Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 149.0	$ 127.9	$ 177.6
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	7.2	(46.4)	(12.9)
Reclassification of cash flow hedges to earnings, net of tax	0.5	1.3	1.4
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(0.2)	(2.4)	(0.7)
Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax	30.9	(24.4)	(25.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	38.4	(71.9)	(37.3)
Comprehensive income	187.4	56.0	140.3
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3.1	(14.0)	17.5
Comprehensive income attributable to Greif, Inc.	$ 184.3	$ 70.0	$ 122.8