Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	Apr. 30, 2018	May 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BROWN FORMAN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000014693
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 14.9
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		169,048,402
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		312,063,220

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 4,201	$ 3,857	$ 4,011
Excise taxes	953	863	922
Net sales	3,248	2,994	3,089
Cost of sales	1,046	973	945
Gross profit	2,202	2,021	2,144
Advertising expenses	414	383	417
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	765	667	688
Gain on sale of business	0	0	(485)
Other expense (income), net	(16)	(18)	(9)
Operating income	1,039	989	1,533
Interest income	6	3	2
Interest expense	68	59	46
Income before income taxes	977	933	1,489
Income taxes	260	264	422
Net income	$ 717	$ 669	$ 1,067
Earnings per share:
Basic (dollars per share)	$ 1.49	$ 1.38	$ 2.10
Diluted (dollars per share)	$ 1.48	$ 1.37	$ 2.09

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 717	$ 669	$ 1,067
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation adjustments	24	(73)	(23)
Cash flow hedge adjustments	(28)	0	(17)
Postretirement benefits adjustments	16	33	(10)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	12	(40)	(50)
Comprehensive income	$ 729	$ 629	$ 1,017

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 239	$ 182
Accounts receivable, net	639	557
Inventories:
Barreled whiskey	947	873
Finished goods	225	186
Work in process	117	119
Raw materials and supplies	90	92
Total inventories	1,379	1,270
Other current assets	298	342
Total current assets	2,555	2,351
Property, plant, and equipment, net	780	713
Goodwill	763	753
Other intangible assets	670	641
Deferred tax assets	16	16
Other assets	192	151
Total assets	4,976	4,625
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	581	501
Accrued income taxes	25	9
Short-term borrowings	215	211
Current portion of long-term debt	0	249
Total current liabilities	821	970
Long-term debt	2,341	1,689
Deferred tax liabilities	85	152
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits	191	314
Other liabilities	222	130
Total liabilities	3,660	3,255
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Additional paid-in capital	4	65
Retained earnings	1,730	4,470
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(378)	(390)
Treasury stock, at cost (88,175,000 and 3,531,000 shares in 2017 and 2018, respectively)	(112)	(2,843)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,316	1,370
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,976	4,625
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock	25	25
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock	$ 47	$ 43

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Treasury stock, shares	3,531,000	88,175,000
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, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 717	$ 669	$ 1,067
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Gain on sale of business	0	0	(485)
Depreciation and amortization	64	58	56
Stock-based compensation expense	19	14	15
Deferred income taxes	(69)	(10)	10
Other, net	4	2	2
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of sale and acquisition of businesses:
Accounts receivable	(70)	6	8
Inventories	(102)	(86)	(127)
Other current assets	29	12	(57)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	58	(17)	29
Accrued income taxes	16	(11)	7
Noncurrent assets and liabilities	(34)	2	(1)
Cash provided by operating activities	632	639	524
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of business	0	0	543
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	(307)	0
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(127)	(112)	(108)
Computer software expenditures	(1)	(3)	(2)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(128)	(422)	433
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	(3)	(122)	80
Repayment of long-term debt	(250)	0	(250)
Proceeds from long-term debt	595	717	490
Debt issuance costs	(6)	(5)	(5)
Net payments related to exercise of stock-based awards	(28)	(10)	(17)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0	15
Acquisition of treasury stock	(1)	(561)	(1,107)
Dividends paid	(773)	(274)	(266)
Repayment of short-term obligation associated with acquisition of business	0	(30)	0
Cash used for financing activities	(466)	(285)	(1,060)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	19	(13)	(4)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	57	(81)	(107)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	182	263	370
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	239	182	263
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:
Interest	65	48	41
Income taxes	$ 200	$ 266	$ 430

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member] Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]	Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Treasury Stock, Common [Member]
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2015	$ 1,905	$ 13	$ 21	$ 99	$ 3,300	$ (300)	$ (1,228)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,067				1,067
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(50)					(50)
Cash dividends	(266)				(266)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(1,107)						(1,107)
Stock-based compensation expense	15			15
Stock issued under compensation plans	34						34
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans	(51)			(15)	(36)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	15			15
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2016	1,562	13	21	114	4,065	(350)	(2,301)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock split (Note 10)	0	12	22	(34)
Net income	669				669
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(40)					(40)
Cash dividends	(274)				(274)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(561)						(561)
Stock-based compensation expense	14			14
Stock issued under compensation plans	19						19
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans	(29)			(29)
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2017	1,370	25	43	65	4,470	(390)	(2,843)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Retirement of treasury stock (Note 10)	0		(10)	(8)	(2,684)		2,702
Stock split (Note 10)	0		14	(14)
Net income	717				717
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	12					12
Cash dividends	(773)				(773)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(1)						(1)
Stock-based compensation expense	19			19
Stock issued under compensation plans	30						30
Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans	(58)			(58)
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2018	$ 1,316	$ 25	$ 47	$ 4	$ 1,730	$ (378)	$ (112)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends (dollars per share)	$ 1.608	$ 0.564	$ 0.524

Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). We also apply the following accounting policies when preparing our consolidated financial statements:

Principles of consolidation. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest. We eliminate all intercompany transactions.

Estimates. To prepare financial statements that conform with GAAP, our management must make informed estimates that affect how we report revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, including contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include bank demand deposits and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. When we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we believe will be collected. We write off the uncollectable amount against the allowance when we have exhausted our collection efforts. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $7 as of both April 30, 2017 and 2018.

Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Approximately 52% of our consolidated inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method, which we use for the majority of our U.S. inventories. We value the remainder of our inventories primarily using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. FIFO cost approximates current replacement cost. If we had used the FIFO method for all inventories, they would have been $272 and $290 higher than reported at April 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Because we age most of our whiskeys in barrels for three to six years, we bottle and sell only a portion of our whiskey inventory each year. Following industry practice, we classify all barreled whiskey as a current asset. We include warehousing, insurance, ad valorem taxes, and other carrying charges applicable to barreled whiskey in inventory costs.

We classify bulk wine, agave inventories, tequila, and liquid in bottling tanks as work in process.

Property, plant, and equipment. We state property, plant, and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis using our estimates of useful life, which are 20–40 years for buildings and improvements; 3–10 years for machinery, equipment, vehicles, furniture, and fixtures; and 3–7 years for capitalized software.

We assess our property, plant, and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. When we do not expect to recover the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) through undiscounted future cash flows, we write it down to its estimated fair value. We determine fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows, considering market values for similar assets when available.

When we retire or dispose of property, plant, and equipment, we remove its cost and accumulated depreciation from our balance sheet and reflect any gain or loss in operating income. We expense the costs of repairing and maintaining our property, plant, and equipment as we incur them.

Goodwill and other intangible assets. We have obtained most of our brands by acquiring other companies. When we acquire another company, we first allocate the purchase price to identifiable assets and liabilities, including intangible brand names and trademarks (“brand names”), based on estimated fair value. We then record any remaining purchase price as goodwill. We do not amortize goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives. We consider all of our brand names to have indefinite lives.

We assess our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. If an asset’s fair value is less than its book value, we write it down to its estimated fair value. For goodwill, if the book value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we measure for potential impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, determined in the same manner as in a business combination, to the goodwill’s book value. We estimate the reporting unit’s fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows or market information. We typically estimate the fair value of a brand name using either the “relief from royalty” or “excess earnings” method. We also consider market values for similar assets when available. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value, including the selection of assumptions about future cash flows, discount rates, and royalty rates.

We have the option, before quantifying the fair value of a reporting unit or brand name, to evaluate qualitative factors to assess whether it is more likely than not that our goodwill or brand names are impaired. If we determine that is not the case, then we are not required to quantify the fair value. That assessment also takes considerable management judgment.

Foreign currency transactions and translation. We report all gains and losses from foreign currency transactions (those denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency) in current income. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for most of our consolidated entities. The local currency is the functional currency for some of our consolidated foreign entities. We translate the financial statements of those foreign entities into U.S. dollars, using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date to translate assets and liabilities, and using the average exchange rate for the reporting period to translate income and expenses. We record the resulting translation adjustments in other comprehensive income (loss).

Revenue recognition. We recognize sales when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, typically when the product is shipped. We record sales net of estimated sales returns, allowances, and discounts. Net sales are further reduced by excise taxes that we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the costs of receiving, producing, inspecting, warehousing, insuring, and shipping goods sold during the period.

Shipping and handling fees and costs. We report the amounts we bill to our customers for shipping and handling as sales, and we report the costs we incur for shipping and handling as cost of sales.

Advertising costs. We expense the costs of advertising during the year when the advertisements first take place.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include the costs associated with our sales force, administrative staff and facilities, and other expenses related to our non-manufacturing functions.

Income taxes. We base our annual provision for income taxes on the pre-tax income reflected in our consolidated statement of operations. We establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between GAAP and tax reporting bases and later adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance as necessary to reduce a deferred tax asset to the amount that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We do not provide deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that we expect to permanently reinvest. We record a deferred tax charge in prepaid taxes for the difference between GAAP and tax reporting bases with respect to the elimination of intercompany profit in ending inventory.

We assess our uncertain income tax positions using a two-step process. First, we evaluate whether the tax position will more likely than not, based on its technical merits, be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. For a tax position that does not meet this first criterion, we recognize no tax benefit. For a tax position that does meet the first criterion, we recognize a tax benefit in an amount equal to the largest amount of benefit that we believe has more than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements. We adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) as of May 1, 2016:


•	ASU 2015-07: Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share. This new standard amends the previous disclosure guidance related to investments measured at net asset value. Under the new standard, investments measured at net asset value as a practical expedient are no longer categorized in the fair value hierarchy.

•

ASU 2016-09: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This new guidance amends certain aspects of the accounting for stock-based compensation, including the income tax consequences. Under the new guidance, we recognize all tax benefits related to stock-based compensation as an income tax benefit in our statement of operations, and include all income tax cash flows within operating activities in our statement of cash flows. Under the previous accounting guidance, we recognized some of those tax benefits (excess tax benefits) as additional paid-in capital and classified that amount as a financing activity in our statement of cash flows. We adopted these provisions of the new guidance on a prospective basis as of May 1, 2016. As a result, our net income and operating cash flows include excess tax benefits of $9 for fiscal 2017 and $18 for fiscal 2018. Prior period financial statements have not been adjusted.

Also, under the new guidance, we recognize the excess tax benefits during the period in which the related awards vest or are exercised. Under the previous accounting guidance, we recognized those benefits during the period in which they reduced taxes payable. We adopted this provision of the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment of $10 to retained earnings as of May 1, 2016.

New accounting pronouncements to be adopted. We will adopt the following ASUs as of May 1, 2018:

•

ASU 2014-09: Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This new standard, along with various amendments, replaces existing revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the standard requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of 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. The new standard also requires significantly more financial statement disclosures than existing revenue standards do.

We have substantially completed our comprehensive assessment of the impact of the new guidance, and have concluded that adoption will not have a material impact on our financial statements. However, under the new standard, we will estimate and recognize the cost of certain customer incentives earlier than previously recognized. Although we expect this change in timing to shift the recognition of these costs among fiscal quarters, we do not expect the full-year impact to be significant. Additionally, some payments to customers that were previously classified as advertising or selling, general, and administrative expenses will be classified as reductions of sales under the new standard. We anticipate the impact of this change in classification to be insignificant as well.

We will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective method by recognizing the cumulative effect of applying the new standard as an adjustment to retained earnings as of May 1, 2018. We anticipate the adjustment, reflecting the accelerated recognition of the cost of certain customer incentives, to decrease retained earnings by approximately $30 (net of tax). We are in the process of finalizing the calculation of the adjustment, which will be completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

•

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. We expect the impact of the new guidance to be limited to a change in classification of cash payments for premiums on corporate-owned life insurance policies, which we currently reflect in operating activities. Under the new guidance, we plan to reflect those payments as investing activities. Upon adopting this new guidance, we will retrospectively adjust prior year cash flow statements to conform to the new classification. As a result, we expect to reclassify payments (from operating activities to investing activities) of approximately $17 and $21 for fiscal 2017 and 2018, respectively.

•

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. The guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment, which we anticipate will increase retained earnings and decrease other liabilities by $27 as of May 1, 2018.

•

ASU 2017-04: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This updated guidance eliminates the second step of the existing two-step quantitative test of goodwill for impairment. Under the new guidance, the quantitative test will consist of a single step in which the carrying amount of the reporting unit will be 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. We do not expect adoption of the new standard, which is to be applied prospectively, to have an 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. It is to be applied retrospectively for the presentation in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of service cost. We estimate that the retrospective application will increase previously-reported operating income for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 by approximately $21 and $9, respectively. As the retrospective application will merely reclassify amounts from operating income to non-operating expense, there will be no effect on previously-reported net income or earnings per share.

In addition, the FASB has issued the ASUs described below that we are not required to adopt until May 1, 2019 (although early adoption is permitted). We are currently evaluating their potential impact on our financial statements.

•

ASU 2016-02: Leases. This new standard replaces existing lease accounting guidance. Under the new standard, 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. The standard 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. The standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. It is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the adoption-period financial statements. We will adopt this standard as of May 1, 2019.

