Hormel Foods (HRL) 10-K 18 Dec 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Nov. 29, 2013	Nov. 29, 2013
			Common Stock	Common Stock Non-Voting
Entity Registrant Name	'HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000048465	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	27-Oct-13	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-27	'	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$5,541,256,742	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	263,669,001	0
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (USD $)	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$434,014	$682,388
Short-term marketable securities	'	77,387
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,000 at October 27, 2013 and $4,000 at October 28, 2012)	551,500	507,041
Inventories	967,977	950,521
Income taxes receivable	'	16,460
Deferred income taxes	73,543	68,560
Prepaid expenses	13,000	12,772
Other current assets	7,379	5,555
Total Current Assets	2,047,413	2,320,684
Deferred Income Taxes	25,086	144,245
Goodwill	934,472	630,875
Other Intangibles	378,093	123,072
Pension Assets	162,535	49
Investments in and Receivables from Affiliates	270,609	286,537
Other Assets	142,339	134,024
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'
Land	58,506	56,258
Buildings	784,133	767,876
Equipment	1,532,527	1,435,630
Construction in progress	85,696	82,254
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,460,862	2,342,018
Less allowance for depreciation	-1,505,529	-1,417,538
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	955,333	924,480
Total Assets	4,915,880	4,563,966
Current Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	387,284	385,877
Accrued expenses	20,965	49,792
Accrued workers compensation	38,217	33,543
Accrued marketing expenses	91,332	78,712
Employee related expenses	192,063	193,463
Taxes payable	8,637	4,864
Interest and dividends payable	45,511	40,049
Total Current Liabilities	784,009	786,300
Long-Term Debt - less current maturities	250,000	250,000
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits	481,230	615,428
Other Long-Term Liabilities	84,062	87,313
Shareholders' Investment	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $.01 a share - authorized 160,000,000 shares; issued - none	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-149,214	-323,569
Retained earnings	3,452,529	3,135,317
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders' Investment	3,311,040	2,819,455
Noncontrolling Interest	5,539	5,470
Total Shareholders' Investment	3,316,579	2,824,925
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment	4,915,880	4,563,966
Common stock, nonvoting	'	'
Shareholders' Investment	'	'
Common stock	'	'
Common stock	'	'
Shareholders' Investment	'	'
Common stock	$7,725	$7,707

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin1

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$4,000	$4,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, authorized shares	160,000,000	160,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Common stock, nonvoting	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	0	0
Common stock	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03
Common stock, authorized shares	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	263,658,296	263,044,280

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Operations	'	'	'
Net sales	$8,751,654	$8,230,670	$7,895,089
Cost of products sold	7,338,838	6,898,819	6,560,976
Gross Profit	1,412,816	1,331,851	1,334,113
Selling, general and administrative	627,340	605,868	618,586
Equity in earnings of affiliates	20,513	38,691	26,757
Operating Income	805,989	764,674	742,284
Other income and expense:	'	'	'
Interest and investment income (loss)	4,971	6,520	-786
Interest expense	-12,453	-12,859	-22,662
Earnings Before Income Taxes	798,507	758,335	718,836
Provision for income taxes	268,431	253,374	239,640
Net Earnings	530,076	504,961	479,196
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,865	4,911	5,001
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$526,211	$500,050	$474,195
Net Earnings Per Share:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.99	$1.90	$1.78
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.95	$1.86	$1.74
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	264,317	263,466	266,394
Diluted (in shares)	270,224	268,891	271,915

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Net earnings	$530,076	$504,961	$479,196
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-2,820	2,774	1,094
Pension and other benefits	192,464	-143,282	3,060
Deferred hedging	-15,085	-7,527	-3,476
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	174,559	-148,035	678
Comprehensive income	704,635	356,926	479,874
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,069	4,962	5,252
Comprehensive income attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$700,566	$351,964	$474,622

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Investment (Equity) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Non-controlling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Oct. 31, 2010	$2,406,639	$7,793	'	'	$2,568,774	($175,910)	$5,982
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010	'	265,963	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	479,196	'	'	'	474,195	'	5,001
Other comprehensive (loss) income	678	'	'	'	'	427	251
Purchases of common stock	-152,930	'	-152,930	'	'	'	'
Purchases of common stock, shares	'	'	-5,497	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	17,229	'	'	17,229	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares	53,039	102	-163	53,100	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares, shares	'	3,503	-6	'	'	'	'
Shares retired	'	-161	153,093	-70,329	-82,603	'	'
Shares retired, shares	'	-5,503	5,503	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-8,000	'	'	'	'	'	-8,000
Declared cash dividends - $.68, $.60 and $.51 per share for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.	-136,035	'	'	'	-136,035	'	'
Balance at Oct. 30, 2011	2,659,816	7,734	'	'	2,824,331	-175,483	3,234
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 30, 2011	'	263,963	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	504,961	'	'	'	500,050	'	4,911
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-148,035	'	'	'	'	-148,086	51
Purchases of common stock	-61,366	'	-61,366	'	'	'	'
Purchases of common stock, shares	'	'	-2,142	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	16,710	'	'	16,710	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares	13,317	36	-295	13,576	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares, shares	'	1,233	-10	'	'	'	'
Shares retired	'	-63	61,661	-30,286	-31,312	'	'
Shares retired, shares	'	-2,152	2,152	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest	774	'	'	'	'	'	774
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-3,500	'	'	'	'	'	-3,500
Declared cash dividends - $.68, $.60 and $.51 per share for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.	-157,752	'	'	'	-157,752	'	'
Balance at Oct. 28, 2012	2,824,925	7,707	'	'	3,135,317	-323,569	5,470
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 28, 2012	'	263,044	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	530,076	'	'	'	526,211	'	3,865
Other comprehensive (loss) income	174,559	'	'	'	'	174,355	204
Purchases of common stock	-70,819	'	-70,819	'	'	'	'
Purchases of common stock, shares	'	'	-1,745	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	17,596	'	'	17,596	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares	24,024	69	'	23,955	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares, shares	'	2,359	'	'	'	'	'
Shares retired	'	-51	70,819	-41,551	-29,217	'	'
Shares retired, shares	'	-1,745	1,745	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-4,000	'	'	'	'	'	-4,000
Declared cash dividends - $.68, $.60 and $.51 per share for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.	-179,782	'	'	'	-179,782	'	'
Balance at Oct. 27, 2013	$3,316,579	$7,725	'	'	$3,452,529	($149,214)	$5,539
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 27, 2013	'	263,658	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Investment (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Investment	'	'	'
Declared cash dividends (in dollars per share)	$0.68	$0.60	$0.51

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net earnings	$530,076	$504,961	$479,196
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	115,371	110,519	114,689
Amortization of intangibles	9,479	8,975	9,476
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends	13,507	-1,583	-22,726
Provision for deferred income taxes	1,067	4,668	6,752
Gain on property/equipment sales and plant facilities	-2,127	-170	-632
Non-cash investment activities	-2,705	-3,514	3,995
Stock-based compensation expense	17,596	16,710	17,229
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-23,406	-8,847	-15,205
Other	963	'	486
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable	-44,459	-45,931	-30,171
Decrease (increase) in inventories	31,699	-64,698	-92,052
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-9,792	7,194	10,513
Increase (decrease) in pension and post-retirement benefits	11,283	-10,019	5,197
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	-10,747	-484	3,732
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	637,805	517,781	490,479
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Net sale (purchase) of trading securities	77,558	'	-20,000
Acquisitions of businesses/intangibles	-665,415	-168	-7,207
Purchases of property/equipment	-106,762	-132,303	-96,911
Proceeds from sales of property/equipment	10,164	4,564	4,386
(Increase) decrease in investments, equity in affiliates, and other assets	-6,619	21,143	-51,253
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	-691,074	-106,764	-170,985
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt, net	'	'	247,564
Principal payments on long-term debt	'	'	-350,000
Dividends paid on common stock	-174,320	-152,204	-129,975
Share repurchase	-70,819	-61,366	-152,930
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	30,212	14,700	53,780
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	23,406	8,847	15,205
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-4,000	-3,500	-8,000
Proceeds from noncontrolling interest	'	774	'
Other	'	'	-1,146
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	-195,521	-192,749	-325,502
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	416	990	1,293
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-248,374	219,258	-4,715
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	682,388	463,130	467,845
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$434,014	$682,388	$463,130

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	NOTE A
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts, transactions, and profits.
	Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or operating cash flows as previously reported.
	Stock Split: On November 22, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock, which was subsequently approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting on January 31, 2011, and effected on February 1, 2011. The Company’s common stock was reclassified by reducing the par value from $0.0586 per share to $0.0293 per share and the number of authorized shares was increased from 400,000,000 to 800,000,000 shares, in order to effect a two-for-one stock split. The number of authorized shares of nonvoting common stock and preferred stock were also increased to 400,000,000 shares and 160,000,000 shares, respectively, with no change in the par value of those shares.
	Unless otherwise noted, all prior year share amounts and per share calculations throughout this Annual Report have been restated to reflect the impact of this split, and to provide data on a comparable basis. Such restatements include calculations regarding the Company’s weighted-average shares, earnings per share, and dividends per share, as well as disclosures regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and share repurchase activity.
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 consisted of 52 weeks.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less on their acquisition date to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents as of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, consisted primarily of money market funds rated AAA, and other highly liquid investment accounts.
	Fair Value Measurements: Pursuant to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820), the Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value or discloses the fair value of certain assets and liabilities recorded at cost in the consolidated financial statements. Fair value is calculated as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires assets and liabilities measured at fair value to be categorized into one of three levels based on the inputs used in the valuation. The Company classifies assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
	Level 1: Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable inputs, other than those included in Level 1, based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about what inputs a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.
	See additional discussion regarding the Company’s fair value measurements in Notes I, M, and N.
	Investments: The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, which is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The securities held by the trust are classified as trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. Securities held by the trust generated a gain of $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2013, a gain of $4.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2012, and a gain of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011. The Company has transitioned the majority of this portfolio to more fixed return investments to reduce the exposure to volatility in equity markets.
	During fiscal 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Company also held securities as part of an investment portfolio, which are classified as short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These investments are also trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses are included in the Company’s earnings. The Company recorded a gain of $0.2 million related to these investments during the first quarter of the fiscal year ended October 27, 2013, compared to a gain of $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2012, and a gain of $0.5 million for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011. These securities were liquidated in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
	Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method. Adjustments to the Company’s lower of cost or market inventory reserve are reflected in cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. The Company uses the straight-line method in computing depreciation. The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally using the following ranges of asset lives: buildings 20 to 40 years, machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years.
	Software development and implementation costs are expensed until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits, and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all material development and implementation costs, and purchased software costs, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives.
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles: Goodwill and other intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition, and are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. The Company’s reporting units represent operating segments (aggregations of business units that have similar economic characteristics and share the same production facilities, raw materials, and labor force). Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, using a process similar to that used to test long-lived assets for impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.
	In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes that no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.
	In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes actual and projected growth trends for net sales, gross margin, and segment profit for each reporting unit, as well as historical performance versus plan and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results.
	If performed, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process performed at the reporting unit level. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its corresponding carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash flow valuations (Level 3), which incorporate assumptions regarding future growth rates, terminal values, and discount rates. The estimates and assumptions used consider historical performance and are consistent with the assumptions used in determining future profit plans for each reporting unit, which are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. If the first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Even if not required, the Company periodically elects to perform the quantitative test in order to confirm the qualitative assessment.
	Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2013, performance of the quantitative two-step test was not required for any of the Company’s reporting units. However, the Company also elected to perform the quantitative test in fiscal year 2013 to further validate the qualitative assessment. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded in fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	In conducting the annual impairment test for its indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a quantitative test for impairment must still be performed. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform a quantitative test.
	In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes growth rates for historical net sales and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their intangible assets or the applicable royalty rates to determine if there are factors that could impair the asset.
	If performed, the quantitative impairment test compares the fair value and carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is primarily determined on the basis of estimated discounted value, using the relief from royalty method (Level 3), which incorporates assumptions regarding future sales projections and discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Even if not required, the Company periodically elects to perform the quantitative test in order to confirm the qualitative assessment.
	Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2013, performance of the quantitative test was not required for any of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. No material impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets: The Company reviews long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets and any related goodwill, the carrying value is reduced to the estimated fair value. No material write-downs were recorded in fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	Contingent Liabilities: The Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the on-going operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. Such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, contract disputes, wage and hour laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors, or suppliers. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range that constitutes the Company’s best estimate. The Company also discloses the nature of and range of loss for claims against the Company when losses are reasonably possible and material.
	Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the current exchange rate as of the statement of financial position date, and amounts in the statement of operations are translated at the average monthly exchange rate. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ investment.
	When calculating foreign currency translation, the Company deemed its foreign investments to be permanent in nature and has not provided for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars.
	Derivatives and Hedging Activity: The Company uses commodity and currency positions to manage its exposure to price fluctuations in those markets. The contracts are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position within other current assets or accounts payable. Additional information on hedging activities is presented in Note M.
	Equity Method Investments: The Company has a number of investments in joint ventures where its voting interests are in excess of 20 percent but not greater than 50 percent, and for which there are no other indicators of control. The Company accounts for such investments under the equity method of accounting, and its underlying share of each investee’s equity is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as part of investments in and receivables from affiliates.
	The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of our equity investments. If events and circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair value of these assets has occurred and is other than temporary, the Company will record a charge in equity in earnings of affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s equity investments do not have a readily determinable fair value as none of them are publicly traded. The fair values of the Company’s private equity investments are determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows of each entity. These cash flow estimates include assumptions on growth rates and future currency exchange rates (Level 3). The Company did not record an impairment charge on any of its equity investments in fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	See additional discussion regarding the Company’s equity method investments in Note G.
	Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales when title passes upon delivery of its products to customers, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances. Products are delivered upon receipt of customer purchase orders with acceptable terms, including price and collectability that is reasonably assured.
	The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives that are offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances, and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reduction of revenue at the time title passes. Coupons are used as an incentive for consumers to purchase various products. The coupons reduce revenues at the time they are offered, based on estimated redemption rates. Promotional contracts are performed by customers to promote the Company’s products to the consumers. These incentives reduce revenues at the time of performance through direct payments and accrued promotional funds. Accrued promotional funds are unpaid liabilities for promotional contracts in process or completed at the end of a quarter or fiscal year. Promotional contract accruals are based on a review of the unpaid outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place. Estimates used to determine the revenue reduction include the level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors, including the age of its accounts receivable balances, customer history, collection experience, and current market factors. Additionally, a specific reserve may be established if the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations.
	Advertising Expenses: Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising expenses include all media advertising but exclude the costs associated with samples, demonstrations, and market research. Advertising costs for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $89.9 million, $103.4 million, and $115.3 million, respectively.
	Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company’s shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of products sold.
	Research and Development Expenses: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses incurred for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $29.9 million, $29.8 million, and $29.4 million, respectively.
	Income Taxes: The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law. Changes in enacted tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.
	In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. That position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
	Employee Stock Options: The Company records stock- based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. For options subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the vesting period or requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense for grants made to retirement-eligible employees is recognized on the date of grant.
	Share Repurchases: On May 24, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase 5.0 million shares of common stock with no expiration date. On a pre-split basis, the Company purchased 0.6 million shares at an average price of $42.86 during fiscal 2010 under this authorization.
	On November 22, 2010, the Board of Directors also authorized a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock. As part of the Board’s approval of that stock split, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately. On a post-split basis, 1.2 million shares at an average price of $39.67 were purchased during fiscal 2013, 2.1 million shares at an average price of $28.65 were purchased during fiscal 2012, and 5.5 million shares at an average price of $27.82 were purchased during fiscal 2011, which fully depleted that program.
	On January 29, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 10,000,000 shares of its common stock with no expiration date. During fiscal 2013, 0.6 million shares at an average price of $42.54 were purchased under this new authorization.
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Non-cash investment activities presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows generally consist of unrealized gains or losses on the Company’s rabbi trust and other investments, amortization of affordable housing investments, and amortization of bond financing costs. The noted investments are included in other assets or short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Changes in the value of these investments are included in the Company’s net earnings and are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as either interest and investment income (loss) or interest expense, as appropriate.
	Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated the guidance within ASC 210, Balance Sheet. The update enhances disclosures related to the offsetting of certain assets and liabilities to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on financial position. The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2014, and adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. The update requires companies to report, in one place, information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and changes in AOCI balances. For significant items reclassified out of AOCI to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, reporting is required about the effect of the reclassifications on the respective line items in the statement where net income is presented. For items that are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures currently required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles is required. The above information must be presented in one place, either parenthetically on the face of the financial statements by income statement line item, or in a note. The updated guidance is to be applied prospectively, and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2014, and adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as it relates to presentation and disclosure only.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	'
	NOTE B
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Foreign			Pension &			Deferred
		Currency			Other Benefits			Gain (Loss)			Accumulated
		Translation						– Hedging			Other
											Comprehensive
											Loss
	Balance at October 31, 2010	$	8,849		$	(205,243	)	$	20,484		$	(175,910	)
	Unrecognized gains (losses):
	Gross	843			(15,115		)	39,480			25,208
	Tax effect	–			5,534			(14,895		)	(9,361		)
	Reclassification into net earnings:
	Gross	–			20,363			(45,103		)	(24,740		)
	Tax effect	–			(7,722		)	17,042			9,320
	Net of tax amount	843			3,060			(3,476		)	427
	Balance at October 30, 2011	$	9,692		$	(202,183	)	$	17,008		$	(175,483	)
	Unrecognized gains (losses):
	Gross	2,723			(248,434		)	10,261			(235,450		)
	Tax effect	–			93,580			(3,888		)	89,692
	Reclassification into net earnings:
	Gross	–			18,609			(22,319		)	(3,710		)
	Tax effect	–			(7,037		)	8,419			1,382
	Net of tax amount	2,723			(143,282		)	(7,527		)	(148,086		)
	Balance at October 28, 2012	$	12,415		$	(345,465	)	$	9,481		$	(323,569	)
	Unrecognized gains (losses):
	Gross	(3,024		)	273,408			(18,329		)	252,055
	Tax effect	–			(102,846		)	6,898			(95,948		)
	Reclassification into net earnings:
	Gross	–			35,327			(5,871		)	29,456
	Tax effect	–			(13,425		)	2,217			(11,208		)
	Net of tax amount	(3,024		)	192,464			(15,085		)	174,355
	Balance at October 27, 2013	$	9,391		$	(153,001	)	$	(5,604	)	$	(149,214	)

