Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2016	Apr. 24, 2016
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,699,361	$ 1,699,484
Purchase adjustments		(123)
Impairment charge	(991)	(991)
Balance at the end of the period	1,698,370	1,698,370
Grocery Products
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	322,421	322,421
Balance at the end of the period	322,421	322,421
Refrigerated Foods
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	584,561	584,684
Purchase adjustments		(123)
Balance at the end of the period	584,561	584,561
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	203,214	203,214
Balance at the end of the period	203,214	203,214
Specialty Foods
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	456,416	456,416
Impairment charge	(991)	(991)
Balance at the end of the period	455,425	455,425
International & Other
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	132,749	132,749
Balance at the end of the period	$ 132,749	$ 132,749