•

ASU 2017-12: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This new guidance is intended to better align hedge accounting with an entity’s risk management activities and improve disclosures about hedges. The guidance expands hedge accounting for financial and nonfinancial risk components, eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, simplifies the way assessments of hedge effectiveness may be performed, and amends some presentation and disclosure requirements for hedges. It is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. We have not yet determined our plans for adoption, but are considering the possibility of adopting this new guidance before the required adoption date.

•

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. It is to be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. We have not yet determined our plans for adoption, but are considering the possibility of adopting this new guidance before the required adoption date.

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

Balance Sheet Information

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Supplemental information on our year-end balance sheets is as follows:



April 30,	2017		2018
Other current assets:
Prepaid taxes	$	210	$	196
Other	132		102
	$	342	$	298
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	$	81	$	82
Buildings	497		568
Equipment	659		725
Construction in process	96		61
	1,333		1,436
Less accumulated depreciation	620		656
	$	713	$	780
Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
Accounts payable, trade	$	137	$	154
Accrued expenses:
Advertising and promotion	111		136
Compensation and commissions	97		99
Excise and other non-income taxes	61		77
Other	95		115
	364		427
	$	501	$	581

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table shows the changes in goodwill (which include no accumulated impairment losses) and other intangible assets over the past two years:



	Goodwill			Other Intangible Assets
Balance as of April 30, 2016	$	590		$	595
Acquisition of business (Note 16)	183			65
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(20		)	(19		)
Balance as of April 30, 2017	753			641
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10			31
Impairment	—			(2		)
Balance as of April 30, 2018	$	763		$	670

Our other intangible assets consist of trademarks and brand names, all with indefinite useful lives. During fiscal 2018, we recorded a $2 impairment charge related to the write-off of the carrying amount of an immaterial discontinued brand name.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Apr. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments. We made rental payments for real estate, vehicles, and office, computer, and manufacturing equipment under operating leases of $23, $23, and $26 during 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. We have commitments related to minimum lease payments of $18 in 2019, $13 in 2020, $8 in 2021, $4 in 2022, $1 in 2023, and $1 after 2023. We have contracted with various growers and wineries to supply some of our future grape and bulk wine requirements. Many of these contracts call for prices to be adjusted annually up or down, according to market conditions. Some contracts set a fixed purchase price that might be higher or lower than prevailing market prices. We have total purchase obligations related to both types of contracts of $12 in 2019, $9 in 2020, $6 in 2021, $4 in 2022, $1 in 2023, and $1 after 2023. We also have contracts for the purchase of agave, which is used to produce tequila. These contracts provide for prices to be determined based on market conditions at the time of harvest, which, although not specified, is expected to occur over the next 10 years. As of April 30, 2018, based on current market prices, obligations under these contracts total $28. 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 are recorded as of April 30, 2018. Guaranty. 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 $9 (subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates). Both the fair value and carrying amount of the guaranty are insignificant. As of April 30, 2018, our actual exposure under the guaranty of the importer’s obligation is approximately $5. We also have accounts receivable from that importer of approximately $3 at that date, 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 and Credit Facilities

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES

Our long-term debt (net of unamortized discounts and issuance costs) consisted of:



April 30,	2017		2018
1.00% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2018	$	249	$	—
2.25% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2023	248		248
3.50% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2025	—		296
1.20% senior notes, €300 principal amount, due July 7, 2026	324		361
2.60% senior notes, £300 principal amount, due July 7, 2028	383		408
4.00% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2038	—		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	486		487
	1,938		2,341
Less current portion	249		—
	$	1,689	$	2,341

Debt payments required over the next five fiscal years consist of $0 in 2019, $0 in 2020, $0 in 2021, $0 in 2022, $250 in 2023, and $2,127 after 2023.

The senior notes contain terms and covenants customary of these types of unsecured securities, including limitations on the amount of secured debt we can issue.

We issued senior, unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $300 in March 2018. Interest on these notes will accrue at a rate of 3.50% and be paid semiannually. As of April 30, 2018, the carrying amount of these notes was $296 ($300 principal, less unamortized discounts and issuance costs). These notes are due on April 15, 2025.

In addition, we issued senior, unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $300 in March 2018. Interest on these notes will accrue at a rate of 4.00% and be paid semiannually. As of April 30, 2018, the carrying amount of these notes was $293 ($300 principal, less unamortized discounts and issuance costs). These notes are due on April 15, 2038.

As of April 30, 2017, our short-term borrowings of $211 included $208 of commercial paper, with an average interest rate of 1.04%, and an average remaining maturity of 22 days. As of April 30, 2018, our short-term borrowings consisted of $215 of commercial paper, with an average interest rate of 2.04%, and an average remaining maturity of 23 days.

We have a committed revolving credit agreement with various U.S. and international banks for $800 that expires in November 2022. At April 30, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

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:



	2017				2018
April 30,	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	182	$	182	$	239	$	239
Currency derivatives	25		25		1		1
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives	10		10		39		39
Short-term borrowings	211		211		215		215
Current portion of long-term debt	249		249		—		—
Long-term debt	1,689		1,752		2,341		2,386

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 (forwards 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 rates, forward rates, and discount rates. The discount rates are based on the historical U.S. Treasury 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 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

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

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 this report was not material.

We had outstanding currency derivatives, related primarily to our euro, British pound, and Australian dollar exposures, with notional amounts totaling $1,188 and $1,098 at April 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

During fiscal 2017, we designated some currency derivative forward contracts and foreign currency-denominated long-term debt as after-tax net investment hedges of our investments in certain foreign subsidiaries. During fiscal 2018, we continued to designate some foreign currency-denominated debt for that purpose. 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. The amount of foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedges was $511 and $633 as of April 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Our net investment hedges are intended to mitigate foreign exchange exposure related to non-U.S. dollar net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries against changes in foreign exchange rates. There was no ineffectiveness related to our net investment hedges in any of the periods presented.

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.

During May 2015, we entered into interest rate derivative contracts (U.S. Treasury lock agreements) to manage the interest rate risk related to the anticipated issuance of fixed-rate senior, unsecured notes. We designated the contracts as cash flow hedges of the future interest payments associated with the anticipated notes. Upon issuance in June 2015 of an aggregate principal amount of $500 of the 4.50% notes, due July 15, 2045, we settled the contracts for a gain of $8. The entire gain was recorded to AOCI and will be amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the life of the notes.

The following table presents the pre-tax impact that changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments and non-derivative hedging instruments had on AOCI and earnings during each of the last three years:



	Classification in Statement of Operations	2016			2017			2018
Derivative Instruments
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	22		$	41		$	(54	)
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Sales	60			40			(11		)
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	8			—			—
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	—			8			—
Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Sales	1			2			(5		)
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	(5		)	(5		)	9
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments
Foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	—			2			(41		)
Foreign currency-denominated debt not designated as hedging instrument:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	—			3			(21		)

We expect to reclassify $18 of deferred net losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI as of April 30, 2018, to earnings during fiscal 2019. 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. The maximum term of outstanding derivative contracts was 36 months at both April 30, 2017 and 2018.

The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments as of April 30, 2017 and 2018:



	Balance Sheet Classification	Fair Value of Derivatives in a Gain Position		Fair Value of Derivatives in a Loss Position
April 30, 2017
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	$	21	$	(2	)
Currency derivatives	Other assets	9		(4		)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	2		(8		)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities	1		(4		)
Not designated as hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	2		(1		)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	—		(1		)
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		)

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 statement 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 $9 and $38 at April 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

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 (that is, 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:



	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, 2017
Derivative assets	$	35		$	(10	)	$	25		$	(1	)	$	24
Derivative liabilities	(20		)	10			(10		)	1			(9		)
April 30, 2018
Derivative assets	10			(9		)	1			(1		)	—
Derivative liabilities	(48		)	9			(39		)	1			(38		)

No cash collateral was received or pledged related to our derivative contracts as of April 30, 2017 or 2018.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans as well as postretirement plans providing retiree health care and retiree life insurance benefits. Below, we discuss our obligations related to these plans, the assets dedicated to meeting the obligations, and the amounts we recognized in our financial statements as a result of sponsoring these plans.

Obligations. We provide eligible employees with pension and other postretirement benefits based on factors such as years of service and compensation level during employment. The pension obligation shown below (“projected benefit obligation”) consists of: (a) benefits earned by employees to date based on current salary levels (“accumulated benefit obligation”); and (b) benefits to be received by employees as a result of expected future salary increases. (The obligation for medical and life insurance benefits is not affected by future salary increases.) The following table shows how the present value of our obligation changed during each of the last two years.



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017			2018			2017			2018
Obligation at beginning of year	$	898		$	893		$	56		$	52
Service cost	26			24			1			1
Interest cost	35			29			2			1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(14		)	2			—			(1		)
Plan amendments	1			6			(4		)	—
Retiree contributions	—			—			1			1
Benefits paid	(53		)	(51		)	(4		)	(4		)
Obligation at end of year	$	893		$	903		$	52		$	50

Service cost represents the present value of the benefits attributed to service rendered by employees during the year. Interest cost is the increase in the present value of the obligation due to the passage of time. Net actuarial loss (gain) is the change in value of the obligation resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption. (We discuss actuarial assumptions used at the end of this note.) Plan amendments may also change the value of the obligation.

As shown in the previous table, the change in the value of our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations also includes the effect of benefit payments and retiree contributions. Expected benefit payments (net of retiree contributions) over the next 10 years are as follows:



	Pension Benefits		Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
2019	$	57	$	3
2020	58		3
2021	59		3
2022	61		3
2023	62		3
2024 – 2028	322		17

Assets. We invest in specific assets to fund our pension benefit obligations. Our investment goal is to earn a total return that, over time, will grow assets sufficiently to fund our plans’ liabilities, after providing appropriate levels of contributions and accepting prudent levels of investment risk. To achieve this goal, plan assets are invested primarily in funds or portfolios of funds managed by outside managers. Investment risk is managed by company policies that require diversification of asset classes, manager styles, and individual holdings. We measure and monitor investment risk through quarterly and annual performance reviews, and through periodic asset/liability studies.

Asset allocation is the most important method for achieving our investment goals and is based on our assessment of the plans’ long-term return objectives and the appropriate balances needed for liquidity, stability, and diversification. As of April 30, 2018, our target asset allocation is a mix of 40% public equity investments, 47% fixed income investments, and 13% alternative investments.

The following table shows the fair value of pension plan assets by category as of the end of the last two years. (Fair value levels are defined in Note 6.)



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
April 30, 2017
Equity securities	$	78	$	—	$	—	$	78
Limited partnership interest¹	—		—		4		4
	$	78	$	—	$	4	82
Investments measured at net asset value:
Commingled trust funds²:
Equity funds							206
Fixed income funds							229
Real estate funds							63
Short-term investments							7
Limited partnership interests³							28
Hedge funds⁴							8

Total							$	623

April 30, 2018
Equity securities	$	89	$	—	$	—	$	89
Limited partnership interest¹	—		—		4		4
	$	89	$	—	$	4	93
Investments measured at net asset value:
Commingled trust funds²:
Equity funds							226
Fixed income funds							362
Real estate funds							66
Short-term investments							5
Limited partnership interests³							27
Hedge funds⁴							1

Total							$	780

¹This limited partnership interest was initially valued at cost and has been adjusted to fair value as determined in good faith by management of the partnership using various factors, and does not meet the requirements for reporting at the net asset value (NAV). The valuation requires significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of the investment.

²Commingled trust fund valuations are based on the NAV of the funds as determined by the fund administrators and reviewed by us. NAV represents the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. For primarily all commingled trust funds other than real estate, redemptions are permitted daily with no notice period. The real estate fund is redeemable quarterly with 110 days notice.

³These limited partnership interests were initially valued at cost and have been adjusted using NAV per audited financial statements. Investments are generally not eligible for immediate redemption and have original terms averaging 10 to 13 years, although those periods may be subsequently extended.

⁴Hedge fund valuations are based primarily on the NAV of the funds as determined by fund administrators and reviewed by us. During our review, we determine whether it is necessary to adjust a valuation for inherent liquidity and redemption issues that may exist within a fund’s underlying assets or fund unit values.

The following table shows how the fair value of the Level 3 assets changed during each of the last two years. There were no transfers of assets between Level 3 and either of the other two levels.



	Level 3
Balance as of April 30, 2016	$	5
Sales and settlements	(1		)
Balance as of April 30, 2017	4
Return on assets held at end of year	1
Sales and settlements	(1		)
Balance as of April 30, 2018	$	4

The following table shows how the total fair value of all pension plan assets changed during each of the last two years. (We do not have assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017			2018			2017			2018
Assets at beginning of year	$	594		$	623		$	—		$	—
Actual return on assets	51			53			—			—
Retiree contributions	—			—			1			1
Company contributions	31			155			3			3
Benefits paid	(53		)	(51		)	(4		)	(4		)
Assets at end of year	$	623		$	780		$	—		$	—

We currently expect to contribute $5 to our pension plans and $3 to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans during 2019.

Funded status. The funded status of a plan refers to the difference between its assets and its obligations. The following table shows the funded status of our plans.



