Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 235,912	$ 211,753
Live poultry-broilers and breeders
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories	147,102	124,260
Feed, Eggs and Other
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories	39,343	43,628
Processed Poultry
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories	32,196	27,892
Processed Food
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories	9,894	9,392
Packaging Materials
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 7,377	$ 6,581