XML 132 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2013
Dec. 16, 2013
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Apr. 30, 2013
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Dec. 16, 2013
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Apr. 30, 2013
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]          
Document Type 10-K        
Amendment Flag false        
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2013        
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013        
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY        
Entity Registrant Name GREIF INC        
Entity Central Index Key 0000043920        
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31        
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes        
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes        
Entity Voluntary Filers No        
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer        
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   25,456,724   22,119,966  
Entity Public Float     $ 1,181,112,584   $ 283,270,041