SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2012 segment	Jan. 30, 2011
SEGMENT REPORTING
Number of reportable business segments	5
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	$ 2,039,439	$ 1,921,558
Net sales	2,039,439	1,921,558
Segment Operating Profit	203,722	245,792
Net interest and investment expense (income)	1,624	6,138
General corporate expense	8,727	11,252
Noncontrolling interest	938	1,209
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	194,309	229,611
Total
Operating profit and other financial information
Intersegment Sales	32,589	29,554
Grocery Products
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	269,479	276,899
Net sales	269,479	276,899
Segment Operating Profit	44,093	48,562
Refrigerated Foods
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	1,083,525	1,010,702
Intersegment Sales	2,413	2,254
Net sales	1,085,938	1,012,956
Segment Operating Profit	53,749	96,134
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	377,371	364,517
Intersegment Sales	30,135	27,258
Net sales	407,506	391,775
Segment Operating Profit	76,762	73,825
Specialty Foods
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	218,024	191,345
Intersegment Sales	41	42
Net sales	218,065	191,387
Segment Operating Profit	16,647	17,278
All Other
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	91,040	78,095
Net sales	91,040	78,095
Segment Operating Profit	12,471	9,993
Intersegment elimination
Operating profit and other financial information
Intersegment Sales	(32,589)	(29,554)
Net sales	$ (32,589)	$ (29,554)
Precept Foods, LLC
Operating profit and other financial information
Ownership percentage held by entity in joint venture	50.01%