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
April 30,	2017			2018			2017			2018
Assets	$	623		$	780		$	—		$	—
Obligations	(893		)	(903		)	(52		)	(50		)
Funded status	$	(270	)	$	(123	)	$	(52	)	$	(50	)

The funded status reflected above includes obligations attributable to our non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that is not funded with those plan assets presented above. However, we have set aside investments in corporate-owned life insurance policies to help cover these obligations. The value of those investments, which are included in “other assets” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, is $81 and $98 as of April 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
April 30,	2017			2018			2017			2018
Other assets	$	—		$	26		$	—		$	—
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(5		)	(5		)	(3		)	(3		)
Accrued postretirement benefits	(265		)	(144		)	(49		)	(47		)
Net liability	$	(270	)	$	(123	)	$	(52	)	$	(50	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	(322	)	$	(291	)	$	(13	)	$	(10	)
Prior service credit (cost)	(4		)	(9		)	17			13
	$	(326	)	$	(300	)	$	4		$	3

The following table compares our pension plans whose assets exceed their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose obligations exceed their assets. (As discussed above, we have no assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)



	Plan Assets				Accumulated Benefit Obligation				Projected Benefit Obligation
April 30,	2017		2018		2017		2018		2017		2018
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation	$	48	$	780	$	47	$	669	$	48	$	754
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets	575		—		729		123		845		149
Total	$	623	$	780	$	776	$	792	$	893	$	903

Pension cost. The following table shows the components of the pension cost recognized during each of the last three years. The amount for each year includes amortization of the prior service cost/credit and net actuarial loss/gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of the beginning of the year.



	Pension Benefits
	2016			2017			2018
Service cost	$	26		$	26		$	24
Interest cost	35			35			29
Expected return on assets	(40		)	(41		)	(41		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	1			1			1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	27			25			21
Settlement loss	—			1			—
Net cost	$	49		$	47		$	34

The prior service cost/credit, which represents the effect of plan amendments on benefit obligations, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the employees expected to receive the benefits. The net actuarial loss/gain results from experience different from that assumed or from a change in actuarial assumptions (including the difference between actual and expected return on plan assets), and is amortized over at least that same period. The estimated amount of prior service cost and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension cost in 2019 is $1 and $19, respectively.

Other postretirement benefit cost. The following table shows the components of the postretirement medical and life insurance benefit cost that we recognized during each of the last three years.



	Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2016			2017			2018
Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	2			2			1
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	(2		)	(3		)	(3		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1			1			1
Net cost	$	2		$	1		$	—

The estimated amount of prior service credit and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into postretirement medical and life insurance benefit cost in 2019 is $3 and $1, respectively.

Other comprehensive income (loss). Prior service cost/credit and net actuarial loss/gain are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss (OCI) during the period in which they arise. These amounts are later amortized from accumulated OCI into pension and other postretirement benefit cost over future periods as described above. The following table shows the pre-tax effect of these amounts on OCI during each of the last three years.



	Pension Benefits									Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2016			2017			2018			2016			2017			2018
Prior service credit (cost)	$	—		$	(1	)	$	(6	)	$	—		$	4		$	—
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(46		)	24			10			1			—			1
Amortization reclassified to earnings:
Prior service cost (credit)	1			1			1			(2		)	(3		)	(3		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	27			26			21			1			1			1
Net amount recognized in OCI	$	(18	)	$	50		$	26		$	—		$	2		$	(1	)

Assumptions and sensitivity. We use various assumptions to determine the obligations and cost related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The weighted-average assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations as of the end of the last two years were as follows:



	Pension Benefits				Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017		2018		2017		2018
Discount rate	4.09	%	4.23	%	4.04	%	4.20	%
Rate of salary increase	4.00	%	4.00	%	n/a		n/a

The weighted-average assumptions used in computing benefit plan cost during each of the last three years were as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2016		2017		2018		2016		2017		2018
Discount rate for service cost	4.09	%	4.02	%	4.29	%	4.09	%	3.96	%	4.39	%
Discount rate for interest cost	4.09	%	4.02	%	3.40	%	4.09	%	3.96	%	3.35	%
Rate of salary increase	4.00	%	4.00	%	4.00	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Expected return on plan assets	7.00	%	7.00	%	6.75	%	n/a		n/a		n/a

The assumed discount rates are determined using a yield curve based on the interest rates of high-quality debt securities with maturities corresponding to the expected timing of our benefit payments. Beginning in fiscal 2018, we changed the method used to estimate the service cost and interest cost for these benefit plans. The new estimation approach discounts the individual expected cash flows underlying the service cost and interest cost using the applicable spot rates derived from the yield curve used to discount the cash flows used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. Previously, we estimated these service and interest cost components using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. We believe the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding spot yield curve rates.

The assumed rate of salary increase reflects the expected average annual increase in salaries as a result of inflation, merit increases, and promotions over the service period of the plan participants.

The expected return on plan assets represents the long-term rate of return that we assume will be earned over the life of the pension assets. The assumption reflects expected capital market returns for each asset class, which are based on historical returns, adjusted for the expected effects of diversification and active management (net of fees).

The assumed health care cost trend rates as of the end of the last two years were as follows:



	Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017		2018
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.25	%	7.70	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00	%	5.00	%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2025		2025

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would not have significantly changed the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of April 30, 2018, or the aggregate service and interest costs for 2018.

Savings plans. We also sponsor various defined contribution benefit plans that together cover substantially all U.S. employees. Employees can make voluntary contributions in accordance with their respective plans, which include a 401(k) tax deferral option. We match a percentage of each employee’s contributions in accordance with plan terms. We expensed $11, $11, and $12 for matching contributions during 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.

International plans. The information presented above for defined benefit plans and defined contribution benefit plans reflects amounts for U.S. plans only. Information about similar international plans is not presented due to immateriality.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Brown-Forman 2013 Omnibus Compensation Plan is our incentive compensation plan, designed to reward participants (including eligible officers, employees, and non-employee directors) for company performance. Under the Plan, we can grant stock-based incentive awards for up to 20,750,000 shares of common stock to eligible participants until July 28, 2023. As of April 30, 2018, awards for approximately 14,791,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan. We try to limit the source of shares delivered to participants under the Plan to treasury shares that we purchase from time to time on the open market (at times in connection with a publicly announced share repurchase program), in private transactions, or otherwise.

The following table presents information about stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs) granted under the Plan (or its predecessor plans) as of April 30, 2018, and for the year then ended.



	Number of Underlying Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Exercise Price per Award		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at April 30, 2017	8,278		$	25.74
Granted	1,059		39.07
Exercised	(2,116	)	17.11
Forfeited or expired	(6	)	36.05
Outstanding at April 30, 2018	7,215		$	29.67	5.4	$	190
Exercisable at April 30, 2018	4,335		$	23.17	3.7	$	142

The total intrinsic value of options and SSARs exercised during 2016, 2017, and 2018 was $47, $28, and $73, respectively.

We grant stock options and SSARs at an exercise price equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date. Stock options and SSARs become exercisable after three years from the first day of the fiscal year of grant and expire seven years after that date. The grant-date fair values of these awards granted during 2016, 2017, and 2018 were $7.62, $5.73, and $6.79 per award, respectively. We estimated the fair values using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:



	2016		2017		2018
Risk-free interest rate	2.1	%	1.4	%	2.2	%
Expected volatility	19.1	%	16.3	%	15.6	%
Expected dividend yield	1.6	%	1.6	%	1.5	%
Expected term (years)	6.75		7.00		7.00

We have also granted restricted stock units (RSUs), deferred stock units (DSUs), and shares of performance-based restricted stock (PBRS) under the Plan (or its predecessor plans). Approximately 670,000 shares underlying these awards, with a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 0.8 years, were nonvested at April 30, 2018. The following table summarizes the changes in the number of shares underlying these awards during 2018.



	Number of Underlying Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Nonvested at April 30, 2017	601		$	36.50
Granted	165		33.68
Adjusted for dividends or performance	43		50.47
Vested	(136	)	34.52
Forfeited	(3	)	39.40
Nonvested at April 30, 2018	670		$	39.84

For PBRS awards, performance is measured based on the relative ranking of the total shareholder return of our Class B common stock during the three-year performance period compared to that of the companies within the Standard & Poor’s Consumer Staples Index at the end of the performance period, with specific payout levels ranging from 50% to 150%.

The total fair value of RSUs, PBRS awards, and DSUs vested during 2016, 2017, and 2018 was $10, $8, and $6, respectively.

The accompanying consolidated statements of operations reflect compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards on a pre-tax basis of $15 in 2016, $14 in 2017, and $19 in 2018, partially offset by deferred income tax benefits of $6 in 2016, $5 in 2017, and $6 in 2018. As of April 30, 2018, there was $7 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.

Common Stock

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Common Stock [Abstract]

COMMON STOCK

On May 26, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split for our Class A and Class B common stock, subject to stockholder approval of an amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The amendment, which was approved by stockholders on July 28, 2016, increased the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock from 85,000,000 to 170,000,000. The amendment did not change the number of authorized Class B common shares, which remained at 400,000,000.

The stock split, which was effected as a stock dividend, resulted in the issuance of one new share of Class A common stock for each share of Class A common stock outstanding and one new share of Class B common stock for each share of Class B common stock outstanding. The new shares were distributed on August 18, 2016, to shareholders of record as of August 8, 2016.

On May 24, 2017, we retired 67,000,000 shares of Class B common stock previously held as treasury shares. This retirement reduced the number of issued shares of Class B common stock by that same amount.

On January 23, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a stock split, effected in the form of a stock dividend. For every four shares of either Class A or Class B common stock held, shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 7, 2018, received one share of Class B common stock, with any fractional shares payable in cash. The additional shares and cash for fractional shares were distributed to stockholders on February 28, 2018.

The following table shows the effects of the stock splits and treasury stock retirement on the number of issued common shares:



	Issued
(Shares in thousands)	Class A	Class B		Total
Balance at April 30, 2016	85,000	142,313		227,313
Stock split	85,000	142,313		227,313
Balance at April 30, 2017	170,000	284,626		454,626
Retirement of treasury stock	—	(67,000	)	(67,000	)
Stock split	—	96,906		96,906
Balance at April 30, 2018	170,000	314,532		484,532

Except for the pre-split share balances and activity included in the above table, all share and per share amounts reported in these financial statements and related notes are presented on a split-adjusted basis.

The following table shows the change in outstanding common shares during each of the last three years:



	Outstanding
(Shares in thousands)	Class A		Class B		Total
Balance at April 30, 2015	168,926		352,823		521,749
Acquisition of treasury stock	(114	)	(28,422	)	(28,536	)
Stock issued under compensation plans	248		892		1,140
Balance at April 30, 2016	169,060		325,293		494,353
Acquisition of treasury stock	(77	)	(14,768	)	(14,845	)
Stock issued under compensation plans	68		530		598
Balance at April 30, 2017	169,051		311,055		480,106
Acquisition of treasury stock	(25	)	(6	)	(31	)
Stock issued under compensation plans	36		890		926
Balance at April 30, 2018	169,062		311,939		481,001

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

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:



	2016		2017		2018
Net income available to common stockholders	$	1,067	$	669	$	717
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding	507,441		484,635		480,319
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	3,259		3,442		3,929
Diluted average common shares outstanding	510,700		488,077		484,248

Basic earnings per share	$	2.10	$	1.38	$	1.49
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.09	$	1.37	$	1.48

We excluded common stock-based awards for approximately 1,131,000 shares, 2,145,000 shares, and 805,000 shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively, because they were not dilutive for those periods under the treasury stock method.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

We incur income taxes on the earnings of our U.S. and foreign operations. The following table, based on the locations of the taxable entities from which sales were derived (rather than the location of customers), presents the U.S. and foreign components of our income before income taxes:



	2016		2017		2018
United States	$	1,184	$	806	$	747
Foreign	305		127		230
	$	1,489	$	933	$	977

The income shown above was determined according to GAAP. Because those standards sometimes differ from the tax rules used to calculate taxable income, there are differences between: (a) the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income for a year; and (b) the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their amounts as recorded in our financial statements. As a result, we recognize a current tax liability for the estimated income tax payable on the current tax return, and deferred tax liabilities (income tax payable on income that will be recognized on future tax returns) and deferred tax assets (income tax refunds from deductions that will be recognized on future tax returns) for the estimated effects of the differences mentioned above.

Total income tax expense for a year includes the tax associated with the current tax return (current tax expense) and the change in the net deferred tax asset or liability (deferred tax expense). Our total income tax expense for each of the last three years was as follows:



	2016			2017			2018
Current:
U.S. federal	$	347		$	226		$	265
Foreign	47			40			47
State and local	18			8			17
	412			274			329
Deferred:
U.S. federal	$	24		$	(1	)	$	(48	)
Foreign	(17		)	(9		)	(13		)
State and local	3			—			(8		)
	10			(10		)	(69		)
	$	422		$	264		$	260

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 revises the 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 subsequent fiscal years. During fiscal 2018, the impact of the lower tax rate resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $19. With the enactment of the Tax Act, we are evaluating our global working capital requirements and may change our current permanent reinvestment assertion in future periods.

There are also certain transitional impacts of the Tax Act. As part of the transition to the new territorial tax system, the Tax Act imposes a one-time repatriation tax on deemed repatriation of historical earnings of foreign subsidiaries. In addition, the reduction of the U.S. corporate tax rate required us to adjust 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 for the year ended April 30, 2018, comprised of a provisional repatriation U.S. tax charge of $91 and a provisional net deferred tax benefit of $48.