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_DATA

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA	'
	NOTE C
	EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA
	The reported net earnings attributable to the Company were used when computing basic and diluted earnings per share for all years presented. A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2011
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	264,317	263,466	266,394
	Dilutive potential common shares	5,907	5,425	5,521
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	270,224	268,891	271,915
	For fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, a total of 0.4 million, 2.2 million, and 0.7 million weighted-average outstanding stock options, respectively, were not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares since their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
ACQUISITIONS	'
ACQUISITIONS	'
	NOTE D
	ACQUISITIONS
	On January 31, 2013, the Company acquired the United States based SKIPPY® peanut butter business from Conopco, Inc. (doing business as Unilever United States Inc.), of Englewood Cliffs, N.J. for a purchase price of $665.4 million in cash. This acquisition included the Little Rock, Arkansas manufacturing facility and all sales worldwide, except sales in China. The purchase price was funded by the Company with cash on hand generated from operations and liquidating marketable securities.
	The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. The Company estimated the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, using independent appraisals and other analyses, and has determined final working capital adjustments. Therefore, an allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets, liabilities, and goodwill is presented in the table below.
	At January 31, 2013 (in thousands)
	Inventory	$	49,156
	Property, plant and equipment	48,461
	Intangible assets	264,500
	Goodwill	303,597
	Current liabilities	(299		)
	Purchase price	$	665,415
	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets recognized. The goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition primarily reflects the value of the assembled workforce, cost synergies, and the potential to integrate and expand existing product lines. The goodwill balance is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill and intangible assets have been allocated to the Grocery Products and International & Other reporting segments.
	The Company recognized approximately $7.7 million of transaction costs (excluding transitional service expenses) related to the acquisition and the charges were reported in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Operating results for this acquisition have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition (i.e. beginning in the second quarter) and are primarily reflected in the Grocery Products and International & Other reporting segments. The acquisition contributed $94.8 million of net sales for the fourth quarter and $272.8 million of net sales since the date of acquisition. Pro forma results are not presented, as the acquisition was not considered material to the consolidated Company.
	On November 26, 2013, subsequent to the end of the fiscal year, the Company also completed the acquisition of the China based SKIPPY® peanut butter business for an additional investment of $41.4 million. The purchase price is preliminary subject to working capital and tax adjustments. Operating results for this acquisition will be included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition and will be reflected in the International & Other reporting segment.
	SKIPPY® is a well-established brand that allows the Company to expand its presence in the center of the store with a non-meat protein product and reinforces the Company’s balanced product portfolio. The acquisition also provides the opportunity to strengthen the Company’s global presence and complements the international sales strategy for the SPAM® family of products.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
INVENTORIES	'
INVENTORIES	'
	NOTE E
	INVENTORIES
	Principal components of inventories are:
	(in thousands)	October 27,	October 28,
		2013	2012
	Finished products	$ 544,858	$ 494,298
	Raw materials and work-in-process	248,411	267,877
	Materials and supplies	174,708	188,346
	Total	$ 967,977	$ 950,521

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	NOTE F
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, are presented in the table below. The additions during the fiscal year ended October 27, 2013 are entirely due to the acquisition of the United States based SKIPPY® peanut butter business on January 31, 2013.
	(in thousands)		Grocery		Refrigerated		JOTS	Specialty	International	Total
			Products		Foods			Foods	& Other
	Balance as of October 30, 2011		$ 123,316		$ 96,652		$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$       674	$ 630,884
	Goodwill acquired		–		(9	)	–	–	–	(9	)
	Balance as of October 28, 2012		$ 123,316		$ 96,643		$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$       674	$ 630,875
	Goodwill acquired		199,626		–		–	–	103,971	303,597
	Balance as of October 27, 2013		$ 322,942		$ 96,643		$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$ 104,645	$ 934,472
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are presented in the table below. Customer relationships of $25.1 million were acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 related to the United States based SKIPPY® peanut butter business.
		27-Oct-13			October 28, 2012
	(in thousands)	Gross	Accumulated	Weighted-	Gross	Accumulated	Weighted-
		Carrying	Amortization	Avg Life	Carrying	Amortization	Avg Life
		Amount		(in Years)	Amount		(in Years)
	Customer lists/relationships	$43,340	($14,719)	11	$22,148	($14,684)	10.9
	Formulas & recipes	17,854	-13,824	8.8	17,854	-11,686	8.8
	Proprietary software & technology	14,820	-12,024	10.2	22,000	-17,319	9.3
	Other intangibles	9,386	-7,999	7.7	13,586	-10,686	7.9
	Total	$85,400	($48,566)	10.1	$75,588	($54,375)	9.4
	Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended October 27, 2013, October 28, 2012, and October 30, 2011, was $9.5 million, $9.0 million, and $9.5 million, respectively.
	Estimated annual amortization expense (in thousands) for the five fiscal years after October 27, 2013, is as follows:
	2014	$8,654
	2015	5,474
	2016	3,349
	2017	2,918
	2018	2,676
	The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows. The increase in fiscal 2013 represents the fair value of the trade name and trademarks acquired with the United States based SKIPPY® peanut butter business.
	(in thousands)	October 27,	October 28,
		2013	2012
	Brand/tradename/trademarks	$ 333,275	$  93,875
	Other intangibles	7,984	7,984
	Total	$ 341,259	$101,859
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company completed the required annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, with no impairment indicated. Useful lives of intangible assets were also reviewed during this process, with no changes identified.

INVESTMENTS_IN_AND_RECEIVABLES

INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES	'
INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES	'
	NOTE G
	INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES
	The Company accounts for its majority-owned operations under the consolidation method. Investments in which the Company owns a minority interest, and for which there are no other indicators of control, are accounted for under the equity or cost method. These investments, along with any related receivables from affiliates, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as investments in and receivables from affiliates.
	Investments in and receivables from affiliates consists of the following:
				October 27,	October 28,
	(in thousands)	Segment	% Owned	2013	2012
	MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	50%	$ 203,413	$ 205,315
	Foreign Joint ventures	International & Other	Various (26–50%)	67,196	81,222
	Total			$ 270,609	$ 286,537
	Equity in earnings of affiliates consists of the following:
	(in thousands)	Segment	2013	2012	2011
	MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	$ 17,261	$ 35,762	$ 24,532
	Foreign Joint Ventures	International & Other	3,252	2,929	3,423
	Other	Various	–	–	-1,198
	Total		$ 20,513	$ 38,691	$ 26,757
	Dividends received from affiliates for the fiscal years ended October 27, 2013, October 28, 2012, and October 30, 2011, were $34.0 million, $37.1 million, and $4.0 million, respectively. The Company recognized a basis difference of $21.3 million associated with the formation of MegaMex, which is being amortized through equity in earnings of affiliates.

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	'
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	'
	NOTE H
	LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
	Long-term debt consists of:
	(in thousands)	October 27,	October 28,
		2013	2012
	Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 4.125%, interest due semi-annually through April 2021 maturity date	$250,000	$250,000
	Less current maturities	–	–
	Total	$250,000	$250,000
	The Company has a $300.0 million revolving line of credit which bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR. As of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, the Company had not drawn from this line of credit. A fixed fee is paid for the availability of this credit line. On November 22, 2011, the Company amended the terms and conditions for this line of credit and extended the maturity date to November 2016.
	The Company is required by certain covenants in its debt agreements to maintain specified levels of financial ratios and financial position. At the end of the current fiscal year, the Company was in compliance with all of these covenants.
	Total interest paid during fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $12.5 million, $12.9 million, and $31.7 million, respectively.

