Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jan. 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BROWN FORMAN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000014693
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		169,000,615
Common stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		308,047,484

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 1,181			$ 1,156			$ 3,329	$ 3,251
Excise taxes	277			278			749	736
Net sales	904			878			2,580	2,515
Cost of sales	333			291			896	825
Gross profit	571			587			1,684	1,690
Advertising expenses	103			112			303	308
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	149			173			478	496
Other expense (income), net	(1)			(4)			(13)	(15)
Operating income	320			306			916	901
Non-operating postretirement expense	15			2			19	7
Interest income	(2)			(2)			(6)	(4)
Interest expense	23			17			67	49
Income before income taxes	284			289			836	849
Income taxes	57			99			160	242
Net income	$ 227	$ 249	$ 200	$ 190	$ 239	$ 178	$ 676	$ 607
Earnings per share:
Basic (dollars per share)	$ 0.47			$ 0.39			$ 1.41	$ 1.26
Diluted (dollars per share)	$ 0.47			$ 0.39			$ 1.40	$ 1.25

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 227	$ 190	$ 676	$ 607
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation adjustments	18	38	(21)	47
Cash flow hedge adjustments	(8)	(32)	37	(48)
Postretirement benefits adjustments	(5)	3	2	9
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	5	9	18	8
Comprehensive income	$ 232	$ 199	$ 694	$ 615

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 260	$ 239
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7 at April 30 and January 31	737	639
Inventories:
Barreled whiskey	967	947
Finished goods	263	225
Work in process	158	117
Raw materials and supplies	83	90
Total inventories	1,471	1,379
Other current assets	287	298
Total current assets	2,755	2,555
Property, plant, and equipment, net	801	780
Goodwill	754	763
Other intangible assets	651	670
Deferred tax assets	20	16
Other assets	182	192
Total assets	5,163	4,976
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	587	581
Dividends payable	79	0
Accrued income taxes	22	25
Short-term borrowings	207	215
Total current liabilities	895	821
Long-term debt	2,301	2,341
Deferred tax liabilities	119	85
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits	198	191
Other liabilities	157	222
Total liabilities	3,670	3,660
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Additional paid-in capital	3	4
Retained earnings	2,085	1,730
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(360)	(378)
Treasury stock, at cost (3,531,000 and 7,519,000 shares at April 30 and January 31, respectively)	(307)	(112)
Total stockholders' equity	1,493	1,316
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,163	4,976
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock	25	25
Common stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock	$ 47	$ 47

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7	$ 7
Treasury stock, shares	7,519,000	3,531,000
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Common stock, shares authorized	170,000,000	170,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	170,000,000	170,000,000
Common stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	314,532,000	314,532,000

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 676	$ 607
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	52	48
Stock-based compensation expense	12	14
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	13	(32)
U.S Tax Act repatriation tax provision (benefit)	(4)	91
Other, net	7	(12)
Changes in:
Accounts receivable	(102)	(148)
Inventories	(109)	(55)
Other current assets	19	41
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(1)	48
Accrued income taxes	(3)	1
Other operating assets and liabilities	17	(21)
Cash provided by operating activities	577	582
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(84)	(100)
Payments for corporate-owned life insurance	(2)	(20)
Proceeds from corporate-owned life insurance	2	0
Computer software expenditures	(2)	(1)
Cash used for investing activities	(86)	(121)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	(13)	111
Repayment of long-term debt	0	(250)
Net payments related to exercise of stock-based awards	(8)	(24)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(206)	(1)
Dividends paid	(231)	(216)
Cash used for financing activities	(458)	(380)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(12)	24
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	21	105
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	239	182
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 260	$ 287

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

We prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial information. In accordance with those rules and regulations, we condensed or omitted certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments (unless otherwise indicated), necessary for a fair statement of our financial results for the periods presented in these financial statements. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results.

We suggest that you read these condensed financial statements together with the financial statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2018 (2018 Form 10-K). Except for adopting the new accounting standards discussed below, we prepared the accompanying financial statements on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in our 2018 Form 10-K.

Recently adopted accounting standards. As of May 1, 2018, we adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB):

•

ASU 2014-09: Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This update, codified along with various amendments as Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606), replaces previous revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of ASC 606 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASC 606 also requires more financial statement disclosures than were required by previous revenue recognition standards. We applied this new guidance on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings as of May 1, 2018, by $25 million (net of tax). See Note 2 for additional information about our revenues and the impact of adopting ASC 606.

•

ASU 2016-15: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This new guidance addresses eight specific issues related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The impact of adopting the new guidance was limited to a change in our classification of cash payments for premiums on corporate-owned life insurance policies, which we previously reflected in operating activities. Under the new guidance, we classify those payments as investing activities. We retrospectively adjusted prior period cash flow statements to conform to the new classification. As a result, we reclassified payments of $20 million from operating activities to investing activities for the nine months ended January 31, 2018.

•

ASU 2016-16: Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This revised guidance requires the recognition of the income tax consequences (expense or benefit) of an intercompany transfer of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. It maintains the existing requirement to defer the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intercompany transfer of inventory until the inventory is sold to an outside party. We applied the guidance on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment that increased retained earnings as of May 1, 2018, by $20 million.

•

ASU 2017-04: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This updated guidance eliminates the second step of the previous two-step quantitative test of goodwill for impairment. Under the new guidance, the quantitative test consists of a single step in which the carrying amount of the reporting unit is compared to its fair value. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the amount of the impairment would be limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The guidance does not affect the existing option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The prospective adoption of the new standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

•

ASU 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This new guidance addresses the presentation of the net periodic cost (NPC) associated with pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance requires the service cost component of the NPC to be reported in the income statement in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of the NPC are to be presented separately from the service cost and outside of income from operations. In addition, the guidance allows only the service cost component of NPC to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. We applied the guidance retrospectively for the presentation in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of service cost. The retrospective application increased previously-reported operating income by $2 million and $7 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2018, respectively. As the retrospective application merely reclassified amounts from operating income to non-operating expense, there was no effect on previously-reported net income or earnings per share.

New accounting standards to be adopted. We will adopt the following ASUs as of May 1, 2019:

•

ASU 2016-02: Leases. This update, codified along with various amendments as Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 (ASC 842), replaces existing lease accounting guidance. Under ASC 842, a lessee should recognize on its balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASC 842 permits an entity to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. It also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements.

We continue to make progress in implementing the new standard. We continue to evaluate and collect data about our lease arrangements, are in the process of implementing a new lease accounting system, and are identifying and making other changes to our processes and controls to meet the requirements of the new standard. Although we are unable to quantify the impact of adoption at this time, the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets to be recognized on our balance sheet could be material. We do not currently expect adoption to have a material impact on our results of operations, stockholders’ equity, or cash flows.

We will adopt ASC 842 as of May 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at that date. For the transition, we expect to elect to use the package of practical expedients to not reassess (a) whether existing contracts are or contain leases, (b) the classification of existing leases, and (c) initial direct costs for existing leases.

•

ASU 2018-02: Reclassification of Certain Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This new guidance would allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by the U.S. government in December 2017. We currently expect to elect to make the reclassification, which we estimate will increase retained earnings and decrease accumulated other comprehensive income as of May 1, 2019, by approximately $40 million.

There are no other new accounting standards to be adopted that we currently believe might have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications. We have reclassified some previously reported expense amounts related to certain marketing research and promotional agency costs to conform to the current year classification. These immaterial reclassifications between advertising expenses and selling, general, and administrative expenses had no impact on operating income or net income.

Net Sales

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Net Sales [Abstract]

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]

Net Sales

Effective May 1, 2018, we updated our policy for recognizing revenue (“net sales”) to reflect the adoption of ASC 606. We describe the updated policy below. Also, we show how the adoption impacted our financial statements and we present disaggregated net sales information in accordance with the new standard.

Revenue recognition policy. Our net sales predominantly reflect global sales of beverage alcohol consumer products. We sell these products under contracts with different types of customers, depending on the market. The customer is most often a distributor, wholesaler, or retailer.

Each contract typically includes a single performance obligation to transfer control of the products to the customer. Depending on the contract, control is transferred when the products are either shipped or delivered to the customer, at which point we recognize the transaction price for those products as net sales. The transaction price recognized at that point reflects our estimate of the consideration to be received in exchange for the products. The actual amount may ultimately differ due to the effect of various customer incentives and trade promotion activities. In making our estimates, we consider our historical experience and current expectations, as applicable. Adjustments recognized during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2019, for changes in estimated transaction prices of products sold in prior periods were not material.

Net sales exclude taxes we collect from customers that are imposed by various governments on our sales, and are reduced by payments to customers unless made in exchange for distinct goods or services with fair values approximating the payments.

Net sales include any amounts we bill customers for shipping and handling activities related to the products. We recognize the cost of those activities in cost of sales during the same period in which we recognize the related net sales.

Sales returns, which are permitted only in limited situations, are not material.

Customer payment terms generally range from 30 to 90 days. There are no significant amounts of contract assets or liabilities.

Impact of adoption. We adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method. As a result, we recorded an adjustment that decreased retained earnings as of May 1, 2018, by $25 million (net of tax). The adjustment reflects the cumulative effect on that date of applying our updated revenue recognition policy, under which we recognize the cost of certain customer incentives earlier than we did before adopting ASC 606. Although we do not expect this change in timing to have a significant impact on a full-year basis, there is some change in the timing of recognition across periods. Additionally, some payments to customers that we classified as expenses before adopting the new standard are classified as reductions of net sales under our new policy.

The following table shows how the adoption of ASC 606 impacted our consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended January 31, 2019:



	Three Months Ended January 31, 2019
	Under Prior			As Reported Under			Effect of
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	Guidance			ASC 606			Adoption
Sales	$	1,178		$	1,181		$	3
Excise taxes	277			277			—
Net sales	901			904			3
Cost of sales	333			333			—
Gross profit	568			571			3
Advertising expenses	105			103			(2		)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	149			149			—
Other expense (income), net	(1		)	(1		)	—
Operating income	315			320			5
Non-operating postretirement expense	15			15			—
Interest income	(2		)	(2		)	—
Interest expense	23			23			—
Income before income taxes	279			284			5
Income taxes	56			57			1
Net income	$	223		$	227		$	4
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.46		$	0.47		$	0.01
Diluted	$	0.46		$	0.47		$	0.01

The following table shows how the adoption of ASC 606 impacted our consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



	Nine Months Ended January 31, 2019
	Under Prior			As Reported Under			Effect of
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	Guidance			ASC 606			Adoption
Sales	$	3,344		$	3,329		$	(15	)
Excise taxes	749			749			—
Net sales	2,595			2,580			(15		)
Cost of sales	896			896			—
Gross profit	1,699			1,684			(15		)
Advertising expenses	313			303			(10		)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	480			478			(2		)
Other expense (income), net	(13		)	(13		)	—
Operating income	919			916			(3		)
Non-operating postretirement expense	19			19			—
Interest income	(6		)	(6		)	—
Interest expense	67			67			—
Income before income taxes	839			836			(3		)
Income taxes	161			160			(1		)
Net income	$	678		$	676		$	(2	)
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.41		$	1.41		$	—
Diluted	$	1.40		$	1.40		$	—

The following table shows how the adoption of ASC 606 impacted our consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2019:



	As of January 31, 2019
	Under Prior		As Reported Under		Effect of
(Dollars in millions)	Guidance		ASC 606		Adoption
Assets
Other current assets	$	288	$	287	$	(1	)
Deferred tax assets	19		20		1
Total assets	5,163		5,163		—

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	553	$	587	$	34
Deferred tax liabilities	126		119		(7		)
Total liabilities	3,643		3,670		27

Stockholders’ Equity
Retained earnings	$	2,112	$	2,085	$	(27	)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,520		1,493		(27		)

Disaggregated revenues.

The following table shows our net sales by geography:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	January 31,				January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2018		2019		2018		2019
United States	$	387	$	413	$	1,180	$	1,217
Developed International¹	275		269		716		718
Emerging²	163		165		445		460
Travel Retail³	34		33		108		109
Non-branded and bulk⁴	19		24		66		76
Total	$	878	$	904	$	2,515	$	2,580

¹Represents net sales of branded products to “advanced economies” as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), excluding the United States. Our largest developed international markets are the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.

²Represents net sales of branded products to “emerging and developing economies” as defined by the IMF. Our largest emerging markets are Mexico and Poland.

³Represents net sales of branded products to global duty-free customers, travel retail customers, and the U.S. military regardless of customer location.

⁴Includes net sales of used barrels, bulk whiskey and wine, and contract bottling regardless of customer location.

The following table shows our net sales by product category:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	January 31,				January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2018		2019		2018		2019
Whiskey¹	$	688	$	709	$	1,958	$	2,017
Tequila²	63		68		185		200
Vodka³	39		36		105		96
Wine⁴	50		51		155		153
Rest of portfolio	19		16		46		38
Non-branded and bulk⁵	19		24		66		76
Total	$	878	$	904	$	2,515	$	2,580

¹Includes all whiskey spirits and whiskey-based flavored liqueurs, ready-to-drink, and ready-to-pour products. The brands included in this category are the Jack Daniel's family of brands, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, GlenDronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh, Old Forester, Early Times, Slane Irish Whiskey, and Coopers' Craft.

²Includes el Jimador, Herradura, New Mix, Pepe Lopez, and Antiguo.

³Includes Finlandia.

⁴Includes Korbel Champagne and Sonoma-Cutrer wines.

⁵Includes net sales of used barrels, bulk whiskey and wine, and contract bottling regardless of customer location.

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jan. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Our consolidated interim effective tax rate is based on our expected annual operating income, statutory tax rates, and income tax laws in the various jurisdictions where we operate. Significant or unusual items, including adjustments to accruals for tax uncertainties, are recognized in the fiscal quarter in which the related event or a change in judgment occurs. The effective tax rate of 19.2% for the nine months ended January 31, 2019, is lower than the expected tax rate of 21.9% on ordinary income for the full fiscal year, primarily due to (a) the impact of discrete items, including true-ups to prior year tax returns, (b) the impact of the current year net adjustment to the provisional repatriation U.S. tax charge that was made during fiscal 2018 (discussed below), and (c) excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation. Our expected tax rate includes current fiscal year additions for existing tax contingency items. We expect our full year effective tax rate to be between 19.0% and 20.0% based on the tax rate of 21.9% on ordinary income for the full fiscal year adjusted for known discrete items. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act). The Tax Act significantly revised the future, ongoing U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering U.S. corporate income tax rates and implementing a territorial tax system. As we have an April 30 fiscal year-end, the lower corporate income tax rate was phased in, resulting in a U.S. statutory federal rate of 30.4% for our fiscal year ended April 30, 2018, and 21% for our current and subsequent fiscal years. For the nine months ended January 31, 2019, the reduction of the U.S. statutory federal rate from 35% (the pre-Tax Act rate) to 21% resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $90 million. There were also certain transitional impacts of the Tax Act. As part of the transition to the new territorial tax system, the Tax Act imposed a one-time repatriation tax on deemed repatriation of historical earnings of foreign subsidiaries. In addition, we adjusted our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities to the lower federal base rate of 21%. These transitional impacts resulted in a provisional net charge of $43 million for the year ended April 30, 2018, comprising of a provisional repatriation U.S. tax charge of $91 million and a provisional net deferred tax benefit of $48 million. In the nine months ended January 31, 2019, we recorded a benefit of $4 million as an adjustment to the provisional repatriation tax. The Tax Act also established new tax laws that impact our financial statements beginning in the current fiscal year. These new laws include, but are not limited to (a) Global Intangible Low-Tax Income (GILTI), a new inclusion rule affecting non-routine income earned by foreign subsidiaries; (b) Base Erosion Anti-abuse Tax (BEAT), a new minimum tax; (c) Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII), a new preferential tax rate for domestic income earned from serving foreign markets; (d) repeal of the domestic production activity deduction; and (e) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation. For the nine months ended January 31, 2019, the net impact of these provisions was approximately $8 million of additional tax. As noted, certain income earned by foreign subsidiaries must be included in U.S. taxable income under the GILTI provisions. The FASB allows an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years (deferred method) or recognize such taxes as a current period expense when incurred (period cost method). We have elected to account for GILTI using the period cost method. Historically, we have asserted that the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are reinvested indefinitely outside the United States. Therefore, no income taxes have been provided for any outside basis differences inherent in these subsidiaries other than those subject to the one-time repatriation tax. As of October 31, 2018, we changed our indefinite reinvestment assertion with respect to current year earnings and prior year undistributed earnings for one of those foreign subsidiaries (but not for its other outside basis differences) and repatriated approximately $120 million of cash to the United States from this subsidiary during the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2019. No incremental taxes are due on this distribution of cash beyond the repatriation tax recorded in fiscal year 2018. As of January 31, 2019, we changed our indefinite reinvestment assertion with respect to current year earnings and prior year undistributed earnings for additional select foreign subsidiaries (but not outside basis differences). Although these earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested and may now be distributed within our foreign entity structure, they remain indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. No deferred taxes have been recorded as no withholding taxes would be due on their distribution. Also, any income tax related to foreign exchange fluctuations that would be due on the distribution of these earnings would be subject to the GILTI provisions and be recorded as incurred. We have not changed the indefinite reinvestment assertion on the undistributed earnings or other outside basis differences of any of our other remaining foreign subsidiaries and no deferred taxes have been provided. The changes included in the Tax Act are broad and complex. The SEC issued rules that allowed for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. As of January 31, 2019, the amounts recorded for the Tax Act for the one-time repatriation tax and the adjustment to our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities have been finalized and are no longer deemed to be provisional.

Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share further includes the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards. We calculate that dilutive effect using the “treasury stock method” (as defined by GAAP).

The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	January 31,				January 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	2018		2019		2018		2019
Net income available to common stockholders	$	190	$	227	$	607	$	676

Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding	480,361		477,301		480,193		479,522
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	3,883		2,798		3,318		3,143
Diluted average common shares outstanding	484,244		480,099		483,511		482,665

Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.47	$	1.26	$	1.41
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.47	$	1.25	$	1.40

We excluded common stock-based awards for approximately 0 shares and 548,000 shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We excluded common stock-based awards for approximately 1,073,000 shares and 414,000 shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended January 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We excluded those awards because they were not dilutive for those periods under the treasury stock method.

Inventories	9 Months Ended
Inventories	Jan. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Some of our consolidated inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, which we use for the majority of our U.S. inventories. If the LIFO method had not been used, inventories at current cost would have been $290 million higher than reported as of April 30, 2018, and $302 million higher than reported as of January 31, 2019. Changes in the LIFO valuation reserve for interim periods are based on a proportionate allocation of the estimated change for the entire fiscal year.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table shows the changes in goodwill (which includes no accumulated impairment losses) and other intangible assets during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



(Dollars in millions)	Goodwill			Other Intangible Assets
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	763		$	670
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(9		)	(19		)
Balance at January 31, 2019	$	754		$	651

Our other intangible assets consist of trademarks and brand names, all with indefinite useful lives.

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Jan. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We operate in a litigious environment, and we are sued in the normal course of business. Sometimes plaintiffs seek substantial damages. Significant judgment is required in predicting the outcome of these suits and claims, many of which take years to adjudicate. We accrue estimated costs for a contingency when we believe that a loss is probable and we can make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and then adjust the accrual as appropriate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. We do not believe it is reasonably possible that these existing loss contingencies, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. No material accrued loss contingencies were recorded as of January 31, 2019. We have guaranteed the repayment by a third-party importer of its obligation under a bank credit facility that it uses in connection with its importation of our products in Russia. If the importer were to default on that obligation, which we believe is unlikely, our maximum possible exposure under the existing terms of the guaranty would be approximately $10 million (subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates). Both the fair value and carrying amount of the guaranty are insignificant. As of January 31, 2019, our actual exposure under the guaranty of the importer’s obligation was approximately $6 million. We also have accounts receivable from that importer of approximately $8 million at January 31, 2019, which we expect to collect in full. Based on the financial support we provide to the importer, we believe it meets the definition of a variable interest entity. However, because we do not control this entity, it is not included in our consolidated financial statements.

Debt

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Our long-term debt (net of unamortized discount and issuance costs) consists of:



(Principal and carrying amounts in millions)	April 30, 2018		January 31, 2019
2.25% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2023	$	248	$	249
3.50% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2025	296		297
1.20% senior notes, €300 principal amount, due July 7, 2026	361		340
2.60% senior notes, £300 principal amount, due July 7, 2028	408		387
4.00% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2038	293		293
3.75% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2043	248		248
4.50% senior notes, $500 principal amount, due July 15, 2045	487		487
	$	2,341	$	2,301

As of April 30, 2018, our short-term borrowings consisted of $215 million of commercial paper, with an average interest rate of 2.04%, and an average remaining maturity of 23 days. As of January 31, 2019, our short-term borrowings consisted of $207 million of commercial paper, with an average interest rate of 2.67%, and an average remaining maturity of 21 days.

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis:



	April 30, 2018				January 31, 2019
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(Dollars in millions)	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	239	$	239	$	260	$	260
Currency derivatives	1		1		24		24
Liabilities
Currency derivatives	39		39		3		3
Short-term borrowings	215		215		207		207
Long-term debt	2,341		2,386		2,301		2,361

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We categorize the fair values of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to determine those values. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are:


•	Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


•	Level 2 – Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in inactive markets; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data.


•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity.

We determine the fair values of our currency derivatives (forward contracts) using standard valuation models. The significant inputs used in these models, which are readily available in public markets or can be derived from observable market transactions, include the applicable spot exchange rates, forward exchange rates, and interest rates. These fair value measurements are categorized as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

We determine the fair value of long-term debt primarily based on the prices at which identical or similar debt has recently traded in the market and also considering the overall market conditions on the date of valuation. These fair value measurements are categorized as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

The fair values of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term borrowings approximate the carrying amounts due to the short maturities of these instruments.

We measure some assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, we do not measure them at fair value on an ongoing basis, but we do adjust them to fair value in some circumstances (for example, when we determine that an asset is impaired). No material nonrecurring fair value measurements were required during the periods presented in these financial statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Our multinational business exposes us to global market risks, including the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. We use derivatives to help manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. We formally document the purpose of each derivative contract, which includes linking the contract to the financial exposure it is designed to mitigate. We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

We use currency derivative contracts to limit our exposure to the currency exchange risk that we cannot mitigate internally by using netting strategies. We designate most of these contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions (expected to occur within three years). We record all changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (except any ineffective portion) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) until the underlying hedged transaction occurs, at which time we reclassify that amount into earnings. We assess the effectiveness of these hedges based on changes in forward exchange rates. The ineffective portion of the changes in fair value of our hedges (recognized immediately in earnings) during the periods presented in these financial statements was not material.

We had outstanding currency derivatives, related primarily to our euro, British pound, and Australian dollar exposures, with notional amounts totaling $1,098 million at April 30, 2018 and $1,190 million at January 31, 2019.

We also use foreign currency-denominated debt to help manage our currency exchange risk. As of January 31, 2019,

$622 million of our foreign currency-denominated debt instruments were designated as net investment hedges. These net investment hedges are intended to mitigate foreign exchange exposure related to non-U.S. dollar net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries. Any change in value of the designated portion of the hedging instruments is recorded in AOCI, offsetting the foreign currency translation adjustment of the related net investments that is also recorded in AOCI. There was no ineffectiveness related to our net investment hedges in any of the periods presented in these financial statements.

We do not designate some of our currency derivatives and foreign currency-denominated debt as hedges because we use them to at least partially offset the immediate earnings impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on existing assets or liabilities. We immediately recognize the change in fair value of these instruments in earnings.

We use forward purchase contracts with suppliers to protect against corn price volatility. We expect to physically take delivery of the corn underlying each contract and use it for production over a reasonable period of time. Accordingly, we account for these contracts as normal purchases rather than as derivative instruments.

The following tables present the pre-tax impact that changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments and non-derivative hedging instruments had on AOCI and earnings:



		Three Months Ended
		January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2018			2019
Derivative Instruments
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(51	)	$	(5	)
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Sales	(1		)	5
Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Sales	(5		)	(1		)
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	3			6
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments
Foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	(42		)	(11		)
Foreign currency-denominated debt not designated as hedging instrument:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	(9		)	(1		)

		Nine Months Ended
		January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2018			2019
Derivative Instruments
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(80	)	$	51
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Sales	(4		)	3
Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Sales	(8		)	5
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	8			4
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments
Foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	(57		)	36
Foreign currency-denominated debt not designated as hedging instrument:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	(24		)	7

We expect to reclassify $7 million of deferred net gains on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI as of January 31, 2019, to earnings during the next 12 months. This reclassification would offset the anticipated earnings impact of the underlying hedged exposures. The actual amounts that we ultimately reclassify to earnings will depend on the exchange rates in effect when the underlying hedged transactions occur. As of January 31, 2019, the maximum term of our outstanding derivative contracts was 36 months.

The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments:



(Dollars in millions)	Classification	Fair value of derivatives in a gain position		Fair value of derivatives in a loss position
April 30, 2018
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	$	2	$	(2	)
Currency derivatives	Other assets	1		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	4		(23		)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities	2		(18		)
Not designated as hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	—		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	1		(5		)
January 31, 2019
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	13		(3		)
Currency derivatives	Other assets	14		(2		)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	2		(5		)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities	—		—
Not designated as hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	2		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	—		—

The fair values reflected in the above table are presented on a gross basis. However, as discussed further below, the fair values of those instruments subject to net settlement agreements are presented on a net basis in our balance sheets.

In our statements of cash flows, we classify cash flows related to cash flow hedges in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items.

Credit risk. We are exposed to credit-related losses if the counterparties to our derivative contracts default. This credit risk is limited to the fair value of the contracts. To manage this risk, we contract only with major financial institutions that have earned investment-grade credit ratings and with whom we have standard International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements that allow for net settlement of the derivative contracts. Also, we have established counterparty credit guidelines that are regularly monitored, and we monetize contracts when we believe it is warranted. Because of these safeguards, we believe we have no derivative positions that warrant credit valuation adjustments.

Some of our derivative instruments require us to maintain a specific level of creditworthiness, which we have maintained. If our creditworthiness were to fall below that level, then the counterparties to our derivative instruments could request immediate payment or collateralization for derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position was $38 million at April 30, 2018 and $3 million at January 31, 2019.

Offsetting. As noted above, our derivative contracts are governed by ISDA agreements that allow for net settlement of derivative contracts with the same counterparty. It is our policy to present the fair values of current derivatives (i.e., those with a remaining term of 12 months or less) with the same counterparty on a net basis in the balance sheet. Similarly, we present the fair values of noncurrent derivatives with the same counterparty on a net basis. Current derivatives are not netted with noncurrent derivatives in the balance sheet.

The following table summarizes the gross and net amounts of our derivative contracts:



(Dollars in millions)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Balance Sheet			Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
April 30, 2018
Derivative assets	$	10		$	(9	)	$	1		$	(1	)	$	—
Derivative liabilities	(48		)	9			(39		)	1			(38		)
January 31, 2019
Derivative assets	31			(7		)	24			(1		)	23
Derivative liabilities	(10		)	7			(3		)	1			(2		)

No cash collateral was received or pledged related to our derivative contracts as of April 30, 2018 or January 31, 2019.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The following table shows the components of the net cost of pension and other postretirement benefits recognized for our U.S. benefit plans. Information about similar international plans is not presented due to immateriality.



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	January 31,						January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2018			2019			2018			2019
Pension Benefits:
Service cost	$	6		$	6		$	17		$	18
Interest cost	7			9			22			26
Expected return on plan assets	(10		)	(12		)	(31		)	(35		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	—			—			—			1
Net actuarial loss	5			5			17			15
Settlement loss	—			13			—			13
Net cost	$	8		$	21		$	25		$	38

Other Postretirement Benefits:
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	1			1			1			1
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(2		)
Net cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—

Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Stockholders’ Equity

The following table shows the changes in stockholders’ equity by quarter during the nine months ended January 31, 2018:



(Dollars in millions)	Class A Common Stock		Class B Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			AOCI			Treasury Stock			Total
Balance at April 30, 2017	$	25	$	43		$	65		$	4,470		$	(390	)	$	(2,843	)	$	1,370
Retirement of treasury stock			(10		)	(8		)	(2,684		)				2,702			—
Net income									178									178
Net other comprehensive income (loss)												14						14
Declaration of cash dividends									(140		)							(140		)
Acquisition of treasury stock															(1		)	(1		)
Stock-based compensation expense						4												4
Stock issued under compensation plans															9			9
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans						(14		)										(14		)
Balance at July 31, 2017	25		33			47			1,824			(376		)	(133		)	1,420
Net income									239									239
Net other comprehensive income (loss)												(15		)				(15		)
Stock-based compensation expense						5												5
Stock issued under compensation plans															1			1
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans						(3		)										(3		)
Balance at October 31, 2017	25		33			49			2,063			(391		)	(132		)	1,647
Net income									190									190
Net other comprehensive income (loss)												9						9
Declaration of cash dividends									(633		)							(633		)
Stock-based compensation expense						5												5
Stock issued under compensation plans															16			16
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans						(33		)										(33		)
Stock split			14			(14		)										—
Balance at January 31, 2018	$	25	$	47		$	7		$	1,620		$	(382	)	$	(116	)	$	1,201

The following table shows the changes in stockholders’ equity by quarter during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



(Dollars in millions)	Class A Common Stock		Class B Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			AOCI			Treasury Stock			Total
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	25	$	47	$	4		$	1,730		$	(378	)	$	(112	)	$	1,316
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting standards (Note 1)								(5		)							(5		)
Net income								200									200
Net other comprehensive income (loss)											14						14
Declaration of cash dividends								(152		)							(152		)
Acquisition of treasury stock														(6		)	(6		)
Stock-based compensation expense					5												5
Stock issued under compensation plans														9			9
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans					(7		)	(6		)							(13		)
Balance at July 31, 2018	25		47		2			1,767			(364		)	(109		)	1,368
Net income								249									249
Net other comprehensive income (loss)											(1		)				(1		)
Acquisition of treasury stock														(122		)	(122		)
Stock-based compensation expense					4												4
Stock issued under compensation plans														1			1
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans					(2		)										(2		)
Balance at October 31, 2018	25		47		4			2,016			(365		)	(230		)	1,497
Net income								227									227
Net other comprehensive income (loss)											5						5
Declaration of cash dividends								(158		)							(158		)
Acquisition of treasury stock														(78		)	(78		)
Stock-based compensation expense					3												3
Stock issued under compensation plans														1			1
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans					(4		)										(4		)
Balance at January 31, 2019	$	25	$	47	$	3		$	2,085		$	(360	)	$	(307	)	$	1,493

