member] | Yoplait SAS [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage in consolidated subsidiary	51.00%
General Mills [Member] | Yoplait Marques SNC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage in consolidated subsidiary	50.00%
General Mills [Member] | Liberte Marques Sarl [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage in consolidated subsidiary	50.00%
Sodiaal International Redeemable Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable interest value	$ 869.2		$ 845.6	$ 778.9
Redeemable interest terms	Sodiaal has the ability to put all or a portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value once per year, up to three times before December 2024.
Sodiaal International Redeemable Interest [Member] | Yoplait SAS [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable interest value	$ 869.2				$ 904.4
Redeemable interest percentage	49.00%
Sodiaal International Redeemable Interest [Member] | Yoplait SAS Subsidiary [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net purchases from related party	$ 189.5	$ 213.5
Sodiaal International Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberte Marques Sarl [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests					$ 281.4
Sodiaal International Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Yoplait Marques SNC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage held by noncontrolling owners	50.00%
Sodiaal International Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Liberte Marques Sarl [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage held by noncontrolling owners	50.00%

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of total comprehensive income (loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	May 29, 2016
Net earnings attributable to General Mills		$ 357.8	$ 361.7	$ 1,248.6	$ 1,317.8
Net earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests		12.4	6	36.9	28.6
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation		113.7	(39.9)	88.4	(252.4)
Other fair value changes:
Securities		0.5	(0.2)	0.8	(0.2)
Hedge derivatives		(4.9)	19	42.4	29.4
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives		(8.7)	(3.7)	(19.3)	(3.3)
Amortization of losses and prior service costs		29.9	31	92.3	97.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		130.5	6.2	204.6	(128.7)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to General Mills		484.3	353.8	1,510.4	1,213.6
General Mills [Member]
Net earnings attributable to General Mills		357.8	361.7	1,248.6	1,317.8
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pretax:
Foreign currency translation		109	(50.4)	146	(223.1)
Other fair value changes:
Securities		0.7	(0.3)	1.2	(0.3)
Hedge derivatives		(6.2)	15.7	52.5	31
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	[1]	(9.8)	(4.7)	(18.4)	(7)
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	[2]	48	49.7	148.8	157.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax		141.7	10	330.1	(42.3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax:
Foreign currency translation		0	0	0	0
Other fair value changes:
Securities		(0.2)	0.1	(0.4)	0.1
Hedge derivatives		1.3	(0.2)	(12.8)	(4.4)
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	[1]	1.8	0.9	1.4	1.7
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	[2]	(18.1)	(18.7)	(56.5)	(59.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		(15.2)	(17.9)	(68.3)	(61.9)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation		109	(50.4)	146	(223.1)
Other fair value changes:
Securities		0.5	(0.2)	0.8	(0.2)
Hedge derivatives		(4.9)	15.5	39.7	26.6
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	[1]	(8)	(3.8)	(17)	(5.3)
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	[2]	29.9	31	92.3	97.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		126.5	(7.9)	261.8	(104.2)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to General Mills		484.3	353.8	1,510.4	1,213.6
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests		2.9	1.7	10.7	8.2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation		(0.5)	9.5	(15.7)	(2.7)
Other fair value changes:
Securities		0	0	0	0
Hedge derivatives		0	0	0	0
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	[1]	0	0	0	0
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	[2]	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(0.5)	9.5	(15.7)	(2.7)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		2.4	11.2	(5)	5.5
Redeemable Interests [Member]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests		9.5	4.3	26.2	20.4
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign currency translation		5.2	1	(41.9)	(26.6)
Other fair value changes:
Securities		0	0	0	0
Hedge derivatives		0	3.5	2.7	2.8
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives	[1]	(0.7)	0.1	(2.3)	2
Amortization of losses and prior service costs	[2]	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		4.5	4.6	(41.5)	(21.8)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable interests		$ 14	$ 8.9	$ (15.3)	$ (1.4)	$ 30.3
[1]	(Gain) loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for foreign exchange contracts.
[2]	Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in SG&A expenses.

Stockholders' Equity (Schedul55

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of accumulated other income income (loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 26, 2017	May 29, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (498.2)	$ (644.2)
Unrealized gain (loss) from:
Securities	4.6	3.8
Hedge derivatives	(2.8)	(25.5)
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits:
Net actuarial loss	(1,867.7)	(1,958.2)
Prior service costs	13.7	11.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (2,350.4)	$ (2,612.2)

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Detail

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock, and performance share units	$ 117.1
Unrecognized compensation expense on non-vested awards weighted average period of recognition	21 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 29, 2016.

Stock Plans (Schedule of compen

Stock Plans (Schedule of compensation expense related to stock-based payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Compensation expense related to stock-based payments	$ 20.1	$ 19.1	$ 77.7	$ 73.4

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	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Net cash proceeds	$ 90.5	$ 103
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 153.1	$ 141.7

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	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Stock Plans [Abstract]
Estimated fair values of stock options granted	$ 8.8	$ 7.24
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	2.40%
Expected term	8 years 6 months	8 years 6 months
Expected volatility	17.80%	17.60%
Dividend yield	2.90%	3.20%