The Tax Act also established new tax laws that may impact our financial statements beginning in fiscal 2019. These new laws include, but are not limited to (a) Global Intangible Low-Tax Income (GILTI), a new provision for tax on low-tax foreign earnings; (b) Base Erosion Anti-abuse Tax (BEAT), a new minimum tax; (c) repeal of the domestic production activity deduction; and (d) limitations on certain executive compensation.

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 of either recognizing deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or recognizing such taxes as a current period expense when incurred. Due to the complexity of calculating GILTI under the Tax Act, we have not determined which method we will apply. Therefore, we have not recognized any adjustments for GILTI tax in our fiscal 2018 financial statements. We expect to elect an accounting policy in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

The changes included in the Tax Act are broad and complex. The final transition impacts of the Tax Act may differ from the above estimates, due to, among other things, changes in interpretations of the Tax Act, any legislative action to address questions that arise because of the Tax Act, any changes in accounting standards for income taxes or related interpretations in response to the Tax Act, or any updates or changes to estimates we have used to calculate the transition impacts, including impacts from changes to current year earnings estimates and foreign exchange rates of foreign subsidiaries.

Shortly after the Tax Act was enacted, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118). Under SAB 118, companies are provided a measurement period, not to extend beyond one year since the date of enactment. To the extent a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects are incomplete, the company may determine a reasonable estimate and record a provisional amount within the first reporting period in which a reasonable estimate can be determined. We expect to complete our analysis of the amounts recorded upon enactment of the Tax Act within the measurement period of one year.

Our consolidated effective tax rate usually differs from current statutory rates due to the recognition of amounts for events or transactions with no tax consequences. The following table reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States:



	Percent of Income Before Taxes
	2016		2017		2018
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	30.4	%
State taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	1.0	%	0.9	%	0.8	%
Income taxed at other than U.S. federal statutory rate	(2.5	%)	(1.7	%)	(3.4	%)
Tax benefit from U.S. manufacturing	(2.4	%)	(2.4	%)	(2.5	%)
Tax impact of sale of business	(1.1	%)	—	%	—	%
Amortization of deferred tax benefit from intercompany transactions	(1.6	%)	(1.7	%)	(1.6	%)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	—	%	(1.0	%)	(1.8	%)
Provisional impact of Tax Act	—	%	—	%	2.5	%
Other, net	(0.1	%)	(0.8	%)	2.2	%
Effective rate	28.3	%	28.3	%	26.6	%

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the end of each of the last two years were as follows:



April 30,	2017			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Postretirement and other benefits	$	173		$	89
Accrued liabilities and other	17			36
Inventories	27			48
Loss carryforwards	44			51
Valuation allowance	(30		)	(29		)
Total deferred tax assets, net	231			195
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(262		)	(199		)
Property, plant, and equipment	(90		)	(64		)
Other	(15		)	(1		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(367		)	(264		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(136	)	$	(69	)

Details of the loss carryforwards and related valuation allowances as of the end of each of the last two years are as follows:



	April 30, 2017							April 30, 2018
	Gross Amount		Deferred Tax Asset		Valuation Allowance			Gross Amount		Deferred Tax Asset		Valuation Allowance			Expiration (as of April 30, 2018)
Finland net operating losses	$	65	$	13	$	—		$	94	$	19	$	—		2024-2028
Brazil net operating losses	49		17		(17		)	48		16		(16		)	None
United Kingdom non-trading losses	27		5		(5		)	29		6		(6		)	None
Various state net operating losses	—		—		—			34		2		—			2033-2038
Other	43		9		(8		)	41		8		(7		)	Various¹
	$	184	$	44	$	(30	)	$	246	$	51	$	(29	)

¹As of April 30, 2018, gross amount includes loss carryforwards of $11 that do not expire and $30 that expire in varying amounts over the next 10 years.

Although the losses in Brazil can be carried forward indefinitely, it is uncertain whether we will realize sufficient taxable income to allow us to use these losses. The non-trading losses in the United Kingdom can also be carried forward indefinitely. However, we know of no significant transactions that will let us use them.

During 2014, we deferred a tax benefit of $95 that resulted primarily from the release of certain deferred tax liabilities in connection with an intercompany transfer of assets, composed primarily of an intangible asset. We have been amortizing the deferred benefit to tax expense over approximately six years for financial reporting purposes, in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 740-10-25-3(e) (Income Taxes) and ASC 810-45-8 (Consolidation), resulting in a tax benefit of $5 in 2014, $15 in 2015, $16 in 2016, $16 in 2017, and $16 in 2018. The remaining balance of the deferred benefit, which is included in “other liabilities” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, was $27 as of April 30, 2018. As discussed in Note 1, revised accounting guidance (ASU 2016-16) will require the recognition of income tax consequences of intercompany transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Our adoption of this revised guidance will result in this balance being recognized as an increase in retained earnings rather than as a reduction in income tax expense.

As of April 30, 2018, we had approximately $1,270 of undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries ($1,053 at April 30, 2017). Historically, deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized on these earnings. However, upon enactment of the Tax Act, the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are subject to U.S. tax due to the Tax Act’s provision imposing a mandatory deemed repatriation tax on accumulated foreign earnings provision. As a result, we have provisionally recognized a one-time income tax expense of $91. Deferred tax liabilities were not provided for any additional outside basis differences inherent in our foreign subsidiaries (i.e. basis differences in excess of those subject to the mandatory deemed repatriation tax) as these amounts continue to be provisionally reinvested indefinitely outside the United States. If these amounts were not considered permanently reinvested, deferred tax liabilities would have been provided for additional income taxes (if any) and withholding taxes payable in various countries. A determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liabilities on the earnings reinvested indefinitely at April 30, 2018 is not practicable.

At April 30, 2018, we had $11 of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $9 of which would reduce our effective income tax rate if recognized. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits follows:



	2016			2017			2018
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	13		$	9		$	9
Additions for tax positions provided in prior periods	1			2			5
Additions for tax positions provided in current period	—			—			1
Decreases for tax positions provided in prior years	(4		)	(2		)	(4		)
Settlements of tax positions in the current period	(1		)	—			—
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	9		$	9		$	11

We file income tax returns in the United States, including several state and local jurisdictions, as well as in several other countries in which we conduct business. The major jurisdictions and their earliest fiscal years that are currently open for tax examinations are 2011 for one state in the United States; 2016 in the United Kingdom; 2014 in Australia and Finland; 2013 in Brazil, Germany, Mexico and the Netherlands; and 2012 in Poland. The audit of our fiscal 2016 U.S. federal tax return was concluded in the second quarter of fiscal 2018; we expect the audit of the fiscal 2017 U.S. federal tax return to be concluded in the first half of fiscal 2019. In addition, we are participating in the Internal Revenue Service’s Compliance Assurance Program for our fiscal 2018 tax year.

We believe there will be no material change in our gross unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table summarizes the change in each component of AOCI, net of tax, during 2018:



	Currency Translation Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Postretirement Benefits Adjustments			Total AOCI
Balance at April 30, 2017	$	(204	)	$	11		$	(197	)	$	(390	)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	24			(28		)	16			12
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	(180	)	$	(17	)	$	(181	)	$	(378	)

The following table presents the components of net other comprehensive income (loss) during each of the last three years:



	Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
Year Ended April 30, 2016
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	(22	)	$	(1	)	$	(23	)
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(22		)	(1		)	(23		)
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	30			(10		)	20
Reclassification to earnings¹	(60		)	23			(37		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(30		)	13			(17		)
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	(47		)	19			(28		)
Reclassification to earnings²	30			(12		)	18
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(17		)	7			(10		)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(69	)	$	19		$	(50	)

Year Ended April 30, 2017
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	(71	)	$	(4	)	$	(75	)
Reclassification to earnings	3			(1		)	2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(68		)	(5		)	(73		)
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	41			(17		)	24
Reclassification to earnings¹	(40		)	16			(24		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	1			(1		)	—
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	28			(10		)	18
Reclassification to earnings²	25			(10		)	15
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	53			(20		)	33

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(14	)	$	(26	)	$	(40	)

Year Ended April 30, 2018
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	12		$	12		$	24
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	12			12			24
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(54		)	18			(36		)
Reclassification to earnings¹	11			(3		)	8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(43		)	15			(28		)
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	5			(2		)	3
Reclassification to earnings²	20			(7		)	13
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	25			(9		)	16

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(6	)	$	18		$	12

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

²Pre-tax amount is a component of pension and other postretirement benefit expense (as shown in Note 8, except for amounts related to non-U.S. benefit plans, about which no information is presented in Note 8 due to immateriality).

Supplemental Information

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The following table presents net sales by product category:



	2016		2017		2018
Net sales:
Spirits	$	2,901	$	2,805	$	3,060
Wine	188		189		188
	$	3,089	$	2,994	$	3,248

The following table presents net sales by geography:



	2016		2017		2018
Net sales:
United States	$	1,491	$	1,444	$	1,539
Europe	834		770		864
Australia	153		151		163
Other	611		629		682
	$	3,089	$	2,994	$	3,248

Net sales are attributed to countries based on where customers are located.

The net book value of property, plant, and equipment located outside the United States was $96 and $111 as of April 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Other long-lived assets located outside the United States are not significant.

We have concluded that our business constitutes a single operating segment.

Gain on Sale of Business	12 Months Ended
Gain on Sale of Business	Apr. 30, 2018
Gain on Sale of Business [Abstract]
GAIN ON SALE OF BUSINESS	GAIN ON SALE OF BUSINESS On March 1, 2016, we sold our Southern Comfort and Tuaca brands to Sazerac Company, Inc. for $543 in cash. The total book value of the related business assets included in the sale was $49, and consisted of $11 in inventories, $16 in goodwill, and $22 in other intangible assets. As a result of the sale, we recognized a gain of $485 (net of transaction costs of $9) during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Acquisition of Business

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Acquisition of Business [Abstract]

ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS

On June 1, 2016, we acquired The BenRiach Distillery Company Limited (BenRiach) for aggregate consideration of $407, consisting of a purchase price of $341 and $66 in assumed debt and transaction-related obligations that we have since paid. The acquisition, which brought three single malt Scotch whisky brands into our portfolio, included brand trademarks, inventories, three malt distilleries, a bottling plant, and BenRiach’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The purchase price of $341 included cash of $307 paid at the acquisition date for 90% of the voting interests in BenRiach and a liability of $34 related to a put and call option agreement for the remaining 10% equity shares. Under that agreement, we could choose (or be required) to purchase the remaining 10% for £24 ($34 at the exchange rate on June 1, 2016) during the one-year period ending November 14, 2017.

The purchase price of $341 was allocated based on management’s estimates and independent appraisals as follows:



	June 1, 2016
Accounts receivable	$	11
Inventories	158
Other current assets	1
Property, plant, and equipment	19
Goodwill	183
Trademarks and brand names	65
Total assets	437

Accounts payable and accrued expenses	12
Short-term borrowings	59
Deferred tax liabilities	25
Total liabilities	96

Net assets acquired	$	341

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition is primarily attributable to: (a) the value of leveraging our distribution network and brand-building expertise to grow global sales of the existing single malt Scotch whisky brands acquired, (b) the valuable opportunity to develop new products and line extensions in the especially attractive premium Scotch whisky category, and (c) the accumulated knowledge and expertise of the organized workforce employed by the acquired business. None of the goodwill amount of $183 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

On November 17, 2016, we purchased the remaining 10% interest in BenRiach for cash of £24 ($30 at the exchange rate on that date) by exercising the call option described above. That cash payment is classified as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows.

BenRiach’s results of operations have been included in our financial statements since the acquisition date. Actual and pro forma results are not presented due to immateriality.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Years Ended April 30, 2016, 2017, and 2018

(Expressed in millions)



Col. A	Col. B		Col. C(1)		Col. C(2)		Col. D			Col. E
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		Additions Charged to Other Accounts		Deductions			Balance at End of Period
2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	10	$	1	$	—	$	2	⁽¹⁾	$	9
Deferred tax valuation allowance	$	27	$	3	$	—	$	5		$	25
2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	9	$	—	$	—	$	2	⁽¹⁾	$	7
Deferred tax valuation allowance	$	25	$	5	$	2	$	2		$	30
2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	7
Deferred tax valuation allowance	$	30	$	3	$	1	$	5		$	29


⁽¹⁾	Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of consolidation

Principles of consolidation. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest. We eliminate all intercompany transactions.

Estimates

Estimates. To prepare financial statements that conform with GAAP, our management must make informed estimates that affect how we report revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, including contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include bank demand deposits and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. When we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we believe will be collected. We write off the uncollectable amount against the allowance when we have exhausted our collection efforts. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $7 as of both April 30, 2017 and 2018.

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Approximately 52% of our consolidated inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method, which we use for the majority of our U.S. inventories. We value the remainder of our inventories primarily using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. FIFO cost approximates current replacement cost. If we had used the FIFO method for all inventories, they would have been $272 and $290 higher than reported at April 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Because we age most of our whiskeys in barrels for three to six years, we bottle and sell only a portion of our whiskey inventory each year. Following industry practice, we classify all barreled whiskey as a current asset. We include warehousing, insurance, ad valorem taxes, and other carrying charges applicable to barreled whiskey in inventory costs.

We classify bulk wine, agave inventories, tequila, and liquid in bottling tanks as work in process.

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment. We state property, plant, and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis using our estimates of useful life, which are 20–40 years for buildings and improvements; 3–10 years for machinery, equipment, vehicles, furniture, and fixtures; and 3–7 years for capitalized software.

