SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2013 segment	Jan. 29, 2012
SEGMENT REPORTING
Number of reportable business segments	5
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	$ 2,116,241	$ 2,039,439
Intersegment Sales	32,895	32,589
Net sales	2,116,241	2,039,439
Segment Operating Profit	203,520	203,722
Net interest and investment expense (income)	1,284	1,624
General corporate expense	6,644	8,727
Noncontrolling interest	1,329	938
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	196,921	194,309
Grocery Products
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	334,140	269,479
Net sales	334,140	269,479
Segment Operating Profit	49,913	44,093
Refrigerated Foods
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	1,063,401	1,083,525
Intersegment Sales	2,443	2,413
Net sales	1,065,844	1,085,938
Segment Operating Profit	53,790	53,749
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	390,334	377,371
Intersegment Sales	30,421	30,135
Net sales	420,755	407,506
Segment Operating Profit	58,945	76,762
Specialty Foods
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	233,845	218,024
Intersegment Sales	31	41
Net sales	233,876	218,065
Segment Operating Profit	23,761	16,647
All Other
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers	94,521	91,040
Net sales	94,521	91,040
Segment Operating Profit	17,111	12,471
Intersegment elimination
Operating profit and other financial information
Intersegment Sales	(32,895)	(32,589)
Net sales	$ (32,895)	$ (32,589)
Precept Foods, LLC
Operating profit and other financial information
Ownership percentage held by entity in joint venture	50.01%