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
	NOTE I
	PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
	The Company has several defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans covering most employees. Total costs associated with the Company’s defined contribution benefit plans in 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $29.9 million, $27.8 million, and $27.1 million, respectively. Benefits for defined benefit pension plans covering hourly employees are provided based on stated amounts for each year of service, while plan benefits covering salaried employees are based on final average compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to make annual contributions of not less than the minimum required by applicable regulations. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 8-30 years.
	Certain groups of employees are eligible for post-retirement health or welfare benefits. Benefits for retired employees vary for each group depending on respective retirement dates and applicable plan coverage in effect. Contribution requirements for retired employees are governed by the Retiree Health Care Payment Program and may change each year as the cost to provide coverage is determined. Eligible employees hired after January 1, 1990, may receive post-retirement medical coverage but must pay the full cost of the coverage. On October 17, 2012, the plan was amended, effective April 1, 2013, to terminate coverage for certain nonunion retirees who retired on or after August 1, 2002, and who are or will be Medicare eligible. If the cost of the nonunion retiree coverage is currently subsidized by the Company for the affected retirees, credits will be established in a health reimbursement account to help reimburse the retiree for the cost of purchasing coverage in the individual market. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 6-19 years.
	Several changes were enacted that affected the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at the 2011 measurement date. The defined benefit pension plan covering collectively bargained employees was amended as a result of labor negotiations, causing an increase in the benefit obligation. The benefit obligation for the other defined benefit plans was reduced as a result of a change in the pension formula effective January 1, 2017. The amended formula remains a defined benefit formula, but will base the accrued benefit credit on age and service and define the benefit as a lump sum. Effective October 31, 2016, the 401k match for these participants will be increased.
	Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans included the following:
						Post-retirement Benefits
			Pension Benefits
			2013	2012	2011	2013	2012	2011
	(in thousands)
	Service cost		$ 30,979	$ 23,425	$ 24,206	$ 2,494	$ 2,272	$ 2,219
	Interest cost		47,688	49,135	50,282	14,910	17,910	18,891
	Expected return on plan assets		-73,144	-68,511	-62,989	–	–	–
	Amortization of prior service cost		-5,079	-5,079	-607	-1,332	3,561	4,341
	Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		34,019	20,130	16,633	7,719	-3	-4
	Curtailment charge		6	–	–	–	–	–
	Net periodic cost		$ 34,469	$ 19,100	$ 27,525	$23,791	$23,740	$25,447
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension benefits at October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost: unrecognized prior service credit of $42.3 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $265.3 million, and unrecognized prior service credit of $47.4 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $521.4 million, respectively. The prior service credit and actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost during the fiscal year ending October 26, 2014, are $5.0 million and $12.7 million, respectively.
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for post-retirement benefits at October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic post-retirement benefit cost: unrecognized prior service credit of $5.5 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $29.3 million, and unrecognized prior service credit of $6.8 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $88.3 million, respectively. The prior service credit and actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and expected to be recognized in net periodic post-retirement benefit cost during the fiscal year ending October 26, 2014, are $1.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively.
	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the plans as of the October 27, 2013 and the October 28, 2012 measurement dates:
	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$1,192,369	$   942,626	$389,512	$351,134
	Service cost	30,979	23,425	2,494	2,272
	Interest cost	47,688	49,135	14,910	17,910
	Plan amendments	–	–	-68	-22,262
	Actuarial (gain) loss	-125,072	222,541	-51,290	63,177
	Employee contributions	–	–	2,512	2,495
	Medicare Part D subsidy	–	–	2,217	2,320
	Benefits paid	-47,904	-45,358	-25,840	-27,534
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$1,098,060	$1,192,369	$334,447	$389,512
	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$   939,230	$ 870,923	$            –	$            –
	Actual return on plan assets	170,116	83,533	–	–
	Employee contributions	–	–	2,512	2,495
	Employer contributions	25,873	30,132	23,328	25,039
	Benefits paid	-47,904	-45,358	-25,840	-27,534
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$1,087,315	$ 939,230	$            –	$            –
	Funded status at end of year	$    (10,745)	($253,139)	($334,447)	($389,512)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, are as follows:
	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Pension assets	$  162,535	$          49	$             –	$            –
	Employee related expenses	-4,159	-3,650	-22,338	-23,622
	Pension and post-retirement benefits	-169,121	-249,538	-312,109	-365,890
	Net amount recognized	$  (10,745)	($253,139)	$ (334,447)	($389,512)
	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $173.3 million, $161.4 million, and $0.0 million, respectively, as of October 27, 2013, and $475.3 million, $457.6 million, and $263.0 million, respectively, as of October 28, 2012.
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
		2013	2012
	Discount rate	4.89%	4.05%
	Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	3.91%	3.97%
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs are as follows:
		2013	2012	2011
	Discount rate	4.05%	5.33%	5.82%
		3.97%	3.93%	4.03%
	Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)
		7.90%	8.00%	8.00%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets
	The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is developed in consultation with outside advisors. A range is determined based on the composition of the asset portfolio, historical long-term rates of return, and estimates of future performance.
	For measurement purposes, an 8.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for pre-Medicare and post-Medicare retirees’ coverage is assumed for 2014. The pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rate is assumed to decrease to 5.0% for 2019, and remain at that level thereafter.
The assumed discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increase, and health care cost trend rate have a significant impact on the amounts reported for the benefit plans. A one-percentage-point change in these rates would have the following effects:
1-Percentage-Point
					Benefit Obligation
	Expense
(in thousands)			Decrease		Increase		Decrease
	Increase
Pension Benefits:
Discount rate	$	-9,833	$	15,569	$	-133,968	$	166,887
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		-10,731		10,731		–		–
Rate of future compensation increase		1,257		-1,208		6,636		-6,463
Post-retirement Benefits:
Discount rate	$	1,087	$	3,684	$	-32,338	$	39,046
Health care cost trend rate		1,529		-1,405		35,049		-29,181
The actual and target weighted-average asset allocations for the Company’s pension plan assets as of the plan measurement date are as follows:
			2012
	2013
Asset Category		Target Range	Actual	Target Range
	Actual
Large Capitalization Equity	29.20%	15-35%	29.40%	20-35%
Hormel Foods Corporation Stock	6.70%	0-10%	5.20%	0-10%
Small Capitalization Equity	6.30%	5-15%	5.70%	5-15%
International Equity	22.00%	15-25%	19.70%	15-25%
Private Equity	4.20%	0-15%	3.60%	0-15%
Total Equity Securities	68.40%	55-75%	63.60%	55-75%
Fixed Income	30.00%	25-45%	35.00%	25-45%
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1.50%	–	1.40%	–
Target allocations are established in consultation with outside advisors through the use of asset-liability modeling to attempt to match the duration of the plan assets with the duration of the Company’s projected benefit liability. The asset allocation strategy attempts to minimize the long-term cost of pension benefits, reduce the volatility of pension expense, and achieve a healthy funded status for the plans.
As of the 2013 measurement date, plan assets included 1.7 million shares of common stock of the Company having a market value of $72.6 million. Dividends paid during the year on shares held by the plan were $1.1 million. In 2012, plan assets included 1.7 million shares of common stock of the Company having a market value of $48.9 million.
Based on the October 27, 2013 measurement date, the Company anticipates making contributions of $26.8 million to fund the pension plans during fiscal year 2014. The Company also expects to make contributions of $27.1 million during 2014 that represent benefit payments for unfunded plans.
Benefits expected to be paid over the next ten fiscal years are as follows:
(in thousands)	Pension	Post-
	Benefits	retirement
		Benefits
2014	$ 48,716	$ 20,502
2015	50,234	20,849
2016	52,559	20,977
2017	55,428	20,943
2018	58,367	20,994
2019 – 2023	339,843	101,459
Post-retirement benefits are net of expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits granted under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are estimated to be $2.5 million per year through 2023.
The fair values of the defined benefit pension plan investments as of October 27, 2013 and October 28, 2012, by asset category and fair value hierarchy level, are as follows:
			Fair Value Measurements at October 27, 2013
(in thousands)			Total		Quoted Prices		Significant Other		Significant
			Fair Value		in Active		Observable		Unobservable
					Markets for		Inputs		Inputs
					Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
					(Level 1)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)			$     16,373		$  16,373		$           –		$         –
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic			$   355,084		$248,398		$106,686		$         –
Foreign			35,466		35,466		–		–
Total Large Capitalization Equity			$   390,550		$283,864		$106,686		$         –
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic			$     60,579		$  60,579		$           –		$         –
Foreign			7,503		7,503		–		–
Total Small Capitalization Equity			$     68,082		$  68,082		$           –		$         –
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund			$     66,260		$           –		$  66,260		$         –
Collective trust			173,044		–		173,044		–
Total International Equity			$   239,304		$           –		$239,304		$         –
Private Equity(5)
Domestic			$     35,226		$           –		$           –		$35,226
International			10,557		–		–		10,557
Total Private Equity			$     45,783		$           –		$           –		$45,783
Total Equity			$   743,719		$351,946		$345,990		$45,783
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues			$   104,087		$  77,381		$  26,706		$         –
Municipal issues			21,405		–		21,405		–
Corporate issues – domestic			176,319		–		176,319		–
Corporate issues – foreign			25,412		–		25,412		–
Total Fixed Income			$   327,223		$  77,381		$249,842		$         –
Total Investments at Fair Value			$1,087,315		$445,700		$595,832		$45,783
			Fair Value Measurements at October 28, 2012
(in thousands)			Total Fair		Quoted Prices		Significant Other		Significant
			Value		in Active		Observable		Unobservable
					Markets for		Inputs		Inputs
					Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
					(Level 1)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)			$  13,544		$  13,544		$           –		$         –
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic			$298,375		$181,994		$116,381		$         –
Foreign			26,503		26,503		–		–
Total Large Capitalization Equity			$324,878		$208,497		$116,381		$         –
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic			$  47,883		$  47,883		$           –		$         –
Foreign			5,456		5,456		–		–
Total Small Capitalization Equity			$  53,339		$  53,339		$           –		$         –
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund			$  50,317		$           –		$  50,317		$         –
Collective trust			134,926		–		134,926		–
Total International Equity			$185,243		$           –		$185,243		$         –
Private Equity(5)
Domestic			$  26,785		$           –		$           –		$26,785
International			6,883		–		–		6,883
Total Private Equity			$  33,668		$           –		$           –		$33,668
Total Equity			$597,128		$261,836		$301,624		$33,668
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues			$122,207		$  94,346		$  27,861		$         –
Municipal issues			18,294		–		18,294		–
Corporate issues — domestic			166,029		–		166,029		–
Corporate issues — foreign			22,028		–		22,028		–
Total Fixed Income			$328,558		$  94,346		$234,212		$         –
Total Investments at Fair Value			$939,230		$369,726		$535,836		$33,668
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:
(1)    Cash Equivalents: These Level 1 investments consist primarily of money market mutual funds that are highly liquid and traded in active markets.
(2)    Large Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investment includes a mutual fund consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks that is valued at the publicly available net asset value (NAV) of shares held by the pension plans at year end.
(3)    Small Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
(4)    International Equity: These Level 2 investments include a mix of collective investment funds and mutual funds. The mutual funds are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end. The value of the collective investment funds is based on the fair value of the underlying investments and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(5)    Private Equity: These Level 3 investments consist of various collective investment funds, which are managed by a third party, that invest in a well diversified portfolio of equity investments from top performing, high quality firms that focus on U.S. and foreign small to mid markets; venture capitalists; and entrepreneurs with a concentration in areas of innovation. Investment strategies include buyouts, growth capital, buildups, and distressed; investment strategies also include early stages of company development mainly in the U.S. The fair value of the units for these investments is based on the fair value of the underlying investments, and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(6)    Fixed Income: The Level 1 investments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investments consist principally of U.S. government securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources and mortgage-backed securities pricing sources; municipal, domestic, and foreign securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources; and mutual funds invested in long-duration corporate bonds that are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year-end.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:
(in thousands)			2013			2012
Beginning Balance			$33,668			$21,847
Purchases, issuances, and settlements (net)			7,288			9,316
Unrealized gains			2,718			478
Realized gains			1,471			1,812
Interest and dividend income			638			215
Ending Balance			$45,783			$33,668
The Company has commitments totaling $85.0 million for the private equity investments within the pension plans, of which $42.1 million and $53.2 million remain unfunded at fiscal year end 2013 and 2012, respectively. These commitments include $27.1 million and $15.0 million for domestic and foreign equity investments, respectively, for fiscal year end 2013 compared to the $34.5 million and $18.7 million for domestic and foreign equity investments, respectively, for fiscal year end 2012. Funding for future private equity capital calls will come from existing pension plan asset investments and not from additional cash contributions into the Company’s pension plans.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
INCOME TAXES	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	NOTE J
	INCOME TAXES
	The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
	(in thousands)		2013		2012			2011
	Current:
	U.S. Federal		$231,359		$216,620			$202,084
	State		30,671		26,303			26,978
	Foreign		5,334		5,783			3,826
	Total current		267,364		248,706			232,888
	Deferred:
	U.S. Federal		1,080		4,443			6,358
	State		(194	)	225			394
	Foreign		181		–			–
	Total deferred		1,067		4,668			6,752
	Total provision for income taxes		$268,431		$253,374			$239,640
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company believes that, based upon its lengthy and consistent history of profitable operations, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $98.6 million will be realized on future tax returns, primarily from the generation of future taxable income. Significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
	(in thousands)		October 27,		October 28,
			2013		2012
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax over book depreciation		$ (89,823	)	$ (91,545	)
	Book/tax basis difference from acquisitions		(25,442	)	(26,295	)
	Other, net		(92,813	)	(76,851	)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Post-retirement benefits		127,093		147,278
	Stock options		32,036		32,210
	Deferred compensation		25,089		23,115
	Insurance accruals		19,007		16,728
	Vacation accruals		15,073		14,905
	Promotional accruals		10,779		7,524
	Federal benefit of state tax		7,786		9,965
	Pension benefits		5,249		96,641
	Other, net		64,595		59,130
	Net deferred tax assets		$  98,629		$ 212,805
	Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	U.S. statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit		2.7			2.5			2.7
	Domestic production activities deduction		(2.4	)		(2.6	)		(2.6	)
	All other, net		(1.7	)		(1.5	)		(1.8	)
	Effective tax rate		33.6	%		33.4	%		33.3	%
	No provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures that we intend to permanently invest or that may be remitted substantially tax-free. The total of undistributed earnings that would be subject to federal income tax if remitted under existing law is approximately $69.2 million as of October 27, 2013. Determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation. Upon distribution of these earnings, we will be subject to U.S. taxes and withholding taxes payable to various foreign governments. A credit for foreign taxes already paid would be available to reduce the U.S. tax liability.
	Total income taxes paid during fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $226.2 million, $226.7 million, and $227.3 million, respectively.
	The following table sets forth changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
	(in thousands)
	Balance as of October 30, 2011	$ 21,398
	Tax positions related to the current period:
	Increases	3,066
	Decreases	–
	Tax positions related to prior periods:
	Increases	1,302
	Decreases	(2,541	)
	Settlements	(624	)
	Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(470	)
	Balance as of October 28, 2012	$ 22,131
	Tax positions related to the current period:
	Increases	4,353
	Decreases	–
	Tax positions related to prior periods:
	Increases	3,091
	Decreases	(4,738	)
	Settlements	(1,173	)
	Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(3,579	)
	Balance as of October 27, 2013	$ 20,085
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at October 27, 2013, recorded in other long-term liabilities was $23.1 million, of which $15.3 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense, with gains of $4.7 million included in expense for fiscal 2013. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at October 27, 2013, associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $3.0 million.
The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities. During fiscal year 2013, the United States Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) concluded its examination of the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for the fiscal years through 2011. The Company is in various stages of audit by several state taxing authorities on a variety of fiscal years, as far back as 2006. While it is reasonably possible that one or more of these audits may be completed within the next 12 months and that the related unrecognized tax benefits may change, based on the status of the examinations it is not possible to reasonably estimate the effect of any amount of such change to previously recorded uncertain tax positions.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	NOTE K
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	In order to ensure a steady supply of hogs and turkeys, and to keep the cost of products stable, the Company has entered into contracts with producers for the purchase of hogs and turkeys at formula-based prices over periods up to 10 years. The Company has also entered into grow-out contracts with independent farmers to raise turkeys for the Company for periods up to 25 years. Under these arrangements, the Company owns the livestock, feed, and other supplies while the independent farmers provide facilities and labor. The Company has also contracted for the purchase of corn, soybean meal, and other feed ingredients from independent suppliers for periods up to three years. Under these contracts, the Company is committed at October 27, 2013, to make purchases, assuming current price levels, as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2014	$1,420,814
	2015	933,079
	2016	656,292
	2017	583,994
	2018	569,155
	Later Years	1,173,838
	Total	$5,337,172
	Purchases under these contracts for fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $2.0 billion, $2.0 billion, and $1.8 billion, respectively.
	The Company has noncancelable operating lease commitments on facilities and equipment at October 27, 2013, as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2014	$  5,872
	2015	2,468
	2016	1,760
	2017	992
	2018	711
	Later Years	1,977
	Total	$ 13,780
	The Company expensed $21.6 million, $21.6 million, and $23.1 million for rent in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	The Company has commitments to expend approximately $104.7 million to complete construction in progress at various locations as of October 27, 2013.
	As of October 27, 2013, the Company has $42.6 million of standby letters of credit issued on its behalf. The standby letters of credit are primarily related to the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation programs. However, that amount also includes a revocable $4.9 million standby letter of credit for obligations of an affiliated party that may arise under worker compensation claims. Letters of credit are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position.
	As of October 27, 2013, the Company was committed to close the acquisition of the China based SKIPPY® peanut butter business. Subsequent to the end of the fiscal year, this acquisition closed on November 26, 2013, for $41.4 million, subject to working capital and tax adjustments.
	The Company is involved on an ongoing basis in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	NOTE L
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company issues stock options and nonvested shares as part of its stock incentive plans for employees and non-employee directors. The Company’s policy is to grant options with the exercise price equal to the market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Options typically vest over periods ranging from six months to four years and expire ten years after the date of the grant. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the requisite service period or vesting period. The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to retirement-eligible individuals is expensed at the time of grant.
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company made a one-time grant of 100 stock options (pre-2011 split) to each active, full-time employee of the Company on January 8, 2007. This grant was to vest upon the earlier of five years or attainment of a closing stock price of $50.00 per share (pre-2011 split) for five consecutive trading days, and had an expiration of ten years after the grant date. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the options vested after the stock attained the required closing price per share for five consecutive trading days.
	A reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable (in thousands) as of October 27, 2013, and changes during the fiscal year then ended, is as follows:
		Shares		Weighted-	Weighted-		Aggregate
				Average	Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise	Remaining		value
				Price	Contractual		(in thousands)
					Term
	Outstanding at October 28, 2012	20,454		$19.67
	Granted	2,218		32.19
	Exercised	4,181		15.56
	Forfeited	25		27.77
	Outstanding at October 27, 2013	18,466		$22.09	5.6 yrs		$397,571
	Exercisable at October 27, 2013	12,429		$19.02	4.3 yrs		$305,727
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of options exercised (in thousands) during each of the past three fiscal years is as follows:
			Fiscal Year Ended
			October 27,			October 28,			October 30,
			2013			2012			2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	5.5		$	5.64		$	5.54
	Intrinsic value of exercised options		$	77,610		$	30,210		$	54,859
	The fair value of each option award is calculated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model utilizing the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Fiscal Year Ended
			October 27,		October 28,			October 30,
			2013		2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.40%		1.80%			2.90%
	Dividend yield		2.10%		2.00%			2.00%
	Stock price volatility		20.00%		21.00%			21.00%
	Expected option life		8 years		8 years			8 years
	As part of the annual valuation process, the Company reassesses the appropriateness of the inputs used in the valuation models. The Company establishes the risk-free interest rate using stripped U.S. Treasury yields as of the grant date where the remaining term is approximately the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is set based on the dividend rate approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the stock price on the grant date. The expected volatility assumption is set based primarily on historical volatility. As a reasonableness test, implied volatility from exchange traded options is also examined to validate the volatility range obtained from the historical analysis. The expected life assumption is set based on an analysis of past exercise behavior by option holders. In performing the valuations for option grants, the Company has not stratified option holders as exercise behavior has historically been consistent across all employee and non-employee director groups.
	The Company’s nonvested shares granted on or before September 26, 2010, vest after five years or upon retirement. Nonvested shares granted after September 26, 2010, vest after one year. A reconciliation of the nonvested shares (in thousands) as of October 27, 2013, and changes during the fiscal year then ended is as follows:
		Shares		Weighted-
				Average
				Grant Date
				Fair value
	Nonvested at October 28, 2012	139		$21.47
	Granted	45		35.42
	Vested	72		25.07
	Nonvested at October 27, 2013	112		$24.77
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted, the total fair value (in thousands) of non- vested shares granted, and the fair value (in thousands) of shares that have vested during each of the past three fiscal years is as follows:
			Fiscal Year Ended
			October 27,		October 28,			October 30,
			2013		2012			2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$35.42		$28.98			$25.11
	Fair value of nonvested shares granted		$1,600		$1,369			$1,299
	Fair value of shares vested		$1,824		$2,476			$   751
	Stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit, for each of the past three fiscal years is presented in the table below:
			Fiscal Year Ended
	(in thousands)		October 27,		October 28,			October 30,
			2013		2012			2011
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized		$17,596		$16,710			$17,229
	Income tax benefit recognized		-6,655		(6,334	)		-6,542
	After-tax stock-based compensation expense		$10,941		$10,376			$10,687
	At October 27, 2013, there was $7.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense from stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 4.4 years. During fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, cash received from stock option exercises was $30.2 million, $14.7 million, and $53.8 million, respectively. The total tax benefit to be realized for tax deductions from these option exercises was $29.4 million, $1 1.4 million, and $20.8 million, respectively.
	Shares issued for option exercises and nonvested shares may be either authorized but unissued shares, or shares of treasury stock acquired in the open market or otherwise. The number of shares available for future grants was 27.9 million at October 27, 2013, 30.0 million at October 28, 2012, and 32.6 million at October 30, 2011.

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

12 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2013

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

'

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

'

NOTE M

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Company uses hedging programs to manage price risk associated with commodity purchases. These programs utilize futures contracts and swaps to manage the Company’s exposure to price fluctuations in the commodities markets. The Company has determined that its programs which are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows generated by the items hedged.

Cash Flow Hedges: The Company currently utilizes corn futures to offset the price fluctuation in the Company’s future direct grain purchases, and has historically entered into various swaps to hedge the purchases of grain and natural gas at certain plant locations. The financial instruments are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges on a regular basis. Effective gains or losses related to these cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) and reclassified into earnings, through cost of products sold, in the period or periods in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. The Company typically does not hedge its grain or natural gas exposure beyond the next two upcoming fiscal years. As of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:

Volume

Commodity

October 27, 2013

October 28, 2012

Corn

14.7 million bushels

12.0 million bushels

As of October 27, 2013, the Company has included in AOCL, hedging loss of $9.0 million (before tax) relating to its positions, compared to gains of $15.2 million (before tax) as of October 28, 2012. The Company expects to recognize the majority of these losses over the next 12 months. The balance as of October 27, 2013, includes a loss of $1.1 million related to corn futures contracts held for the Company’s hog operations. These contracts were dedesignated as cash flow hedges during fiscal year 2013, as they were no longer highly effective. These losses will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of dedesignation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

Fair Value Hedges: The Company utilizes futures to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. The intent of the program is to make the forward priced commodities cost nearly the same as cash market purchases at the date of delivery. The futures contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges on a regular basis. Changes in the fair value of the futures contracts, along with the gain or loss on the hedged purchase commitment, are marked-to-market through earnings and are recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as a current asset and liability, respectively. Effective gains or losses related to these fair value hedges are recognized through cost of products sold in the period or periods in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. As of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts designated as fair value hedges:

Volume

Commodity

October 27, 2013

October 28, 2012

Corn

5.8 million bushels

8.0 million bushels

Lean hogs

1.4 million cwt

0.9 million cwt

Other Derivatives: During fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company has held certain futures and options contract positions as part of a merchandising program and to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity markets and foreign currencies. The Company has not applied hedge accounting to these positions. All foreign exchange and options contracts were closed as of the end of the fiscal year.

