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Acquisitions, Divestitures and Other Significant Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 9 Months Ended
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Jul. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract] |
Deferred cash payment | $ 14.3

X
- Definition Payment of deferred purchase consideration. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gef_PaymentOfDeferredPurchaseConsideration
Namespace Prefix: | gef_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration