CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 26, 2020	Jul. 28, 2019	Jul. 26, 2020	Jul. 28, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 2,381,457	$ 2,290,705	$ 7,188,357	$ 6,995,804
Cost of Products Sold	1,959,032	1,857,263	5,820,158	5,604,879
Gross Profit	422,426	433,442	1,368,198	1,390,925
Selling, General and Administrative	181,085	180,169	570,518	543,789
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	8,235	3,384	25,843	28,133
Operating Income	249,576	256,657	823,523	875,269
Other Income and Expense:
Interest and Investment Income (Expense)	15,513	7,556	25,289	25,727
Interest Expense	(5,724)	(3,213)	(12,798)	(14,975)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	259,364	261,000	836,014	886,021
Provision for Income Taxes	56,103	61,573	162,186	162,439
Net Earnings	203,260	199,427	673,828	723,582
Less: Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	141	(22)	103	279
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$ 203,119	$ 199,449	$ 673,726	$ 723,303
Net Earnings Per Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.37	$ 1.25	$ 1.35
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.37	$ 1.23	$ 1.33
Weighted-average Shares Outstanding
Basic (in shares)	539,108	534,188	537,434	534,721
Diluted (in shares)	547,149	543,678	546,112	545,709