Information Regarding Our Operations in Different Segments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Gross Margin
Net sales	$ 153,181	$ 165,141	$ 409,567	$ 375,180
Cost of sales	136,968	153,902	366,757	346,077
Gross margin	16,213	11,239	42,810	29,103
Fresh products [Member]
Gross Margin
Net sales	96,740	130,035	259,608	318,341
Cost of sales	87,785	119,926	236,719	294,710
Gross margin	8,955	10,109	22,889	23,631
Calavo Foods [Member]
Gross Margin
Net sales	12,367	12,264	34,848	33,997
Cost of sales	8,876	12,519	24,030	29,910
Gross margin	3,491	(255)	10,818	4,087
Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG) [Member]
Gross Margin
Net sales	44,074	22,842	115,111	22,842
Cost of sales	40,307	21,457	106,008	21,457
Gross margin	$ 3,767	$ 1,385	$ 9,103	$ 1,385

Name:	cvgw_SegmentGrossMarginAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	cvgw_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The aggregate costs related to goods produced and sold and services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. This excludes costs incurred during the reporting period related to financial services rendered and other revenue generating activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 2

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2(a),(d))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GrossProfit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration