XML 120 R85.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Post Retirement Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Oct. 31, 2014 | Oct. 31, 2013 | Oct. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Company's pension contributions | $ 15,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer | $ 14,400,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer |
Company's pension contributions | 1,400,000 gef_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployerOptionalCashContributions |  |
Company's estimated pension contributions | 17,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear |  |
Increase in actuarial loss | 92,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss | (23,800,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss |
Expected return on plan assets | 5.70%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets |  |
Transfer value | 0 us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet |  |
Aggregated accumulated benefit obligation | 752,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation | 674,400,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation |
Fair value of plan assets | 650,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets | 621,200,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets | 599,100,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Class A Common Stock [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Authorized Shares | 128,000,000 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassAMember | 128,000,000 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassAMember |
Class B Common Stock [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Authorized Shares | 69,120,000 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassBMember | 69,120,000 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassBMember |
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Company's pension contributions | 16,900,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 15,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 19,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amortization loss of prior service costs | 14,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Authorized Shares | 247,504 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassAMember | 247,504 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassAMember |
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Class B Common Stock [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Authorized Shares | 160,710 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassBMember | 160,710 us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis = us-gaap_CommonClassBMember |
Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Aggregated accumulated benefit obligation | 17,300,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = gef_PostretirementHealthCareAndLifeInsuranceBenefitsMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = gef_PostretirementHealthCareAndLifeInsuranceBenefitsMember |
Fair value of plan assets | 18,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = gef_PostretirementHealthCareAndLifeInsuranceBenefitsMember | 0 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = gef_PostretirementHealthCareAndLifeInsuranceBenefitsMember |
401 (k) Savings Plan [Member] |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |
Company's pension contributions | $ 7,300,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = gef_SavingsPlanMember | $ 6,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = gef_SavingsPlanMember | $ 3,900,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = gef_SavingsPlanMember

X
- Definition Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Optional Cash Contributions + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gef_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployerOptionalCashContributions
Namespace Prefix: | gef_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition For defined benefit pension plans, the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or nonvested) attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered before a specified date and based on employee service and compensation (if applicable) before that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. For plans with flat-benefit or nonpay-related pension benefit formulas, the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation are the same. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Accumulated Benefit Obligation -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503844 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) related to change in benefit obligation resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, for example, but not limited to, interest, mortality, employee turnover, salary, and temporary deviation from the substantive plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Gain or Loss -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6514294 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 60 -Glossary Gain or Loss -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6749293 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position, including gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition asset (obligation). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition An assumption as to the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Glossary Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512013 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (k)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 50 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29635418&loc=d3e12355-114930 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of employer's best estimate of contributions expected to be paid to the plan during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of transfer of financial instrument classified as an asset into (out of) level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=gef_PostretirementHealthCareAndLifeInsuranceBenefitsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=gef_SavingsPlanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonClassAMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonClassBMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |