Special Charge	12 Months Ended
Apr. 28, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Special Charge	Special Charge During fiscal year 2017, in continuing the Company's commitment to improve the health of people and communities throughout the world, the Company recognized a special charge of $100 million for a charitable contribution to meet the multi-year funding needs of the Medtronic Foundation, a related party non-profit organization. During fiscal year 2016, the Company recognized a special charge of $70 million in connection with the impairment of a debt investment. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recognized special gains of $138 million, which consisted of a $41 million gain on the sale of a product line in the ENT division, and a $97 million gain on the sale of an equity method investment. These special gains were partially offset by a $100 million charitable contribution that the Company made to the Medtronic Foundation.

Special Charge

During fiscal year 2017, in continuing the Company's commitment to improve the health of people and communities throughout the world, the Company recognized a special charge of $100 million for a charitable contribution to meet the multi-year funding needs of the Medtronic Foundation, a related party non-profit organization.

During fiscal year 2016, the Company recognized a special charge of $70 million in connection with the impairment of a debt investment.

During fiscal year 2015, the Company recognized special gains of $138 million, which consisted of a $41 million gain on the sale of a product line in the ENT division, and a $97 million gain on the sale of an equity method investment. These special gains were partially offset by a $100 million charitable contribution that the Company made to the Medtronic Foundation.