Earnings Per Share - Computation of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2016
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS
Net income (loss) attributable to Greif, Inc.	$ 5.4	$ (11.1)
Cash dividends	(24.5)	(24.5)
Undistributed net income (loss) attributable to Greif, Inc.	$ (19.1)	$ (35.6)