Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2013	Jan. 27, 2012	Oct. 26, 2012
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	$ 1,149,877	$ 1,136,201
Operating income (loss)	221,152	213,746
Interest	(15,153)	(16,077)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity	205,999	197,669
Depreciation and amortization	20,095	26,779
Capital expenditures	54,588	49,435
Total assets	6,176,798	6,166,536	6,142,503
Underground Mining Machinery [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	590,110	639,303
Operating income (loss)	111,883	131,508
Interest	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity	111,883	131,508
Depreciation and amortization	6,542	9,975
Capital expenditures	39,443	15,926
Total assets	3,860,301	3,680,747
Surface Mining Equipment [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	605,483	532,306
Operating income (loss)	135,680	97,210
Interest	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity	135,680	97,210
Depreciation and amortization	12,842	16,757
Capital expenditures	13,728	31,908
Total assets	2,179,929	2,031,243
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	0	0
Operating income (loss)	(12,832)	(6,859)
Interest	(15,153)	(16,077)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity	(27,985)	(22,936)
Depreciation and amortization	711	47
Capital expenditures	1,417	1,601
Total assets	136,568	454,546
Eliminations [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	(45,716)	(35,408)
Operating income (loss)	(13,579)	(8,113)
Interest	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity	(13,579)	(8,113)
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0
Total assets	$ 0	$ 0