Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Net sales	$ 4,247,954	$ 3,461,537	$ 2,792,217
Cost of products sold	3,446,829	2,757,875	2,292,573
Gross profit	801,125	703,662	499,644
Selling, general and administrative expenses	448,399	362,935	267,589
Restructuring charges	30,496	26,746	66,590
(Gain) on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, net	(14,855)	(11,434)	(34,432)
Operating profit	337,085	325,415	199,897
Interest expense, net	79,552	65,787	53,593
Debt extinguishment charge	0		782
Other expense, net	14,120	7,139	7,193
Income before income tax expense and equity earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	243,413	252,489	138,329
Income tax expense	71,077	40,571	24,061
Equity earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	4,838	3,539	(436)
Net income	177,174	215,457	113,832
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,134)	(5,472)	(3,186)
Net income attributable to Greif, Inc.	$ 176,040	$ 209,985	$ 110,646
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Basic earnings per share:
EPS Basic	$ 3.02	$ 3.60	$ 1.91
Diluted earnings per share:
EPS Diluted	$ 3.01	$ 3.58	$ 1.91
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Basic earnings per share:
EPS Basic	$ 4.52	$ 5.40	$ 2.86
Diluted earnings per share:
EPS Diluted	$ 4.52	$ 5.40	$ 2.86