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DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION
9 Months Ended
Jan. 27, 2013
Mar. 01, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name SMITHFIELD FOODS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000091388  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --04-28  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jan. 27, 2013  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   138,763,415