We assess our property, plant, and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. When we do not expect to recover the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) through undiscounted future cash flows, we write it down to its estimated fair value. We determine fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows, considering market values for similar assets when available.

When we retire or dispose of property, plant, and equipment, we remove its cost and accumulated depreciation from our balance sheet and reflect any gain or loss in operating income. We expense the costs of repairing and maintaining our property, plant, and equipment as we incur them.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets. We have obtained most of our brands by acquiring other companies. When we acquire another company, we first allocate the purchase price to identifiable assets and liabilities, including intangible brand names and trademarks (“brand names”), based on estimated fair value. We then record any remaining purchase price as goodwill. We do not amortize goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives. We consider all of our brand names to have indefinite lives.

We assess our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. If an asset’s fair value is less than its book value, we write it down to its estimated fair value. For goodwill, if the book value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we measure for potential impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, determined in the same manner as in a business combination, to the goodwill’s book value. We estimate the reporting unit’s fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows or market information. We typically estimate the fair value of a brand name using either the “relief from royalty” or “excess earnings” method. We also consider market values for similar assets when available. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value, including the selection of assumptions about future cash flows, discount rates, and royalty rates.

We have the option, before quantifying the fair value of a reporting unit or brand name, to evaluate qualitative factors to assess whether it is more likely than not that our goodwill or brand names are impaired. If we determine that is not the case, then we are not required to quantify the fair value. That assessment also takes considerable management judgment.

Foreign currency transactions and translation

Foreign currency transactions and translation. We report all gains and losses from foreign currency transactions (those denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency) in current income. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for most of our consolidated entities. The local currency is the functional currency for some of our consolidated foreign entities. We translate the financial statements of those foreign entities into U.S. dollars, using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date to translate assets and liabilities, and using the average exchange rate for the reporting period to translate income and expenses. We record the resulting translation adjustments in other comprehensive income (loss).

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition. We recognize sales when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, typically when the product is shipped. We record sales net of estimated sales returns, allowances, and discounts. Net sales are further reduced by excise taxes that we collect from our customers and remit to governmental authorities.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the costs of receiving, producing, inspecting, warehousing, insuring, and shipping goods sold during the period.

Shipping and handling fees and costs

Shipping and handling fees and costs. We report the amounts we bill to our customers for shipping and handling as sales, and we report the costs we incur for shipping and handling as cost of sales.

Advertising costs

Advertising costs. We expense the costs of advertising during the year when the advertisements first take place.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include the costs associated with our sales force, administrative staff and facilities, and other expenses related to our non-manufacturing functions.

Income taxes

Income taxes. We base our annual provision for income taxes on the pre-tax income reflected in our consolidated statement of operations. We establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between GAAP and tax reporting bases and later adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance as necessary to reduce a deferred tax asset to the amount that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We do not provide deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that we expect to permanently reinvest. We record a deferred tax charge in prepaid taxes for the difference between GAAP and tax reporting bases with respect to the elimination of intercompany profit in ending inventory.

We assess our uncertain income tax positions using a two-step process. First, we evaluate whether the tax position will more likely than not, based on its technical merits, be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. For a tax position that does not meet this first criterion, we recognize no tax benefit. For a tax position that does meet the first criterion, we recognize a tax benefit in an amount equal to the largest amount of benefit that we believe has more than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.

Recent accounting pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements. We adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) as of May 1, 2016:


•	ASU 2015-07: Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share. This new standard amends the previous disclosure guidance related to investments measured at net asset value. Under the new standard, investments measured at net asset value as a practical expedient are no longer categorized in the fair value hierarchy.

•

ASU 2016-09: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This new guidance amends certain aspects of the accounting for stock-based compensation, including the income tax consequences. Under the new guidance, we recognize all tax benefits related to stock-based compensation as an income tax benefit in our statement of operations, and include all income tax cash flows within operating activities in our statement of cash flows. Under the previous accounting guidance, we recognized some of those tax benefits (excess tax benefits) as additional paid-in capital and classified that amount as a financing activity in our statement of cash flows. We adopted these provisions of the new guidance on a prospective basis as of May 1, 2016. As a result, our net income and operating cash flows include excess tax benefits of $9 for fiscal 2017 and $18 for fiscal 2018. Prior period financial statements have not been adjusted.

Also, under the new guidance, we recognize the excess tax benefits during the period in which the related awards vest or are exercised. Under the previous accounting guidance, we recognized those benefits during the period in which they reduced taxes payable. We adopted this provision of the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment of $10 to retained earnings as of May 1, 2016.

New accounting pronouncements to be adopted. We will adopt the following ASUs as of May 1, 2018:

•

ASU 2014-09: Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This new standard, along with various amendments, replaces existing revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the standard requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of 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. The new standard also requires significantly more financial statement disclosures than existing revenue standards do.

We have substantially completed our comprehensive assessment of the impact of the new guidance, and have concluded that adoption will not have a material impact on our financial statements. However, under the new standard, we will estimate and recognize the cost of certain customer incentives earlier than previously recognized. Although we expect this change in timing to shift the recognition of these costs among fiscal quarters, we do not expect the full-year impact to be significant. Additionally, some payments to customers that were previously classified as advertising or selling, general, and administrative expenses will be classified as reductions of sales under the new standard. We anticipate the impact of this change in classification to be insignificant as well.

We will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective method by recognizing the cumulative effect of applying the new standard as an adjustment to retained earnings as of May 1, 2018. We anticipate the adjustment, reflecting the accelerated recognition of the cost of certain customer incentives, to decrease retained earnings by approximately $30 (net of tax). We are in the process of finalizing the calculation of the adjustment, which will be completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

•

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. We expect the impact of the new guidance to be limited to a change in classification of cash payments for premiums on corporate-owned life insurance policies, which we currently reflect in operating activities. Under the new guidance, we plan to reflect those payments as investing activities. Upon adopting this new guidance, we will retrospectively adjust prior year cash flow statements to conform to the new classification. As a result, we expect to reclassify payments (from operating activities to investing activities) of approximately $17 and $21 for fiscal 2017 and 2018, respectively.

•

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. The guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment, which we anticipate will increase retained earnings and decrease other liabilities by $27 as of May 1, 2018.

•

ASU 2017-04: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This updated guidance eliminates the second step of the existing two-step quantitative test of goodwill for impairment. Under the new guidance, the quantitative test will consist of a single step in which the carrying amount of the reporting unit will be 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. We do not expect adoption of the new standard, which is to be applied prospectively, to have an 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. It is to be applied retrospectively for the presentation in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of service cost. We estimate that the retrospective application will increase previously-reported operating income for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 by approximately $21 and $9, respectively. As the retrospective application will merely reclassify amounts from operating income to non-operating expense, there will be no effect on previously-reported net income or earnings per share.

In addition, the FASB has issued the ASUs described below that we are not required to adopt until May 1, 2019 (although early adoption is permitted). We are currently evaluating their potential impact on our financial statements.

•

ASU 2016-02: Leases. This new standard replaces existing lease accounting guidance. Under the new standard, 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. The standard 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. The standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. It is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the adoption-period financial statements. We will adopt this standard as of May 1, 2019.

•

ASU 2017-12: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This new guidance is intended to better align hedge accounting with an entity’s risk management activities and improve disclosures about hedges. The guidance expands hedge accounting for financial and nonfinancial risk components, eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, simplifies the way assessments of hedge effectiveness may be performed, and amends some presentation and disclosure requirements for hedges. It is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. We have not yet determined our plans for adoption, but are considering the possibility of adopting this new guidance before the required adoption date.

•

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. It is to be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. We have not yet determined our plans for adoption, but are considering the possibility of adopting this new guidance before the required adoption date.

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

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Classification of Cash Flows Related to Cash Flow Hedges [Policy Text Block]	In our statement 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 (that is, 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.

Balance Sheet Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Supplemental information on year end balance sheets

Supplemental information on our year-end balance sheets is as follows:



April 30,	2017		2018
Other current assets:
Prepaid taxes	$	210	$	196
Other	132		102
	$	342	$	298
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	$	81	$	82
Buildings	497		568
Equipment	659		725
Construction in process	96		61
	1,333		1,436
Less accumulated depreciation	620		656
	$	713	$	780
Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
Accounts payable, trade	$	137	$	154
Accrued expenses:
Advertising and promotion	111		136
Compensation and commissions	97		99
Excise and other non-income taxes	61		77
Other	95		115
	364		427
	$	501	$	581

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the changes in goodwill (which include no accumulated impairment losses) and other intangible assets over the past two years:



	Goodwill			Other Intangible Assets
Balance as of April 30, 2016	$	590		$	595
Acquisition of business (Note 16)	183			65
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(20		)	(19		)
Balance as of April 30, 2017	753			641
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10			31
Impairment	—			(2		)
Balance as of April 30, 2018	$	763		$	670

Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt

Our long-term debt (net of unamortized discounts and issuance costs) consisted of:



April 30,	2017		2018
1.00% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2018	$	249	$	—
2.25% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2023	248		248
3.50% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2025	—		296
1.20% senior notes, €300 principal amount, due July 7, 2026	324		361
2.60% senior notes, £300 principal amount, due July 7, 2028	383		408
4.00% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2038	—		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	486		487
	1,938		2,341
Less current portion	249		—
	$	1,689	$	2,341

- 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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

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:



	2017				2018
April 30,	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	182	$	182	$	239	$	239
Currency derivatives	25		25		1		1
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives	10		10		39		39
Short-term borrowings	211		211		215		215
Current portion of long-term debt	249		249		—		—
Long-term debt	1,689		1,752		2,341		2,386

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations

The following table presents the pre-tax impact that changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments and non-derivative hedging instruments had on AOCI and earnings during each of the last three years:



	Classification in Statement of Operations	2016			2017			2018
Derivative Instruments
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	22		$	41		$	(54	)
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings	Sales	60			40			(11		)
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	8			—			—
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	—			8			—
Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Sales	1			2			(5		)
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	(5		)	(5		)	9
Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments
Foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedge:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	—			2			(41		)
Foreign currency-denominated debt not designated as hedging instrument:
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Other income	—			3			(21		)

Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments

The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments as of April 30, 2017 and 2018:



	Balance Sheet Classification	Fair Value of Derivatives in a Gain Position		Fair Value of Derivatives in a Loss Position
April 30, 2017
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	$	21	$	(2	)
Currency derivatives	Other assets	9		(4		)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	2		(8		)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities	1		(4		)
Not designated as hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	2		(1		)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	—		(1		)
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		)

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

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



	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, 2017
Derivative assets	$	35		$	(10	)	$	25		$	(1	)	$	24
Derivative liabilities	(20		)	10			(10		)	1			(9		)
April 30, 2018
Derivative assets	10			(9		)	1			(1		)	—
Derivative liabilities	(48		)	9			(39		)	1			(38		)

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Change in present value of pension and other postretirement benefit obligation

The following table shows how the present value of our obligation changed during each of the last two years.



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017			2018			2017			2018
Obligation at beginning of year	$	898		$	893		$	56		$	52
Service cost	26			24			1			1
Interest cost	35			29			2			1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(14		)	2			—			(1		)
Plan amendments	1			6			(4		)	—
Retiree contributions	—			—			1			1
Benefits paid	(53		)	(51		)	(4		)	(4		)
Obligation at end of year	$	893		$	903		$	52		$	50

Expected benefit payments over the next 10 years

Expected benefit payments (net of retiree contributions) over the next 10 years are as follows:



	Pension Benefits		Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
2019	$	57	$	3
2020	58		3
2021	59		3
2022	61		3
2023	62		3
2024 – 2028	322		17

Fair value of pension plan assets by category, as well as the actual and target allocations

The following table shows the fair value of pension plan assets by category as of the end of the last two years. (Fair value levels are defined in Note 6.)



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
April 30, 2017
Equity securities	$	78	$	—	$	—	$	78
Limited partnership interest¹	—		—		4		4
	$	78	$	—	$	4	82
Investments measured at net asset value:
Commingled trust funds²:
Equity funds							206
Fixed income funds							229
Real estate funds							63
Short-term investments							7
Limited partnership interests³							28
Hedge funds⁴							8

Total							$	623

April 30, 2018
Equity securities	$	89	$	—	$	—	$	89
Limited partnership interest¹	—		—		4		4
	$	89	$	—	$	4	93
Investments measured at net asset value:
Commingled trust funds²:
Equity funds							226
Fixed income funds							362
Real estate funds							66
Short-term investments							5
Limited partnership interests³							27
Hedge funds⁴							1

Total							$	780

¹This limited partnership interest was initially valued at cost and has been adjusted to fair value as determined in good faith by management of the partnership using various factors, and does not meet the requirements for reporting at the net asset value (NAV). The valuation requires significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of the investment.

²Commingled trust fund valuations are based on the NAV of the funds as determined by the fund administrators and reviewed by us. NAV represents the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. For primarily all commingled trust funds other than real estate, redemptions are permitted daily with no notice period. The real estate fund is redeemable quarterly with 110 days notice.

³These limited partnership interests were initially valued at cost and have been adjusted using NAV per audited financial statements. Investments are generally not eligible for immediate redemption and have original terms averaging 10 to 13 years, although those periods may be subsequently extended.

