Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2013	Jan. 27, 2012
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$ 142,139	$ 142,410
Loss from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	(2)	(58)
Net income attributable to Joy Global Inc.	$ 142,137	$ 142,352
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - Weighted average shares	106,242	105,405
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares	995	1,347
Denominator for diluted net income per share - Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	107,237	106,752
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.34	$ 1.35
Discontinued operations, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Net income, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.34	$ 1.35
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.33	$ 1.33
Discontinued operations, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Net income, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.33	$ 1.33