Additionally, during fiscal year 2013, the Company dedesignated its corn futures contracts held for its hog operations that were previously designated as cash flow hedges, as these contracts were no longer highly effective. Hedge accounting is no longer being applied to these contracts, and gains or losses occurring after the date of dedesignation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

As of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding futures contracts related to these programs:

Volume

Commodity

October 27, 2013

October 28, 2012

Corn

1.7 million bushels

–

Fair Values: The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, were as follows:

Fair Value(1)

(in thousands)

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

Statements of Financial Position

2013

2012

Asset Derivatives:

Derivatives Designated as Hedges:

Commodity contracts

Other current assets

($25,802)

$7,483

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:

Commodity contracts

Other current assets

-3,783

–

Total Asset Derivatives

($29,585)

$7,483

(1) Amounts represent the gross fair value of derivative assets and liabilities. The Company nets the derivative assets and liabilities for each of its hedging programs, including cash collateral, when a master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the counterparty to the derivative contract. The amount or timing of cash collateral balances may impact the classification of the derivative in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. See Note N for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Derivative Gains and Losses: Gains or losses (before tax, in thousands) related to the Company’s derivative instruments for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, were as follows:

Gain/(Loss) Recognized

Gain/(Loss) Reclassified

Gain/(Loss)

in AOCL

from AOCL into Earnings

Recognized in Earnings

(Effective Portion)(1) (2)

(Effective Portion)(1) (2)

(Ineffective Portion)(3) (5)

Fiscal Year Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

Cash Flow Hedges:

October 27,

October 28,

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

October 27,

October 28,

2013

2012

Statements of Operations

2013

2012

2013

2012

Commodity contracts

($18,329)

$10,261

Cost of products sold

$5,871

$22,319

($5,272)

$ –

Gain/(Loss)

Gain/(Loss)

Recognized in Earnings

Recognized in Earnings

(Effective Portion)(4)

(Ineffective Portion)(3) (6)

Fiscal Year Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

Fair Value Hedges:

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

October 27,

October 28,

Statements of Operations

2013

2012

2013

2012

Commodity contracts

Cost of products sold

$6,067

($10,670)

$3,560

$ 19

Gain/(Loss)

Recognized in Earnings(2)

Fiscal Year Ended

Derivatives Not

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

Designated as Hedges:

Statements of Operations

2013

2012

Commodity contracts

Cost of products sold

($2,227)

$46

Foreign exchange contracts

Interest and investment income (loss)

$    244

$  –

(1)        Amounts represent gains or losses in AOCL before tax. See Note B for the after tax impact of these gains or losses on net earnings.

(2)        During fiscal year 2013, the Company dedesignated and ceased hedge accounting for its corn futures contracts held for its hog operations. At the date of dedesignation of these hedges, losses of $2.0 million (before tax) were deferred in AOCL, with $1.1 million (before tax) remaining as of October 27, 2013. These losses will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of dedesignation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

(3)        There were no gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the fiscal year. Fiscal year 2013 includes the mark-to-market impact on certain Jennie-O Turkey Store corn futures contracts which resulted from a temporary suspension of hedge accounting due to market volatility.

(4)        Amounts represent losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the fiscal year, which were offset by a corresponding gain on the underlying hedged purchase commitment. Additional gains or losses related to changes in the fair value of open commodity contracts, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged purchase commitment, are also marked-to-market through earnings with no impact on a net basis.

(5)        There were no gains or losses resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the fiscal year.

(6)        There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge during the fiscal year.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	NOTE N
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Pursuant to the provisions of ASC 820, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements as of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, and their level within the fair value hierarchy, are presented in the table below.
		Fair Value Measurements at October 27, 2013
	(in thousands)	Fair Value at		Significant Other	Significant
		October 27,	Quoted Prices in	Observable	Unobservable
		2013	Active Markets	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
			for Identical
			Assets (Level 1)
	Assets at Fair Value:
	Cash and cash equivalents(1)	$434,014	$434,014	$         –	$ –
	Other trading securities(2)	114,300	38,489	75,811	–
	Commodity derivatives(3)	6,086	6,086	–	–
	Total Assets at Fair value	$554,400	$478,589	$75,811	$ –
	Liabilities at Fair Value:
	Deferred compensation(2)	$  52,771	$  21,257	$31,514	$ –
	Total Liabilities at Fair value	$  52,771	$  21,257	$31,514	$ –
		Fair value Measurements at October 28, 2012
	(in thousands)	Fair value at		Significant Other	Significant
		October 28,	Quoted Prices in	Observable	Unobservable
		2012	Active Markets	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
			for Identical
			Assets (Level 1)
	Assets at Fair Value:
	Cash and cash equivalents(1)	$682,388	$682,388	$           –	$ –
	Short-term marketable securities(4)	77,387	2,349	75,038	–
	Other trading securities(2)	109,676	36,305	73,371	–
	Commodity derivatives(3)	3,884	3,884	–	–
	Total Assets at Fair value	$873,335	$724,926	$ 148,409	$ –
	Liabilities at Fair Value:
	Deferred compensation(2)	$ 47,953	$ 16,866	$  31,087	$ –
	Total Liabilities at Fair value	$ 47,953	$ 16,866	$  31,087	$ –
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities above:
	(1)   The Company’s cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds rated AAA, and other highly liquid investment accounts. As these investments have a maturity date of three months or less, the carrying value approximates fair value.
	(2)   The Company holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. The rabbi trust is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is valued based on the underlying fair value of each fund held by the trust. A majority of the funds held related to the supplemental executive retirement plans have been invested in fixed income funds managed by a third party. The declared rate on these funds is set based on a formula using the yield of the general account investment portfolio that supports the fund, adjusted for expenses and other charges. The rate is guaranteed for one year at issue, and may be reset annually on the policy anniversary, subject to a guaranteed minimum rate. As the value is based on adjusted market rates, and the fixed rate is only reset on an annual basis, these funds are classified as Level 2. The remaining funds held are also managed by a third party, and include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore these securities are classified as Level 1. The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are valued based on the underlying investment selections held in each participant’s account. Investment options generally mirror those funds held by the rabbi trust, for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore these investment balances are classified as Level 1. The Company also offers a fixed rate investment option to participants. The rate earned on these investments is adjusted annually based on a specified percentage of the I.R.S. Applicable Federal Rates in effect and therefore these balances are classified as Level 2.
	(3)   The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn and soybean meal, and to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. The Company’s futures contracts for corn and soybean meal are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade, while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are active markets with quoted prices available and therefore these contracts are classified as Level 1. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. The Company nets the derivative assets and liabilities for each of its hedging programs, including cash collateral, when a master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the counterparty to the derivative contract. The net balance for each program is included in other current assets or accounts payable, as appropriate, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As of October 27, 2013, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $35.7 million from various counterparties. As of October 28, 2012, the Company had recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $27.5 million from, and the obligation to return cash collateral of $31.1 million to, various counterparties.
	(4)   During fiscal 2012 and 2013, the Company held trading securities as part of a portfolio maintained to generate investment income and to provide cash for operations of the Company, if necessary. The portfolio was managed by a third party who was responsible for daily trading activities, and all assets within the portfolio were highly liquid. The cash, U.S. government securities, and highly rated money market funds held by the portfolio were classified as Level 1. The investment portfolio also included corporate bonds, international government securities, commercial paper, agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities for which there is an active, quoted market. Market prices were obtained from a variety of industry standard providers, large financial institutions, and other third-party sources to calculate a representative daily market value, and therefore, these securities were classified as Level 2. These securities were liquidated in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities also include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other liabilities, for which carrying value approximates fair value. The Company does not carry its long-term debt at fair value in its Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Based on borrowing rates available to the Company for long-term financing with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of long-term debt, utilizing discounted cash flows (Level 2), was $261.7 million as of October 27, 2013, and $283.6 million as of October 28, 2012.
	In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company also measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value that are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment). During fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, there were no material remeasurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

SEGMENT_REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
SEGMENT REPORTING	'
SEGMENT REPORTING	'
	NOTE O
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	The Company develops, processes, and distributes a wide array of food products in a variety of markets. The Company reports its results in the following five segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Specialty Foods, and International & Other.
	The Grocery Products segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex joint venture.
	The Refrigerated Foods segment includes the Hormel Refrigerated operating segment and the Affiliated Business Units. This segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork and beef products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.
	The Affiliated Business Units include the Farmer John, Burke Corporation, Dan’s Prize, Saag’s Products, Inc., and Precept Foods businesses. Precept Foods, LLC, is a 50.01 percent owned joint venture.
	The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.
	The Specialty Foods segment includes the Diamond Crystal Brands, Century Foods International, and Hormel Specialty Products operating segments. This segment consists of the packaging and sale of private label shelf stable products, nutritional products, sugar, and condiments to industrial, retail, and foodservice customers. This segment also includes the processing, marketing, and sale of nutritional food products and supplements to hospitals, nursing homes, and other marketers of nutritional products.
	The International & Other segment includes the Hormel Foods International operating segment, which manufactures, markets, and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures and miscellaneous corporate sales. This segment was previously the All Other segment, and was renamed in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, with no change in the composition of the segment.
	Intersegment sales are recorded at prices that approximate cost and are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as net interest and investment expense (income), general corporate expense, and noncontrolling interest when reconciling to earnings before income taxes.
	Sales and operating profits for each of the Company’s reportable segments and reconciliation to earnings before income taxes are set forth below. The Company is an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations, and sharing of assets. Therefore, the Company does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below.
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Sales to Unaffiliated
	Customers
	Grocery Products	$1,517,557		$1,170,871		$1,064,558
	Refrigerated Foods	4,251,515		4,222,752		4,189,224
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,601,868		1,549,227		1,467,222
	Specialty Foods	932,533		924,472		835,584
	International & Other	448,181		363,348		338,501
	Total	$8,751,654		$8,230,670		$7,895,089
	Intersegment Sales
	Grocery Products	$              –		$             –		$             –
	Refrigerated Foods	17,359		12,144		14,101
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	123,420		125,575		124,868
	Specialty Foods	108		133		127
	International & Other	–		–		–
	Total	140,887		137,852		139,096
	Intersegment elimination	(140,887	)	(137,852	)	(139,096	)
	Total	$              –		$             –		$             –
	Net Sales
	Grocery Products	$1,517,557		$1,170,871		$1,064,558
	Refrigerated Foods	4,268,874		4,234,896		4,203,325
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,725,288		1,674,802		1,592,090
	Specialty Foods	932,641		924,605		835,711
	International & Other	448,181		363,348		338,501
	Intersegment elimination	(140,887	)	(137,852	)	(139,096	)
	Total	$8,751,654		$8,230,670		$7,895,089
	Segment Operating Profit
	Grocery Products	$  213,646		$   181,251		$   162,556
	Refrigerated Foods	232,692		228,665		292,624
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	222,117		238,298		204,940
	Specialty Foods	88,873		83,089		76,905
	International & Other	71,490		49,889		36,250
	Total segment operating profit	$  828,818		$   781,192		$   773,275
	Net interest and investment expense (income)	7,482		6,339		23,448
	General corporate expense	26,694		21,429		35,992
	Noncontrolling interest	3,865		4,911		5,001
	Earnings before income taxes	$  798,507		$   758,335		$   718,836
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Assets
	Grocery Products	$1,237,405		$    683,601		$  670,398
	Refrigerated Foods	1,218,418		1,171,161		1,177,588
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	819,343		857,682		805,459
	Specialty Foods	469,599		506,237		475,289
	International & Other	361,038		224,847		196,957
	Corporate	810,077		1,120,438		918,700
	Total	$4,915,880		$4,563,966		$4,244,391
	Additions to Property,
	Plant and Equipment
	Grocery Products	$     10,100		$     17,966		$    10,910
	Refrigerated Foods	58,523		67,003		45,244
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	22,863		33,594		29,507
	Specialty Foods	3,606		3,779		3,470
International & Other	2,973		2,794		1,145
Corporate	8,697		7,167		6,635
Total	$     106,762		$   132,303		$    96,911
Depreciation and
Amortization
Grocery Products	$       22,912		$     15,870		$    15,597
Refrigerated Foods	57,879		60,229		65,689
Jennie-O Turkey Store	26,921		26,144		25,379
Specialty Foods	9,232		9,871		9,817
International & Other	1,906		1,437		1,387
Corporate	6,000		5,943		6,296
Total	$     124,850		$    119,494		$    124,165
The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. Perishable meat includes fresh meats, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, wieners, and bacon (excluding JOTS products). The Poultry category is composed primarily of JOTS products. Shelf-stable includes canned luncheon meats, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, stews, chilies, hash, meat spreads, flour and corn tortillas, salsas, tortilla chips, peanut butter, and other items that do not require refrigeration. The Other category primarily consists of nutritional food products and supplements, sugar and sugar substitutes, dessert and drink mixes, and industrial gelatin products. The percentages of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products for the last three fiscal years are as follows:
	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 27,		October 28,		October 30,
	2013		2012		2011
Perishable meat	50.90%		53.50%		55.10%
Shelf-stable	21.4		17.6		16.8
Poultry	18.8		19.3		19.1
Other	8.9		9.6		9
	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Revenues from external customers are classified as domestic or foreign based on the final customer destination where title passes. No individual foreign country is material to the consolidated results. Additionally, the Company’s long-lived assets located in foreign countries are not significant. Total revenues attributed to the U.S. and all foreign countries in total for the last three fiscal years are as follows:
	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 27,		October 28,		October 30,
(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
United States	$8,193,730		$7,739,826		$7,431,798
Foreign	557,924		490,844		463,291
	$8,751,654		$8,230,670		$7,895,089
In fiscal 2013, sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) represented $1.33 billion or 13.9 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenues (measured as gross sales less returns and allowances). Wal-Mart is a customer for all five segments of the Company.

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	'
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	'
	NOTE P
	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	The following tabulations reflect the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012.
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Net Sales	Gross	Net	Net Earnings	Basic	Diluted
			Profit	Earnings	Attributable to	Earnings	Earnings
					Hormel Foods	Per Share(2)	Per Share(2)
					Corporation(1)
	2013
	First quarter	$2,116,241	$344,193	$131,045	$129,716	$0.49	$0.48
	Second quarter	2,152,686	352,801	126,641	125,520	0.47	0.46
	Third quarter	2,159,525	330,306	113,905	113,635	0.43	0.42
	Fourth quarter	2,323,202	385,516	158,485	157,340	0.6	0.58
	2012
	First quarter	$2,039,439	$337,409	$129,333	$128,395	$0.49	$0.48
	Second quarter	2,012,859	335,607	128,935	127,887	0.49	0.48
	Third quarter	2,008,188	307,056	112,407	111,167	0.42	0.41
	Fourth quarter	2,170,184	351,779	134,286	132,601	0.5	0.49
	(1)   Excludes net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests.
	(2)   Quarterly amounts are independently computed and may not add to the annual amounts.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES	'
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES	'
	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
	HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
	(In Thousands)
				Additions/(Benefits)
		Balance at		Charged to			Charged to					Balance at
		Beginning		Costs and			Other Accounts-		Deductions-			End of
	Classification	of Period		Expenses			Describe		Describe			Period
	Valuation reserve deduction from assets account:
	Fiscal year ended October 27, 2013 Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	4,000	$	476		$	0	$	497	-1	$	4,000
										(21	)(2)
	Fiscal year ended October 28, 2012 Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	4,000	$	155		$	0	$	169	-1	$	4,000
										(14	)(2)
	Fiscal year ended October 30, 2011 Allowance for doubtful accounts Receivable	$	4,000	$	(149	)	$	0	$	233	-1	$	4,000
										(382	)(2)
	Note (1) — Uncollectible accounts written off.
	Note (2) — Recoveries on accounts previously written off.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts, transactions, and profits.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fiscal Year	'
	Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 consisted of 52 weeks.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less on their acquisition date to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents as of October 27, 2013, and October 28, 2012, consisted primarily of money market funds rated AAA, and other highly liquid investment accounts.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements: Pursuant to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820), the Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value or discloses the fair value of certain assets and liabilities recorded at cost in the consolidated financial statements. Fair value is calculated as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires assets and liabilities measured at fair value to be categorized into one of three levels based on the inputs used in the valuation. The Company classifies assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
	Level 1: Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable inputs, other than those included in Level 1, based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about what inputs a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.
	See additional discussion regarding the Company’s fair value measurements in Notes I, M, and N.
Investments	'
	Investments: The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, which is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The securities held by the trust are classified as trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. Securities held by the trust generated a gain of $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2013, a gain of $4.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2012, and a gain of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011. The Company has transitioned the majority of this portfolio to more fixed return investments to reduce the exposure to volatility in equity markets.
	During fiscal 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Company also held securities as part of an investment portfolio, which are classified as short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These investments are also trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses are included in the Company’s earnings. The Company recorded a gain of $0.2 million related to these investments during the first quarter of the fiscal year ended October 27, 2013, compared to a gain of $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2012, and a gain of $0.5 million for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011. These securities were liquidated in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
Inventories	'
	Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method. Adjustments to the Company’s lower of cost or market inventory reserve are reflected in cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. The Company uses the straight-line method in computing depreciation. The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally using the following ranges of asset lives: buildings 20 to 40 years, machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years.
	Software development and implementation costs are expensed until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits, and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all material development and implementation costs, and purchased software costs, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles: Goodwill and other intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition, and are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. The Company’s reporting units represent operating segments (aggregations of business units that have similar economic characteristics and share the same production facilities, raw materials, and labor force). Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, using a process similar to that used to test long-lived assets for impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.
	In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes that no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.
	In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes actual and projected growth trends for net sales, gross margin, and segment profit for each reporting unit, as well as historical performance versus plan and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results.
	If performed, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process performed at the reporting unit level. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its corresponding carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash flow valuations (Level 3), which incorporate assumptions regarding future growth rates, terminal values, and discount rates. The estimates and assumptions used consider historical performance and are consistent with the assumptions used in determining future profit plans for each reporting unit, which are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. If the first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Even if not required, the Company periodically elects to perform the quantitative test in order to confirm the qualitative assessment.
	Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2013, performance of the quantitative two-step test was not required for any of the Company’s reporting units. However, the Company also elected to perform the quantitative test in fiscal year 2013 to further validate the qualitative assessment. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded in fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	In conducting the annual impairment test for its indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a quantitative test for impairment must still be performed. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform a quantitative test.
	In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes growth rates for historical net sales and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their intangible assets or the applicable royalty rates to determine if there are factors that could impair the asset.
	If performed, the quantitative impairment test compares the fair value and carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is primarily determined on the basis of estimated discounted value, using the relief from royalty method (Level 3), which incorporates assumptions regarding future sales projections and discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Even if not required, the Company periodically elects to perform the quantitative test in order to confirm the qualitative assessment.
	Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2013, performance of the quantitative test was not required for any of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. No material impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets: The Company reviews long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets and any related goodwill, the carrying value is reduced to the estimated fair value. No material write-downs were recorded in fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
Contingent Liabilities	'
	Contingent Liabilities: The Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the on-going operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. Such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, contract disputes, wage and hour laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors, or suppliers. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range that constitutes the Company’s best estimate. The Company also discloses the nature of and range of loss for claims against the Company when losses are reasonably possible and material.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the current exchange rate as of the statement of financial position date, and amounts in the statement of operations are translated at the average monthly exchange rate. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ investment.
	When calculating foreign currency translation, the Company deemed its foreign investments to be permanent in nature and has not provided for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars.
Derivatives and Hedging Activity	'
	Derivatives and Hedging Activity: The Company uses commodity and currency positions to manage its exposure to price fluctuations in those markets. The contracts are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position within other current assets or accounts payable. Additional information on hedging activities is presented in Note M.
Equity Method Investments	'
	Equity Method Investments: The Company has a number of investments in joint ventures where its voting interests are in excess of 20 percent but not greater than 50 percent, and for which there are no other indicators of control. The Company accounts for such investments under the equity method of accounting, and its underlying share of each investee’s equity is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as part of investments in and receivables from affiliates.
	The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of our equity investments. If events and circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair value of these assets has occurred and is other than temporary, the Company will record a charge in equity in earnings of affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s equity investments do not have a readily determinable fair value as none of them are publicly traded. The fair values of the Company’s private equity investments are determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows of each entity. These cash flow estimates include assumptions on growth rates and future currency exchange rates (Level 3). The Company did not record an impairment charge on any of its equity investments in fiscal years 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	See additional discussion regarding the Company’s equity method investments in Note G.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales when title passes upon delivery of its products to customers, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances. Products are delivered upon receipt of customer purchase orders with acceptable terms, including price and collectability that is reasonably assured.
	The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives that are offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances, and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reduction of revenue at the time title passes. Coupons are used as an incentive for consumers to purchase various products. The coupons reduce revenues at the time they are offered, based on estimated redemption rates. Promotional contracts are performed by customers to promote the Company’s products to the consumers. These incentives reduce revenues at the time of performance through direct payments and accrued promotional funds. Accrued promotional funds are unpaid liabilities for promotional contracts in process or completed at the end of a quarter or fiscal year. Promotional contract accruals are based on a review of the unpaid outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place. Estimates used to determine the revenue reduction include the level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors, including the age of its accounts receivable balances, customer history, collection experience, and current market factors. Additionally, a specific reserve may be established if the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations.
Advertising Expenses	'
	Advertising Expenses: Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising expenses include all media advertising but exclude the costs associated with samples, demonstrations, and market research. Advertising costs for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $89.9 million, $103.4 million, and $115.3 million, respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs	'
	Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company’s shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of products sold.
Research and Development Expenses	'
	Research and Development Expenses: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses incurred for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $29.9 million, $29.8 million, and $29.4 million, respectively.
Income taxes	'
	Income Taxes: The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law. Changes in enacted tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.
	In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. That position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Employee Stock Options	'
	Employee Stock Options: The Company records stock- based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. For options subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the vesting period or requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense for grants made to retirement-eligible employees is recognized on the date of grant.
Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated the guidance within ASC 210, Balance Sheet. The update enhances disclosures related to the offsetting of certain assets and liabilities to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on financial position. The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2014, and adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. The update requires companies to report, in one place, information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and changes in AOCI balances. For significant items reclassified out of AOCI to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, reporting is required about the effect of the reclassifications on the respective line items in the statement where net income is presented. For items that are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures currently required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles is required. The above information must be presented in one place, either parenthetically on the face of the financial statements by income statement line item, or in a note. The updated guidance is to be applied prospectively, and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2014, and adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as it relates to presentation and disclosure only.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	'
Schedule of Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	(in thousands)	Foreign			Pension &			Deferred
		Currency			Other Benefits			Gain (Loss)			Accumulated
		Translation						– Hedging			Other
											Comprehensive
											Loss
	Balance at October 31, 2010	$	8,849		$	(205,243	)	$	20,484		$	(175,910	)
	Unrecognized gains (losses):
	Gross	843			(15,115		)	39,480			25,208
	Tax effect	–			5,534			(14,895		)	(9,361		)
	Reclassification into net earnings:
	Gross	–			20,363			(45,103		)	(24,740		)
	Tax effect	–			(7,722		)	17,042			9,320
	Net of tax amount	843			3,060			(3,476		)	427
	Balance at October 30, 2011	$	9,692		$	(202,183	)	$	17,008		$	(175,483	)
	Unrecognized gains (losses):
	Gross	2,723			(248,434		)	10,261			(235,450		)
	Tax effect	–			93,580			(3,888		)	89,692
	Reclassification into net earnings:
	Gross	–			18,609			(22,319		)	(3,710		)
	Tax effect	–			(7,037		)	8,419			1,382
	Net of tax amount	2,723			(143,282		)	(7,527		)	(148,086		)
	Balance at October 28, 2012	$	12,415		$	(345,465	)	$	9,481		$	(323,569	)
	Unrecognized gains (losses):
	Gross	(3,024		)	273,408			(18,329		)	252,055
	Tax effect	–			(102,846		)	6,898			(95,948		)
	Reclassification into net earnings:
	Gross	–			35,327			(5,871		)	29,456
	Tax effect	–			(13,425		)	2,217			(11,208		)
	Net of tax amount	(3,024		)	192,464			(15,085		)	174,355
	Balance at October 27, 2013	$	9,391		$	(153,001	)	$	(5,604	)	$	(149,214	)

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_DATA_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA	'
Schedule of denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2011
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	264,317	263,466	266,394
	Dilutive potential common shares	5,907	5,425	5,521
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	270,224	268,891	271,915

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
ACQUISITIONS	'
Schedule of allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets, liabilities, and goodwill	'
	At January 31, 2013 (in thousands)
	Inventory	$	49,156
	Property, plant and equipment	48,461
	Intangible assets	264,500
	Goodwill	303,597
	Current liabilities	(299		)
	Purchase price	$	665,415

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
INVENTORIES	'
Principal components of inventories	'
	(in thousands)	October 27,	October 28,
		2013	2012
	Finished products	$ 544,858	$ 494,298
	Raw materials and work-in-process	248,411	267,877
	Materials and supplies	174,708	188,346
	Total	$ 967,977	$ 950,521

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	'
	(in thousands)		Grocery		Refrigerated		JOTS	Specialty	International	Total
			Products		Foods			Foods	& Other
	Balance as of October 30, 2011		$ 123,316		$ 96,652		$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$       674	$ 630,884
	Goodwill acquired		–		(9	)	–	–	–	(9	)
	Balance as of October 28, 2012		$ 123,316		$ 96,643		$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$       674	$ 630,875
	Goodwill acquired		199,626		–		–	–	103,971	303,597
	Balance as of October 27, 2013		$ 322,942		$ 96,643		$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$ 104,645	$ 934,472
Schedule of gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets	'
		27-Oct-13			October 28, 2012
	(in thousands)	Gross	Accumulated	Weighted-	Gross	Accumulated	Weighted-
		Carrying	Amortization	Avg Life	Carrying	Amortization	Avg Life
		Amount		(in Years)	Amount		(in Years)
	Customer lists/relationships	$43,340	($14,719)	11	$22,148	($14,684)	10.9
	Formulas & recipes	17,854	-13,824	8.8	17,854	-11,686	8.8
	Proprietary software & technology	14,820	-12,024	10.2	22,000	-17,319	9.3
	Other intangibles	9,386	-7,999	7.7	13,586	-10,686	7.9
	Total	$85,400	($48,566)	10.1	$75,588	($54,375)	9.4
Schedule of estimated annual amortization expense	'
	2014	$8,654
	2015	5,474
	2016	3,349
	2017	2,918
	2018	2,676
Schedule of carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	'
	(in thousands)	October 27,	October 28,
		2013	2012
	Brand/tradename/trademarks	$ 333,275	$  93,875
	Other intangibles	7,984	7,984
	Total	$ 341,259	$101,859

INVESTMENTS_IN_AND_RECEIVABLES1

INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES	'
Schedule of investments in and receivables from affiliates and equity in earnings of affiliates	'
	Investments in and receivables from affiliates consists of the following:
				October 27,	October 28,
	(in thousands)	Segment	% Owned	2013	2012
	MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	50%	$ 203,413	$ 205,315
	Foreign Joint ventures	International & Other	Various (26–50%)	67,196	81,222
	Total			$ 270,609	$ 286,537
	Equity in earnings of affiliates consists of the following:
	(in thousands)	Segment	2013	2012	2011
	MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	$ 17,261	$ 35,762	$ 24,532
	Foreign Joint Ventures	International & Other	3,252	2,929	3,423
	Other	Various	–	–	-1,198
	Total		$ 20,513	$ 38,691	$ 26,757

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW1

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	'
Schedule of long-term debt	'
	(in thousands)	October 27,	October 28,
		2013	2012
	Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 4.125%, interest due semi-annually through April 2021 maturity date	$250,000	$250,000
	Less current maturities	–	–
	Total	$250,000	$250,000

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME1

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
Schedule of net periodic cost of defined benefit plans	'
						Post-retirement Benefits
			Pension Benefits
			2013	2012	2011	2013	2012	2011
	(in thousands)
	Service cost		$ 30,979	$ 23,425	$ 24,206	$ 2,494	$ 2,272	$ 2,219
	Interest cost		47,688	49,135	50,282	14,910	17,910	18,891
	Expected return on plan assets		-73,144	-68,511	-62,989	–	–	–
	Amortization of prior service cost		-5,079	-5,079	-607	-1,332	3,561	4,341
	Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		34,019	20,130	16,633	7,719	-3	-4
	Curtailment charge		6	–	–	–	–	–
	Net periodic cost		$ 34,469	$ 19,100	$ 27,525	$23,791	$23,740	$25,447
Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the plans	'
	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$1,192,369	$   942,626	$389,512	$351,134
	Service cost	30,979	23,425	2,494	2,272
	Interest cost	47,688	49,135	14,910	17,910
	Plan amendments	–	–	-68	-22,262
	Actuarial (gain) loss	-125,072	222,541	-51,290	63,177
	Employee contributions	–	–	2,512	2,495
	Medicare Part D subsidy	–	–	2,217	2,320
	Benefits paid	-47,904	-45,358	-25,840	-27,534
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$1,098,060	$1,192,369	$334,447	$389,512
	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$   939,230	$ 870,923	$            –	$            –
	Actual return on plan assets	170,116	83,533	–	–
	Employee contributions	–	–	2,512	2,495
	Employer contributions	25,873	30,132	23,328	25,039
	Benefits paid	-47,904	-45,358	-25,840	-27,534
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$1,087,315	$ 939,230	$            –	$            –
	Funded status at end of year	$    (10,745)	($253,139)	($334,447)	($389,512)
Schedule of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	'
	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Benefits
	(in thousands)	2013	2012	2013	2012
	Pension assets	$  162,535	$          49	$             –	$            –
	Employee related expenses	-4,159	-3,650	-22,338	-23,622
	Pension and post-retirement benefits	-169,121	-249,538	-312,109	-365,890
	Net amount recognized	$  (10,745)	($253,139)	$ (334,447)	($389,512)
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs	'
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
		2013	2012
	Discount rate	4.89%	4.05%
	Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	3.91%	3.97%
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs are as follows:
		2013	2012	2011
	Discount rate	4.05%	5.33%	5.82%
		3.97%	3.93%	4.03%
	Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)
		7.90%	8.00%	8.00%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets
Schedule of effects of one-percentage-point change in assumed discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increase, and health care cost trend rate	'
	1-Percentage-Point
						Benefit Obligation
		Expense
	(in thousands)			Decrease		Increase		Decrease
		Increase
	Pension Benefits:
	Discount rate	$	-9,833	$	15,569	$	-133,968	$	166,887
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		-10,731		10,731		–		–
	Rate of future compensation increase		1,257		-1,208		6,636		-6,463
	Post-retirement Benefits:
	Discount rate	$	1,087	$	3,684	$	-32,338	$	39,046
	Health care cost trend rate		1,529		-1,405		35,049		-29,181
Schedule of actual and target weighted-average asset allocations for pension plan assets	'
				2012
		2013
	Asset Category		Target Range	Actual	Target Range
		Actual
	Large Capitalization Equity	29.20%	15-35%	29.40%	20-35%
	Hormel Foods Corporation Stock	6.70%	0-10%	5.20%	0-10%
	Small Capitalization Equity	6.30%	5-15%	5.70%	5-15%
	International Equity	22.00%	15-25%	19.70%	15-25%
	Private Equity	4.20%	0-15%	3.60%	0-15%
	Total Equity Securities	68.40%	55-75%	63.60%	55-75%
	Fixed Income	30.00%	25-45%	35.00%	25-45%
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	1.50%	–	1.40%	–
Schedule of benefits expected to be paid over the next ten fiscal years	'
	(in thousands)	Pension	Post-
		Benefits	retirement
			Benefits
	2014	$ 48,716	$ 20,502
	2015	50,234	20,849
	2016	52,559	20,977
	2017	55,428	20,943
	2018	58,367	20,994
	2019 – 2023	339,843	101,459
Schedule of fair values of the defined benefit pension plan investments	'
				Fair Value Measurements at October 27, 2013
	(in thousands)			Total		Quoted Prices		Significant Other		Significant
				Fair Value		in Active		Observable		Unobservable
						Markets for		Inputs		Inputs
						Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
	Investments at Fair Value:
	Cash equivalents(1)			$     16,373		$  16,373		$           –		$         –
	Large Capitalization Equity(2)
	Domestic			$   355,084		$248,398		$106,686		$         –
	Foreign			35,466		35,466		–		–
	Total Large Capitalization Equity			$   390,550		$283,864		$106,686		$         –
	Small Capitalization Equity(3)
	Domestic			$     60,579		$  60,579		$           –		$         –
	Foreign			7,503		7,503		–		–
	Total Small Capitalization Equity			$     68,082		$  68,082		$           –		$         –
	International Equity(4)
	Mutual fund			$     66,260		$           –		$  66,260		$         –
	Collective trust			173,044		–		173,044		–
	Total International Equity			$   239,304		$           –		$239,304		$         –
	Private Equity(5)
	Domestic			$     35,226		$           –		$           –		$35,226
	International			10,557		–		–		10,557
	Total Private Equity			$     45,783		$           –		$           –		$45,783
	Total Equity			$   743,719		$351,946		$345,990		$45,783
	Fixed Income(6)
	US government issues			$   104,087		$  77,381		$  26,706		$         –
	Municipal issues			21,405		–		21,405		–
	Corporate issues – domestic			176,319		–		176,319		–
	Corporate issues – foreign			25,412		–		25,412		–
	Total Fixed Income			$   327,223		$  77,381		$249,842		$         –
	Total Investments at Fair Value			$1,087,315		$445,700		$595,832		$45,783
				Fair Value Measurements at October 28, 2012
	(in thousands)			Total Fair		Quoted Prices		Significant Other		Significant
				Value		in Active		Observable		Unobservable
						Markets for		Inputs		Inputs
						Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
	Investments at Fair Value:
	Cash equivalents(1)			$  13,544		$  13,544		$           –		$         –
	Large Capitalization Equity(2)
	Domestic			$298,375		$181,994		$116,381		$         –
	Foreign			26,503		26,503		–		–
	Total Large Capitalization Equity			$324,878		$208,497		$116,381		$         –
	Small Capitalization Equity(3)
	Domestic			$  47,883		$  47,883		$           –		$         –
	Foreign			5,456		5,456		–		–
	Total Small Capitalization Equity			$  53,339		$  53,339		$           –		$         –
	International Equity(4)
	Mutual fund			$  50,317		$           –		$  50,317		$         –
	Collective trust			134,926		–		134,926		–
	Total International Equity			$185,243		$           –		$185,243		$         –
	Private Equity(5)
	Domestic			$  26,785		$           –		$           –		$26,785
	International			6,883		–		–		6,883
	Total Private Equity			$  33,668		$           –		$           –		$33,668
	Total Equity			$597,128		$261,836		$301,624		$33,668
	Fixed Income(6)
	US government issues			$122,207		$  94,346		$  27,861		$         –
	Municipal issues			18,294		–		18,294		–
	Corporate issues — domestic			166,029		–		166,029		–
	Corporate issues — foreign			22,028		–		22,028		–
	Total Fixed Income			$328,558		$  94,346		$234,212		$         –
Total Investments at Fair Value			$939,230		$369,726		$535,836		$33,668
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:
(1)    Cash Equivalents: These Level 1 investments consist primarily of money market mutual funds that are highly liquid and traded in active markets.
(2)    Large Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investment includes a mutual fund consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks that is valued at the publicly available net asset value (NAV) of shares held by the pension plans at year end.
(3)    Small Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
(4)    International Equity: These Level 2 investments include a mix of collective investment funds and mutual funds. The mutual funds are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end. The value of the collective investment funds is based on the fair value of the underlying investments and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(5)    Private Equity: These Level 3 investments consist of various collective investment funds, which are managed by a third party, that invest in a well diversified portfolio of equity investments from top performing, high quality firms that focus on U.S. and foreign small to mid markets; venture capitalists; and entrepreneurs with a concentration in areas of innovation. Investment strategies include buyouts, growth capital, buildups, and distressed; investment strategies also include early stages of company development mainly in the U.S. The fair value of the units for these investments is based on the fair value of the underlying investments, and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(6)    Fixed Income: The Level 1 investments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investments consist principally of U.S. government securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources and mortgage-backed securities pricing sources; municipal, domestic, and foreign securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources; and mutual funds invested in long-duration corporate bonds that are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year-end.
Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'
	(in thousands)			2013			2012
	Beginning Balance			$33,668			$21,847
	Purchases, issuances, and settlements (net)			7,288			9,316
	Unrealized gains			2,718			478
	Realized gains			1,471			1,812
	Interest and dividend income			638			215
	Ending Balance			$45,783			$33,668

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
INCOME TAXES	'
Schedule of components of provision for income taxes	'
	(in thousands)		2013		2012			2011
	Current:
	U.S. Federal		$231,359		$216,620			$202,084
	State		30,671		26,303			26,978
	Foreign		5,334		5,783			3,826
	Total current		267,364		248,706			232,888
	Deferred:
	U.S. Federal		1,080		4,443			6,358
	State		(194	)	225			394
	Foreign		181		–			–
	Total deferred		1,067		4,668			6,752
	Total provision for income taxes		$268,431		$253,374			$239,640
Schedule of significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities and assets	'
	(in thousands)		October 27,		October 28,
			2013		2012
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax over book depreciation		$ (89,823	)	$ (91,545	)
	Book/tax basis difference from acquisitions		(25,442	)	(26,295	)
	Other, net		(92,813	)	(76,851	)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Post-retirement benefits		127,093		147,278
	Stock options		32,036		32,210
	Deferred compensation		25,089		23,115
	Insurance accruals		19,007		16,728
	Vacation accruals		15,073		14,905
	Promotional accruals		10,779		7,524
	Federal benefit of state tax		7,786		9,965
	Pension benefits		5,249		96,641
	Other, net		64,595		59,130
	Net deferred tax assets		$  98,629		$ 212,805
Schedule of reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate	'
			2013			2012			2011
	U.S. statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit		2.7			2.5			2.7
	Domestic production activities deduction		(2.4	)		(2.6	)		(2.6	)
	All other, net		(1.7	)		(1.5	)		(1.8	)
	Effective tax rate		33.6	%		33.4	%		33.3	%
Schedule of changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties	'
	(in thousands)
	Balance as of October 30, 2011	$ 21,398
	Tax positions related to the current period:
	Increases	3,066
	Decreases	–
	Tax positions related to prior periods:
	Increases	1,302
	Decreases	(2,541	)
	Settlements	(624	)
	Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(470	)
	Balance as of October 28, 2012	$ 22,131
	Tax positions related to the current period:
	Increases	4,353
	Decreases	–
	Tax positions related to prior periods:
	Increases	3,091
	Decreases	(4,738	)
	Settlements	(1,173	)
	Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(3,579	)
	Balance as of October 27, 2013	$ 20,085

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
Schedule of purchase commitments	'
	(in thousands)
	2014	$1,420,814
	2015	933,079
	2016	656,292
	2017	583,994
	2018	569,155
	Later Years	1,173,838
	Total	$5,337,172
Schedule of noncancelable operating lease commitments	'
	(in thousands)
	2014	$  5,872
	2015	2,468
	2016	1,760
	2017	992
	2018	711
	Later Years	1,977
	Total	$ 13,780

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
Schedule of reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable	'
		Shares		Weighted-	Weighted-		Aggregate
				Average	Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise	Remaining		value
				Price	Contractual		(in thousands)
					Term
	Outstanding at October 28, 2012	20,454		$19.67
	Granted	2,218		32.19
	Exercised	4,181		15.56
	Forfeited	25		27.77
	Outstanding at October 27, 2013	18,466		$22.09	5.6 yrs		$397,571
	Exercisable at October 27, 2013	12,429		$19.02	4.3 yrs		$305,727
Schedule of weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted, and the total intrinsic value of options exercised	'
			Fiscal Year Ended
			October 27,			October 28,			October 30,
			2013			2012			2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$	5.5		$	5.64		$	5.54
	Intrinsic value of exercised options		$	77,610		$	30,210		$	54,859
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to calculate fair value of each option award	'
			Fiscal Year Ended
			October 27,		October 28,			October 30,
			2013		2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.40%		1.80%			2.90%
	Dividend yield		2.10%		2.00%			2.00%
	Stock price volatility		20.00%		21.00%			21.00%
	Expected option life		8 years		8 years			8 years
Schedule of reconciliation of the nonvested shares	'
		Shares		Weighted-
				Average
				Grant Date
				Fair value
	Nonvested at October 28, 2012	139		$21.47
	Granted	45		35.42
	Vested	72		25.07
	Nonvested at October 27, 2013	112		$24.77
Schedule of weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted, the total fair value of nonvested shares granted, and the fair value of nonvested shares vested	'
			Fiscal Year Ended
			October 27,		October 28,			October 30,
			2013		2012			2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value		$35.42		$28.98			$25.11
	Fair value of nonvested shares granted		$1,600		$1,369			$1,299
	Fair value of shares vested		$1,824		$2,476			$   751
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit	'
			Fiscal Year Ended
	(in thousands)		October 27,		October 28,			October 30,
			2013		2012			2011
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized		$17,596		$16,710			$17,229
	Income tax benefit recognized		-6,655		(6,334	)		-6,542
	After-tax stock-based compensation expense		$10,941		$10,376			$10,687

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_Tables

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2013

Derivatives and hedging

'

Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments

'

Fair Value(1)

(in thousands)

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

Statements of Financial Position

2013

2012

Asset Derivatives:

Derivatives Designated as Hedges:

Commodity contracts

Other current assets

($25,802)

$7,483

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:

Commodity contracts

Other current assets

-3,783

–

Total Asset Derivatives

($29,585)

$7,483

(1) Amounts represent the gross fair value of derivative assets and liabilities. The Company nets the derivative assets and liabilities for each of its hedging programs, including cash collateral, when a master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the counterparty to the derivative contract. The amount or timing of cash collateral balances may impact the classification of the derivative in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. See Note N for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Schedule of gains or losses (before tax) related to derivative instruments

'

Gain/(Loss) Recognized

Gain/(Loss) Reclassified

Gain/(Loss)

in AOCL

from AOCL into Earnings

Recognized in Earnings

(Effective Portion)(1) (2)

(Effective Portion)(1) (2)

(Ineffective Portion)(3) (5)

Fiscal Year Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

Cash Flow Hedges:

October 27,

October 28,

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

October 27,

October 28,

2013

2012

Statements of Operations

2013

2012

2013

2012

Commodity contracts

($18,329)

$10,261

Cost of products sold

$5,871

$22,319

($5,272)

$ –

Gain/(Loss)

Gain/(Loss)

Recognized in Earnings

Recognized in Earnings

(Effective Portion)(4)

(Ineffective Portion)(3) (6)

Fiscal Year Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

Fair Value Hedges:

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

October 27,

October 28,

Statements of Operations

2013

2012

2013

2012

Commodity contracts

Cost of products sold

$6,067

($10,670)

$3,560

$ 19

Gain/(Loss)

Recognized in Earnings(2)

Fiscal Year Ended

Derivatives Not

Location on Consolidated

October 27,

October 28,

Designated as Hedges:

Statements of Operations

2013

2012

Commodity contracts

Cost of products sold

($2,227)

$46

Foreign exchange contracts

Interest and investment income (loss)

$    244

$  –

(1)        Amounts represent gains or losses in AOCL before tax. See Note B for the after tax impact of these gains or losses on net earnings.

(2)        During fiscal year 2013, the Company dedesignated and ceased hedge accounting for its corn futures contracts held for its hog operations. At the date of dedesignation of these hedges, losses of $2.0 million (before tax) were deferred in AOCL, with $1.1 million (before tax) remaining as of October 27, 2013. These losses will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of dedesignation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

(3)        There were no gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the fiscal year. Fiscal year 2013 includes the mark-to-market impact on certain Jennie-O Turkey Store corn futures contracts which resulted from a temporary suspension of hedge accounting due to market volatility.

(4)        Amounts represent losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the fiscal year, which were offset by a corresponding gain on the underlying hedged purchase commitment. Additional gains or losses related to changes in the fair value of open commodity contracts, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged purchase commitment, are also marked-to-market through earnings with no impact on a net basis.

(5)        There were no gains or losses resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the fiscal year.

(6)        There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge during the fiscal year.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

'

Derivatives and hedging

'

Schedule of outstanding commodity futures contracts

'

Volume

Commodity

October 27, 2013

October 28, 2012

Corn

1.7 million bushels

–

Cash Flow Hedges

'

Derivatives and hedging

'

Schedule of outstanding commodity futures contracts

'

Volume

Commodity

October 27, 2013

October 28, 2012

Corn

14.7 million bushels

12.0 million bushels

Fair Value Hedges

'

Derivatives and hedging

'

Schedule of outstanding commodity futures contracts

'

Volume

Commodity

October 27, 2013

October 28, 2012

Corn

5.8 million bushels

8.0 million bushels

Lean hogs

1.4 million cwt

0.9 million cwt

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
Schedule of financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis	'
		Fair Value Measurements at October 27, 2013
	(in thousands)	Fair Value at		Significant Other	Significant
		October 27,	Quoted Prices in	Observable	Unobservable
		2013	Active Markets	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
			for Identical
			Assets (Level 1)
	Assets at Fair Value:
	Cash and cash equivalents(1)	$434,014	$434,014	$         –	$ –
	Other trading securities(2)	114,300	38,489	75,811	–
	Commodity derivatives(3)	6,086	6,086	–	–
	Total Assets at Fair value	$554,400	$478,589	$75,811	$ –
	Liabilities at Fair Value:
	Deferred compensation(2)	$  52,771	$  21,257	$31,514	$ –
	Total Liabilities at Fair value	$  52,771	$  21,257	$31,514	$ –
		Fair value Measurements at October 28, 2012
	(in thousands)	Fair value at		Significant Other	Significant
		October 28,	Quoted Prices in	Observable	Unobservable
		2012	Active Markets	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
			for Identical
			Assets (Level 1)
	Assets at Fair Value:
	Cash and cash equivalents(1)	$682,388	$682,388	$           –	$ –
	Short-term marketable securities(4)	77,387	2,349	75,038	–
	Other trading securities(2)	109,676	36,305	73,371	–
	Commodity derivatives(3)	3,884	3,884	–	–
	Total Assets at Fair value	$873,335	$724,926	$ 148,409	$ –
	Liabilities at Fair Value:
	Deferred compensation(2)	$ 47,953	$ 16,866	$  31,087	$ –
	Total Liabilities at Fair value	$ 47,953	$ 16,866	$  31,087	$ –
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities above:
	(1)   The Company’s cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds rated AAA, and other highly liquid investment accounts. As these investments have a maturity date of three months or less, the carrying value approximates fair value.
	(2)   The Company holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. The rabbi trust is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is valued based on the underlying fair value of each fund held by the trust. A majority of the funds held related to the supplemental executive retirement plans have been invested in fixed income funds managed by a third party. The declared rate on these funds is set based on a formula using the yield of the general account investment portfolio that supports the fund, adjusted for expenses and other charges. The rate is guaranteed for one year at issue, and may be reset annually on the policy anniversary, subject to a guaranteed minimum rate. As the value is based on adjusted market rates, and the fixed rate is only reset on an annual basis, these funds are classified as Level 2. The remaining funds held are also managed by a third party, and include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore these securities are classified as Level 1. The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are valued based on the underlying investment selections held in each participant’s account. Investment options generally mirror those funds held by the rabbi trust, for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore these investment balances are classified as Level 1. The Company also offers a fixed rate investment option to participants. The rate earned on these investments is adjusted annually based on a specified percentage of the I.R.S. Applicable Federal Rates in effect and therefore these balances are classified as Level 2.
	(3)   The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn and soybean meal, and to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. The Company’s futures contracts for corn and soybean meal are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade, while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are active markets with quoted prices available and therefore these contracts are classified as Level 1. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. The Company nets the derivative assets and liabilities for each of its hedging programs, including cash collateral, when a master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the counterparty to the derivative contract. The net balance for each program is included in other current assets or accounts payable, as appropriate, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As of October 27, 2013, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $35.7 million from various counterparties. As of October 28, 2012, the Company had recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $27.5 million from, and the obligation to return cash collateral of $31.1 million to, various counterparties.
	(4)   During fiscal 2012 and 2013, the Company held trading securities as part of a portfolio maintained to generate investment income and to provide cash for operations of the Company, if necessary. The portfolio was managed by a third party who was responsible for daily trading activities, and all assets within the portfolio were highly liquid. The cash, U.S. government securities, and highly rated money market funds held by the portfolio were classified as Level 1. The investment portfolio also included corporate bonds, international government securities, commercial paper, agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities for which there is an active, quoted market. Market prices were obtained from a variety of industry standard providers, large financial institutions, and other third-party sources to calculate a representative daily market value, and therefore, these securities were classified as Level 2. These securities were liquidated in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Tables

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
SEGMENT REPORTING	'
Schedule of operating profit and other financial information	'
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Sales to Unaffiliated
	Customers
	Grocery Products	$1,517,557		$1,170,871		$1,064,558
	Refrigerated Foods	4,251,515		4,222,752		4,189,224
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,601,868		1,549,227		1,467,222
	Specialty Foods	932,533		924,472		835,584
	International & Other	448,181		363,348		338,501
	Total	$8,751,654		$8,230,670		$7,895,089
	Intersegment Sales
	Grocery Products	$              –		$             –		$             –
	Refrigerated Foods	17,359		12,144		14,101
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	123,420		125,575		124,868
	Specialty Foods	108		133		127
	International & Other	–		–		–
	Total	140,887		137,852		139,096
	Intersegment elimination	(140,887	)	(137,852	)	(139,096	)
	Total	$              –		$             –		$             –
	Net Sales
	Grocery Products	$1,517,557		$1,170,871		$1,064,558
	Refrigerated Foods	4,268,874		4,234,896		4,203,325
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,725,288		1,674,802		1,592,090
	Specialty Foods	932,641		924,605		835,711
	International & Other	448,181		363,348		338,501
	Intersegment elimination	(140,887	)	(137,852	)	(139,096	)
	Total	$8,751,654		$8,230,670		$7,895,089
	Segment Operating Profit
	Grocery Products	$  213,646		$   181,251		$   162,556
	Refrigerated Foods	232,692		228,665		292,624
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	222,117		238,298		204,940
	Specialty Foods	88,873		83,089		76,905
	International & Other	71,490		49,889		36,250
	Total segment operating profit	$  828,818		$   781,192		$   773,275
	Net interest and investment expense (income)	7,482		6,339		23,448
	General corporate expense	26,694		21,429		35,992
	Noncontrolling interest	3,865		4,911		5,001
	Earnings before income taxes	$  798,507		$   758,335		$   718,836
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Assets
	Grocery Products	$1,237,405		$    683,601		$  670,398
	Refrigerated Foods	1,218,418		1,171,161		1,177,588
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	819,343		857,682		805,459
	Specialty Foods	469,599		506,237		475,289
	International & Other	361,038		224,847		196,957
	Corporate	810,077		1,120,438		918,700
	Total	$4,915,880		$4,563,966		$4,244,391
	Additions to Property,
	Plant and Equipment
	Grocery Products	$     10,100		$     17,966		$    10,910
	Refrigerated Foods	58,523		67,003		45,244
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	22,863		33,594		29,507
	Specialty Foods	3,606		3,779		3,470
	International & Other	2,973		2,794		1,145
	Corporate	8,697		7,167		6,635
	Total	$     106,762		$   132,303		$    96,911
	Depreciation and
	Amortization
	Grocery Products	$       22,912		$     15,870		$    15,597
	Refrigerated Foods	57,879		60,229		65,689
	Jennie-O Turkey Store	26,921		26,144		25,379
	Specialty Foods	9,232		9,871		9,817
	International & Other	1,906		1,437		1,387
	Corporate	6,000		5,943		6,296
Total	$     124,850		$    119,494		$    124,165
Schedule of percentages of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products	'
		Fiscal Year Ended
		October 27,		October 28,		October 30,
		2013		2012		2011
	Perishable meat	50.90%		53.50%		55.10%
	Shelf-stable	21.4		17.6		16.8
	Poultry	18.8		19.3		19.1
	Other	8.9		9.6		9
		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Schedule of total revenues attributable to U.S. and all foreign countries	'
		Fiscal Year Ended
		October 27,		October 28,		October 30,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	United States	$8,193,730		$7,739,826		$7,431,798
	Foreign	557,924		490,844		463,291
		$8,751,654		$8,230,670		$7,895,089