⁴Hedge fund valuations are based primarily on the NAV of the funds as determined by fund administrators and reviewed by us. During our review, we determine whether it is necessary to adjust a valuation for inherent liquidity and redemption issues that may exist within a fund’s underlying assets or fund unit values.

Change in fair value of Level 3 assets

The following table shows how the fair value of the Level 3 assets changed during each of the last two years. There were no transfers of assets between Level 3 and either of the other two levels.



	Level 3
Balance as of April 30, 2016	$	5
Sales and settlements	(1		)
Balance as of April 30, 2017	4
Return on assets held at end of year	1
Sales and settlements	(1		)
Balance as of April 30, 2018	$	4

Change in fair value of pension plan Assets

The following table shows how the total fair value of all pension plan assets changed during each of the last two years. (We do not have assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017			2018			2017			2018
Assets at beginning of year	$	594		$	623		$	—		$	—
Actual return on assets	51			53			—			—
Retiree contributions	—			—			1			1
Company contributions	31			155			3			3
Benefits paid	(53		)	(51		)	(4		)	(4		)
Assets at end of year	$	623		$	780		$	—		$	—

Funded status of plans

The following table shows the funded status of our plans.



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
April 30,	2017			2018			2017			2018
Assets	$	623		$	780		$	—		$	—
Obligations	(893		)	(903		)	(52		)	(50		)
Funded status	$	(270	)	$	(123	)	$	(52	)	$	(50	)

Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets

The funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
April 30,	2017			2018			2017			2018
Other assets	$	—		$	26		$	—		$	—
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(5		)	(5		)	(3		)	(3		)
Accrued postretirement benefits	(265		)	(144		)	(49		)	(47		)
Net liability	$	(270	)	$	(123	)	$	(52	)	$	(50	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	(322	)	$	(291	)	$	(13	)	$	(10	)
Prior service credit (cost)	(4		)	(9		)	17			13
	$	(326	)	$	(300	)	$	4		$	3

Pension plans that have assets in excess of their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose assets are less than their obligations

The following table compares our pension plans whose assets exceed their accumulated benefit obligations with those whose obligations exceed their assets. (As discussed above, we have no assets set aside for postretirement medical or life insurance benefits.)



	Plan Assets				Accumulated Benefit Obligation				Projected Benefit Obligation
April 30,	2017		2018		2017		2018		2017		2018
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation	$	48	$	780	$	47	$	669	$	48	$	754
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets	575		—		729		123		845		149
Total	$	623	$	780	$	776	$	792	$	893	$	903

Pension expense

The following table shows the components of the pension cost recognized during each of the last three years. The amount for each year includes amortization of the prior service cost/credit and net actuarial loss/gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of the beginning of the year.



	Pension Benefits
	2016			2017			2018
Service cost	$	26		$	26		$	24
Interest cost	35			35			29
Expected return on assets	(40		)	(41		)	(41		)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	1			1			1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	27			25			21
Settlement loss	—			1			—
Net cost	$	49		$	47		$	34

Postretirement medical and life insurance benefit expense

The following table shows the components of the postretirement medical and life insurance benefit cost that we recognized during each of the last three years.



	Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2016			2017			2018
Service cost	$	1		$	1		$	1
Interest cost	2			2			1
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)	(2		)	(3		)	(3		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1			1			1
Net cost	$	2		$	1		$	—

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income

The following table shows the pre-tax effect of these amounts on OCI during each of the last three years.



	Pension Benefits									Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2016			2017			2018			2016			2017			2018
Prior service credit (cost)	$	—		$	(1	)	$	(6	)	$	—		$	4		$	—
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(46		)	24			10			1			—			1
Amortization reclassified to earnings:
Prior service cost (credit)	1			1			1			(2		)	(3		)	(3		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	27			26			21			1			1			1
Net amount recognized in OCI	$	(18	)	$	50		$	26		$	—		$	2		$	(1	)

Assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations

The weighted-average assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations as of the end of the last two years were as follows:



	Pension Benefits				Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017		2018		2017		2018
Discount rate	4.09	%	4.23	%	4.04	%	4.20	%
Rate of salary increase	4.00	%	4.00	%	n/a		n/a

Assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense

assumptions used in computing benefit plan cost during each of the last three years were as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2016		2017		2018		2016		2017		2018
Discount rate for service cost	4.09	%	4.02	%	4.29	%	4.09	%	3.96	%	4.39	%
Discount rate for interest cost	4.09	%	4.02	%	3.40	%	4.09	%	3.96	%	3.35	%
Rate of salary increase	4.00	%	4.00	%	4.00	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Expected return on plan assets	7.00	%	7.00	%	6.75	%	n/a		n/a		n/a

Assumed health care cost trend rates

The assumed health care cost trend rates as of the end of the last two years were as follows:



	Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
	2017		2018
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.25	%	7.70	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00	%	5.00	%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2025		2025

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Summary of stock options and SSARs granted under the plan

The following table presents information about stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SSARs) granted under the Plan (or its predecessor plans) as of April 30, 2018, and for the year then ended.



	Number of Underlying Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Exercise Price per Award		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at April 30, 2017	8,278		$	25.74
Granted	1,059		39.07
Exercised	(2,116	)	17.11
Forfeited or expired	(6	)	36.05
Outstanding at April 30, 2018	7,215		$	29.67	5.4	$	190
Exercisable at April 30, 2018	4,335		$	23.17	3.7	$	142

Assumptions used for fair value estimation

We estimated the fair values using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:



	2016		2017		2018
Risk-free interest rate	2.1	%	1.4	%	2.2	%
Expected volatility	19.1	%	16.3	%	15.6	%
Expected dividend yield	1.6	%	1.6	%	1.5	%
Expected term (years)	6.75		7.00		7.00

Summary of changes in outstanding RSUs and restricted stock

The following table summarizes the changes in the number of shares underlying these awards during 2018.



	Number of Underlying Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Nonvested at April 30, 2017	601		$	36.50
Granted	165		33.68
Adjusted for dividends or performance	43		50.47
Vested	(136	)	34.52
Forfeited	(3	)	39.40
Nonvested at April 30, 2018	670		$	39.84

Common Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the effects of the stock splits and treasury stock retirement on the number of issued common shares:



	Issued
(Shares in thousands)	Class A	Class B		Total
Balance at April 30, 2016	85,000	142,313		227,313
Stock split	85,000	142,313		227,313
Balance at April 30, 2017	170,000	284,626		454,626
Retirement of treasury stock	—	(67,000	)	(67,000	)
Stock split	—	96,906		96,906
Balance at April 30, 2018	170,000	314,532		484,532

Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block]

The following table shows the change in outstanding common shares during each of the last three years:



	Outstanding
(Shares in thousands)	Class A		Class B		Total
Balance at April 30, 2015	168,926		352,823		521,749
Acquisition of treasury stock	(114	)	(28,422	)	(28,536	)
Stock issued under compensation plans	248		892		1,140
Balance at April 30, 2016	169,060		325,293		494,353
Acquisition of treasury stock	(77	)	(14,768	)	(14,845	)
Stock issued under compensation plans	68		530		598
Balance at April 30, 2017	169,051		311,055		480,106
Acquisition of treasury stock	(25	)	(6	)	(31	)
Stock issued under compensation plans	36		890		926
Balance at April 30, 2018	169,062		311,939		481,001

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=d3e177068-122764

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(d))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section S99
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21553-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65888546&loc=d3e21300-112643

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(27))
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21488-112644

+ Details

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

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:



	2016		2017		2018
Net income available to common stockholders	$	1,067	$	669	$	717
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding	507,441		484,635		480,319
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	3,259		3,442		3,929
Diluted average common shares outstanding	510,700		488,077		484,248

Basic earnings per share	$	2.10	$	1.38	$	1.49
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.09	$	1.37	$	1.48

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Domestic and Foreign income before Income taxes

The following table, based on the locations of the taxable entities from which sales were derived (rather than the location of customers), presents the U.S. and foreign components of our income before income taxes:



	2016		2017		2018
United States	$	1,184	$	806	$	747
Foreign	305		127		230
	$	1,489	$	933	$	977

Total income tax expense

Our total income tax expense for each of the last three years was as follows:



	2016			2017			2018
Current:
U.S. federal	$	347		$	226		$	265
Foreign	47			40			47
State and local	18			8			17
	412			274			329
Deferred:
U.S. federal	$	24		$	(1	)	$	(48	)
Foreign	(17		)	(9		)	(13		)
State and local	3			—			(8		)
	10			(10		)	(69		)
	$	422		$	264		$	260

Reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States

The following table reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States:



	Percent of Income Before Taxes
	2016		2017		2018
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	30.4	%
State taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	1.0	%	0.9	%	0.8	%
Income taxed at other than U.S. federal statutory rate	(2.5	%)	(1.7	%)	(3.4	%)
Tax benefit from U.S. manufacturing	(2.4	%)	(2.4	%)	(2.5	%)
Tax impact of sale of business	(1.1	%)	—	%	—	%
Amortization of deferred tax benefit from intercompany transactions	(1.6	%)	(1.7	%)	(1.6	%)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	—	%	(1.0	%)	(1.8	%)
Provisional impact of Tax Act	—	%	—	%	2.5	%
Other, net	(0.1	%)	(0.8	%)	2.2	%
Effective rate	28.3	%	28.3	%	26.6	%

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the end of each of the last two years were as follows:



April 30,	2017			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Postretirement and other benefits	$	173		$	89
Accrued liabilities and other	17			36
Inventories	27			48
Loss carryforwards	44			51
Valuation allowance	(30		)	(29		)
Total deferred tax assets, net	231			195
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(262		)	(199		)
Property, plant, and equipment	(90		)	(64		)
Other	(15		)	(1		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(367		)	(264		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(136	)	$	(69	)

Reconciliation of ending and beginning unrecognized tax benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits follows:



	2016			2017			2018
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	13		$	9		$	9
Additions for tax positions provided in prior periods	1			2			5
Additions for tax positions provided in current period	—			—			1
Decreases for tax positions provided in prior years	(4		)	(2		)	(4		)
Settlements of tax positions in the current period	(1		)	—			—
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	9		$	9		$	11

Loss carryforwards and valuation allowances

Details of the loss carryforwards and related valuation allowances as of the end of each of the last two years are as follows:



	April 30, 2017							April 30, 2018
	Gross Amount		Deferred Tax Asset		Valuation Allowance			Gross Amount		Deferred Tax Asset		Valuation Allowance			Expiration (as of April 30, 2018)
Finland net operating losses	$	65	$	13	$	—		$	94	$	19	$	—		2024-2028
Brazil net operating losses	49		17		(17		)	48		16		(16		)	None
United Kingdom non-trading losses	27		5		(5		)	29		6		(6		)	None
Various state net operating losses	—		—		—			34		2		—			2033-2038
Other	43		9		(8		)	41		8		(7		)	Various¹
	$	184	$	44	$	(30	)	$	246	$	51	$	(29	)

¹As of April 30, 2018, gross amount includes loss carryforwards of $11 that do not expire and $30 that expire in varying amounts over the next 10 years.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

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

The following table summarizes the change in each component of AOCI, net of tax, during 2018:



	Currency Translation Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Postretirement Benefits Adjustments			Total AOCI
Balance at April 30, 2017	$	(204	)	$	11		$	(197	)	$	(390	)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	24			(28		)	16			12
Balance at April 30, 2018	$	(180	)	$	(17	)	$	(181	)	$	(378	)

Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the components of net other comprehensive income (loss) during each of the last three years:



	Pre-Tax			Tax			Net
Year Ended April 30, 2016
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	(22	)	$	(1	)	$	(23	)
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(22		)	(1		)	(23		)
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	30			(10		)	20
Reclassification to earnings¹	(60		)	23			(37		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(30		)	13			(17		)
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	(47		)	19			(28		)
Reclassification to earnings²	30			(12		)	18
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(17		)	7			(10		)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(69	)	$	19		$	(50	)

Year Ended April 30, 2017
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	(71	)	$	(4	)	$	(75	)
Reclassification to earnings	3			(1		)	2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(68		)	(5		)	(73		)
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	41			(17		)	24
Reclassification to earnings¹	(40		)	16			(24		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	1			(1		)	—
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	28			(10		)	18
Reclassification to earnings²	25			(10		)	15
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	53			(20		)	33

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(14	)	$	(26	)	$	(40	)

Year Ended April 30, 2018
Currency translation adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on currency translation	$	12		$	12		$	24
Reclassification to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	12			12			24
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments	(54		)	18			(36		)
Reclassification to earnings¹	11			(3		)	8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(43		)	15			(28		)
Postretirement benefits adjustments:
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost	5			(2		)	3
Reclassification to earnings²	20			(7		)	13
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	25			(9		)	16

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(6	)	$	18		$	12

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

²Pre-tax amount is a component of pension and other postretirement benefit expense (as shown in Note 8, except for amounts related to non-U.S. benefit plans, about which no information is presented in Note 8 due to immateriality).

