Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2012	Apr. 29, 2011	Apr. 27, 2012	Apr. 29, 2011	Oct. 28, 2011
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	$ 1,541,060	$ 1,062,729	$ 2,677,261	$ 1,932,261
Operating income (loss)	333,437	234,062	547,183	387,860
Interest and reorganization items	(17,120)	(3,182)	(33,197)	(7,603)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	316,317	230,880	513,986	380,257
Depreciation and amortization	53,565	15,786	80,344	31,648
Capital expenditures	64,657	24,696	114,092	53,098
Total Assets	6,222,589	3,816,376	6,222,589	3,816,376	5,426,354
Underground Mining Machinery [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	886,552	648,364	1,525,855	1,159,302
Operating income (loss)	201,920	154,999	333,428	250,370
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	201,920	154,999	333,428	250,370
Depreciation and amortization	36,240	9,963	46,215	20,151
Capital expenditures	35,094	11,110	51,020	30,813
Total Assets	3,872,827	2,034,946	3,872,827	2,034,946
Surface Mining Equipment [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	692,345	439,977	1,224,651	825,820
Operating income (loss)	155,619	101,028	252,829	176,913
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	155,619	101,028	252,829	176,913
Depreciation and amortization	16,641	5,764	33,398	11,381
Capital expenditures	28,083	13,586	59,991	22,285
Total Assets	2,147,055	1,015,042	2,147,055	1,015,042
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Operating income (loss)	(15,709)	(15,442)	(22,568)	(26,156)
Interest and reorganization items	(17,120)	(3,182)	(33,197)	(7,603)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(32,829)	(18,624)	(55,765)	(33,759)
Depreciation and amortization	684	59	731	116
Capital expenditures	1,480		3,081
Total Assets	208,048	766,388	208,048	766,388
Eliminations [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information
Net sales	(37,837)	(25,612)	(73,245)	52,861
Operating income (loss)	(8,393)	(6,523)	(16,506)	(13,267)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$ (8,393)	$ (6,523)	$ (16,506)	$ (13,267)