| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 25, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 25, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-2402 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 41-0319970 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 Hormel Place |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Austin |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 55912 |
| City Area Code | 507 |
| Local Phone Number | 437-5611 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock $0.01465 par value |
| Trading Symbol | HRL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000048465 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
