Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 26, 2012	Oct. 28, 2011	Oct. 29, 2010
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations attributable to Joy Global Inc.	$ 767,081	$ 631,002	$ 461,499
Loss from discontinued operations	(5,060)	(21,346)
Net income	$ 762,021	$ 609,656	$ 461,499
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - Weighted average shares	105,862	104,916	103,196
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares	1,027	1,621	1,709
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	106,889	106,537	104,905
Basic earnings per share
Continuing operations	$ 7.25	$ 6.01	$ 4.47
Discontinued operations	$ (0.05)	$ (0.20)
Net income	$ 7.20	$ 5.81	$ 4.47
Diluted earnings per share
Continuing operations	$ 7.18	$ 5.92	$ 4.40
Discontinued operations	$ (0.05)	$ (0.20)
Net income	$ 7.13	$ 5.72	$ 4.40