Dividends. The following table shows the cash dividends declared per share on our Class A and Class B common stock during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



Declaration Date	Record Date	Payable Date	Amount per Share
May 24, 2018	June 6, 2018	July 3, 2018	$0.158
July 26, 2018	September 6, 2018	October 1, 2018	$0.158
November 15, 2018	December 6, 2018	January 2, 2019	$0.166
January 29, 2019	March 4, 2019	April 1, 2019	$0.166

Accumulated other comprehensive income. The following table shows the change in each component of AOCI, net of tax, during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



(Dollars in millions)	Currency Translation Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Postretirement Benefits Adjustments			Total AOCI
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	(180	)	$	(17	)	$	(181	)	$	(378	)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(21		)	37			2			18
Balance at January 31, 2019	$	(201	)	$	20		$	(179	)	$	(360	)

Other Comprehensive Income

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

Other Comprehensive Income

The following tables show the components of net other comprehensive income (loss):



	Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
	January 31, 2018									January 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)	Pre-Tax			Tax			Net			Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	24		$	14		$	38		$	16		$	2		$	18
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	24			14			38			16			2			18
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(51		)	18			(33		)	(5		)	1			(4		)
Reclassification to earnings¹	1			—			1			(5		)	1			(4		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(50		)	18			(32		)	(10		)	2			(8		)
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	—			—			—			(25		)	6			(19		)
Reclassification to earnings²	5			(2		)	3			18			(4		)	14
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	5			(2		)	3			(7		)	2			(5		)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(21	)	$	30		$	9		$	(1	)	$	6		$	5


	Nine Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	January 31, 2018									January 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)	Pre-Tax			Tax			Net			Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	27		$	20		$	47		$	(12	)	$	(9	)	$	(21	)
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	27			20			47			(12		)	(9		)	(21		)
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(80		)	29			(51		)	51			(12		)	39
Reclassification to earnings¹	4			(1		)	3			(3		)	1			(2		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(76		)	28			(48		)	48			(11		)	37
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	—			—			—			(25		)	6			(19		)
Reclassification to earnings²	15			(6		)	9			27			(6		)	21
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	15			(6		)	9			2			—			2

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(34	)	$	42		$	8		$	38		$	(20	)	$	18

¹Pre-tax amount is classified as sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

²Pre-tax amount is classified as non-operating postretirement expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Net Sales (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Net Sales (Policies)	Jan. 31, 2019
Net Sales [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]	Revenue recognition policy. Our net sales predominantly reflect global sales of beverage alcohol consumer products. We sell these products under contracts with different types of customers, depending on the market. The customer is most often a distributor, wholesaler, or retailer. Each contract typically includes a single performance obligation to transfer control of the products to the customer. Depending on the contract, control is transferred when the products are either shipped or delivered to the customer, at which point we recognize the transaction price for those products as net sales. The transaction price recognized at that point reflects our estimate of the consideration to be received in exchange for the products. The actual amount may ultimately differ due to the effect of various customer incentives and trade promotion activities. In making our estimates, we consider our historical experience and current expectations, as applicable. Adjustments recognized during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2019, for changes in estimated transaction prices of products sold in prior periods were not material. Net sales exclude taxes we collect from customers that are imposed by various governments on our sales, and are reduced by payments to customers unless made in exchange for distinct goods or services with fair values approximating the payments. Net sales include any amounts we bill customers for shipping and handling activities related to the products. We recognize the cost of those activities in cost of sales during the same period in which we recognize the related net sales. Sales returns, which are permitted only in limited situations, are not material. Customer payment terms generally range from 30 to 90 days. There are no significant amounts of contract assets or liabilities.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Classification of Cash Flows Related to Cash Flow Hedges [Policy Text Block]	In our statements of cash flows, we classify cash flows related to cash flow hedges in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items.
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Offsetting. As noted above, our derivative contracts are governed by ISDA agreements that allow for net settlement of derivative contracts with the same counterparty. It is our policy to present the fair values of current derivatives (i.e., those with a remaining term of 12 months or less) with the same counterparty on a net basis in the balance sheet. Similarly, we present the fair values of noncurrent derivatives with the same counterparty on a net basis. Current derivatives are not netted with noncurrent derivatives in the balance sheet

Net Sales (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Net Sales [Abstract]

Impact of Adopting ASC 606 [Table Text Block]

The following table shows how the adoption of ASC 606 impacted our consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended January 31, 2019:



	Three Months Ended January 31, 2019
	Under Prior			As Reported Under			Effect of
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	Guidance			ASC 606			Adoption
Sales	$	1,178		$	1,181		$	3
Excise taxes	277			277			—
Net sales	901			904			3
Cost of sales	333			333			—
Gross profit	568			571			3
Advertising expenses	105			103			(2		)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	149			149			—
Other expense (income), net	(1		)	(1		)	—
Operating income	315			320			5
Non-operating postretirement expense	15			15			—
Interest income	(2		)	(2		)	—
Interest expense	23			23			—
Income before income taxes	279			284			5
Income taxes	56			57			1
Net income	$	223		$	227		$	4
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.46		$	0.47		$	0.01
Diluted	$	0.46		$	0.47		$	0.01

The following table shows how the adoption of ASC 606 impacted our consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



	Nine Months Ended January 31, 2019
	Under Prior			As Reported Under			Effect of
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	Guidance			ASC 606			Adoption
Sales	$	3,344		$	3,329		$	(15	)
Excise taxes	749			749			—
Net sales	2,595			2,580			(15		)
Cost of sales	896			896			—
Gross profit	1,699			1,684			(15		)
Advertising expenses	313			303			(10		)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	480			478			(2		)
Other expense (income), net	(13		)	(13		)	—
Operating income	919			916			(3		)
Non-operating postretirement expense	19			19			—
Interest income	(6		)	(6		)	—
Interest expense	67			67			—
Income before income taxes	839			836			(3		)
Income taxes	161			160			(1		)
Net income	$	678		$	676		$	(2	)
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.41		$	1.41		$	—
Diluted	$	1.40		$	1.40		$	—

The following table shows how the adoption of ASC 606 impacted our consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2019:



	As of January 31, 2019
	Under Prior		As Reported Under		Effect of
(Dollars in millions)	Guidance		ASC 606		Adoption
Assets
Other current assets	$	288	$	287	$	(1	)
Deferred tax assets	19		20		1
Total assets	5,163		5,163		—

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	553	$	587	$	34
Deferred tax liabilities	126		119		(7		)
Total liabilities	3,643		3,670		27

Stockholders’ Equity
Retained earnings	$	2,112	$	2,085	$	(27	)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,520		1,493		(27		)

Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]

The following table shows our net sales by geography:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	January 31,				January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2018		2019		2018		2019
United States	$	387	$	413	$	1,180	$	1,217
Developed International¹	275		269		716		718
Emerging²	163		165		445		460
Travel Retail³	34		33		108		109
Non-branded and bulk⁴	19		24		66		76
Total	$	878	$	904	$	2,515	$	2,580

The following table shows our net sales by product category:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	January 31,				January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2018		2019		2018		2019
Whiskey¹	$	688	$	709	$	1,958	$	2,017
Tequila²	63		68		185		200
Vodka³	39		36		105		96
Wine⁴	50		51		155		153
Rest of portfolio	19		16		46		38
Non-branded and bulk⁵	19		24		66		76
Total	$	878	$	904	$	2,515	$	2,580