Stock Plans (Schedule of inform

Stock Plans (Schedule of information on stock option activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Outstanding | shares	32,401,600
Granted | shares	2,446,000
Exercised | shares	(3,980,200)
Forfeited or expired | shares	(103,900)
Ending Balance, Outstanding | shares	30,763,500
Ending Balance, Exercisable | shares	21,816,900
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Outstanding | $ / shares	$ 37.09
Granted | $ / shares	66.52
Exercised | $ / shares	30.43
Forfeited or expired | $ / shares	57.44
Ending Balance, Outstanding | $ / shares	40.22
Ending Balance, Exercisable | $ / shares	$ 33.75
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Ending Balance, Outstanding	4 years 4 months 13 days
Ending Balance, Exercisable	2 years 11 months 16 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Ending Balance, Outstanding | $	$ 662.9
Ending Balance, Exercisable | $	$ 602.6

Stock Plans (Schedule of info61

Stock Plans (Schedule of information on restricted stock and performance award unit activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Total grant-date fair value	$ 71.2	$ 98.4
Equity Classified Share-Settled Units [Member]
Settled Units [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	5,100,400
Granted	1,387,900
Vested	(1,610,100)
Forfeited	(272,400)
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	4,605,800
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	$ 48.6
Granted	67.08
Vested	41.75
Forfeited	57.25
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	$ 56.07
Liability Classified Share-Settled Units [Member]
Settled Units [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	211,400
Granted	49,100
Vested	(89,600)
Forfeited	(8,600)
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	162,300
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning Balance (Non-vested)	$ 48.37
Granted	66.92
Vested	38.77
Forfeited	57.18
Ending Balance (Non-vested)	$ 55.99

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		9 Months Ended
		Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to General Mills		$ 357.8	$ 361.7	$ 1,248.6	$ 1,317.8
Average number of common shares - basic EPS		580.7	595.6	589.8	599.1
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS		591.4	608.5	601.1	612.2
Earnings per share - basic		$ 0.62	$ 0.61	$ 2.12	$ 2.2
Earnings per share - diluted		$ 0.61	$ 0.59	$ 2.08	$ 2.15
Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units		2.4	1.2	2.2	2.7
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental share effect	[1]	7.8	9.6	8.5	9.9
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental share effect	[1]	2.9	3.3	2.8	3.2
[1]	Incremental shares from stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units are computed by the treasury stock method.

Share Repurchases (Details)

Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	May 29, 2016
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Shares of common stock purchased, shares	4.9	1.1	25.4	10.6
Shares purchased, aggregate purchase price	$ 301	$ 64.5	$ 1,650.9	$ 601.8	$ 606.7

Statements of Cash Flows (Detai

Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net cash interest payments	$ 263.8	$ 269.6
Net income tax payments	$ 394.3	$ 421.1

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		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Retirement and Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) in service and interest cost for current period resulting from change in estimate methodology	$ (17)		$ (51)
Increase (decrease) in estimated service and interest cost for fiscal year resulting from change in estimate methodology			$ (68)
Expected rate of return on plan assets			8.25%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	29.9	$ 33.5	$ 89.9	$ 100.9
Interest cost	54.1	66.9	162.4	200.9
Expected return on plan assets	(121.6)	(124.2)	(365.1)	(372.8)
Amortization of losses	47.2	47.6	142.2	142.3
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)	0.6	1.2	1.8	3.6
Other adjustments	0	0.1	2.1	5.1
Settlement or curtailment losses			4.4	11.3
Net expense (income)	10.2	25.1	37.7	91.3
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	3.2	4.7	9.4	14.2
Interest cost	8.2	11	24.2	33
Expected return on plan assets	(12.1)	(11.5)	(36.3)	(34.6)
Amortization of losses	0.6	1.7	1.9	5
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)	(1.5)	(1.4)	(4.1)	(4.1)
Other adjustments	0	0	1.3	2.4
Settlement or curtailment losses			0.7	0.2
Net expense (income)	(1.6)	4.5	(2.9)	16.1
Postemployment Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2.2	1.9	6.6	5.7
Interest cost	0.7	1	2.1	3
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of losses	0.4	0.1	1.3	0.5
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)	0.2	0.6	0.5	1.8
Other adjustments	3.4	2.8	10.2	9.3
Settlement or curtailment losses			0	0
Net expense (income)	$ 6.9	$ 6.4	$ 20.7	$ 20.3

Business Segment Information (S

Business Segment Information (Schedule of operating segment results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016	Feb. 26, 2017	Feb. 28, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 3,793.2	$ 4,002.4	$ 11,813.2	$ 12,635.2
Operating profit	542.5	586.3	1,957.2	2,175.3
Divestitures loss (gain)	0	(1.5)	13.5	(200.6)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	77.6	16.9	165.5	138.3
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,793.2	4,002.4	11,813.2	12,635.2
Operating profit	662.3	679.4	2,279.8	2,345.3
Unallocated Corporate Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	42.2	77.7	143.6	232.3
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Divestitures loss (gain)	0	(1.5)	13.5	(200.6)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs	77.6	16.9	165.5	138.3
North America Retail [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,499	2,686.6	7,804.8	8,460.7
Operating profit	516.7	552.7	1,795.9	1,886
Convenience Stores and Foodservice [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	448.5	453.7	1,382.3	1,437.2
Operating profit	93.6	90.6	295.4	273.2
Europe and Australia [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	424.5	439.4	1,338	1,431.3
Operating profit	42	33.6	127.2	143.9
Asia and Latin America [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	421.2	422.7	1,288.1	1,306
Operating profit	$ 10	$ 2.5	$ 61.3	$ 42.2