Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012	Jul. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (in dollars)	$ 183,187	$ 194,344	$ 507,105	$ 554,673
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (in dollars)	0	(826)	(225)	(5,215)
Net income attributable to Joy Global Inc.	$ 183,187	$ 193,518	$ 506,880	$ 549,458
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - Weighted average shares (in shares)	106,465	106,025	106,378	105,794
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares (in shares)	847	841	943	1,073
Denominator for diluted net income per share - Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	107,312	106,866	107,321	106,867
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$ 1.72	$ 1.83	$ 4.77	$ 5.24
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 1.72	$ 1.82	$ 4.77	$ 5.19
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$ 1.71	$ 1.82	$ 4.73	$ 5.19
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 1.71	$ 1.81	$ 4.73	$ 5.14