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	January 31,				January 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	2018		2019		2018		2019
Net income available to common stockholders	$	190	$	227	$	607	$	676

Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding	480,361		477,301		480,193		479,522
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	3,883		2,798		3,318		3,143
Diluted average common shares outstanding	484,244		480,099		483,511		482,665

Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.47	$	1.26	$	1.41
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.47	$	1.25	$	1.40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the changes in goodwill (which includes no accumulated impairment losses) and other intangible assets during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



(Dollars in millions)	Goodwill			Other Intangible Assets
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	763		$	670
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(9		)	(19		)
Balance at January 31, 2019	$	754		$	651

Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

Our long-term debt (net of unamortized discount and issuance costs) consists of:



(Principal and carrying amounts in millions)	April 30, 2018		January 31, 2019
2.25% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2023	$	248	$	249
3.50% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2025	296		297
1.20% senior notes, €300 principal amount, due July 7, 2026	361		340
2.60% senior notes, £300 principal amount, due July 7, 2028	408		387
4.00% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2038	293		293
3.75% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2043	248		248
4.50% senior notes, $500 principal amount, due July 15, 2045	487		487
	$	2,341	$	2,301

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis:



	April 30, 2018				January 31, 2019
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(Dollars in millions)	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	239	$	239	$	260	$	260
Currency derivatives	1		1		24		24
Liabilities
Currency derivatives	39		39		3		3
Short-term borrowings	215		215		207		207
Long-term debt	2,341		2,386		2,301		2,361

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following tables present the pre-tax impact that changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments and non-derivative hedging instruments had on AOCI and earnings:



		Three Months Ended
		January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2018			2019
Derivative Instruments
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(51	)	$	(5	)
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Sales	(1		)	5
Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Sales	(5		)	(1		)
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	3			6
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments
Foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	(42		)	(11		)
Foreign currency-denominated debt not designated as hedging instrument:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	(9		)	(1		)

		Nine Months Ended
		January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2018			2019
Derivative Instruments
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(80	)	$	51
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Sales	(4		)	3
Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Sales	(8		)	5
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	8			4
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments
Foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	(57		)	36
Foreign currency-denominated debt not designated as hedging instrument:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	(24		)	7

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments:



(Dollars in millions)	Classification	Fair value of derivatives in a gain position		Fair value of derivatives in a loss position
April 30, 2018
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	$	2	$	(2	)
Currency derivatives	Other assets	1		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	4		(23		)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities	2		(18		)
Not designated as hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	—		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	1		(5		)
January 31, 2019
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	13		(3		)
Currency derivatives	Other assets	14		(2		)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	2		(5		)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities	—		—
Not designated as hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	2		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	—		—

Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the gross and net amounts of our derivative contracts:



(Dollars in millions)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts Presented in Balance Sheet			Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
April 30, 2018
Derivative assets	$	10		$	(9	)	$	1		$	(1	)	$	—
Derivative liabilities	(48		)	9			(39		)	1			(38		)
January 31, 2019
Derivative assets	31			(7		)	24			(1		)	23
Derivative liabilities	(10		)	7			(3		)	1			(2		)

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the components of the net cost of pension and other postretirement benefits recognized for our U.S. benefit plans. Information about similar international plans is not presented due to immateriality.



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	January 31,						January 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2018			2019			2018			2019
Pension Benefits:
Service cost	$	6		$	6		$	17		$	18
Interest cost	7			9			22			26
Expected return on plan assets	(10		)	(12		)	(31		)	(35		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	—			—			—			1
Net actuarial loss	5			5			17			15
Settlement loss	—			13			—			13
Net cost	$	8		$	21		$	25		$	38

Other Postretirement Benefits:
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	1			1			1			1
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(2		)
Net cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the changes in stockholders’ equity by quarter during the nine months ended January 31, 2018:



(Dollars in millions)	Class A Common Stock		Class B Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			AOCI			Treasury Stock			Total
Balance at April 30, 2017	$	25	$	43		$	65		$	4,470		$	(390	)	$	(2,843	)	$	1,370
Retirement of treasury stock			(10		)	(8		)	(2,684		)				2,702			—
Net income									178									178
Net other comprehensive income (loss)												14						14
Declaration of cash dividends									(140		)							(140		)
Acquisition of treasury stock															(1		)	(1		)
Stock-based compensation expense						4												4
Stock issued under compensation plans															9			9
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans						(14		)										(14		)
Balance at July 31, 2017	25		33			47			1,824			(376		)	(133		)	1,420
Net income									239									239
Net other comprehensive income (loss)												(15		)				(15		)
Stock-based compensation expense						5												5
Stock issued under compensation plans															1			1
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans						(3		)										(3		)
Balance at October 31, 2017	25		33			49			2,063			(391		)	(132		)	1,647
Net income									190									190
Net other comprehensive income (loss)												9						9
Declaration of cash dividends									(633		)							(633		)
Stock-based compensation expense						5												5
Stock issued under compensation plans															16			16
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans						(33		)										(33		)
Stock split			14			(14		)										—
Balance at January 31, 2018	$	25	$	47		$	7		$	1,620		$	(382	)	$	(116	)	$	1,201

The following table shows the changes in stockholders’ equity by quarter during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



(Dollars in millions)	Class A Common Stock		Class B Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			AOCI			Treasury Stock			Total
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	25	$	47	$	4		$	1,730		$	(378	)	$	(112	)	$	1,316
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting standards (Note 1)								(5		)							(5		)
Net income								200									200
Net other comprehensive income (loss)											14						14
Declaration of cash dividends								(152		)							(152		)
Acquisition of treasury stock														(6		)	(6		)
Stock-based compensation expense					5												5
Stock issued under compensation plans														9			9
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans					(7		)	(6		)							(13		)
Balance at July 31, 2018	25		47		2			1,767			(364		)	(109		)	1,368
Net income								249									249
Net other comprehensive income (loss)											(1		)				(1		)
Acquisition of treasury stock														(122		)	(122		)
Stock-based compensation expense					4												4
Stock issued under compensation plans														1			1
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans					(2		)										(2		)
Balance at October 31, 2018	25		47		4			2,016			(365		)	(230		)	1,497
Net income								227									227
Net other comprehensive income (loss)											5						5
Declaration of cash dividends								(158		)							(158		)
Acquisition of treasury stock														(78		)	(78		)
Stock-based compensation expense					3												3
Stock issued under compensation plans														1			1
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans					(4		)										(4		)
Balance at January 31, 2019	$	25	$	47	$	3		$	2,085		$	(360	)	$	(307	)	$	1,493

Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the cash dividends declared per share on our Class A and Class B common stock during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



Declaration Date	Record Date	Payable Date	Amount per Share
May 24, 2018	June 6, 2018	July 3, 2018	$0.158
July 26, 2018	September 6, 2018	October 1, 2018	$0.158
November 15, 2018	December 6, 2018	January 2, 2019	$0.166
January 29, 2019	March 4, 2019	April 1, 2019	$0.166

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the change in each component of AOCI, net of tax, during the nine months ended January 31, 2019:



(Dollars in millions)	Currency Translation Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Postretirement Benefits Adjustments			Total AOCI
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	(180	)	$	(17	)	$	(181	)	$	(378	)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(21		)	37			2			18
Balance at January 31, 2019	$	(201	)	$	20		$	(179	)	$	(360	)

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following tables show the components of net other comprehensive income (loss):



	Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
	January 31, 2018									January 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)	Pre-Tax			Tax			Net			Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	24		$	14		$	38		$	16		$	2		$	18
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	24			14			38			16			2			18
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(51		)	18			(33		)	(5		)	1			(4		)
Reclassification to earnings¹	1			—			1			(5		)	1			(4		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(50		)	18			(32		)	(10		)	2			(8		)
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	—			—			—			(25		)	6			(19		)
Reclassification to earnings²	5			(2		)	3			18			(4		)	14
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	5			(2		)	3			(7		)	2			(5		)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(21	)	$	30		$	9		$	(1	)	$	6		$	5


	Nine Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	January 31, 2018									January 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)	Pre-Tax			Tax			Net			Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	27		$	20		$	47		$	(12	)	$	(9	)	$	(21	)
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	27			20			47			(12		)	(9		)	(21		)
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(80		)	29			(51		)	51			(12		)	39
Reclassification to earnings¹	4			(1		)	3			(3		)	1			(2		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(76		)	28			(48		)	48			(11		)	37
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	—			—			—			(25		)	6			(19		)
Reclassification to earnings²	15			(6		)	9			27			(6		)	21
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	15			(6		)	9			2			—			2

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(34	)	$	42		$	8		$	38		$	(20	)	$	18

¹Pre-tax amount is classified as sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

²Pre-tax amount is classified as non-operating postretirement expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May 01, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	May 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption				$ (5,000,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption				(25,000,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			$ 20,000,000
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities			(20,000,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption				$ 20,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results		$ 2,000,000	7,000,000
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income		$ 0	$ 0
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Earnings Per Share		$ 0	$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] \| Scenario, Forecast [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect	$ 40,000,000

Impact of Adopting ASC 606 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	May 01, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting standards (Note 1)									$ (5)
Sales	$ 1,181			$ 1,156			$ 3,329	$ 3,251
Excise taxes	277			278			749	736
Net sales	904			878			2,580	2,515
Cost of sales	333			291			896	825
Gross profit	571			587			1,684	1,690
Advertising expenses	103			112			303	308
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	149			173			478	496
Other expense (income), net	(1)			(4)			(13)	(15)
Operating income	320			306			916	901
Non-operating postretirement expense	15			2			19	7
Interest income	(2)			(2)			(6)	(4)
Interest expense	23			17			67	49
Income before income taxes	284			289			836	849
Income taxes	57			99			160	242
Net income	$ 227	$ 249	$ 200	$ 190	$ 239	$ 178	$ 676	$ 607
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.47			$ 0.39			$ 1.41	$ 1.26
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.47			$ 0.39			$ 1.40	$ 1.25
Other current assets	$ 287						$ 287			$ 298
Deferred tax assets	20						20			16
Assets	5,163						5,163			4,976
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	587						587			581
Accrued income taxes	22						22			25
Deferred tax liabilities	119						119			85
Liabilities	3,670						3,670			3,660
Retained earnings	2,085						2,085			1,730
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	1,493	$ 1,497	$ 1,368	$ 1,201	$ 1,647	$ 1,420	1,493	$ 1,201		$ 1,316	$ 1,370
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting standards (Note 1)									$ (25)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] \| Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Sales	3						(15)
Excise taxes	0						0
Net sales	3						(15)
Cost of sales	0						0
Gross profit	3						(15)
Advertising expenses	(2)						(10)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	0						(2)
Other expense (income), net	0						0
Operating income	5						(3)
Non-operating postretirement expense	0						0
Interest income	0						0
Interest expense	0						0
Income before income taxes	5						(3)
Income taxes	1						(1)
Net income	$ 4						$ (2)
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.01						$ 0.00
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.01						$ 0.00
Other current assets	$ (1)						$ (1)
Deferred tax assets	1						1
Assets	0						0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	34						34
Deferred tax liabilities	(7)						(7)
Liabilities	27						27
Retained earnings	(27)						(27)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	(27)						(27)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Sales	1,178						3,344
Excise taxes	277						749
Net sales	901						2,595
Cost of sales	333						896
Gross profit	568						1,699
Advertising expenses	105						313
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	149						480
Other expense (income), net	(1)						(13)
Operating income	315						919
Non-operating postretirement expense	15						19
Interest income	(2)						(6)
Interest expense	23						67
Income before income taxes	279						839
Income taxes	56						161
Net income	$ 223						$ 678
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.46						$ 1.41
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.46						$ 1.40
Other current assets	$ 288						$ 288
Deferred tax assets	19						19
Assets	5,163						5,163
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	553						553
Deferred tax liabilities	126						126
Liabilities	3,643						3,643
Retained earnings	2,112						2,112
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	$ 1,520						$ 1,520

Disaggregated revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Disaggregated revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 904	$ 878	$ 2,580	$ 2,515
United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	413	387	1,217	1,180
Developed International [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	269	275	718	716
Emerging [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	165	163	460	445
Travel Retail [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	33	34	109	108
Non-branded and bulk [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	24	19	76	66
Whiskey [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	709	688	2,017	1,958
Tequila [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	68	63	200	185
Vodka [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	36	39	96	105
Wine [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	51	50	153	155
Rest of portfolio [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	16	19	38	46
Non-branded and bulk [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 24	$ 19	$ 76	$ 66

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent		19.20%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%		30.40%
Income Tax Benefit from Reduction in Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate		$ 90
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ 43
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense				91
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ (48)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Measurement Period Adjustment, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		4
Foreign Earnings Repatriated	$ 120
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Amount		$ 8
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Expected Tax Rate on Ordinary Income			21.90%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent			21.00%
Predecessor [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		35.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent			19.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent			20.00%

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 227	$ 190	$ 676	$ 607
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding	477,301	480,361	479,522	480,193
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	2,798	3,883	3,143	3,318
Diluted average common shares outstanding	480,099	484,244	482,665	483,511
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.47	$ 0.39	$ 1.41	$ 1.26
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.47	$ 0.39	$ 1.40	$ 1.25

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock-based awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	548	0	414	1,073

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
Excess of current costs over stated LIFO value	$ 302	$ 290

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at April 30, 2018	$ 763
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(9)
Balance at January 31, 2019	754
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance at April 30, 2018	670
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(19)
Balance at January 31, 2019	$ 651

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$ 737	$ 639
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Guaranty exposure, maximum	10
Guaranty exposure, current	6
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$ 8

Debt (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2018 EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2019 GBP (£)	Jan. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018 GBP (£)	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 2,301		$ 2,341
Long-term debt				2,301		2,341
2.25% notes, due January 15, 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 250		$ 250
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jan. 15, 2023	Jan. 15, 2023
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 249		$ 248
Three Point Five Percent Notes Due in Fiscal Two Thousand Twenty Five [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 300		$ 300
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 15, 2025	Apr. 15, 2025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 297		$ 296
1.20% notes, due July 7, 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| €	€ 300	€ 300
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jul. 07, 2026	Jul. 07, 2026
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.20%	1.20%	1.20%	1.20%	1.20%	1.20%
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 340		$ 361
2.60% notes, due July 7, 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| £			£ 300		£ 300
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jul. 07, 2028	Jul. 07, 2028
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 387		$ 408
Four Point Zero Percent Notes Due in Fiscal Two Thousand Eight [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 300		$ 300
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 15, 2038	Apr. 15, 2038
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 293		$ 293
3.75% notes, due January 15, 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 250		$ 250
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jan. 15, 2043	Jan. 15, 2043
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 248		$ 248
4.50% notes, due July 15, 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 500		$ 500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jul. 15, 2045	Jul. 15, 2045
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Long-term debt, including current portion				$ 487		$ 487

Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Commercial Paper	$ 207	$ 215
Commercial Paper Borrowings, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.67%	2.04%
Commercial Paper Borrowings, Average Remaining Maturity	21 days	23 days

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$ 260	$ 239	$ 287	$ 182
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	260	239
Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings, Carrying Amount	207	215
Short-term borrowings, Fair Value	207	215
Long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,301	2,341
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Currency derivatives, Fair Value	24	1
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives, Fair Value	3	39
Long-term debt, Fair Value	2,361	2,386
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Assets:
Currency derivatives, Carrying Amount	24	1
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives, Carrying Amount	$ 3	$ 39

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$ (5)	$ (51)	$ 51	$ (80)
Sales [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	5	(1)	3	(4)
Sales [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	(1)	(5)	5	(8)
Other Income [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	6	3	4	8
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(11)	(42)	36	(57)
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] \| Other Income [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$ (1)	$ (9)	$ 7	$ (24)

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Currency derivatives [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Not designated as hedges [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	$ 2	$ 0
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Not designated as hedges [Member] \| Accrued Expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	0	1
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	13	2
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	14	1
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Accrued Expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	2	4
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	0	2
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Not designated as hedges [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	0	0
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Not designated as hedges [Member] \| Accrued Expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	0	(5)
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	(3)	(2)
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	(2)	0
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Accrued Expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	(5)	(23)
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	$ 0	$ (18)

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Derivative Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	$ 7
Maximum term of outstanding derivative contracts	36 months
Aggregate fair value of derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position	$ 3	$ 38
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	622
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 1,190	$ 1,098

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets	$ 31	$ 10
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Offset Against Derivative Assets in Balance Sheet	(7)	(9)
Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in Balance Sheet	24	1
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Not Offset Against Derivative Assets in Balance Sheet	(1)	(1)
Net Amount of Derivative Assets	23	0
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities	(10)	(48)
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Offset Against Derivative Liabilities in Balance Sheet	7	9
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet	3	39
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Not Offset Against Derivative Liabilities in Balance Sheet	1	1
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities	$ 2	$ 38

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Sponsor Location [Extensible List]	country:US	country:US	country:US	country:US
Service cost	$ 6	$ 6	$ 18	$ 17
Interest cost	9	7	26	22
Expected return on plan assets	(12)	(10)	(35)	(31)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	0	0	1	0
Net actuarial loss	5	5	15	17
Settlement loss	13	0	13	0
Net cost	$ 21	$ 8	$ 38	$ 25
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Sponsor Location [Extensible List]	country:US	country:US	country:US	country:US
Service cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1	$ 1
Interest cost	1	1	1	1
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Net cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	May 01, 2018
Beginning balance	$ 1,497	$ 1,368	$ 1,316	$ 1,647	$ 1,420	$ 1,370	$ 1,316	$ 1,370
Retirement of treasury stock						0
Net income	227	249	200	190	239	178	676	607
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	5	(1)	14	9	(15)	14	18	8
Declaration of cash dividends	(158)		(152)	(633)		(140)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(78)	(122)	(6)			(1)
Stock-based compensation expense	3	4	5	5	5	4
Stock issued under compensation plans	1	1	9	16	1	9
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans	(4)	(2)	(13)	(33)	(3)	(14)
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting standards (Note 1)									$ (5)
Stock split				0
Ending balance	1,493	1,497	1,368	1,201	1,647	1,420	1,493	1,201
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Beginning balance	4	2	4	49	47	65	4	65
Retirement of treasury stock						8
Stock-based compensation expense	3	4	5	5	5	4
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans	4	(2)	(7)	(33)	(3)	(14)
Stock split				(14)
Ending balance	3	4	2	7	49	47	3	7
Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning balance	2,016	1,767	1,730	2,063	1,824	4,470	1,730	4,470
Retirement of treasury stock						2,684
Net income	227	249	200	190	239	178
Declaration of cash dividends	(158)		(152)	(633)		(140)
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans			(6)
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting standards (Note 1)									$ (5)
Ending balance	2,085	2,016	1,767	1,620	2,063	1,824	2,085	1,620
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Beginning balance	(365)	(364)	(378)	(391)	(376)	(390)	(378)	(390)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	5	(1)	14	9	(15)	14
Ending balance	(360)	(365)	(364)	(382)	(391)	(376)	(360)	(382)
Treasury Stock, Common [Member]
Beginning balance	(230)	(109)	(112)	(132)	(133)	(2,843)	(112)	(2,843)
Retirement of treasury stock						(2,702)
Acquisition of treasury stock	78	(122)	(6)			(1)
Stock issued under compensation plans	1	1	9	16	1	9
Ending balance	(307)	(230)	(109)	(116)	(132)	(133)	(307)	(116)
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25
Ending balance	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	25
Common stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance	47	47	47	33	33	43	47	43
Retirement of treasury stock						10
Stock split								14
Ending balance	$ 47	$ 47	$ 47	$ 47	$ 33	$ 33	$ 47	$ 47

Stockholders' Equity Dividends (Details)	9 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity Dividends (Details)	Jan. 31, 2019 $ / shares
July 2018 dividend payment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared, Month and Year	May 24, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Jun. 06, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Jul. 03, 2018
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.158
October 2018 dividend payment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared, Month and Year	Jul. 26, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Sep. 06, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Oct. 01, 2018
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.158
January 2019 dividend payment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared, Month and Year	Nov. 15, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Dec. 06, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Jan. 02, 2019
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.166
April 2019 dividend payment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared, Month and Year	Jan. 29, 2019
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Mar. 04, 2019
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Apr. 01, 2019
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.166

Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ (378)				$ (378)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 5	$ (1)	14	$ 9	$ (15)	$ 14	18	$ 8
Ending balance	(360)						(360)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(180)				(180)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	18			38			(21)	47
Ending balance	(201)						(201)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(17)				(17)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(8)			(32)			37	(48)
Ending balance	20						20
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ (181)				(181)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(5)			$ 3			2	$ 9
Ending balance	$ (179)						$ (179)

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2019

Oct. 31, 2018

Jul. 31, 2018

Jan. 31, 2018

Oct. 31, 2017

Jul. 31, 2017

Jan. 31, 2019

Jan. 31, 2018

Before Tax:

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

$ (1)

$ (21)

$ 38

$ (34)

Tax Effect:

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

6

30

(20)

42

Net of Tax:

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

5

$ (1)

$ 14

9

$ (15)

$ 14

18

8

Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]

Before Tax:

Net gain (loss)

16

24

(12)

27

Reclassification to earnings

0

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

16

24

(12)

27

Tax Effect:

Net gain (loss)

2

14

(9)

20

Reclassification to earnings

0

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

2

14

(9)

20

Net of Tax:

Net gain (loss)

18

38

(21)

47

Reclassification to earnings

0

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

18

38

(21)

47

Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]

Before Tax:

Net gain (loss)

(5)

(51)

51

(80)

Reclassification to earnings

^[1]

(5)

1

(3)

4

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

(10)

(50)

48

(76)

Tax Effect:

Net gain (loss)

1

18

(12)

29

Reclassification to earnings

^[1]

1

0

1

(1)

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

2

18

(11)

28

Net of Tax:

Net gain (loss)

(4)

(33)

39

(51)

Reclassification to earnings

^[1]

(4)

1

(2)

3

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

(8)

(32)

37

(48)

Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]

Before Tax:

Net gain (loss)

(25)

0

(25)

0

Reclassification to earnings

^[2]

18

5

27

15

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

(7)

5

2

15

Tax Effect:

Net gain (loss)

6

0

6

0

Reclassification to earnings

^[2]

(4)

(2)

(6)

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

2

(2)

0

(6)

Net of Tax:

Net gain (loss)

(19)

0

(19)

0

Reclassification to earnings

^[2]

14

3

21

9

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

$ (5)

$ 3

$ 2

$ 9

[1]	Pre-tax amount is classified as sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
[2]	Pre-tax amount is classified as non-operating postretirement expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.