XML 76 R96.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Post Retirement Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Financial Statements (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2014
Oct. 31, 2013
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year $ 149.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax $ 204.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 198.5gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss 148.5gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
Net transition obligation amortized during fiscal year (0.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetTransitionAssetObligationNetOfTax (0.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetTransitionAssetObligationNetOfTax
Unrecognized prior service cost   0.8gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedPriorServiceCost
Net prior service costs amortized during fiscal year (0.2)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax (0.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
Unrecognized initial net obligation 0.3gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedInitialNetObligation 0.3gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedInitialNetObligation
Net loss amortized during fiscal year (10.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax (16.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Pre-tax) 198.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax 149.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
Prior service (cost) or credit recognized during fiscal year due to curtailment 0gef_OtherComprehensiveIncomePriorServiceCostReclassifiedIntoNetIncomeDueToCurtailment 0gef_OtherComprehensiveIncomePriorServiceCostReclassifiedIntoNetIncomeDueToCurtailment
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:    
Prepaid benefit cost 18.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurrentAssets 29.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurrentAssets
Accrued benefit liability (154.6)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities (112.1)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 198.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax 149.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
Prior service costs occurring during fiscal year (0.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax 0.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
Net amount recognized 62.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet 67.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
Liability (gain) loss occurring during fiscal year 92.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMinimumPensionLiabilityBeforeTax (23.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMinimumPensionLiabilityBeforeTax
Asset (gain) occurring during fiscal year (28.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsBeforeTax (16.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsBeforeTax
Increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive loss 53.0gef_OtherComprehensiveIncomeIncreaseOrDecreaseInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOrLoss (57.4)gef_OtherComprehensiveIncomeIncreaseOrDecreaseInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOrLoss
Foreign currency impact (3.8)gef_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyImpact 2.2gef_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyImpact
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) or loss at current fiscal year end 198.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax 149.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
USA [Member]    
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]    
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 110.1gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
77.8gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Unrecognized prior service cost 0.9gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedPriorServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0.8gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedPriorServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Pre-tax) 111.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
78.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:    
Accrued benefit liability (94.0)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
(56.9)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 111.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
78.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Net amount recognized 17.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
21.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) or loss at current fiscal year end 111.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
78.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
UNITED KINGDOM | Non-United States [Member]    
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]    
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 16.8gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
13.1gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Pre-tax) 16.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
13.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:    
Accrued benefit liability (41.8)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
(39.0)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 16.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
13.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
Net amount recognized (25.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
(25.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) or loss at current fiscal year end 16.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
13.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_GB
Germany [Member] | Non-United States [Member]    
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]    
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 41.1gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
30.4gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Pre-tax) 41.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
30.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:    
Prepaid benefit cost 15.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
26.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
Accrued benefit liability   (2.5)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 41.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
30.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
Net amount recognized 56.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
54.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) or loss at current fiscal year end 41.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
30.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_DE
Netherlands [Member] | Non-United States [Member]    
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]    
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 25.4gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
22.8gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Unrecognized prior service cost (0.9)gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedPriorServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Pre-tax) 24.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
22.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:    
Accrued benefit liability (15.7)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
(10.4)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 24.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
22.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Net amount recognized 8.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
12.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) or loss at current fiscal year end 24.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
22.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_NL
Other International [Member] | Non-United States [Member]    
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]    
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 5.1gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
4.4gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedNetActuarialLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
Unrecognized initial net obligation 0.3gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedInitialNetObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
0.3gef_DefinedBenefitPlanUnrecognizedInitialNetObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Pre-tax) 5.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
4.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:    
Prepaid benefit cost 2.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
3.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
Accrued benefit liability (3.1)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
(3.3)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 5.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
4.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
Net amount recognized 5.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
4.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) or loss at current fiscal year end $ 5.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember
$ 4.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= gef_OtherInternationalMember