Darden Restaurants (DRI) 10-Q 31 Dec 14 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014	Dec. 15, 2014
Document And Entity Information Abstract
Entity Registrant Name	DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC
Entity Central Index Key	940944
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-26
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	23-Nov-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		124,045,968

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$1,559	$1,485.60	$3,154.80	$3,017
Cost of sales:
Food and beverage	485.5	447	987.5	901.1
Restaurant labor	506.8	491.6	1,015.10	983
Restaurant expenses	277.4	261.9	549.7	524.5
Total cost of sales, excluding restaurant depreciation and amortization of $73.4, $70.1 $146.0 and $139.0, respectively	1,269.70	1,200.50	2,552.30	2,408.60
Selling, general and administrative	190.4	174.7	350.4	340.1
Depreciation and amortization	80.1	75.5	158.8	149.7
Interest, net	33.7	32.9	145	65.7
Asset impairment, net	39.7	0.2	46.6	1.2
Total costs and expenses	1,613.60	1,483.80	3,253.10	2,965.30
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-54.6	1.8	-98.3	51.7
Income tax (benefit) expense	-23.8	-4.2	-48.2	3.4
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations	-30.8	6	-50.1	48.3
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(1.5), $2.5, $319.3 and $13.2, respectively	-2	13.8	520.5	41.7
Net (loss) earnings	($32.80)	$19.80	$470.40	$90
Basic net earnings per share:
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.24)	$0.05	($0.39)	$0.37
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	$0.10	$4.01	$0.32
Net (loss) earnings (in dollars per share)	($0.26)	$0.15	$3.62	$0.69
Diluted net earnings per share:
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.24)	$0.05	($0.39)	$0.36
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	$0.10	$4.01	$0.32
Net (loss) earnings (in dollars per share)	($0.26)	$0.15	$3.62	$0.68
Average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	127.7	130.6	130	130.4
Diluted (in shares)	127.7	132.8	130	132.7
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.55	$0.55	$1.10	$1.10

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear1

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Total cost of sales, restaurant depreciation and amortization	$73.40	$70.10	$146	$139
Earnings (losses) from discontinued operations, tax expense (benefit)	($1.50)	$2.50	$319.30	$13.20

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	($32.80)	$19.80	$470.40	$90
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency adjustment	4	-0.9	5.5	-1.9
Change in fair value of marketable securities, net of taxes of $0.0, $0.0, $0.0 and $(0.1), respectively	0.1	0	0	-0.1
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives, net of taxes of $0.5, $3.1, $15.9 and $2.1, respectively	3.5	5.8	27.4	3.7
Net unamortized gain arising during period, including amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of taxes of $9.3, $1.0, $9.8, and $2.0, respectively	15.1	1.6	15.4	3.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22.7	6.5	48.3	4.9
Total comprehensive (loss) income	($10.10)	$26.30	$518.70	$94.90

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in fair value of marketable securities, tax	$0	$0	$0	($0.10)
Change in fair value of derivatives, tax	0.5	3.1	15.9	2.1
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gain, tax	$9.30	$1	$9.80	$2

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Nov. 23, 2014	25-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$157.50	$98.30
Receivables, net	66.7	83.8
Inventories	193.5	196.8
Prepaid income taxes	9.2	10.9
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	74.9	72.3
Deferred income taxes	172.7	124
Assets held for sale	44.9	1,390.30
Total current assets	719.4	1,976.40
Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $2,209.6 and $2,050.2, respectively	3,338.30	3,381
Goodwill	872.5	872.5
Trademarks	574.6	574.6
Other assets	283.1	296.2
Total assets	5,787.90	7,100.70
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	201.8	233.1
Short-term debt	20	207.6
Accrued payroll	104.6	125.7
Accrued income taxes	135.4	0
Other accrued taxes	66	64.5
Unearned revenues	265.7	299.7
Current portion of long-term debt	15	15
Other current liabilities	497.5	457.4
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	215.5
Total current liabilities	1,306	1,618.50
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,468.40	2,481.40
Deferred income taxes	279.8	286.1
Deferred rent	218.8	206.2
Obligations under capital leases, net of current installments	50.8	52
Other liabilities	358.6	299.6
Total liabilities	3,682.40	4,943.80
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock and surplus	1,200.70	1,302.20
Retained earnings	997.3	995.8
Treasury stock	-7.8	-7.8
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-79.8	-128.1
Unearned compensation	-4.9	-5.2
Total stockholders’ equity	2,105.50	2,156.90
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$5,787.90	$7,100.70

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 23, 2014	25-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Land, buildings, and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$2,209.60	$2,050.20

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock And Surplus	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Unearned Compensation
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at May. 26, 2013	$2,059.50	$1,207.60	$998.90	($8.10)	($132.80)	($6.10)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	90		90
Other comprehensive income	4.9				4.9
Dividends declared	-143.8		-143.8
Stock option exercises (2015: 1.4 shares and 2014: .8 shares)	23.6	23.3		0.3
Stock-based compensation	16	16
ESOP note receivable repayments	0.6					0.6
Income tax benefits credited to equity	5.3	5.3
Repurchases of common stock (2015: 8.7 shares and 2014: 0.0 shares)	-0.5	-0.1	-0.4
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.1 shares in 2015 and 2014)	3.6	3.6
Ending balance at Nov. 24, 2013	2,059.20	1,255.70	944.7	-7.8	-127.9	-5.5
Beginning balance at May. 25, 2014	2,156.90	1,302.20	995.8	-7.8	-128.1	-5.2
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	470.4		470.4
Other comprehensive income	48.3				48.3
Dividends declared	-140.9		-140.9
Stock option exercises (2015: 1.4 shares and 2014: .8 shares)	48	48
Stock-based compensation	17.5	17.5
ESOP note receivable repayments	0.3					0.3
Income tax benefits credited to equity	4	4
Repurchases of common stock (2015: 8.7 shares and 2014: 0.0 shares)	-416.3	-88.3	-328
Issuance of stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans (0.1 shares in 2015 and 2014)	2.9	2.9
Accelerated share repurchase program	-85.6	-85.6
Ending balance at Nov. 23, 2014	$2,105.50	$1,200.70	$997.30	($7.80)	($79.80)	($4.90)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Stock option exercised, shares	1.4	0.8
Repurchases of common stock, shares	8.7	0
Issuance of treasury stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan and other plans, shares	0.1	0.1

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Cash flows—operating activities
Net earnings	$470.40	$90
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	-520.5	-41.7
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization	158.8	149.7
Asset impairment charges	46.6	1.2
Amortization of loan costs and losses on interest-rate related derivatives	4.9	6.8
Stock-based compensation expense	29.9	26.9
Change in current assets and liabilities	-68.6	-29.2
Contributions to pension and postretirement plans	-0.7	-0.8
Loss on disposal of land, buildings and equipment	2.3	1.2
Change in cash surrender value of trust-owned life insurance	-3.9	-8.4
Deferred income taxes	-33.9	-15.1
Change in deferred rent	13	15.3
Change in other assets and liabilities	9.6	17.2
Loss on extinguishment of debt	90.5	0
Income tax benefits from exercise of stock-based compensation credited to goodwill	0	0.1
Other, net	-0.5	4.7
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	197.9	217.9
Cash flows—investing activities
Purchases of land, buildings and equipment	-167.4	-235
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings and equipment	10.7	1.6
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	7.7	3.3
Increase in other assets	-7.4	-14.1
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	-156.4	-244.2
Cash flows—financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	50.9	27.2
Income tax benefits credited to equity	4	5.3
Dividends paid	-140.9	-143.3
Repurchases of common stock	-2	-0.5
ESOP note receivable repayment	0.3	0.6
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	397.4	1,173.30
Repayments of short-term debt	-585	-1,013.60
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,059.40	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-1.3
Principal payments on capital leases	-1.2	-1
Payment for accelerated share repurchase program	-500	0
Proceeds from financing lease obligation	93.1	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities of continuing operations	-1,742.80	46.7
Cash flows—discontinued operations
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations	-223.6	85.2
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations	1,984.10	-109.2
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	1,760.50	-24
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	59.2	-3.6
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	98.3	88.2
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	157.5	84.6
Cash flows from changes in current assets and liabilities
Receivables, net	16.2	0.8
Inventories	34.9	5.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13.8	-2.6
Accounts payable	-36.9	-5.3
Accrued payroll	-13.2	1.1
Prepaid/accrued income taxes	-34	-0.1
Other accrued taxes	8	-5.9
Unearned revenues	-21.6	-12.9
Other current liabilities	-35.8	-9.7
Change in current assets and liabilities	-68.6	-29.2
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing activities:
Increase in land, buildings and equipment through accrued purchases	$29.50	$49.40

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Darden Restaurants, Inc. (we, our, Darden or the Company) owns and operates full-service dining restaurants in the United States and Canada under the trade names Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, The Capital Grille®, Yard House®, Bahama Breeze®, Seasons 52®, Eddie V's Prime Seafood® and Wildfish Seafood Grille®. We have prepared these consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. We operate on a 52/53 week fiscal year, which ends on the last Sunday in May and our fiscal year ending May 31, 2015 will contain 53 weeks of operation. Operating results for the quarter ended November 23, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2015.
	These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2014. The accounting policies used in preparing these consolidated financial statements are the same as those described in our Form 10-K.
	We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and costs and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Red Lobster Sale
	On May 15, 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell Red Lobster and certain related assets and associated liabilities and closed on the sale on July 28, 2014. For the quarters and six months ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013, all gains on disposition, impairment charges and disposal costs, along with the sales, costs and expenses and income taxes attributable to Red Lobster and two closed synergy locations, have been aggregated in a single caption entitled “(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit) expense” in our consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented. See Note 2 - Dispositions for additional information.

Dispositions

Dispositions	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions	Dispositions
	On July 28, 2014, we closed on the sale of 705 Red Lobster restaurants, however, as of November 23, 2014, 28 of the properties remain subject to landlord consents and satisfaction of other contractual requirements, which are expected to be satisfied within the next 9 months. Therefore, the assets of these remaining restaurants continue to be classified as held for sale and recognition of the gain on the related proceeds was deferred. The proceeds of approximately $71.6 million associated with landlord consents are classified as other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of November 23, 2014. As the landlord consents and remaining contractual requirements are satisfied, we will derecognize the related assets and record the commensurate gain on the transaction. In conjunction with the sale of Red Lobster, there were 19 locations where Red Lobster shared a land parcel with another Darden brand. The land and related buildings for these 19 Darden locations were included in the sale transaction and simultaneously leased back to Darden. The proceeds associated with the sale of these properties are classified as a financing lease obligation on our consolidated balance sheet as a component of other liabilities and the associated lease payments will amortize the obligation over the life of the properties. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, in connection with the expected sale of Red Lobster, we closed two of the six restaurants that housed both a Red Lobster and an Olive Garden in the same building (synergy restaurants). In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we completed the conversion of the four remaining synergy restaurants to stand-alone Olive Garden restaurants.
	As of November 23, 2014, we received $2.08 billion in cash proceeds, net of transaction-related costs of approximately $29.3 million. During the six months ended November 23, 2014, we recognized a gain on the sale of Red Lobster of $816.6 million, which is included in (loss) earnings from discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of earnings.
	For the quarters and six months ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013, all gains on disposition, impairment charges and disposal costs, along with the sales, costs and expenses and income taxes attributable to these restaurants, have been aggregated in a single caption entitled “(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit) expense” in our consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented. No amounts for shared general and administrative operating support expense or interest expense were allocated to discontinued operations. Assets associated with those restaurants not yet disposed of, that are considered held for sale, have been segregated from continuing operations and presented as assets held for sale on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes in our accompanying consolidated statements of earnings are comprised of the following:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23, 2014			November 24, 2013		November 23, 2014		November 24, 2013
	Sales	$	—		$	564.3	$	400.4	$	1,191.40
	(Loss) earnings before income taxes	(3.5		)	16.3		839.8		54.9
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(1.5		)	2.5		319.3		13.2
	(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(2.0	)	$	13.8	$	520.5	$	41.7
	The following table presents the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the restaurants reported as discontinued operations and classified as held for sale on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets:
	(in millions)	November 23, 2014			May 25,
					2014
	Current assets	$	—		$	241
	Land, buildings and equipment, net	44.9			1,084.80
	Other assets	—			64.5
	Total assets	$	44.9		$	1,390.30
	Current liabilities	$	—		$	130.6
	Other liabilities	—			84.9
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	215.5

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
		Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23, 2014		November 24, 2013
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	99.9	$	58.1
	Income taxes paid, net of refunds	199.4		36
	For the six months ended November 23, 2014, interest paid includes payments associated with the retirement of long-term debt (see Note 14 - Long-Term Debt for further information), of $44.4 million in addition to $12.7 million of interest accrued through the date of the retirement. For the six months ended November 23, 2014, income taxes paid includes tax payments associated with the gain on the sale of Red Lobster.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	We grant stock options for a fixed number of shares to certain employees and directors with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. We also grant restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance stock units with a fair value determined based on our closing stock price on the date of grant. In addition, we also grant cash settled stock units (Darden Stock Units) and cash settled performance stock units, which are classified as liabilities and are marked to market as of the end of each period.
	The weighted-average fair value of non-qualified stock options and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows:
		Stock Options Granted
		Six Months Ended
		November 23, 2014			November 24, 2013
	Weighted-average fair value	$	10.36		$	12.05
	Dividend yield	4.5		%	4.4		%
	Expected volatility of stock	37.3		%	39.6		%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1		%	1.9		%
	Expected option life (in years)	6.5			6.4
	The following table presents a summary of our stock-based compensation activity for the six months ended November 23, 2014:
	(in millions)		Stock		Restricted			Darden			Performance
			Options		Stock/			Stock			Stock Units
					Restricted			Units
					Stock
					Units
	Outstanding beginning of period		11.2		0.2			2.1			0.3
	Awards granted		1.1		—			0.5			0.1
	Awards exercised		(1.4	)	(0.1	)		(0.4	)		(0.1	)
	Awards forfeited		(0.3	)	—			(0.7	)		(0.2	)
	Performance unit adjustment		—		—			—			0.4
	Outstanding end of period		10.6		0.1			1.5			0.5
	We recognized expense from stock-based compensation as follows:
			Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	(in millions)		November 23,			November 24,				November 23,			November 24,
			2014			2013				2014			2013
	Stock options (1)		$	11.5		$	7.3			$	14.7		$	11.5
	Restricted stock/restricted stock units (1)		0.7			0.4				1.1			0.8
	Darden stock units		3.5			6.1				4.8			7.9
	Performance stock units (1)		7.1			2.3				8			4.1
	Employee stock purchase plan		0.3			0.4				0.7			0.9
	Director compensation program/other		0.6			1.7				0.6			1.7
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	23.7		$	18.2			$	29.9		$	26.9
	-1	The increase for the periods ended November 23, 2014 is primarily attributable to the workforce reduction efforts further discussed in Note 12.
	As of the effective date of the Red Lobster sale, all outstanding, unvested stock options, restricted stock and Darden stock units held by Darden employees that transferred to Red Lobster were either vested on a pro-rata basis or canceled. Approximately 23.7 thousand performance stock units remain outstanding and are expected to be settled on a pro-rata basis on the scheduled dates in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2017 when the applicable performance factors are determined.
	Our stock plan award agreements in place prior to October 2014 contain a change-in-control provision, where, following a change-in-control, the awards fully vest upon a qualifying termination. Following our 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, qualifying terminations during the 24-month period ending October 2016 will require all unvested awards granted prior to the 2014 annual meeting to be immediately vested.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The effective income tax rate of 43.6 percent for the quarter ended November 23, 2014 reflected a tax benefit of $23.8 million on a loss before income taxes from continuing operations of $54.6 million. The effective income tax rate of (233.3) percent for the quarter ended November 24, 2013 reflected a tax benefit of $4.2 million on earnings before income taxes from continuing operations of $1.8 million. The effective income tax rate of 49.0 percent for the six months ended November 23, 2014 reflected a tax benefit of $48.2 million on a loss before income taxes from continuing operations of $98.3 million. The effective income tax rate of 6.6 percent for the six months ended November 24, 2013 reflected tax expense of $3.4 million on earnings before income taxes from continuing operations of $51.7 million. The change in the effective income tax rates for the periods ended November 23, 2014 as compared to the periods ended November 24, 2013 is primarily attributable an increase in the impact of FICA tax credits for employee reported tips on lower earnings before income taxes resulting from significant charges from debt breakage costs, asset impairments and workforce reduction costs. Excluding the impact of these costs, the related tax benefits and other discrete items, our effective income tax rate for the quarter and six months ended November 23, 2014 would have been approximately 19.0 percent.
	Included in our remaining balance of unrecognized tax benefits is $26.6 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could change within the next twelve months based on the outcome of examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions.

Net_Earnings_per_Share

Net Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Earnings per Share	Net Earnings per Share
	Outstanding stock options and restricted stock granted by us represent the only dilutive effect reflected in diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Stock options and restricted stock do not impact the numerator of the diluted net earnings per share computation. Stock options and restricted stock excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23,	November 24,	November 23,	November 24,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock	5.6	4.6	6.6	3.9

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity
	Share Repurchase Program
	In July 2014, as part of the previously authorized share repurchase program, we entered into accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreements with Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Dealers), which were amended and restated in September 2014 solely to address non-substantive technical clarifications. The ASR program provides for the repurchase of an aggregate of $500.0 million of our common stock.  Under the ASR agreements, we paid an aggregate of $500.0 million to the Dealers in August 2014 and received an initial delivery of approximately 8.6 million shares on October 1, 2014. Upon receipt, the repurchased shares were retired and restored to authorized but unissued shares of common stock. After consideration of the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, we concluded that the transaction qualifies for permanent equity classification. Accordingly, the $500.0 million payment was recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. Subsequent to our second fiscal quarter, in early December 2014, the ASR program was completed and we received the final delivery of approximately 1.3 million shares. The total number of shares we purchased in connection with the ASR transactions was based on a combined discounted volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of $50.12 per share which was determined based on the average of the daily VWAP of our common stock over the duration of the program, less an agreed discount.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the quarters ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013 are as follows:
	(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives				Benefit Plan Funding Position				Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at August 24, 2014	$	(3.2	)		$	—			$	(26.5	)		$	(72.8	)		$	(102.5	)
	Gain	(0.5		)		0.1				2.7				14.6				16.9
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	4.5				—				0.8				0.5				5.8
	Balance at November 23, 2014	$	0.8			$	0.1			$	(23.0	)		$	(57.7	)		$	(79.8	)
	Balance at August 25, 2013	$	(2.8	)		$	0.1			$	(55.9	)		$	(75.8	)		$	(134.4	)
	Gain (loss)	(0.9		)		—				4				—				3.1
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	—				—				1.8				1.6				3.4
	Balance at November 24, 2013	$	(3.7	)		$	0.1			$	(50.1	)		$	(74.2	)		$	(127.9	)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the six months ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013 are as follows:
	(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives				Benefit Plan Funding Position				Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at May 25, 2014	$	(4.7	)		$	0.1			$	(50.4	)		$	(73.1	)		$	(128.1	)
	Gain	(1.8		)		—				0.7				14.6				13.5
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	7.3				—				26.7				0.8				34.8
	Balance at November 23, 2014	$	0.8			$	0.1			$	(23.0	)		$	(57.7	)		$	(79.8	)
	Balance at May 26, 2013	$	(1.8	)		$	0.2			$	(53.8	)		$	(77.4	)		$	(132.8	)
	Gain (loss)	(1.9		)		(0.1		)		(0.5		)		—				(2.5		)
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	—				—				4.2				3.2				7.4
	Balance at November 24, 2013	$	(3.7	)		$	0.1			$	(50.1	)		$	(74.2	)		$	(127.9	)
	The following table presents the amounts and line items in our consolidated statements of earnings where adjustments reclassified from AOCI into net earnings were recorded:
				Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
				Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings		November 23,				November 24,				November 23,				November 24,
	AOCI Components			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Derivatives
	Commodity contracts	-1		$	—			$	(0.5	)		—				(0.7		)
	Equity contracts	-2		—				—				(0.9		)		(0.7		)
	Interest rate contracts	Interest, net		(1.4		)		(2.6		)		(41.9		)		(5.2		)
	Foreign currency contracts	-2		—				0.2				—				0.3
		Total before tax		$	(1.4	)		$	(2.9	)		$	(42.8	)		$	(6.3	)
		Tax benefit		0.6				1.1				16.1				2.1
		Net of tax		$	(0.8	)		$	(1.8	)		$	(26.7	)		$	(4.2	)
	Benefit plan funding position
	Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans	-3		$	(0.7	)		$	(2.3	)		$	(1.3	)		$	(4.6	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss - other plans	-4		(0.1		)		(0.3		)		(0.3		)		(0.6		)
		Total before tax		$	(0.8	)		$	(2.6	)		$	(1.6	)		$	(5.2	)
		Tax benefit		0.3				1				0.8				2
		Net of tax		$	(0.5	)		$	(1.6	)		$	(0.8	)		$	(3.2	)
	-1	Primarily included in cost of sales. See Note 9 for additional details.
	-2	Primarily included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 9 for additional details.
	-3	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - pension and postretirement plans, which is a component of restaurant labor expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 8 for additional details.
	-4	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - other plans, which is a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans
	Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
		Defined Benefit Plans
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23,			November 24,			November 23,			November 24,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	0.3		$	1.1		$	0.5		$	2.2
	Interest cost	2.9			2.6			5			5.1
	Expected return on plan assets	(4.5		)	(4.3		)	(7.6		)	(8.6		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	0.8			2.3			1.3			4.6
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(0.5	)	$	1.7		$	(0.8	)	$	3.3
		Postretirement Benefit Plan
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23,			November 24,			November 23,			November 24,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	0.1		$	0.2		$	0.3		$	0.4
	Interest cost	0.4			0.3			0.8			0.6
	Recognized net actuarial loss	0.2			—			0.3			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	0.7		$	0.5		$	1.4		$	1
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the retiree health care plan was changed from a self-insured plan to a retiree health exchange with a subsidy to eligible participants through a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). As a result of these changes, the plan was remeasured resulting in a $23.7 million pre-tax reduction in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation which is reflected as a prior year service credit. This credit is being amortized into expense over the expected remaining service period of the fully eligible active participant population and is expected to reduce fiscal 2015 expense by $3.4 million.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We enter into derivative instruments solely for risk management purposes, including derivatives designated as hedging instruments as required by ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and those utilized as economic hedges. We use financial and commodities derivatives to manage interest rate, compensation and commodities pricing and foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in our business operations. To the extent our derivatives are effective in offsetting the variability of the hedged cash flows, and otherwise meet the cash flow hedge accounting criteria required by ASC Topic 815, changes in the derivatives’ fair value are not included in current earnings but are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. These changes in fair value will be reclassified into earnings at the time of the forecasted transaction. Ineffectiveness measured in the hedging relationship is recorded currently in earnings in the period in which it occurs. To the extent our derivatives are effective in mitigating changes in fair value, and otherwise meet the fair value hedge accounting criteria required by ASC Topic 815, gains and losses in the derivatives’ fair value are included in current earnings, as are the gains and losses of the related hedged item. To the extent the hedge accounting criteria are not met, the derivative contracts are utilized as economic hedges and changes in the fair value of such contracts are recorded currently in earnings in the period in which they occur.
	By using these instruments, we expose ourselves, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. We minimize this credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties. We currently do not have any provisions in our agreements with counterparties that would require either party to hold or post collateral in the event that the market value of the related derivative instrument exceeds a certain limit. As such, the maximum amount of loss due to counterparty credit risk we would incur at November 23, 2014, if counterparties to the derivative instruments failed completely to perform, would approximate the values of derivative instruments currently recognized as assets in our consolidated balance sheet. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, currency prices, or the market price of our common stock. We minimize this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
	The notional values of our derivative contracts are as follows:
			Notional Values
	(in millions)		November 23,				May 25,
			2014				2014
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments
	Commodities		$	—			$	0.9
	Foreign currency		—				0.3
	Interest rate swaps		200				200
	Equity forwards		15.8				20.6
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity forwards		$	47.4			$	47.4
	We are currently party to interest-rate swap agreements with $200.0 million of notional value to limit the risk of changes in fair value of $100.0 million of the $121.9 million 4.500 percent senior notes due October 2021 and $100.0 million of the $500.0 million 6.200 percent senior notes due October 2017. The swap agreements effectively swap the fixed-rate obligations for floating-rate obligations, thereby mitigating changes in fair value of the related debt prior to maturity. The swap agreements were designated as fair value hedges of the related debt and met the requirements to be accounted for under the short-cut method, resulting in no ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship. During the quarters ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013, $1.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, was recorded as a reduction to interest expense related to the net swap settlements. During the six months ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013, $1.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, was recorded as a reduction to interest expense related to the net swap settlements.
	We enter into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with the unvested, unrecognized Darden stock units. The equity forward contracts will be settled at the end of the vesting periods of their underlying Darden stock units, which range between four and five years. The contracts were initially designated as cash flow hedges to the extent the Darden stock units are unvested and, therefore, unrecognized as a liability in our financial statements. As of November 23, 2014, we were party to equity forward contracts that were indexed to 0.8 million shares of our common stock, at varying forward rates between $31.19 per share and $52.66 per share, extending through August 2018. The forward contracts can only be net settled in cash. As the Darden stock units vest, we will de-designate that portion of the equity forward contract that no longer qualifies for hedge accounting and changes in fair value associated with that portion of the equity forward contract will be recognized in current earnings. We periodically incur interest on the notional value of the contracts and receive dividends on the underlying shares. These amounts are recognized currently in earnings as they are incurred.
	We entered into equity forward contracts to hedge the risk of changes in future cash flows associated with cash-settled performance stock units and employee-directed investments in Darden stock within the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The equity forward contracts are indexed to 0.2 million shares of our common stock at forward rates between $46.17 and $51.95 per share, can only be net settled in cash and expire between fiscal 2016 and 2019. We did not elect hedge accounting with the expectation that changes in the fair value of the equity forward contracts would offset changes in the fair value of the performance stock units and Darden stock investments in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan within selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings.
	The fair value of our derivative contracts are as follows:
			Balance		Derivative Assets							Derivative Liabilities
			Sheet
	(in millions)		Location		November 23,				May 25,			November 23,				May 25,
					2014				2014			2014				2014
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments
	Equity forwards		-1		0.1				—			—				(0.5		)
	Interest rate related		-1		2.1				1.6			—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		-1		—				0.1			—				—
					$	2.2			$	1.7		$	—			$	(0.5	)
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity forwards		-1		0.3				—			—				(1.2		)
					$	0.3			$	—		$	—			$	(1.2	)
	Total derivative contracts				$	2.5			$	1.7		$	—			$	(1.7	)
	-1	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in receivables, net, prepaid expenses and other current assets and other current liabilities, as applicable, on our consolidated balance sheets.
	The effects of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:
	(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	(1) Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in AOCI								Gain (Loss)	Reclassified from AOCI to								Gain (Loss)	Recognized in Earnings
			(effective portion)								Reclassified	Earnings (effective portion)								Recognized	(ineffective portion)
											from AOCI to									in Earnings
											Earnings									(ineffective
																				portion)
			Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
	Type of Derivative		November 23,				November 24,					November 23,				November 24,					November 23,		November 24,
			2014				2013					2014				2013					2014		2013
	Commodity		$	—			$	0.1			-2	$	—			$	(0.5	)		-2	$	—	$	—
	Equity		2.7				3.9				-3	—				—				-3	0.3		0.3
	Interest rate		—				—				Interest, net	(1.4		)		(2.6		)		Interest, net	—		—
	Foreign currency		—				—				-4	—				0.2				-4	—		—
			$	2.7			$	4				$	(1.4	)		$	(2.9	)			$	0.3	$	0.3
	(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	(1) Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in AOCI								Gain (Loss)	Reclassified from AOCI to								Gain (Loss)	Recognized in Earnings
			(effective portion)								Reclassified	Earnings (effective portion)								Recognized	(ineffective portion)
											from AOCI to									in Earnings
											Earnings									(ineffective
																				portion)
			Six Months Ended									Six Months Ended									Six Months Ended
	Type of Derivative		November 23,				November 24,					November 23,				November 24,					November 23,		November 24,
			2014				2013					2014				2013					2014		2013
	Commodity		$	—			$	(0.3	)		-2	$	—			$	(0.7	)		-2	$	—	$	—
	Equity		0.7				(0.4		)		-3	(0.9		)		(0.7		)		-3	0.6		0.6
	Interest rate		—				—				Interest, net	(41.9		)		(5.2		)		Interest, net	—		—
	Foreign currency		—				0.2				-4	—				0.3				-4	—		—
			$	0.7			$	(0.5	)			$	(42.8	)		$	(6.3	)			$	0.6	$	0.6
	-1	Generally, all of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges have some level of ineffectiveness, which is recognized currently in earnings. However, as these amounts are generally nominal and our consolidated financial statements are presented “in millions,” these amounts may appear as zero in this tabular presentation.
	-2	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses, which are components of cost of sales.
	-3	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is restaurant labor expenses, which is a component of cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses.
-4	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is food and beverage costs, which is a component of cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses.
The effects of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:
(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Hedged Item in		Amount of Gain (Loss)							Location of
		Recognized in Earnings on								Gain (Loss)	Fair Value Hedge		Recognized in Earnings on							Gain (Loss)
		Derivatives								Recognized in	Relationship		Related Hedged Item							Recognized in
										Earnings on										Earnings on
										Derivatives										Related
																				Hedged Item
		Three Months Ended											Three Months Ended
		November 23,				November 24,							November 23,				November 24,
		2014				2013							2014				2013
Interest rate		$	(0.2	)		$	3.5			Interest, net	Fixed-rate debt		$	0.2			$	(3.5	)	Interest, net
(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Hedged Item in		Amount of Gain (Loss)							Location of
		Recognized in Earnings on								Gain (Loss)	Fair Value Hedge		Recognized in Earnings on							Gain (Loss)
		Derivatives								Recognized in	Relationship		Related Hedged Item							Recognized in
										Earnings on										Earnings on
										Derivatives										Related
																				Hedged Item
		Six Months Ended											Six Months Ended
		November 23,				November 24,							November 23,				November 24,
		2014				2013							2014				2013
Interest rate		$	0.5			$	(1.4	)		Interest, net	Fixed-rate debt		$	(0.5	)		$	1.4		Interest, net
The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:
		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
		in Earnings on Derivatives		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
				November 23, 2014				November 24, 2013			November 23, 2014				November 24, 2013
(in millions)
Commodity contracts		Cost of Sales (1)		$	—			$	0.1		$	—			$	(0.4	)
Equity forwards		Cost of Sales (2)		1.8				1.8			1.2				0.3
Equity forwards		Selling, General and Administrative		4.6				5			2.8				1
				$	6.4			$	6.9		$	4			$	0.9
-1	Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses, which are components of cost of sales.
-2	Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings is restaurant labor expenses, which is a component of cost of sales.
Based on the fair value of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of November 23, 2014, we expect to reclassify $4.8 million of net losses on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the next 12 months based on the maturity of our equity forward contracts and amortization of deferred losses on settled interest-rate related instruments. However, the amounts ultimately realized in earnings will be dependent on the fair value of the contracts on the settlement dates.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The fair values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration.
	The following tables summarize the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as of November 23, 2014 and May 25, 2014:
	Items Measured at Fair Value at November 23, 2014
	(in millions)			Fair value			Quoted prices		Significant			Significant
				of assets			in active		other			unobservable
				(liabilities)			market for		observable			inputs
							identical assets		inputs			(Level 3)
							(liabilities)		(Level 2)
							(Level 1)
	Fixed-income securities:
	Corporate bonds	(1	)	$	3.1		$	—	$	3.1		$	—
	U.S. Treasury securities	(2	)	5.1			5.1		—			—
	Mortgage-backed securities	(1	)	2.6			—		2.6			—
	Derivatives:
	Equity forwards	(3	)	0.4			—		0.4			—
	Interest rate swaps	(4	)	2.1			—		2.1			—
	Foreign currency forwards	(5	)	—			—		—			—
	Total			$	13.3		$	5.1	$	8.2		$	—
	Items Measured at Fair Value at May 25, 2014
	(in millions)			Fair value			Quoted prices		Significant			Significant
				of assets			in active		other			unobservable
				(liabilities)			market for		observable			inputs
							identical assets		inputs			(Level 3)
							(liabilities)		(Level 2)
							(Level 1)
	Fixed-income securities:
	Corporate bonds	(1	)	$	9.7		$	—	$	9.7		$	—
	U.S. Treasury securities	(2	)	6.1			6.1		—			—
	Mortgage-backed securities	(1	)	2.6			—		2.6			—
	Derivatives:
	Equity forwards	(3	)	(1.7		)	—		(1.7		)	—
	Interest rate locks & swaps	(4	)	1.6			—		1.6			—
	Foreign currency forwards	(5	)	0.1			—		0.1			—
	Total			$	18.4		$	6.1	$	12.3		$	—
	-1	The fair value of these securities is based on closing market prices of the investments when applicable, or, alternatively, valuations utilizing market data and other observable inputs, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
	-2	The fair value of our U.S. Treasury securities is based on closing market prices.
	-3	The fair value of our equity forwards is based on the closing market value of Darden stock, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
	-4	The fair value of our interest rate lock and swap agreements is based on current and expected market interest rates, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
	-5	The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts is based on closing forward exchange market prices, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
	The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt, including the amounts included in current liabilities, as of November 23, 2014, was $1.48 billion and $1.55 billion, respectively. The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt, including the amounts included in current liabilities, as of May 25, 2014, was $2.50 billion and $2.63 billion, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, is determined based on market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at our incremental borrowing rates.
	Adjustments to the fair values of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of November 23, 2014 are discussed in Note 15 - Asset Impairment, Net. Adjustments to the fair values of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of May 25, 2014 were not material.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	As collateral for performance on contracts and as credit guarantees to banks and insurers, we are contingently liable for guarantees of subsidiary obligations under standby letters of credit. As of November 23, 2014 and May 25, 2014, we had $124.2 million and $113.5 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit related to workers’ compensation and general liabilities accrued in our consolidated financial statements. As of November 23, 2014 and May 25, 2014, we had $13.9 million and $17.8 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit related to contractual operating lease obligations and other payments. All standby letters of credit are renewable annually.
	As of November 23, 2014 and May 25, 2014, we had $139.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively, of guarantees associated with leased properties that have been assigned to third parties. These amounts represent the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees. The fair value of the maximum potential future payments discounted at our pre-tax cost of capital as of November 23, 2014 and May 25, 2014, amounted to $106.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively. We did not record a liability for the guarantees, as the likelihood of the third parties defaulting on the assignment agreements was deemed to be remote. In the event of default by a third party, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to recover from and pursue the third party for damages incurred as a result of its default. We do not hold any third-party assets as collateral related to these assignment agreements, except to the extent that the assignment allows us to repossess the building and personal property. Assuming exercise of all option periods, these guarantees expire over their respective lease terms, which range from fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2044.
	We are subject to private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time. These matters typically involve claims from guests, employees and others related to operational issues common to the restaurant industry, and can also involve infringement of, or challenges to, our trademarks. While the resolution of a lawsuit, proceeding or claim may have an impact on our financial results for the period in which it is resolved, we believe that the final disposition of the lawsuits, proceedings and claims in which we are currently involved, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The following is a brief description of the more significant of these matters.
	In September 2012, a collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Alequin v. Darden Restaurants, Inc., in which named plaintiffs claim that the Company required or allowed certain employees at Olive Garden, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52  to work off the clock and required them to perform tasks unrelated to their tipped duties while taking a tip credit against their hourly rate of pay.  The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of alleged back wages, liquidated damages, and attorneys' fees.  In July 2013, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida conditionally certified a nationwide class of servers and bartenders who worked in the aforementioned restaurants at any point from September 6, 2009 through September 6, 2012.  Unlike a class action, a collective action requires potential class members to “opt in” rather than “opt out” following the issuance of a notice.  Out of the approximately 217,000 opt-in notices distributed, 20,225 were returned. In June 2014, the Company filed a motion seeking to have the class decertified. In September 2014, the Court granted the Company’s motion to decertify the class which resulted in the dismissal of all opt-ins. Unless the plaintiffs appeal the Court’s decision, only the claims of the original named plaintiffs remain.  In October 2014, the Court granted the parties' joint motion to stay the proceedings pending completion of arbitration through the Company’s Dispute Resolution Program as to forty-nine of the fifty-four named plaintiffs.  In November 2014, the Court dismissed the lawsuit as it pertained to the five remaining named plaintiffs.  We believe that our wage and hour policies comply with the law and that we have meritorious defenses to the remaining substantive claims in this matter. An estimate of the possible loss, if any, or the range of loss cannot be made at this stage of the proceeding.
	In November, 2011, a lawsuit entitled ChHab v. Darden Restaurants, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging a collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act and a class action under the applicable New York state wage and hour statutes. The named plaintiffs claim that the Company required or allowed certain employees at The Capital Grille to work off the clock, share tips with individuals who polished silverware to assist the plaintiffs, and required the plaintiffs to perform tasks unrelated to their tipped duties while taking a tip credit against their hourly rate of pay. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of alleged back wages, liquidated damages, and attorneys' fees. In September 2013, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York conditionally certified a nationwide class for the Fair Labor Standards Act claims only of tipped employees who worked in the aforementioned restaurants at any point from November 17, 2008 through September 19, 2013. Potential class members are required to “opt in” rather than “opt out” following the issuance of a notice. Out of the approximately 3,200 opt-in notices distributed, 541 were returned. As with the Alequin matter, the Company will have an opportunity to seek to have the class decertified and/or seek to have the case dismissed on its merits. We believe that our wage and hour policies comply with the law and that we have meritorious defenses to the substantive claims in this matter. An estimate of the possible loss, if any, or the range of loss cannot be made at this stage of the proceeding.

Workforce_Reduction_Costs

Workforce Reduction Costs	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Work Reduction Costs	Workforce Reduction Costs
	Beginning in fiscal 2014, we performed comprehensive reviews of our operations and support structure resulting in changes in our growth plans and related support structure needs. As a result, we had workforce reductions and program spending cuts in September 2013 (September 2013 Plan), January 2014 (January 2014 Plan), May 2014 (May 2014 Plan) and November 2014 (November 2014 Plan). In accordance with these actions, we incurred employee termination benefits costs and other costs which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters and six months ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013 as follows:
	(in millions)		November 23,		November 24,
			2014		2013
	Employee termination benefits (1)		$	27	$	10.9
	Other (2)		0.4		0.8
	Total		$	27.4	$	11.7
	-1	Includes salary and stock-based compensation expense.
	-2	Includes postemployment medical, outplacement and relocation costs.
	The following table summarizes the accrued employee termination benefits and other costs which are primarily included in other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of November 23, 2014:
	(in millions)		September		January		May		November		Payments			Adjustments			Balance at November 23, 2014
			2013 Plan		2014 Plan		2014 Plan		2014 Plan
	Employee termination benefits (1)		$	7.7	$	0.7	$	5	$	17.2	$	(9.7	)	$	(0.4	)	$	20.5
	Other		0.8		0.1		0.2		0.4		(0.7		)	(0.3		)	0.5
	Total		$	8.5	$	0.8	$	5.2	$	17.6	$	(10.4	)	$	(0.7	)	$	21
	-1	Excludes costs associated with stock options and restricted stock that will be settled in shares upon vesting.
	We expect approximately $1.5 million of additional costs related to the November 2014 Plan. We expect the remaining liability to be paid by the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	During the first six months of fiscal 2015, we completed the previously announced $1.00 billion aggregate principal retirement of long-term debt, $900.0 million of which was completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and the remaining $100.0 million was completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The $1.00 billion retirement was comprised of $278.1 million aggregate principal of our 4.500 percent senior notes due 2021, $331.9 million aggregate principal of our 3.350 percent senior notes due 2022, $80.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 3.790 percent senior notes due 2019, $210.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.520 percent senior notes due 2024 and $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 7.125 percent debentures due 2016.
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded approximately $80.0 million of expenses associated with the $900.0 million aggregate principal retirement including cash costs of approximately $34.9 million for repurchase premiums and make-whole amounts and non-cash charges of approximately $45.1 million associated with hedge and loan cost write-offs. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we incurred an additional $10.5 million of expenses associated with the retirement of the $100.0 million 7.125 percent debentures including cash costs of approximately $9.5 million for repurchase premiums and non-cash charges of approximately $1.0 million associated with loan cost write-offs. These amounts were recorded in interest, net in our consolidated statements of earnings for the quarter and six months ended November 23, 2014, respectively.

Special_Charges

Special Charges	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Special Charges	Special Charges
	For the quarter ended November 23, 2014, we recognized charges of $12.3 million related to advisory, legal and other professional service fees directly related to addressing shareholder activism and the proxy contest with Starboard Value LP and its affiliates.

Asset_Impairment_Net

Asset Impairment, Net	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Asset Impairment, Net	Asset Impairment, Net
	During the quarter and six months ended November 23, 2014, we recognized long-lived asset impairment charges of $39.7 million ($26.4 million net of tax) and $46.6 million ($30.7 million net of tax), respectively. Impairment charges resulted primarily from the carrying value of restaurant assets exceeding the estimated fair market value, which is based on projected cash flows. Of the total impairments, $28.3 million and $33.8 million for the quarter and six months ended November 23, 2014, respectively, related to restaurant impairments. During the quarter ended November 23, 2014, management identified eight Olive Garden locations and three Seasons 52 locations where the estimated useful life was significantly shortened based on a re-evaluation of expected lease renewals, leading to significant decreases in projected cash flows. We also recognized impairments of assets related to our lobster aquaculture project and a corporate airplane in connection with the closure of our aviation department. During the quarter and six months ended November 24, 2013, we recognized long-lived asset impairment charges of $0.2 million ($0.1 million net of tax) and $1.2 million ($0.7 million net of tax), respectively. Impairment charges resulted primarily from the carrying value of restaurant assets exceeding the estimated fair market value, which is based on projected cash flows. These costs are included in asset impairments, net as a component of earnings from continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. Impairment charges were measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount of these assets exceeded their fair value. Fair value is generally determined based on appraisals or sales prices of comparable assets and estimates of future cash flows.

Application_of_New_Accounting_

Application of New Accounting Standards	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Application of New Accounting Standards	Application of New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early application is not permitted. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This update modifies the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the amendments in ASU 2014-08, the definition of discontinued operation has been modified to only include those disposals of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. This update also expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. We are evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On December 10, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.55 per share to be paid February 2, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 9, 2015.

Dispositions_Tables

Dispositions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes in our accompanying consolidated statements of earnings are comprised of the following:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23, 2014			November 24, 2013		November 23, 2014		November 24, 2013
	Sales	$	—		$	564.3	$	400.4	$	1,191.40
	(Loss) earnings before income taxes	(3.5		)	16.3		839.8		54.9
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(1.5		)	2.5		319.3		13.2
	(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(2.0	)	$	13.8	$	520.5	$	41.7
	The following table presents the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the restaurants reported as discontinued operations and classified as held for sale on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets:
	(in millions)	November 23, 2014			May 25,
					2014
	Current assets	$	—		$	241
	Land, buildings and equipment, net	44.9			1,084.80
	Other assets	—			64.5
	Total assets	$	44.9		$	1,390.30
	Current liabilities	$	—		$	130.6
	Other liabilities	—			84.9
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	215.5

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures
		Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23, 2014		November 24, 2013
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	99.9	$	58.1
	Income taxes paid, net of refunds	199.4		36

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The weighted-average fair value of non-qualified stock options and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows:
		Stock Options Granted
		Six Months Ended
		November 23, 2014			November 24, 2013
	Weighted-average fair value	$	10.36		$	12.05
	Dividend yield	4.5		%	4.4		%
	Expected volatility of stock	37.3		%	39.6		%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1		%	1.9		%
	Expected option life (in years)	6.5			6.4
Summary Of Darden Stock Unit Activity	The following table presents a summary of our stock-based compensation activity for the six months ended November 23, 2014:
	(in millions)		Stock		Restricted			Darden			Performance
			Options		Stock/			Stock			Stock Units
					Restricted			Units
					Stock
					Units
	Outstanding beginning of period		11.2		0.2			2.1			0.3
	Awards granted		1.1		—			0.5			0.1
	Awards exercised		(1.4	)	(0.1	)		(0.4	)		(0.1	)
	Awards forfeited		(0.3	)	—			(0.7	)		(0.2	)
	Performance unit adjustment		—		—			—			0.4
	Outstanding end of period		10.6		0.1			1.5			0.5
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	We recognized expense from stock-based compensation as follows:
			Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	(in millions)		November 23,			November 24,				November 23,			November 24,
			2014			2013				2014			2013
	Stock options (1)		$	11.5		$	7.3			$	14.7		$	11.5
	Restricted stock/restricted stock units (1)		0.7			0.4				1.1			0.8
	Darden stock units		3.5			6.1				4.8			7.9
	Performance stock units (1)		7.1			2.3				8			4.1
	Employee stock purchase plan		0.3			0.4				0.7			0.9
	Director compensation program/other		0.6			1.7				0.6			1.7
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	23.7		$	18.2			$	29.9		$	26.9
	-1	The increase for the periods ended November 23, 2014 is primarily attributable to the workforce reduction efforts further discussed in Note 12.

Net_Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Net Earnings per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	Stock options and restricted stock excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23,	November 24,	November 23,	November 24,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock	5.6	4.6	6.6	3.9

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the quarters ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013 are as follows:
	(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives				Benefit Plan Funding Position				Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at August 24, 2014	$	(3.2	)		$	—			$	(26.5	)		$	(72.8	)		$	(102.5	)
	Gain	(0.5		)		0.1				2.7				14.6				16.9
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	4.5				—				0.8				0.5				5.8
	Balance at November 23, 2014	$	0.8			$	0.1			$	(23.0	)		$	(57.7	)		$	(79.8	)
	Balance at August 25, 2013	$	(2.8	)		$	0.1			$	(55.9	)		$	(75.8	)		$	(134.4	)
	Gain (loss)	(0.9		)		—				4				—				3.1
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	—				—				1.8				1.6				3.4
	Balance at November 24, 2013	$	(3.7	)		$	0.1			$	(50.1	)		$	(74.2	)		$	(127.9	)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the six months ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013 are as follows:
	(in millions)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities				Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives				Benefit Plan Funding Position				Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance at May 25, 2014	$	(4.7	)		$	0.1			$	(50.4	)		$	(73.1	)		$	(128.1	)
	Gain	(1.8		)		—				0.7				14.6				13.5
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	7.3				—				26.7				0.8				34.8
	Balance at November 23, 2014	$	0.8			$	0.1			$	(23.0	)		$	(57.7	)		$	(79.8	)
	Balance at May 26, 2013	$	(1.8	)		$	0.2			$	(53.8	)		$	(77.4	)		$	(132.8	)
	Gain (loss)	(1.9		)		(0.1		)		(0.5		)		—				(2.5		)
	Reclassification realized in net earnings	—				—				4.2				3.2				7.4
	Balance at November 24, 2013	$	(3.7	)		$	0.1			$	(50.1	)		$	(74.2	)		$	(127.9	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents the amounts and line items in our consolidated statements of earnings where adjustments reclassified from AOCI into net earnings were recorded:
				Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
				Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings		November 23,				November 24,				November 23,				November 24,
	AOCI Components			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Derivatives
	Commodity contracts	-1		$	—			$	(0.5	)		—				(0.7		)
	Equity contracts	-2		—				—				(0.9		)		(0.7		)
	Interest rate contracts	Interest, net		(1.4		)		(2.6		)		(41.9		)		(5.2		)
	Foreign currency contracts	-2		—				0.2				—				0.3
		Total before tax		$	(1.4	)		$	(2.9	)		$	(42.8	)		$	(6.3	)
		Tax benefit		0.6				1.1				16.1				2.1
		Net of tax		$	(0.8	)		$	(1.8	)		$	(26.7	)		$	(4.2	)
	Benefit plan funding position
	Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans	-3		$	(0.7	)		$	(2.3	)		$	(1.3	)		$	(4.6	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss - other plans	-4		(0.1		)		(0.3		)		(0.3		)		(0.6		)
		Total before tax		$	(0.8	)		$	(2.6	)		$	(1.6	)		$	(5.2	)
		Tax benefit		0.3				1				0.8				2
		Net of tax		$	(0.5	)		$	(1.6	)		$	(0.8	)		$	(3.2	)
	-1	Primarily included in cost of sales. See Note 9 for additional details.
	-2	Primarily included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 9 for additional details.
	-3	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - pension and postretirement plans, which is a component of restaurant labor expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 8 for additional details.
	-4	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - other plans, which is a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
		Defined Benefit Plans
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23,			November 24,			November 23,			November 24,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	0.3		$	1.1		$	0.5		$	2.2
	Interest cost	2.9			2.6			5			5.1
	Expected return on plan assets	(4.5		)	(4.3		)	(7.6		)	(8.6		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	0.8			2.3			1.3			4.6
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(0.5	)	$	1.7		$	(0.8	)	$	3.3
		Postretirement Benefit Plan
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	(in millions)	November 23,			November 24,			November 23,			November 24,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	0.1		$	0.2		$	0.3		$	0.4
	Interest cost	0.4			0.3			0.8			0.6
	Recognized net actuarial loss	0.2			—			0.3			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	0.7		$	0.5		$	1.4		$	1

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Values Of Derivative Contracts Designated And Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	The notional values of our derivative contracts are as follows:
			Notional Values
	(in millions)		November 23,				May 25,
			2014				2014
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments
	Commodities		$	—			$	0.9
	Foreign currency		—				0.3
	Interest rate swaps		200				200
	Equity forwards		15.8				20.6
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity forwards		$	47.4			$	47.4
Fair Value Of Derivative Contracts Designated And Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	The fair value of our derivative contracts are as follows:
			Balance		Derivative Assets							Derivative Liabilities
			Sheet
	(in millions)		Location		November 23,				May 25,			November 23,				May 25,
					2014				2014			2014				2014
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments
	Equity forwards		-1		0.1				—			—				(0.5		)
	Interest rate related		-1		2.1				1.6			—				—
	Foreign currency forwards		-1		—				0.1			—				—
					$	2.2			$	1.7		$	—			$	(0.5	)
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments
	Equity forwards		-1		0.3				—			—				(1.2		)
					$	0.3			$	—		$	—			$	(1.2	)
	Total derivative contracts				$	2.5			$	1.7		$	—			$	(1.7	)
	-1	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in receivables, net, prepaid expenses and other current assets and other current liabilities, as applicable, on our consolidated balance sheets.
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Effects Of Derivative Instruments In Hedging Relationships	The effects of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:
	(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	(1) Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in AOCI								Gain (Loss)	Reclassified from AOCI to								Gain (Loss)	Recognized in Earnings
			(effective portion)								Reclassified	Earnings (effective portion)								Recognized	(ineffective portion)
											from AOCI to									in Earnings
											Earnings									(ineffective
																				portion)
			Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
	Type of Derivative		November 23,				November 24,					November 23,				November 24,					November 23,		November 24,
			2014				2013					2014				2013					2014		2013
	Commodity		$	—			$	0.1			-2	$	—			$	(0.5	)		-2	$	—	$	—
	Equity		2.7				3.9				-3	—				—				-3	0.3		0.3
	Interest rate		—				—				Interest, net	(1.4		)		(2.6		)		Interest, net	—		—
	Foreign currency		—				—				-4	—				0.2				-4	—		—
			$	2.7			$	4				$	(1.4	)		$	(2.9	)			$	0.3	$	0.3
	(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	(1) Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in AOCI								Gain (Loss)	Reclassified from AOCI to								Gain (Loss)	Recognized in Earnings
			(effective portion)								Reclassified	Earnings (effective portion)								Recognized	(ineffective portion)
											from AOCI to									in Earnings
											Earnings									(ineffective
																				portion)
			Six Months Ended									Six Months Ended									Six Months Ended
	Type of Derivative		November 23,				November 24,					November 23,				November 24,					November 23,		November 24,
			2014				2013					2014				2013					2014		2013
	Commodity		$	—			$	(0.3	)		-2	$	—			$	(0.7	)		-2	$	—	$	—
	Equity		0.7				(0.4		)		-3	(0.9		)		(0.7		)		-3	0.6		0.6
	Interest rate		—				—				Interest, net	(41.9		)		(5.2		)		Interest, net	—		—
	Foreign currency		—				0.2				-4	—				0.3				-4	—		—
			$	0.7			$	(0.5	)			$	(42.8	)		$	(6.3	)			$	0.6	$	0.6
	-1	Generally, all of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges have some level of ineffectiveness, which is recognized currently in earnings. However, as these amounts are generally nominal and our consolidated financial statements are presented “in millions,” these amounts may appear as zero in this tabular presentation.
	-2	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses, which are components of cost of sales.
	-3	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is restaurant labor expenses, which is a component of cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses.
	-4	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is food and beverage costs, which is a component of cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Fair Value Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Effects Of Derivative Instruments In Hedging Relationships	The effects of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:
	(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Hedged Item in		Amount of Gain (Loss)							Location of
			Recognized in Earnings on								Gain (Loss)	Fair Value Hedge		Recognized in Earnings on							Gain (Loss)
			Derivatives								Recognized in	Relationship		Related Hedged Item							Recognized in
											Earnings on										Earnings on
											Derivatives										Related
																					Hedged Item
			Three Months Ended											Three Months Ended
			November 23,				November 24,							November 23,				November 24,
			2014				2013							2014				2013
	Interest rate		$	(0.2	)		$	3.5			Interest, net	Fixed-rate debt		$	0.2			$	(3.5	)	Interest, net
	(in millions)		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Location of	Hedged Item in		Amount of Gain (Loss)							Location of
			Recognized in Earnings on								Gain (Loss)	Fair Value Hedge		Recognized in Earnings on							Gain (Loss)
			Derivatives								Recognized in	Relationship		Related Hedged Item							Recognized in
											Earnings on										Earnings on
											Derivatives										Related
																					Hedged Item
			Six Months Ended											Six Months Ended
			November 23,				November 24,							November 23,				November 24,
			2014				2013							2014				2013
	Interest rate		$	0.5			$	(1.4	)		Interest, net	Fixed-rate debt		$	(0.5	)		$	1.4		Interest, net
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Effects Of Derivative Instruments In Hedging Relationships	The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:
			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
			in Earnings on Derivatives		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
					November 23, 2014				November 24, 2013			November 23, 2014				November 24, 2013
	(in millions)
	Commodity contracts		Cost of Sales (1)		$	—			$	0.1		$	—			$	(0.4	)
	Equity forwards		Cost of Sales (2)		1.8				1.8			1.2				0.3
	Equity forwards		Selling, General and Administrative		4.6				5			2.8				1
					$	6.4			$	6.9		$	4			$	0.9
	-1	Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses, which are components of cost of sales.
	-2	Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings is restaurant labor expenses, which is a component of cost of sales.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	The following tables summarize the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as of November 23, 2014 and May 25, 2014:
	Items Measured at Fair Value at November 23, 2014
	(in millions)			Fair value			Quoted prices		Significant			Significant
				of assets			in active		other			unobservable
				(liabilities)			market for		observable			inputs
							identical assets		inputs			(Level 3)
							(liabilities)		(Level 2)
							(Level 1)
	Fixed-income securities:
	Corporate bonds	(1	)	$	3.1		$	—	$	3.1		$	—
	U.S. Treasury securities	(2	)	5.1			5.1		—			—
	Mortgage-backed securities	(1	)	2.6			—		2.6			—
	Derivatives:
	Equity forwards	(3	)	0.4			—		0.4			—
	Interest rate swaps	(4	)	2.1			—		2.1			—
	Foreign currency forwards	(5	)	—			—		—			—
	Total			$	13.3		$	5.1	$	8.2		$	—
	Items Measured at Fair Value at May 25, 2014
	(in millions)			Fair value			Quoted prices		Significant			Significant
				of assets			in active		other			unobservable
				(liabilities)			market for		observable			inputs
							identical assets		inputs			(Level 3)
							(liabilities)		(Level 2)
							(Level 1)
	Fixed-income securities:
	Corporate bonds	(1	)	$	9.7		$	—	$	9.7		$	—
	U.S. Treasury securities	(2	)	6.1			6.1		—			—
	Mortgage-backed securities	(1	)	2.6			—		2.6			—
	Derivatives:
	Equity forwards	(3	)	(1.7		)	—		(1.7		)	—
	Interest rate locks & swaps	(4	)	1.6			—		1.6			—
	Foreign currency forwards	(5	)	0.1			—		0.1			—
	Total			$	18.4		$	6.1	$	12.3		$	—
	-1	The fair value of these securities is based on closing market prices of the investments when applicable, or, alternatively, valuations utilizing market data and other observable inputs, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
	-2	The fair value of our U.S. Treasury securities is based on closing market prices.
	-3	The fair value of our equity forwards is based on the closing market value of Darden stock, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
	-4	The fair value of our interest rate lock and swap agreements is based on current and expected market interest rates, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
	-5	The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts is based on closing forward exchange market prices, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.

Workforce_Reduction_Costs_Tabl

Workforce Reduction Costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	In accordance with these actions, we incurred employee termination benefits costs and other costs which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of earnings for the quarters and six months ended November 23, 2014 and November 24, 2013 as follows:
	(in millions)		November 23,		November 24,
			2014		2013
	Employee termination benefits (1)		$	27	$	10.9
	Other (2)		0.4		0.8
	Total		$	27.4	$	11.7
	-1	Includes salary and stock-based compensation expense.
	-2	Includes postemployment medical, outplacement and relocation costs.
	The following table summarizes the accrued employee termination benefits and other costs which are primarily included in other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of November 23, 2014:
	(in millions)		September		January		May		November		Payments			Adjustments			Balance at November 23, 2014
			2013 Plan		2014 Plan		2014 Plan		2014 Plan
	Employee termination benefits (1)		$	7.7	$	0.7	$	5	$	17.2	$	(9.7	)	$	(0.4	)	$	20.5
	Other		0.8		0.1		0.2		0.4		(0.7		)	(0.3		)	0.5
	Total		$	8.5	$	0.8	$	5.2	$	17.6	$	(10.4	)	$	(0.7	)	$	21
	-1	Excludes costs associated with stock options and restricted stock that will be settled in shares upon vesting.

Basis_of_Presentation_Basis_of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Details) (Red Lobster)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	15-May-14	25-May-14
	Restaurant	Restaurant
Red Lobster
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of synergy restaurants closed	2	2

Dispositions_Details

Dispositions (Details) (Red Lobster, USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 28, 2014	15-May-14	25-May-14	Nov. 23, 2014
	location	Restaurant	Restaurant	property
	Restaurant
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold	705
Number of properties subject to landlord consents and other contractual requirements				28
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses				$2,080
Locations that share land parcel with another Darden brand	19
Number of synergy restaurants closed		2	2
Number of synergy restaurants			6
Disposal transaction related costs				29.3
Gain on sale of discontinued operation				816.6
Properties Subject to Contractual Requirements
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses				$71.60

Dispositions_Income_Statement_

Dispositions Income Statement Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income tax (benefit) expense	($1.50)	$2.50	$319.30	$13.20
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	-2	13.8	520.5	41.7
Red Lobster
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sales	0	564.3	400.4	1,191.40
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-3.5	16.3	839.8	54.9
Income tax (benefit) expense	-1.5	2.5	319.3	13.2
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	($2)	$13.80	$520.50	$41.70

Dispositions_Balance_Sheet_Dis

Dispositions Balance Sheet Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 23, 2014	25-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Current assets	$44.90	$1,390.30
Current liabilities	0	215.5
Red Lobster
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Current assets	0	241
Land, buildings and equipment, net	44.9	1,084.80
Other assets	0	64.5
Total assets	44.9	1,390.30
Current liabilities	0	130.6
Other liabilities	0	84.9
Total liabilities	$0	$215.50

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Aug. 24, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$99.90	$58.10
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	199.4	36
Long-term Debt
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	44.4		9.5	34.9
Extinguishment of debt, accrued interest	$12.70		$12.70

StockBased_Compensation_Option

Stock-Based Compensation (Option Pricing Assumptions) (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value (in dollars per share)	$10.36	$12.05
Dividend yield	4.50%	4.40%
Expected volatility of stock	37.30%	39.60%
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	1.90%
Expected option life (in years)	6 years 6 months	6 years 5 months

StockBased_Compensation_Share_

Stock-Based Compensation (Share Activity) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Jul. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Awards exercised	-1,400,000	-800,000
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning of period	11,200,000
Awards granted	1,100,000
Awards exercised	-1,400,000
Awards forfeited	-300,000
Outstanding end of period	10,600,000
Restricted Stock/ Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning of period	200,000
Awards granted	0
Awards exercised	-100,000
Awards forfeited	0
Performance unit adjustment	0
Outstanding end of period	100,000
Darden Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning of period	2,100,000
Awards granted	500,000
Awards exercised	-400,000
Awards forfeited	-700,000
Performance unit adjustment	0
Outstanding end of period	1,500,000
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning of period	300,000		23,700
Awards granted	100,000
Awards exercised	-100,000
Awards forfeited	-200,000
Performance unit adjustment	400,000
Outstanding end of period	500,000		23,700

StockBased_Compensation_Recogn

Stock-Based Compensation (Recognized Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013		Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$23.70		$18.20		$29.90		$26.90
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	11.5	[1]	7.3	[1]	14.7	[1]	11.5	[1]
Restricted Stock/ Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	0.7	[1]	0.4	[1]	1.1	[1]	0.8	[1]
Darden Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	3.5		6.1		4.8		7.9
Performance stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	7.1	[1]	2.3	[1]	8	[1]	4.1	[1]
Employee stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	0.3		0.4		0.7		0.9
Director Compensation Program Other
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$0.60		$1.70		$0.60		$1.70
[1]	The increase for the periods ended November 23, 2014 is primarily attributable to the workforce reduction efforts further discussed in Note 12.

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	43.60%	-233.30%	49.00%	6.60%
Income tax (benefit) expense	($23.80)	($4.20)	($48.20)	$3.40
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-54.6	1.8	-98.3	51.7
Tax position, change is reasonably possible in the next twelve months	$26.60		$26.60
Effective income tax rate, excluding debt extinguishment costs and debt extinguishment tax benefit (as a percent)	19.00%		19.00%

Net_Earnings_per_Share_Details

Net Earnings per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock	5.6	4.6	6.6	3.9

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity Narrative (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Oct. 01, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payments For Accelerated Share Repurchase Program	$500	$0
Accelerated share repurchase program reduction to shareholders' equity	85.6
Accelerated Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized amount						500
Payments For Accelerated Share Repurchase Program				500
Stock to be repurchased and retired			8.6
Accelerated share repurchase program reduction to shareholders' equity	$500
Accelerated share repurchases, price paid per share	$50.12
Subsequent Event | Accelerated Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock to be repurchased and retired					1.3

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	($102.50)	($134.40)	($128.10)	($132.80)
Gain (loss)	16.9	3.1	13.5	-2.5
Reclassification realized in net earnings	5.8	3.4	34.8	7.4
Ending Balance	-79.8	-127.9	-79.8	-127.9
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-3.2	-2.8	-4.7	-1.8
Gain (loss)	-0.5	-0.9	-1.8	-1.9
Reclassification realized in net earnings	4.5	0	7.3	0
Ending Balance	0.8	-3.7	0.8	-3.7
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0.1	0.1	0.2
Gain (loss)	0.1	0	0	-0.1
Reclassification realized in net earnings	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-26.5	-55.9	-50.4	-53.8
Gain (loss)	2.7	4	0.7	-0.5
Reclassification realized in net earnings	0.8	1.8	26.7	4.2
Ending Balance	-23	-50.1	-23	-50.1
Benefit Plan Funding Position
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-72.8	-75.8	-73.1	-77.4
Gain (loss)	14.6	0	14.6	0
Reclassification realized in net earnings	0.5	1.6	0.8	3.2
Ending Balance	($57.70)	($74.20)	($57.70)	($74.20)

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o1

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Reclassification Adjustments out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013		Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales	($1,269.70)		($1,200.50)		($2,552.30)		($2,408.60)
Selling, general and administrative	-190.4		-174.7		-350.4		-340.1
Interest, net	-33.7		-32.9		-145		-65.7
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-54.6		1.8		-98.3		51.7
Tax benefit	23.8		4.2		48.2		-3.4
Net (loss) earnings	-32.8		19.8		470.4		90
Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net (loss) earnings	-0.5		-1.6		-0.8		-3.2
Derivatives | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-1.4		-2.9		-42.8		-6.3
Tax benefit	0.6		1.1		16.1		2.1
Net (loss) earnings	-0.8		-1.8		-26.7		-4.2
Derivatives | Commodity | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales	0	[1]	-0.5	[1]	0	[1]	-0.7	[1]
Derivatives | Equity | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative	0	[2]	0	[2]	-0.9	[2]	-0.7	[2]
Derivatives | Interest rate related | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest, net	-1.4		-2.6		-41.9		-5.2
Derivatives | Foreign currency | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative	0	[2]	0.2	[2]	0	[2]	0.3	[2]
Benefit plan funding position | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-0.8		-2.6		-1.6		-5.2
Tax benefit	0.3		1		0.8		2
Benefit plan funding position | Recognized net actuarial loss - pension/postretirement plans | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings, Benefit plan funding position	-0.7	[3]	-2.3	[3]	-1.3		-4.6
Benefit plan funding position | Recognized net actuarial loss - other plans | Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Net Earnings, Benefit plan funding position	($0.10)	[4]	($0.30)	[4]	($0.30)		($0.60)
[1]	Primarily included in cost of sales. See Note 9 for additional details.
[2]	Primarily included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 9 for additional details.
[3]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - pension and postretirement plans, which is a component of restaurant labor expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 8 for additional details.
[4]	Included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs - other plans, which is a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

Retirement_Plans_Components_Of

Retirement Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$0.30	$1.10	$0.50	$2.20
Interest cost	2.9	2.6	5	5.1
Expected return on plan assets	-4.5	-4.3	-7.6	-8.6
Recognized net actuarial loss	0.8	2.3	1.3	4.6
Net periodic benefit cost	-0.5	1.7	-0.8	3.3
Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	0.1	0.2	0.3	0.4
Interest cost	0.4	0.3	0.8	0.6
Recognized net actuarial loss	0.2	0	0.3	0
Net periodic benefit cost	0.7	0.5	1.4	1
Defined Benefit Plan, effect of plan amendment on accumulated benefit obligation	-23.7		-23.7
Defined Benefit Plan, future amortization of prior service cost (credit)			($3.40)

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Ineffective portion of interest rate hedge			$0
Reduction to interest expense related to net swap settlements	1,300,000	600,000	1,800,000	1,100,000
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings (effective portion)			-4,800,000
Darden Stock Units | Forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward contract indexed to issuer's equity, indexed shares	0.8		0.8
Darden Stock Units | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Vesting period			4 years
Common stock at forward contract rate (in dollars per share)			$31.19
Darden Stock Units | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Vesting period			5 years
Common stock at forward contract rate (in dollars per share)			$52.66
Employee-Directed Investments In Darden Stock Within The Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward contract indexed to issuer's equity, indexed shares	0.2		0.2
Employee-Directed Investments In Darden Stock Within The Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan | Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Common stock at forward contract rate (in dollars per share)			$46.17
Employee-Directed Investments In Darden Stock Within The Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan | Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Common stock at forward contract rate (in dollars per share)			$51.95
4.500% Senior Notes Due October 2021 | Senior Notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of debt	100,000,000		100,000,000
Face amount of debt	121,900,000		121,900,000
Interest rate of debt	4.50%		4.50%
6.200% Senior Notes Due October 2017 | Senior Notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of debt	100,000,000		100,000,000
Face amount of debt	500,000,000		500,000,000
Interest rate of debt	6.20%		6.20%
Interest rate swaps | 5.625% Senior Notes Due October 2012 | Senior Notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional value of derivative instrument	$200,000,000		$200,000,000