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION1

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	'
Schedule of unaudited quarterly results of operations	'
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Net Sales	Gross	Net	Net Earnings	Basic	Diluted
			Profit	Earnings	Attributable to	Earnings	Earnings
					Hormel Foods	Per Share(2)	Per Share(2)
					Corporation(1)
	2013
	First quarter	$2,116,241	$344,193	$131,045	$129,716	$0.49	$0.48
	Second quarter	2,152,686	352,801	126,641	125,520	0.47	0.46
	Third quarter	2,159,525	330,306	113,905	113,635	0.43	0.42
	Fourth quarter	2,323,202	385,516	158,485	157,340	0.6	0.58
	2012
	First quarter	$2,039,439	$337,409	$129,333	$128,395	$0.49	$0.48
	Second quarter	2,012,859	335,607	128,935	127,887	0.49	0.48
	Third quarter	2,008,188	307,056	112,407	111,167	0.42	0.41
	Fourth quarter	2,170,184	351,779	134,286	132,601	0.5	0.49
	(1)   Excludes net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests.
	(2)   Quarterly amounts are independently computed and may not add to the annual amounts.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2011	Nov. 22, 2010	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2011	Feb. 01, 2011	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Feb. 01, 2011
			After stock split	Common stock	Common stock	Common stock	Common stock	Common stock	Common stock, nonvoting	Common stock, nonvoting	Common stock, nonvoting
							Before stock split	After stock split			After stock split
Authorized stock split ratio	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$0.03	$0.03	$0.06	$0.03	$0.01	$0.01	'
Common stock, number of shares authorized	'	'	'	'	800,000,000	800,000,000	400,000,000	800,000,000	400,000,000	400,000,000	400,000,000
Preferred stock, number of shares authorized, after stock split	160,000,000	160,000,000	160,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in par value of shares of common stock (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0
Change in par value of shares of preferred stock (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 27, 2013	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'	'	'	'
Fiscal year term	'	'364 days	'364 days	'364 days
Rabbi trust	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'
Gains (Losses) related to securities held	'	$4.60	$4.30	$1.20
Short-term marketable securities	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'
Gains (Losses) related to securities held	$0.20	$0.20	$1.30	$0.50

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Nov. 22, 2010

Oct. 27, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Oct. 31, 2010

24-May-10

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Before stock split

Before stock split

After stock split

After stock split

After stock split

Minimum

Maximum

Buildings

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

Machinery and equipment

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Property, plant and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

'40 years

'5 years

'10 years

Equity Method Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

Equity investments impairment charges

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Repurchases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchased (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchased under new authorization (in shares)

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$42.86

'

$39.67

$28.65

$27.82

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average price of shares repurchased under new authorization,(in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$42.54

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized stock split ratio

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares repurchased (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

2,100,000

5,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill impairment charges

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment charges

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-lived assets impairment charges

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising costs

89.9

103.4

115.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research and Development Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Research and development expense

$29.90

$29.80

$29.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	($323,569)	($175,483)	($175,910)
Unrecognized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Gross	252,055	-235,450	25,208
Tax effect	-95,948	89,692	-9,361
Reclassification into net earnings:	'	'	'
Gross	29,456	-3,710	-24,740
Tax effect	-11,208	1,382	9,320
Net of tax amount	174,355	-148,086	427
Balance at end of period	-149,214	-323,569	-175,483
Foreign Currency Translation	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	12,415	9,692	8,849
Unrecognized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Gross	-3,024	2,723	843
Reclassification into net earnings:	'	'	'
Net of tax amount	-3,024	2,723	843
Balance at end of period	9,391	12,415	9,692
Pension & Other Benefits	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-345,465	-202,183	-205,243
Unrecognized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Gross	273,408	-248,434	-15,115
Tax effect	-102,846	93,580	5,534
Reclassification into net earnings:	'	'	'
Gross	35,327	18,609	20,363
Tax effect	-13,425	-7,037	-7,722
Net of tax amount	192,464	-143,282	3,060
Balance at end of period	-153,001	-345,465	-202,183
Deferred Gain (Loss) - Hedging	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	9,481	17,008	20,484
Unrecognized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Gross	-18,329	10,261	39,480
Tax effect	6,898	-3,888	-14,895
Reclassification into net earnings:	'	'	'
Gross	-5,871	-22,319	-45,103
Tax effect	2,217	8,419	17,042
Net of tax amount	-15,085	-7,527	-3,476
Balance at end of period	($5,604)	$9,481	$17,008

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_DATA_Detail

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA	'	'	'
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	264,317,000	263,466,000	266,394,000
Dilutive potential common shares	5,907,000	5,425,000	5,521,000
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	270,224,000	268,891,000	271,915,000
Weighted average stock options not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares	400,000	2,200,000	700,000

ACQUISITIONS_Details

ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2013

Jul. 28, 2013

Apr. 28, 2013

Jan. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Jul. 29, 2012

Apr. 29, 2012

Jan. 29, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Nov. 26, 2013

SKIPPY

SKIPPY

SKIPPY

SKIPPY

SKIPPY

Worldwide, except sales in China

Worldwide, except sales in China

Worldwide, except sales in China

Worldwide, except sales in China

China

Subsequent event

Acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$665,415,000

$168,000

$7,207,000

$665,400,000

'

'

'

'

Allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets, liabilities, and goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,156,000

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,461,000

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

264,500,000

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

934,472,000

'

'

'

630,875,000

'

'

'

934,472,000

630,875,000

630,884,000

303,597,000

'

'

'

'

Current liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-299,000

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

665,415,000

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs (excluding transitional service expenses) related to the acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,700,000

'

Net sales

2,323,202,000

2,159,525,000

2,152,686,000

2,116,241,000

2,170,184,000

2,008,188,000

2,012,859,000

2,039,439,000

8,751,654,000

8,230,670,000

7,895,089,000

'

94,800,000

272,800,000

272,800,000

'

Additional investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$41,400,000

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
INVENTORIES	'	'
Finished products	$544,858	$494,298
Raw materials and work-in-process	248,411	267,877
Materials and supplies	174,708	188,346
Total	$967,977	$950,521

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 30, 2011

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 30, 2011

Grocery Products

Grocery Products

Refrigerated Foods

Refrigerated Foods

JOTS

JOTS

JOTS

Specialty Foods

Specialty Foods

Specialty Foods

International & Other

International & Other

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the beginning of the period

$630,875

$630,884

$123,316

$123,316

$96,652

$96,643

$203,214

$203,214

$203,214

$207,028

$207,028

$207,028

$674

$674

Goodwill acquired

303,597

-9

199,626

'

-9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,971

'

Balance at the end of the period

$934,472

$630,875

$322,942

$123,316

$96,643

$96,643

$203,214

$203,214

$203,214

$207,028

$207,028

$207,028

$104,645

$674

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Apr. 28, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Customer lists/relationships

Customer lists/relationships

Customer lists/relationships

Customer lists/relationships

Formulas and recipes

Formulas and recipes

Proprietary software and technology

Proprietary software and technology

Other intangibles

Other intangibles

SKIPPY

SKIPPY

Worldwide, except sales in China

Worldwide, except sales in China

Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Definite-lived intangible assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

$25,100,000

$25,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Carrying Amount

85,400,000

75,588,000

'

43,340,000

22,148,000

'

'

17,854,000

17,854,000

14,820,000

22,000,000

9,386,000

13,586,000

Accumulated Amortization

-48,566,000

-54,375,000

'

-14,719,000

-14,684,000

'

'

-13,824,000

-11,686,000

-12,024,000

-17,319,000

-7,999,000

-10,686,000

Weighted-Avg Life

'10 years 1 month 6 days

'9 years 4 months 24 days

'

'11 years

'10 years 10 months 24 days

'

'

'8 years 9 months 18 days

'8 years 9 months 18 days

'10 years 2 months 12 days

'9 years 3 months 18 days

'7 years 8 months 12 days

'7 years 10 months 24 days

Amortization expense

9,479,000

8,975,000

9,476,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Amortization Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

8,654,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

5,474,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

3,349,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

2,918,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

$2,676,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	$341,259	$101,859
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill	0	0
Brand/tradenames/trademarks	'	'
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	333,275	93,875
Other intangibles	'	'
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	$7,984	$7,984

INVESTMENTS_IN_AND_RECEIVABLES2

INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	$270,609,000	$286,537,000	'
Equity in earnings of affiliates	20,513,000	38,691,000	26,757,000
Dividends received from affiliates	34,000,000	37,100,000	4,000,000
Minimum	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	20.00%	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
MegaMex Foods, LLC	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	203,413,000	205,315,000	'
Equity in earnings of affiliates	17,261,000	35,762,000	24,532,000
Gross excess of investment over the underlying equity in net assets of the joint venture	21,300,000	'	'
Foreign Joint Ventures	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	67,196,000	81,222,000	'
Equity in earnings of affiliates	3,252,000	2,929,000	3,423,000
Foreign Joint Ventures | Minimum	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	26.00%	'	'
Foreign Joint Ventures | Maximum	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
Other	'	'	'
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of affiliates	'	'	($1,198,000)

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW2

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Long-term debt and other borrowings arrangements	'	'	'
Total	$250,000,000	$250,000,000	'
Interest paid	12,500,000	12,900,000	31,700,000
4.125% Senior unsecured notes, due April 2021	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowings arrangements	'	'	'
Long-term debt	250,000,000	250,000,000	'
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.13%	4.13%	'
Revolving line of credit	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowings arrangements	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$300,000,000	'	'
Variable rate basis	'LIBOR	'	'

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME2

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'	'	'
Costs associated with the defined contribution benefit plans	$29,900,000	$27,800,000	$27,100,000
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	'	'	'
Pension assets	162,535,000	49,000	'
Pension and post-retirement benefits	-481,230,000	-615,428,000	'
Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans	'	'	'
Service cost	30,979,000	23,425,000	24,206,000
Interest cost	47,688,000	49,135,000	50,282,000
Expected return on plan assets	-73,144,000	-68,511,000	-62,989,000
Amortization of prior service cost	-5,079,000	-5,079,000	-607,000
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	34,019,000	20,130,000	16,633,000
Curtailment charge	6,000	'	'
Net periodic cost	34,469,000	19,100,000	27,525,000
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	'
Unrecognized prior service credit	42,300,000	47,400,000	'
Unrecognized actuarial gains (losses)	-265,300,000	-521,400,000	'
Amount of prior service credit (cost) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	5,000,000	'	'
Amount of actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	12,700,000	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,192,369,000	942,626,000	'
Service cost	30,979,000	23,425,000	24,206,000
Interest cost	47,688,000	49,135,000	50,282,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	-125,072,000	222,541,000	'
Benefits paid	-47,904,000	-45,358,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,098,060,000	1,192,369,000	942,626,000
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	939,230,000	870,923,000	'
Actual return on plan assets	170,116,000	83,533,000	'
Employer contributions	25,873,000	30,132,000	'
Benefits paid	-47,904,000	-45,358,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,087,315,000	939,230,000	870,923,000
Funded status at end of year	-10,745,000	-253,139,000	'
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	'	'	'
Pension assets	162,535,000	49,000	'
Employee related expenses	-4,159,000	-3,650,000	'
Pension and post-retirement benefits	-169,121,000	-249,538,000	'
Net amount recognized	-10,745,000	-253,139,000	'
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	173,300,000	475,300,000	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	161,400,000	457,600,000	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	263,000,000	'
Pension Benefits | Minimum	'	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'	'
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments	'8 years	'	'
Pension Benefits | Maximum	'	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'	'
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments	'30 years	'	'
Post-retirement Benefits	'	'	'
Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans	'	'	'
Service cost	2,494,000	2,272,000	2,219,000
Interest cost	14,910,000	17,910,000	18,891,000
Amortization of prior service cost	-1,332,000	3,561,000	4,341,000
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	7,719,000	-3,000	-4,000
Net periodic cost	23,791,000	23,740,000	25,447,000
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	'	'
Unrecognized prior service credit	5,500,000	6,800,000	'
Unrecognized actuarial gains (losses)	-29,300,000	-88,300,000	'
Amount of prior service credit (cost) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	1,300,000	'	'
Amount of actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	0	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	389,512,000	351,134,000	'
Service cost	2,494,000	2,272,000	2,219,000
Interest cost	14,910,000	17,910,000	18,891,000
Plan amendments	-68,000	-22,262,000	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-51,290,000	63,177,000	'
Employee contributions	2,512,000	2,495,000	'
Medicare Part D subsidy	2,217,000	2,320,000	'
Benefits paid	-25,840,000	-27,534,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	334,447,000	389,512,000	351,134,000
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Employee contributions	2,512,000	2,495,000	'
Employer contributions	23,328,000	25,039,000	'
Benefits paid	-25,840,000	-27,534,000	'
Funded status at end of year	-334,447,000	-389,512,000	'
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	'	'	'
Employee related expenses	-22,338,000	-23,622,000	'
Pension and post-retirement benefits	-312,109,000	-365,890,000	'
Net amount recognized	($334,447,000)	($389,512,000)	'
Post-retirement Benefits | Minimum	'	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'	'
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments	'6 years	'	'
Post-retirement Benefits | Maximum	'	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'	'
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments	'19 years	'	'

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME3

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.89%	4.05%	'
Rate of future compensation increase (as a percent)	3.91%	3.97%	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.05%	5.33%	5.82%
Rate of future compensation increase (as a percent)	3.97%	3.93%	4.03%
Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.90%	8.00%	8.00%
Effect of one-percentage-point change	'	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on expense	($9,833)	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on expense	15,569	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on benefit obligation	-133,968	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on benefit obligation	166,887	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	-10,731	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	10,731	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in rate of future compensation increase on expense	1,257	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in rate of future compensation increase on expense	-1,208	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in rate of future compensation increase on benefit obligation	6,636	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in rate of future compensation increase on benefit obligation	-6,463	'	'
Post-retirement Benefits	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs	'	'	'
Increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits assumed for next fiscal year (as a percent)	8.00%	'	'
Expected ultimate pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rate (as a percent)	5.00%	'	'
Year that reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2019	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point change	'	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on expense	1,087	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on expense	3,684	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on benefit obligation	-32,338	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on benefit obligation	39,046	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in health care cost trend rate on expense	1,529	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in health care cost trend rate on expense	-1,405	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in health care cost trend rate on benefit obligation	35,049	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in health care cost trend rate on benefit obligation	($29,181)	'	'

