Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 24, 2016 USD ($)
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,699,484
Purchase adjustment	(123)
Balance at the end of the period	1,699,361
Grocery Products
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	322,421
Balance at the end of the period	322,421
Refrigerated Foods
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	584,684
Purchase adjustment	(123)
Balance at the end of the period	584,561
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	203,214
Balance at the end of the period	203,214
Specialty Foods
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	456,416
Balance at the end of the period	456,416
International & Other
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	132,749
Balance at the end of the period	$ 132,749