Supplemental Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Net sales by product category

The following table presents net sales by product category:



	2016		2017		2018
Net sales:
Spirits	$	2,901	$	2,805	$	3,060
Wine	188		189		188
	$	3,089	$	2,994	$	3,248

Net sales by geography

The following table presents net sales by geography:



	2016		2017		2018
Net sales:
United States	$	1,491	$	1,444	$	1,539
Europe	834		770		864
Australia	153		151		163
Other	611		629		682
	$	3,089	$	2,994	$	3,248

Acquisition of Business (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Acquisition of Business [Abstract]

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

The purchase price of $341 was allocated based on management’s estimates and independent appraisals as follows:



	June 1, 2016
Accounts receivable	$	11
Inventories	158
Other current assets	1
Property, plant, and equipment	19
Goodwill	183
Trademarks and brand names	65
Total assets	437

Accounts payable and accrued expenses	12
Short-term borrowings	59
Deferred tax liabilities	25
Total liabilities	96

Net assets acquired	$	341

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 7	$ 7

Accounting Policies (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Inventories valued using LIFO method (percent)	52.00%
FIFO method value of inventory in excess of reported	$ 290	$ 272
Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Whiskey aging period (years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	20 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Whiskey aging period (years)	6 years
Maximum [Member] \| Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	40 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (years)	7 years

Recently-adopted accounting pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	May 01, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			$ 10
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock Based Compensation	$ 18	$ 9
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			$ 10

New Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	May 01, 2018	May 01, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption				$ 10
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] \| Scenario, Forecast [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			$ (30)
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	$ 21	$ 17
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] \| Scenario, Forecast [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			$ 27
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	$ 9	$ 21

Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Other current assets:
Prepaid taxes	$ 196	$ 210
Other	102	132
Other current assets	298	342
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	82	81
Buildings	568	497
Equipment	725	659
Construction in process	61	96
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,436	1,333
Less accumulated depreciation	656	620
Property, plant, and equipment, net	780	713
Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
Accounts payable, trade	154	137
Accrued expenses:
Advertising and promotion	136	111
Compensation and commissions	99	97
Excise and other non-income taxes	77	61
Other	115	95
Accrued expenses	427	364
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 581	$ 501

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 753	$ 590
Acquisition of business		183
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10	(20)
Impairment	0
Ending balance	763	753
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	641	595
Acquisition of business		65
Foreign currency translation adjustment	31	(19)
Impairment	(2)
Ending balance	$ 670	$ 641

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Commitments (Textual) [Abstract]
Rental payment under operating leases	$ 26	$ 23	$ 23
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Minimum lease payment, 2019	18
Minimum lease payment, 2020	13
Minimum lease payment, 2021	8
Minimum lease payment, 2022	4
Minimum lease payment, 2023	1
Minimum lease payment, after 2023	1
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Total purchase obligation, 2019	12
Total purchase obligation, 2020	9
Total purchase obligation, 2021	6
Total purchase obligation, 2022	4
Total purchase obligation, 2023	1
Total purchase obligation, after 2023	$ 1
Agave [Member]
Commitments (Textual) [Abstract]
Agave purchase contract, period (years)	10 years
Total obligations	$ 28

Commitments and Contingencies Guaranty (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$ 639	$ 557
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	9
Guarantee Obligations Current Exposure	5
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$ 3

Debt and Credit Facilities (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2017 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2018 GBP (£)	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2017 GBP (£)	Apr. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long term debt				$ 2,341,000,000		$ 1,938,000,000
Less current portion				0		249,000,000
Total Long term debt excluding current portion				2,341,000,000		1,689,000,000
1.00% senior notes, due January 15, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jan. 15, 2018
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.00%			1.00%	1.00%
Total long term debt				$ 0		$ 249,000,000
2.25% senior notes, due January 15, 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
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%
Total long term debt				$ 248,000,000		$ 248,000,000
3.50% senior notes, due April 15, 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 15, 2025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.50%		3.50%	3.50%
Total long term debt				$ 296,000,000		$ 0
1.20% senior notes, due July 7, 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| €	€ 300	€ 0
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%
Total long term debt				$ 361,000,000		$ 324,000,000
2.60% senior notes, due July 7, 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| £			£ 300		£ 0
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%
Total long term debt				$ 408,000,000		$ 383,000,000
4.00% senior notes, due April 15, 2038 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 15, 2038
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.00%		4.00%	4.00%
Total long term debt				$ 293,000,000		0
3.75% senior notes, due January 15, 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
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%
Total long term debt				$ 248,000,000		$ 248,000,000
4.50% senior notes, due July 15, 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
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%	4.50%
Total long term debt				$ 487,000,000		$ 486,000,000

Debt and Credit Facilities (Textual) (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2019	$ 0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	250
After 2023	$ 2,127

Debt and Credit Facilities Long-Term Debt (Textual) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 2,341,000,000	$ 1,938,000,000
3.50% senior notes, due April 15, 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 15, 2025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.50%
Long-term Debt	$ 296,000,000	0
4.00% senior notes, due April 15, 2038 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 15, 2038
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.00%
Long-term Debt	$ 293,000,000	$ 0

Debt and Credit Facilities Short-term borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	$ 215	$ 211
Commercial Paper	$ 215	$ 208
Commercial Paper Borrowings, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.04%	1.04%
Commercial Paper Borrowings, Average Remaining Maturity	23 days	22 days

Debt and Credit Facilities Credit Facilities (Details)	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Eight Hundred Million Credit Facility Expiring November 2022 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 800,000,000

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$ 239	$ 182	$ 263	$ 370
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	239	182
Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings, Carrying Amount	215	211
Short-term borrowings, Fair Value	215	211
Current portion of long-term debt, Carrying Amount	0	249
Long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,341	1,689
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Currency derivatives, Fair Value	1	25
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives, Fair Value	39	10
Current portion of long-term debt, Fair Value	0	249
Long-term debt, Fair Value	2,386	1,752
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Assets:
Currency derivatives, Carrying Amount	1	25
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives, Carrying Amount	$ 39	$ 10

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$ 0	$ 0	$ 8
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	(54)	41	22
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI		8
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	8	0
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	(11)	40	60
Sales [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	(5)	2	1
Other Income [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings	9	(5)	(5)
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	(41)	2	0
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	$ (21)	$ 3	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Fair Value of Derivatives in a Gain (Loss) Position) (Details) - Currency derivatives [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
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	$ 0	$ 2
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	1	0
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	(1)
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	(5)	(1)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	1	9
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	2	21
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Accrued expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	4	2
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a gain position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	2	1
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	0	(4)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	(2)	(2)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Accrued expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	(23)	(8)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Fair value of derivatives in a loss position [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain (loss) position	$ (18)	$ (4)

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	$ (18)
Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives	36 months	36 months
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	$ 38	$ 9
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,098	1,188
Treasury Lock [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	0	0	$ 8
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	633	511
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	0	8	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	(54)	41	$ 22
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Treasury Lock [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net		8
4.50% senior notes, due July 15, 2045 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 500	$ 500		$ 500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.50%	4.50%		4.50%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jul. 15, 2045	Jul. 15, 2045

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets	$ 10	$ 35
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Offset Against Derivative Assets in Balance Sheet	(9)	(10)
Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in Balance Sheet	1	25
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities Not Offset Against Derivative Assets in Balance Sheet	(1)	(1)
Net Amount of Derivative Assets	0	24
Gross Amount of Derivative Liabilities	(48)	(20)
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Offset Against Derivative Liabilities in Balance Sheet	9	10
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet	(39)	(10)
Gross Amount of Derivative Assets Not Offset Against Derivative Liabilities in Balance Sheet	1	1
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities	$ (38)	$ (9)

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Pension Benefits [Member]
Changes in present value of pension and other postretirement benefits
Obligation at beginning of year	$ 893	$ 898
Service cost	24	26	$ 26
Interest cost	29	35	35
Net actuarial loss (gain)	2	(14)
Plan amendments	6	1
Retiree contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(51)	(53)
Obligation at end of year	903	893	898
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Changes in present value of pension and other postretirement benefits
Obligation at beginning of year	52	56
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	1	2	2
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(1)	0
Plan amendments	0	(4)
Retiree contributions	1	1
Benefits paid	(4)	(4)
Obligation at end of year	$ 50	$ 52	$ 56

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Expected benefit payments over the next 10 years
2019	$ 57
2020	58
2021	59
2022	61
2023	62
2024-2028	322
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Expected benefit payments over the next 10 years
2019	3
2020	3
2021	3
2022	3
2023	3
2024-2028	$ 17

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Target asset allocation (Details)	Apr. 30, 2018
Public Equity Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	40.00%
Fixed Income Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	47.00%
Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage	13.00%

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets and Asset Allocations) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

Apr. 30, 2018

Apr. 30, 2017

Apr. 30, 2016

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

$ 780

$ 623

Level 3 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

4

$ 5

Equity Funds [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[1]

226

206

Fixed Income Funds [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[1]

362

229

Real Estate funds [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[1]

66

63

Short-term Investments [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[1]

5

7

Hedge Funds [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[2]

1

8

Limited Partnership Interests [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[3]

27

28

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

93

82

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

89

78

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

0

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

4

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Limited Partnership Interests [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[4]

4

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Limited Partnership Interests [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[4]

0

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Limited Partnership Interests [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[4]

0

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Limited Partnership Interests [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

^[4]

4

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

89

78

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

89

78

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

0

Included in Fair Value Hierarchy [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Total, Plan Assets

$ 0

[1]	Commingled trust fund valuations are based on the NAV of the funds as determined by the fund administrators and reviewed by us. NAV represents the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. For primarily all commingled trust funds other than real estate, redemptions are permitted daily with no notice period. The real estate fund is redeemable quarterly with 110 days notice.
[2]	Hedge fund valuations are based primarily on the NAV of the funds as determined by fund administrators and reviewed by us. During our review, we determine whether it is necessary to adjust a valuation for inherent liquidity and redemption issues that may exist within a fund’s underlying assets or fund unit values.
[3]	These limited partnership interests were initially valued at cost and have been adjusted using NAV per audited financial statements. Investments are generally not eligible for immediate redemption and have original terms averaging 10 to 13 years, although those periods may be subsequently extended.
[4]	This limited partnership interest was initially valued at cost and has been adjusted to fair value as determined in good faith by management of the partnership using various factors, and does not meet the requirements for reporting at the net asset value (NAV). The valuation requires significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of the investment.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Beginning balance	$ 623
Ending balance	780	$ 623
Level 3 [Member]
Change in fair value of Level 3 Assets
Beginning balance	4	5
Return on assets held at end of year	1
Sales and settlements	(1)	(1)
Ending balance	$ 4	$ 4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Change in Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Change in fair value of pension plan Assets
Beginning balance	$ 623
Ending balance	780	$ 623
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in fair value of pension plan Assets
Beginning balance	623	594
Actual return on assets	53	51
Retiree contributions	0	0
Company contributions	155	31
Benefits paid	(51)	(53)
Ending balance	780	623
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Change in fair value of pension plan Assets
Beginning balance	0	0
Actual return on assets	0	0
Retiree contributions	1	1
Company contributions	3	3
Benefits paid	(4)	(4)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status of Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Funded Status of Plans
Assets	$ 780	$ 623
Pension Benefits [Member]
Funded Status of Plans
Assets	780	623	$ 594
Obligations	(903)	(893)	(898)
Funded status	(123)	(270)
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Funded Status of Plans
Assets	0	0	0
Obligations	(50)	(52)	$ (56)
Funded status	$ (50)	$ (52)

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Amount	$ 98	$ 81

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status Recorded on Accompanying Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
Accrued postretirement benefits	$ (191)	$ (314)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
Other assets	26	0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(5)	(5)
Accrued postretirement benefits	(144)	(265)
Net liability	(123)	(270)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(291)	(322)
Prior service credit (cost)	(9)	(4)
Total	(300)	(326)
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Funded status is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
Other assets	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(3)	(3)
Accrued postretirement benefits	(47)	(49)
Net liability	(50)	(52)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(10)	(13)
Prior service credit (cost)	13	17
Total	$ 3	$ 4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension plans whose assets (obligations) exceed obligations (assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total, Plan Assets	$ 780	$ 623
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, Plan Assets	780	48
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets, Plan Assets	0	575
Total, Plan Assets	780	623	$ 594
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	669	47
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	123	729
Total, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	792	776
Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, Projected Benefit Obligation	754	48
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	149	845
Total, Projected Benefit Obligation	$ 903	$ 893	$ 898

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Schedule of Components of Pension Expense) (Details) - Pension Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Pension Expense
Service cost	$ 24	$ 26	$ 26
Interest cost	29	35	35
Expected return on assets	(41)	(41)	(40)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1	1	1
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	21	25	27
Settlement loss	0	1	0
Net cost	$ 34	$ 47	$ 49

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Schedule of Components of Other Postretirement Benefit Expense) (Details) - Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Postretirement medical and life insurance benefit expense
Service cost	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Interest cost	1	2	2
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(3)	(3)	(2)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	1	1	1
Net cost	$ 0	$ 1	$ 2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Changes in Funded Status of Benefit Plans Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Pension Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in OCI
Prior service credit (cost)	$ (6)	$ (1)	$ 0
Net actuarial gain (loss)	10	24	(46)
Amortization reclassified to earnings:
Prior service cost (credit)	1	1	1
Net actuarial loss (gain)	21	26	27
Net amount recognized in OCI	26	50	(18)
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Amounts recognized in OCI
Prior service credit (cost)	0	4	0
Net actuarial gain (loss)	1	0	1
Amortization reclassified to earnings:
Prior service cost (credit)	(3)	(3)	(2)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1	1	1
Net amount recognized in OCI	$ (1)	$ 2	$ 0

