Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 26, 2013	Apr. 27, 2012	Apr. 26, 2013	Apr. 27, 2012
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (in dollars)	$ 181,779	$ 217,919	$ 323,918	$ 360,329
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (in dollars)	(223)	(4,331)	(225)	(4,389)
Net income attributable to Joy Global Inc.	$ 181,556	$ 213,588	$ 323,693	$ 355,940
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - Weighted average shares (in shares)	106,426	105,951	106,334	105,678
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares (in shares)	987	1,032	991	1,190
Denominator for diluted net income per share - Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	107,413	106,983	107,325	106,868
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$ 1.71	$ 2.06	$ 3.05	$ 3.41
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ (0.04)	$ 0.00	$ (0.04)
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 1.71	$ 2.02	$ 3.05	$ 3.37
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$ 1.69	$ 2.04	$ 3.02	$ 3.37
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ (0.04)	$ 0.00	$ (0.04)
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 1.69	$ 2.00	$ 3.02	$ 3.33