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed3

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Notional Values Of Derivative Contracts Designated And Not Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 23, 2014	25-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Commodities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative contracts	$0	$0.90
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative contracts	0	0.3
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative contracts	200	200
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Equity forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative contracts	15.8	20.6
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Equity forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative contracts	$47.40	$47.40

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed4

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Fair Value Of Derivative Contracts Designated And Not Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 23, 2014		25-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Assets	$2.50		$1.70
Derivative contracts, Derivative Liabilities	0		-1.7
Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Assets	2.2		1.7
Derivative contracts, Derivative Liabilities	0		-0.5
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Equity forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Assets	0.1	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Liabilities	0	[1]	-0.5	[1]
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Interest rate related
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Assets	2.1	[1]	1.6	[1]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign currency
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Assets	0	[1]	0.1	[1]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Assets	0.3		0
Derivative contracts, Derivative Liabilities	0		-1.2
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Equity forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Assets	0.3	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative contracts, Derivative Liabilities	$0	[1]	($1.20)	[1]
[1]	Derivative assets and liabilities are included in receivables, net, prepaid expenses and other current assets and other current liabilities, as applicable, on our consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed5

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Effects Of Derivative Instruments In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013		Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	$2.70		$4		$0.70		($0.50)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (effective portion)	-1.4		-2.9		-42.8		-6.3
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)	0.3	[1]	0.3	[1]	0.6	[1]	0.6	[1]
Commodity
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	0	[2]	0.1	[2]	0	[2]	-0.3	[2]
Commodity | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (effective portion)	0	[2]	-0.5	[2]	0	[2]	-0.7	[2]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Equity
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	2.7	[3]	3.9	[3]	0.7	[3]	-0.4	[3]
Equity | Cost of Sales and Selling General and Administrative Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (effective portion)	0	[3]	0	[3]	-0.9	[3]	-0.7	[3]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)	0.3	[1],[3]	0.3	[1],[3]	0.6	[1],[3]	0.6	[1],[3]
Interest rate related
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	0		0		0		0
Interest rate related | Interest, Net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (effective portion)	-1.4		-2.6		-41.9		-5.2
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Foreign currency
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	0	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]	0.2	[4]
Foreign currency | Cost of Sales and Selling General and Administrative Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings (effective portion)	0	[4]	0.2	[4]	0	[4]	0.3	[4]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion)	$0	[1],[4]	$0	[1],[4]	$0	[1],[4]	$0	[1],[4]
[1]	Generally, all of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges have some level of ineffectiveness, which is recognized currently in earnings. However, as these amounts are generally nominal and our consolidated financial statements are presented “in millions,” these amounts may appear as zero in this tabular presentation.
[2]	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses, which are components of cost of sales.
[3]	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is restaurant labor expenses, which is a component of cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses.
[4]	Location of the gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings as well as the gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the ineffective portion of the hedge is food and beverage costs, which is a component of cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed6

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Effects Of Derivative Instruments In Fair Value Hedging Relationships) (Details) (Interest, Net, Fair Value Hedging, Interest rate related, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Interest, Net | Fair Value Hedging | Interest rate related
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	($0.20)	$3.50	$0.50	($1.40)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item	$0.20	($3.50)	($0.50)	$1.40

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed7

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Effects Of Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013		Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$6.40		$6.90		$4		$0.90
Commodity contracts | Cost of Sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	0	[1]	0.1	[1]	0	[1]	-0.4	[1]
Equity forwards | Cost of Sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	1.8	[2]	1.8	[2]	1.2	[2]	0.3	[2]
Equity forwards | Selling, General and Administrative
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$4.60		$5		$2.80		$1
[1]	Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings is food and beverage costs and restaurant expenses, which are components of cost of sales.
[2]	Location of the gain (loss) recognized in earnings is restaurant labor expenses, which is a component of cost of sales.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Nov. 23, 2014		25-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$13.30		$18.40
Equity forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0.4	[1]	-1.7	[1]
Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	2.1	[2]	1.6	[2]
Foreign currency forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[3]	0.1	[3]
Corporate bonds
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	3.1	[4]	9.7	[4]
U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	5.1	[5]	6.1	[5]
Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	2.6	[4]	2.6	[4]
Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1)
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	5.1		6.1
Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Equity forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[2]	0	[2]
Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Foreign currency forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[3]	0	[3]
Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Corporate bonds
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	0	[4]	0	[4]
Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	5.1	[5]	6.1	[5]
Quoted prices in active market for identical assets (liabilities) (Level 1) | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	0	[4]	0	[4]
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	8.2		12.3
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Equity forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0.4	[1]	-1.7	[1]
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	2.1	[2]	1.6	[2]
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Foreign currency forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[3]	0.1	[3]
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate bonds
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	3.1	[4]	9.7	[4]
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	0	[5]	0	[5]
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	2.6	[4]	2.6	[4]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	0		0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Equity forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[2]	0	[2]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Foreign currency forwards
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0	[3]	0	[3]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate bonds
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	0	[4]	0	[4]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	0	[5]	0	[5]
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-income securities	$0	[4]	$0	[4]
[1]	The fair value of our equity forwards is based on the closing market value of Darden stock, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
[2]	The fair value of our interest rate lock and swap agreements is based on current and expected market interest rates, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
[3]	The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts is based on closing forward exchange market prices, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
[4]	The fair value of these securities is based on closing market prices of the investments when applicable, or, alternatively, valuations utilizing market data and other observable inputs, inclusive of the risk of nonperformance.
[5]	The fair value of our U.S. Treasury securities is based on closing market prices.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Carryi

Fair Value Measurements (Carrying Value And Fair Value Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 23, 2014	25-May-14
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying value of long-term debt	$1.48	$2.50
Fair value of long-term debt	$1.55	$2.63

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	25-May-14
		plaintiff	plaintiff	plaintiff	plaintiff	plaintiff
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Description of lessor leasing arrangement, operating leases	fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2044
Alequin v. Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of original opt-In notices distributed				217,000
Number of plaintiffs			54	20,225
Number of plaintiffs granted joint motion to stay		49
ChHab v. Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of original opt-In notices distributed					3,200
Number of plaintiffs					541
Workers Compensation and General Liabilities Accrued
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit	124.2						$113.50
Operating Lease Obligation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit	13.9						17.8
Property Lease Guarantee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantees associated with leased properties	139						3.4
Fair value of potential payments discounted at pre-tax cost of capital related to guarantee obligations	106.1						$2.70
Subsequent Event | Alequin v. Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs dismissed						5

Workforce_Reduction_Costs_Sell

Workforce Reduction Costs - Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Details) (Selling, General and Administrative, USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013		Nov. 23, 2014		Nov. 24, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$27.40		$11.70		$27.40		$11.70
Employee termination benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	27	[1]	10.9	[1]	27	[1]	10.9	[1]
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$0.40	[2]	$0.80	[2]	$0.40	[2]	$0.80	[2]
[1]	Includes salary and stock-based compensation expense.
[2]	Includes postemployment medical, outplacement and relocation costs.

Workforce_Reduction_Costs_Othe

Workforce Reduction Costs - Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments	($10.40)
Adjustments	-0.7
Balance at November 23, 2014	21
September 2013 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	8.5
January 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0.8
May 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	5.2
November 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	17.6
Additional restructuring charges	1.5
Employee termination benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments	-9.7	[1]
Adjustments	-0.4	[1]
Balance at November 23, 2014	20.5	[1]
Employee termination benefits | September 2013 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	7.7	[1]
Employee termination benefits | January 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0.7	[1]
Employee termination benefits | May 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	5	[1]
Employee termination benefits | November 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	17.2	[1]
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments	-0.7
Adjustments	-0.3
Balance at November 23, 2014	0.5
Other | September 2013 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0.8
Other | January 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0.1
Other | May 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0.2
Other | November 2014 Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$0.40
[1]	Excludes costs associated with stock options and restricted stock that will be settled in shares upon vesting.

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Aug. 24, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$90,500,000	$0
Long-term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total extinguishment of debt amount	1,000,000,000
Extinguishment of debt, amount			100,000,000	900,000,000
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	44,400,000		9,500,000	34,900,000
Non-cash charges on extinguishment of debt			1,000,000	45,100,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt				80,000,000
Long-term Debt | 7.125% Senior Note due February 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt, amount	100,000,000
Interest rate of debt	7.13%		7.13%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			10,500,000
Senior Notes | 4.500% Senior Notes Due October 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt, amount	278,100,000
Interest rate of debt	4.50%		4.50%
Senior Notes | 3.350% Senior Note due November 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt, amount	331,900,000
Interest rate of debt	3.35%		3.35%
Senior Notes | 3.790% Senior Notes Due August 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt, amount	80,000,000
Interest rate of debt	3.79%		3.79%
Senior Notes | 4.520% Senior Notes Due August 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt, amount	$210,000,000
Interest rate of debt	4.52%		4.52%

Special_Charges_Details

Special Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Professional fees	$12.30

Asset_Impairment_Net_Details

Asset Impairment, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013	Nov. 23, 2014	Nov. 24, 2013
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	$39.70	$0.20	$46.60	$1.20
Asset impairment charges, net of tax	26.4	0.1	30.7	0.7
Olive Garden and Seasons 52
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	$28.30		$33.80
Olive Garden
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants Impaired	8
Seasons 52 Restaurant
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants Impaired	3

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event, Dividend Declared, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 10, 2014	Dec. 10, 2014
Subsequent Event | Dividend Declared
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared date	10-Dec-14
Cash dividend declared, per share	$0.55	$0.55
Dividend payable date	2-Feb-15
Dividends payable date of record	9-Jan-15