XML 46 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information Document
 6 Months Ended
Oct. 30, 2011
Dec. 05, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name SMITHFIELD FOODS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000091388  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --04-29  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Oct. 30, 2011  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   160,955,829