Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 24, 2016	Jul. 24, 2016
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,698,370	$ 1,699,484
Goodwill acquired	273,853	273,853
Goodwill sold	(50,134)	(50,134)
Purchase adjustments	(118)	(241)
Impairment charge		(991)
Balance at the end of the period	1,921,971	1,921,971
Grocery Products
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	322,421	322,421
Goodwill acquired	273,853	273,853
Balance at the end of the period	596,274	596,274
Refrigerated Foods
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	584,561	584,684
Purchase adjustments	(118)	(241)
Balance at the end of the period	584,443	584,443
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	455,425	456,416
Goodwill sold	(50,134)	(50,134)
Impairment charge		(991)
Balance at the end of the period	405,291	405,291
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