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions and SensItivity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Pension Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations
Discount rate (percent)	4.23%	4.09%
Rate of salary increase (percent)	4.00%	4.00%
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense
Discount rate for service cost (percent)	4.29%	4.02%	4.09%
Discount rate for interest cost (percent)	3.40%	4.02%	4.09%
Rate of salary increase (percent)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (percent)	6.75%	7.00%	7.00%
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan obligations
Discount rate (percent)	4.20%	4.04%
Assumptions used in computing benefit plan expense
Discount rate for service cost (percent)	4.39%	3.96%	4.09%
Discount rate for interest cost (percent)	3.35%	3.96%	4.09%
Assumed health care cost trend rates
Present rate (percent)	7.70%	7.25%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	5.00%	5.00%

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Textual) (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution to benefit plans in 2019	$ 5
Estimated amount of prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2019	(1)
Estimated amount of net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2019	19
Medical and Life Insurance Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contribution to benefit plans in 2019	3
Estimated amount of prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2019	3
Estimated amount of net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into pension expense in 2019	$ 1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Savings Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Expense for matching contributions	$ 12	$ 11	$ 11

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Options and SSARs) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock Options and SSARs, Number of Underlying Shares [Roll Forward]
Stock options and SSARs oustanding, Beginning balance (shares) \| shares	8,278
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Granted (shares) \| shares	1,059
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Exercised (shares) \| shares	(2,116)
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Forfeited or expired (shares) \| shares	(6)
Stock options and SSARs oustanding, Ending balance (shares) \| shares	7,215
Stock Options and SSARs, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Beginning balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 25.74
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Granted (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	39.07
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Exercised (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	17.11
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Forfeited or expired (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	36.05
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award, Ending balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 29.67
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	5 years 4 months 24 days
Stock options and SSARs outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 190
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable (shares) \| shares	4,335
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Award (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 23.17
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	3 years 8 months 19 days
Stock options and SSARs Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 142

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options and SSARs Fair Value Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Assumptions used for fair value estimation
Risk-free interest rate	2.20%	1.40%	2.10%
Expected volatility	15.60%	16.30%	19.10%
Expected dividend yield	1.50%	1.60%	1.60%
Expected term (years)	7 years	7 years	6 years 9 months

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Changes in the Number of Underlying Shares) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018 $ / shares shares
Number of Underlying Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares outstanding, Beginning balance (shares) \| shares	601
Number of shares outstanding, Granted (shares) \| shares	165
Number of shares outstanding, Adjusted for dividends or performance (shares) \| shares	43
Number of shares outstanding, Vested (shares) \| shares	(136)
Number of shares outstanding, Forfeited (shares) \| shares	(3)
Number of shares outstanding, Ending balance (shares) \| shares	670
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Beginning balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 36.50
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Granted (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	33.68
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Adjusted for dividends or performance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	50.47
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Vested (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	34.52
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Forfeited (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	39.40
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date, Ending balance (dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 39.84

Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
The total intrinsic value of options and SSARs exercised	$ 73	$ 28	$ 47
Stock options and SSARs award vesting period (years)	3 years
Stock options and SSARs award expiration period (years)	7 years
Grant-date fair value per award (dollars per share)	$ 6.79	$ 5.73	$ 7.62
Stock-based incentive awards on a pre-tax	$ 19	$ 14	$ 15
Compensation expense partially offset by deferred income tax benefits	6	5	6
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation	$ 7
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period of recognition (years)	1 year 3 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding under Restricted stock units (shares)	670
Weighted-average remaining restriction period (years)	9 months 18 days
Total fair value of RSUs, restricted stock, and DSUs vested	$ 6	$ 8	$ 10
Omnibus Compensation Plan 2004 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized under 2013 Omnibus Compensation Plan (shares)	20,750
Shares issued under 2013 Omnibus Compensation Plan (shares)	14,791

Common Stock (Details) - shares		12 Months Ended
Common Stock (Details) - shares	May 24, 2017	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired		67,000,000
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized		170,000,000	170,000,000	85,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired		0
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized		400,000,000	400,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired	67,000,000	67,000,000

Common Stock Rollforward of Issued Shares (Details) - shares		12 Months Ended
	May 24, 2017	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning balance		454,626,000	227,313,000
Retirement of treasury stock		(67,000,000)
Stock split		96,906,000	227,313,000
Ending balance		484,532,000	454,626,000
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning balance		170,000,000	85,000,000
Retirement of treasury stock		0
Stock split		0	85,000,000
Ending balance		170,000,000	170,000,000
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning balance		284,626,000	142,313,000
Retirement of treasury stock	(67,000,000)	(67,000,000)
Stock split		96,906,000	142,313,000
Ending balance		314,532,000	284,626,000

Common Stock Rollforward of Outstanding Shares (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning balance	480,106	494,353	521,749
Acquisition of treasury stock	(31)	(14,845)	(28,536)
Stock issued under compensation plans	926	598	1,140
Ending balance	481,001	480,106	494,353
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning balance	169,051	169,060	168,926
Acquisition of treasury stock	(25)	(77)	(114)
Stock issued under compensation plans	36	68	248
Ending balance	169,062	169,051	169,060
Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning balance	311,055	325,293	352,823
Acquisition of treasury stock	(6)	(14,768)	(28,422)
Stock issued under compensation plans	890	530	892
Ending balance	311,939	311,055	325,293

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 717	$ 669	$ 1,067
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding (shares)	480,319	484,635	507,441
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards (shares)	3,929	3,442	3,259
Diluted average common shares outstanding (shares)	484,248	488,077	510,700
Basic earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 1.49	$ 1.38	$ 2.10
Diluted earnings per share (dollars per share)	$ 1.48	$ 1.37	$ 2.09
Antidilutive common stock-based awards excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (shares)	805	2,145	1,131

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income from U.S. and Foreign Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Domestic and Foreign components of our Income before Income taxes
United States	$ 747	$ 806	$ 1,184
Foreign	230	127	305
Income before income taxes	$ 977	$ 933	$ 1,489

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Current:
U.S. federal	$ 265	$ 226	$ 347
Foreign	47	40	47
State and local	17	8	18
Current income tax expense	329	274	412
Deferred:
U.S. federal	(48)	(1)	24
Foreign	(13)	(9)	(17)
State and local	(8)	0	3
Deferred income taxes expense	(69)	(10)	10
Total income tax expense	$ 260	$ 264	$ 422

Income Taxes (Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Reconciles our effective tax rate to the federal statutory tax rate in the United States
U.S. federal statutory rate	30.40%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit	0.80%	0.90%	1.00%
Income taxed at other than U.S. federal statutory rate	(3.40%)	(1.70%)	(2.50%)
Tax benefit from U.S. manufacturing	(2.50%)	(2.40%)	(2.40%)
Tax impact of sale of business	0.00%	0.00%	(1.10%)
Amortization of deferred tax benefit from intercompany transactions	(1.60%)	(1.70%)	(1.60%)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	(1.80%)	(1.00%)	0.00%
Provisional impact of Tax Act	2.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Other, net	2.20%	(0.80%)	(0.10%)
Effective rate	26.60%	28.30%	28.30%

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Postretirement and other benefits	$ 89	$ 173
Accrued liabilities and other	36	17
Inventories	48	27
Loss carryforwards	51	44
Valuation allowance	(29)	(30)
Total deferred tax assets, net	195	231
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(199)	(262)
Property, plant, and equipment	(64)	(90)
Other	(1)	(15)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(264)	(367)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (69)	$ (136)

Income Taxes (Loss Carryforwards) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

Apr. 30, 2018

Apr. 30, 2017

Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

Loss Carryforwards, Other

$ 41

^[1]

$ 43

Deferred Tax Assets, Other Loss Carryforwards

8

9

Other Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance

(7)

(8)

Loss Carryforwards

246

184

Deferred Tax Assets, Loss Carryforwards

51

44

Valuation Allowance

(29)

(30)

State [Member]

Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

Operating Loss Carryforwards

34

0

Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State

2

0

Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance

0

Not Subject to Expiration [Member]

Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

Loss Carryforwards, Other

11

Not Subject to Expiration [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Brazil [Member]

Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

Operating Loss Carryforwards

48

49

Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign

16

17

Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance

(16)

(17)

Not Subject to Expiration [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM

Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

Non-trading Loss Carryforwards

29

27

Deferred Tax Assets, Non-Trading Loss Carryforwards

6

5

Non-trading Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance

(6)

(5)

Subject to Expiration [Member]

Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

Loss Carryforwards, Other

30

Subject to Expiration [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | FINLAND

Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

Operating Loss Carryforwards

94

65

Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign

19

13

Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance

$ 0

[1]	As of April 30, 2018, gross amount includes loss carryforwards of $11 that do not expire and $30 that expire in varying amounts over the next 10 years.

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 9	$ 9	$ 13
Additions for tax positions provided in prior periods	5	2	1
Additions for tax positions provided in current period	1	0	0
Decreases for tax positions provided in prior years	(4)	(2)	(4)
Settlements of tax positions in the current period	0	0	(1)
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 11	$ 9	$ 9

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Liabilities Not Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 1,270	$ 1,053

Income Taxes (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		30.40%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Amount		$ (19)
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)
Deferred Income, Tax Benefit of Intercompany Transfer of Assets, Before Amortization						$ 95
Other Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations		16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 15	$ 5
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		29	30
Gross unrecognized tax benefits		11	$ 9	$ 9	$ 13
Reduction in effective income tax rate if recognized		9
Estimated increase in unrecognized tax benefits in next 12 months as a result of net tax positions taken		0
Deferred Income, Tax Benefit of Intercompany Transfer of Assets, Net of Amortization		$ 27
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (378)	$ (390)
Currency translation adjustments	24	(73)	$ (23)
Cash flow hedge adjustments	(28)	0	(17)
Postretirement benefits adjustments	16	33	(10)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	12	(40)	(50)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(180)	(204)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	24	(73)	(23)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(17)	11
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(28)	0	(17)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(181)	(197)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 16	$ 33	$ (10)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2018

Apr. 30, 2017

Apr. 30, 2016

Before Tax:

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

$ (6)

$ (14)

$ (69)

Tax Effect:

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

18

(26)

19

Net of Tax:

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

12

(40)

(50)

Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]

Before Tax:

Net gain (loss)

12

(71)

(22)

Reclassification to earnings

0

3

0

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

12

(68)

(22)

Tax Effect:

Net gain (loss)

12

(4)

(1)

Reclassification to earnings

0

(1)

0

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

12

(5)

(1)

Net of Tax:

Net gain (loss)

24

(75)

(23)

Reclassification to earnings

0

2

0

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

24

(73)

(23)

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

Before Tax:

Net gain (loss)

(54)

41

30

Reclassification to earnings

^[1]

11

(40)

(60)

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

(43)

1

(30)

Tax Effect:

Net gain (loss)

18

(17)

(10)

Reclassification to earnings

^[1]

(3)

16

23

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

15

(1)

13

Net of Tax:

Net gain (loss)

(36)

24

20

Reclassification to earnings

^[1]

8

(24)

(37)

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

(28)

0

(17)

Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]

Before Tax:

Net gain (loss)

5

28

(47)

Reclassification to earnings

^[2]

20

25

30

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

25

53

(17)

Tax Effect:

Net gain (loss)

(2)

(10)

19

Reclassification to earnings

^[2]

(7)

(10)

(12)

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

(9)

(20)

7

Net of Tax:

Net gain (loss)

3

18

(28)

Reclassification to earnings

^[2]

13

15

18

Net other comprehensive income (loss)

$ 16

$ 33

$ (10)

[1]	Pre-tax amount is classified as sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
[2]	Pre-tax amount is a component of pension and other postretirement benefit expense (as shown in Note 8, except for amounts related to non-U.S. benefit plans, about which no information is presented in Note 8 due to immateriality).

Supplemental Information (Net Sales by Product Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 3,248	$ 2,994	$ 3,089
Spirits [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	3,060	2,805	2,901
Wine [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 188	$ 189	$ 188

Supplemental Information (Net Sales by Geography) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 3,248	$ 2,994	$ 3,089
UNITED STATES
Net sales:
Net sales	1,539	1,444	1,491
Europe [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	864	770	834
Australia [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	163	151	153
Other Countries [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 682	$ 629	$ 611

Supplemental Information (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 780	$ 713
Non-US [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 111	$ 96

Gain on Sale of Business (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Gain on Sale of Business (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Mar. 01, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Transaction Costs		$ 9
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 485
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration				$ 543
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current				49
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current				11
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current				16
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Current				$ 22

Acquisition of Business (Details) - BenRiach [Member] £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Nov. 17, 2016 GBP (£)	Nov. 17, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2016 GBP (£)	Jun. 01, 2016 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred and Assumed Debt and Transaction Related Obligations				$ 407
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred				341
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Debt and Transaction Related Obligations				66
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross				$ 307
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	10.00%	10.00%		90.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred			£ 24	$ 34
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners				10.00%
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests	£ 24	$ 30

Acquisition of Business Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 01, 2016	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 763	$ 753	$ 590
BenRiach [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 341
Accounts receivable	11
Inventories	158
Other current assets	1
Property, plant, and equipment	19
Goodwill	183
Trademarks and brand names	65
Total assets	437
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	12
Short-term borrowings	59
Deferred tax liabilities	25
Total liabilities	96
Net assets acquired	$ 341