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME4

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Pension Benefits	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Number of shares of common stock of the Company included in plan assets	1.7	1.7
Market value of shares of common stock of the Company included in plan assets	72,600,000	48,900,000
Dividends paid on employer shares held by the plan	1,100,000	'
Employers contribution in next fiscal year	26,800,000	'
Expected future benefit payments	'	'
2014	48,716,000	'
2015	50,234,000	'
2016	52,559,000	'
2017	55,428,000	'
2018	58,367,000	'
2019 - 2023	339,843,000	'
Expected contribution representing benefit payments for unfunded plans during next fiscal year	27,100,000	'
Pension Benefits | Large Capitalization Equity	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	29.20%	29.40%
Pension Benefits | Large Capitalization Equity | Minimum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	15.00%	20.00%
Pension Benefits | Large Capitalization Equity | Maximum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%
Pension Benefits | Hormel Foods Corporation Stock	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	6.70%	5.20%
Pension Benefits | Hormel Foods Corporation Stock | Minimum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%
Pension Benefits | Hormel Foods Corporation Stock | Maximum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%
Pension Benefits | Small Capitalization Equity	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	6.30%	5.70%
Pension Benefits | Small Capitalization Equity | Minimum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
Pension Benefits | Small Capitalization Equity | Maximum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	15.00%	15.00%
Pension Benefits | International Equity	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	22.00%	19.70%
Pension Benefits | International Equity | Minimum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	15.00%	15.00%
Pension Benefits | International Equity | Maximum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	25.00%	25.00%
Pension Benefits | Private Equity	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	4.20%	3.60%
Pension Benefits | Private Equity | Minimum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%
Pension Benefits | Private Equity | Maximum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	15.00%	15.00%
Pension Benefits | Equity Securities	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	68.40%	63.60%
Pension Benefits | Equity Securities | Minimum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	55.00%	55.00%
Pension Benefits | Equity Securities | Maximum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	75.00%	75.00%
Pension Benefits | Fixed Income	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	30.00%	35.00%
Pension Benefits | Fixed Income | Minimum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	25.00%	25.00%
Pension Benefits | Fixed Income | Maximum	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	45.00%	45.00%
Pension Benefits | Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	'	'
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	1.50%	1.40%
Post-retirement Benefits	'	'
Expected future benefit payments	'	'
2014	20,502,000	'
2015	20,849,000	'
2016	20,977,000	'
2017	20,943,000	'
2018	20,994,000	'
2019 - 2023	101,459,000	'
Expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits per year through 2023	2,500,000	'

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME5

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 4) (Pension Benefits, USD $)

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 30, 2011

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Oct. 27, 2013

Oct. 28, 2012

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Large Capitalization Equity

Large Capitalization Equity

Large Capitalization Equity

Large Capitalization Equity

Large Capitalization Equity

Large Capitalization Equity

Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Large Capitalization Equity - Foreign

Large Capitalization Equity - Foreign

Large Capitalization Equity - Foreign

Large Capitalization Equity - Foreign

Small Capitalization Equity

Small Capitalization Equity

Small Capitalization Equity

Small Capitalization Equity

Small Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Small Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Small Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Small Capitalization Equity - Domestic

Small Capitalization Equity - Foreign

Small Capitalization Equity - Foreign

Small Capitalization Equity - Foreign

Small Capitalization Equity - Foreign

International Equity

International Equity

International Equity

International Equity

Mutual fund

Mutual fund

Mutual fund

Mutual fund

Collective trust

Collective trust

Collective trust

Collective trust

Private Equity

Private Equity

Private Equity

Private Equity

Private Equity - Domestic

Private Equity - Domestic

Private Equity - Domestic

Private Equity - Domestic

Private Equity - International

Private Equity - International

Private Equity - International

Private Equity - International

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Equity

Fixed Income

Fixed Income

Fixed Income

Fixed Income

Fixed Income

Fixed Income

US government issues

US government issues

US government issues

US government issues

US government issues

US government issues

Municipal issues

Municipal issues

Municipal issues

Municipal issues

Corporate issues domestic

Corporate issues domestic

Corporate issues domestic

Corporate issues domestic

Corporate issues foreign

Corporate issues foreign

Corporate issues foreign

Corporate issues foreign

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level

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Total Investments at Fair Value

$1,087,315,000

$939,230,000

$870,923,000

$445,700,000

$369,726,000

$595,832,000

$535,836,000

$45,783,000

$33,668,000

$21,847,000

$16,373,000

$13,544,000

$16,373,000

$13,544,000

$390,550,000

$324,878,000

$283,864,000

$208,497,000

$106,686,000

$116,381,000

$355,084,000

$298,375,000

$248,398,000

$181,994,000

$106,686,000

$116,381,000

$35,466,000

$26,503,000

$35,466,000

$26,503,000

$68,082,000

$53,339,000

$68,082,000

$53,339,000

$60,579,000

$47,883,000

$60,579,000

$47,883,000

$7,503,000

$5,456,000

$7,503,000

$5,456,000

$239,304,000

$185,243,000

$239,304,000

$185,243,000

$66,260,000

$50,317,000

$66,260,000

$50,317,000

$173,044,000

$134,926,000

$173,044,000

$134,926,000

$45,783,000

$33,668,000

$45,783,000

$33,668,000

$35,226,000

$26,785,000

$35,226,000

$26,785,000

$10,557,000

$6,883,000

$10,557,000

$6,883,000

$743,719,000

$597,128,000

$351,946,000

$261,836,000

$345,990,000

$301,624,000

$45,783,000

$33,668,000

$327,223,000

$328,558,000

$77,381,000

$94,346,000

$249,842,000

$234,212,000

$104,087,000

$122,207,000

$77,381,000

$94,346,000

$26,706,000

$27,861,000

$21,405,000

$18,294,000

$21,405,000

$18,294,000

$176,319,000

$166,029,000

$176,319,000

$166,029,000

$25,412,000

$22,028,000

$25,412,000

$22,028,000

Unfunded commitments for investments

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42,100,000

53,200,000

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Commitment for investments

'

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$85,000,000

$85,000,000

'

'

$27,100,000

$34,500,000

'

'

$15,000,000

$18,700,000

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PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME6

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 5) (Pension Benefits, USD $)	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$1,087,315	$939,230	$870,923	$33,668	$21,847
Purchases, issuances and settlements (net)	'	'	'	7,288	9,316
Unrealized gains	'	'	'	2,718	478
Realized gains	'	'	'	1,471	1,812
Interest and dividend income	'	'	'	638	215
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$1,087,315	$939,230	$870,923	$45,783	$33,668

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
U.S. Federal	$231,359,000	$216,620,000	$202,084,000
State	30,671,000	26,303,000	26,978,000
Foreign	5,334,000	5,783,000	3,826,000
Total current	267,364,000	248,706,000	232,888,000
Deferred:	'	'	'
U.S. Federal	1,080,000	4,443,000	6,358,000
State	-194,000	225,000	394,000
Foreign	181,000	'	'
Total deferred	1,067,000	4,668,000	6,752,000
Total provision for income taxes	268,431,000	253,374,000	239,640,000
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'
Tax over book depreciation	-89,823,000	-91,545,000	'
Book/tax basis difference from acquisitions	-25,442,000	-26,295,000	'
Other, net	-92,813,000	-76,851,000	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'
Post-retirement benefits	127,093,000	147,278,000	'
Stock options	32,036,000	32,210,000	'
Deferred compensation	25,089,000	23,115,000	'
Insurance accruals	19,007,000	16,728,000	'
Vacation accruals	15,073,000	14,905,000	'
Promotional accruals	10,779,000	7,524,000	'
Federal benefit of state tax	7,786,000	9,965,000	'
Pension benefits	5,249,000	96,641,000	'
Other, net	64,595,000	59,130,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	98,629,000	212,805,000	'
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate	'	'	'
U.S. statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent)	2.70%	2.50%	2.70%
Domestic production activities deduction (as a percent)	-2.40%	-2.60%	-2.60%
All other, net (as a percent)	-1.70%	-1.50%	-1.80%
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	33.60%	33.40%	33.30%
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures	69,200,000	'	'
Income taxes paid	226,200,000	226,700,000	227,300,000
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	22,131,000	21,398,000	'
Tax positions related to the current period	'	'	'
Increases	4,353,000	3,066,000	'
Tax positions related to prior periods:	'	'	'
Increases	3,091,000	1,302,000	'
Decreases	-4,738,000	-2,541,000	'
Settlements	-1,173,000	-624,000	'
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations	-3,579,000	-470,000	'
Balance at the end of the period	20,085,000	22,131,000	21,398,000
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties	23,100,000	'	'
Portion of unrecognized tax benefit including interest and penalties, that if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	15,300,000	'	'
Interest and penalties expense (gain) related to uncertain tax positions recognized in income tax expense	4,700,000	'	'
Accrued interest and penalties, associated with unrecognized tax benefits	$3,000,000	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011	Nov. 26, 2013	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 27, 2013
				SKIPPY	Hogs and turkeys	Grow-out contracts	Corn, soybean meal and other feed
				China	Maximum	Maximum	Maximum
				Subsequent event
Purchase commitments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase commitments, time period	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'25 years	'3 years
Purchase consideration	'	'	'	$41,400,000	'	'	'
Purchase commitments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	1,420,814,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	933,079,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2016	656,292,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2017	583,994,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2018	569,155,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Later Years	1,173,838,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	5,337,172,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchases under contracts	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000	1,800,000,000	'	'	'	'
Noncancelable operating lease commitments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	5,872,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	2,468,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2016	1,760,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2017	992,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2018	711,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Later years	1,977,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	13,780,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expenses under noncancelable operating lease commitments	21,600,000	21,600,000	23,100,000	'	'	'	'
Approximate amount of commitments to complete construction in progress at various locations	104,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Standby letters of credit	42,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revocable standby letter of credit	$4,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2007	Oct. 27, 2013
Stock options	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'
Stock option expiration period	'	'10 years
Number of options granted (pre-2011 split) during one-time stock option grant to full time employees of the company on January 8, 2007 (in shares)	100	'
Vesting period of universal stock option grant	'5 years	'
The per share closing price (pre-2011 split) of common stock on attainment of which the grants will vest (in dollars per share)	$50	'
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the specified price in order for the granted options to vest	'5 days	'
Stock options | Minimum	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'
Vesting period	'	'6 months
Stock options | Maximum	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'
Vesting period	'	'4 years
Nonvested shares | Shares granted on or before September 26, 2010	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'
Vesting period	'	'5 years
Nonvested shares | Shares granted after September 26, 2010	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'
Vesting period	'	'1 year

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit	'	'	'
Stock based compensation expense recognized	$17,596,000	$16,710,000	$17,229,000
Income tax benefit recognized	-6,655,000	-6,334,000	-6,542,000
After-tax stock-based compensation expense	10,941,000	10,376,000	10,687,000
Stock-based compensation expense unrecognized	7,400,000	'	'
Period for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	'4 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Number of shares available for future grants	27,900,000	30,000,000	32,600,000
Stock options	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	'
Cash received from stock options exercised	30,200,000	14,700,000	53,800,000
Tax benefit realized from stock options, aggregate	29,400,000	11,400,000	20,800,000
Reconciliation of Stock Options	'	'	'
Outstanding, at the beginning of the period (in shares)	20,454,000	'	'
Granted (in shares)	2,218,000	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	4,181,000	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	25,000	'	'
Outstanding, at the end of the period (in shares)	18,466,000	20,454,000	'
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	12,429,000	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$19.67	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$32.19	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$15.56	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$27.77	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$22.09	$19.67	'
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	$19.02	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Exercisable at end of period	'4 years 3 months 18 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period	397,571,000	'	'
Exercisable at end of period	305,727,000	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted, and the total intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$5.50	$5.64	$5.54
Intrinsic value of exercised options	77,610,000	30,210,000	54,859,000
Weighted-average assumptions used to calculate fair value of each ordinary option award	'	'	'
Risk free interest rate (as a percent)	1.40%	1.80%	2.90%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	2.10%	2.00%	2.00%
Stock price volatility (as a percent)	20.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Expected option life	'8 years	'8 years	'8 years
Nonvested shares	'	'	'
Reconciliation of the nonvested shares	'	'	'
Nonvested shares at the beginning of the period	139,000	'	'
Nonvested shares granted in period	45,000	'	'
Nonvested shares vested in period	72,000	'	'
Nonvested shares at the end of the period	112,000	139,000	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value and total fair value of nonvested shares granted, vested and forfeited	'	'	'
Nonvested shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$21.47	'	'
Nonvested shares granted in period (in dollars per share)	$35.42	$28.98	$25.11
Nonvested shares vested in period (in dollars per share)	$25.07	'	'
Nonvested shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$24.77	$21.47	'
Fair value of nonvested shares granted	1,600,000	1,369,000	1,299,000
Fair value of shares vested	$1,824,000	$2,476,000	$751,000

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_Detail

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Derivatives and hedging	'	'
Maximum number of upcoming fiscal years to hedge grain or natural gas exposure	'2 years	'
Accumulated change, pretax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges	($9)	$15.20
The Company expects to recognize the majority of hedging losses over this period	'12 months	'
Corn | Derivatives not designated as hedges	'	'
Derivatives and hedging	'	'
Futures contracts, Volume	1,700,000	'
Corn | Cash Flow Hedges	'	'
Derivatives and hedging	'	'
Futures contracts, Volume	14,700,000	12,000,000
Hedging loss, before tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to dedesignated commodity derivatives previously designated as cash flow hedges	$1.10	'
Corn | Fair Value Hedges	'	'
Derivatives and hedging	'	'
Futures contracts, Volume	5,800,000	8,000,000
Lean hogs | Fair Value Hedges	'	'
Derivatives and hedging	'	'
Futures contracts, Volume	1,400,000	900,000

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_Detail1

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Details 2) (USD $)	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives fair value	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Other current assets	($29,585)	$7,483
Derivatives designated as hedges | Commodity contracts | Other current assets	'	'
Derivatives fair value	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Other current assets	-25,802	7,483
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Commodity contracts | Other current assets	'	'
Derivatives fair value	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Other current assets	($3,783)	'

DERIVATIVES_AND_HEDGING_Detail2

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)	'	'
Gains or losses excluded from the assessment of cash flow hedge effectiveness	$0	$0
Gains or losses excluded from the assessment of fair value hedge effectiveness	0	0
Gains or losses resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges	0	0
Gains or losses recognized as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge	0	0
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Commodity contracts	'	'
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)	'	'
Hedging loss, before tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to dedesignated commodity derivatives previously designated as cash flow hedges	-1,100,000	'
Gross hedging loss, before tax and reclassifications, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to dedesignated commodity derivatives previously designated as cash flow hedges	-2,000,000	'
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Commodity contracts | Cost of products sold	'	'
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)	'	'
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings	-2,227,000	46,000
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Foreign exchange contracts | Interest and investment income (loss)	'	'
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)	'	'
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings	244,000	'
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity contracts	'	'
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)	'	'
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL (Effective Portion)	-18,329,000	10,261,000
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity contracts | Cost of products sold	'	'
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)	'	'
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)	5,871,000	22,319,000
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion)	-5,272,000	'
Fair Value Hedges | Derivatives designated as hedges | Commodity contracts | Cost of products sold	'	'
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)	'	'
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Effective Portion)	6,067,000	-10,670,000
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion)	$3,560,000	$19,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012
Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities	'	'
Guarantee period at issue for rate of return on fixed income funds	'1 year	'
Recognized right to reclaim cash collateral	$35,700,000	$27,500,000
Recognized obligation to return cash collateral	'	31,100,000
Fair value, long-term debt	'	'
Fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities)	261,700,000	283,600,000
Recurring basis | Fair Value	'	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	434,014,000	682,388,000
Short-term marketable securities	'	77,387,000
Other trading securities	114,300,000	109,676,000
Commodity derivatives	6,086,000	3,884,000
Total Assets at Fair Value	554,400,000	873,335,000
Liabilities at Fair Value:	'	'
Deferred compensation	52,771,000	47,953,000
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	52,771,000	47,953,000
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	434,014,000	682,388,000
Short-term marketable securities	'	2,349,000
Other trading securities	38,489,000	36,305,000
Commodity derivatives	6,086,000	3,884,000
Total Assets at Fair Value	478,589,000	724,926,000
Liabilities at Fair Value:	'	'
Deferred compensation	21,257,000	16,866,000
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	21,257,000	16,866,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'	'
Short-term marketable securities	'	75,038,000
Other trading securities	75,811,000	73,371,000
Total Assets at Fair Value	75,811,000	148,409,000
Liabilities at Fair Value:	'	'
Deferred compensation	31,514,000	31,087,000
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$31,514,000	$31,087,000

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Jul. 28, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Jan. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Jul. 29, 2012	Apr. 29, 2012	Jan. 29, 2012	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
									segment
SEGMENT REPORTING	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable business segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	$2,323,202	$2,159,525	$2,152,686	$2,116,241	$2,170,184	$2,008,188	$2,012,859	$2,039,439	$8,751,654	$8,230,670	$7,895,089
Net interest and investment expense (income)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,482	6,339	23,448
General corporate expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	26,694	21,429	35,992
Noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,865	4,911	5,001
Earnings Before Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	798,507	758,335	718,836
Assets	4,915,880	'	'	'	4,563,966	'	'	'	4,915,880	4,563,966	4,244,391
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	106,762	132,303	96,911
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	124,850	119,494	124,165
Grocery Products	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,517,557	1,170,871	1,064,558
Assets	1,237,405	'	'	'	683,601	'	'	'	1,237,405	683,601	670,398
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,100	17,966	10,910
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,912	15,870	15,597
Refrigerated Foods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,268,874	4,234,896	4,203,325
Assets	1,218,418	'	'	'	1,171,161	'	'	'	1,218,418	1,171,161	1,177,588
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	58,523	67,003	45,244
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	57,879	60,229	65,689
Jennie-O Turkey Store	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,725,288	1,674,802	1,592,090
Assets	819,343	'	'	'	857,682	'	'	'	819,343	857,682	805,459
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,863	33,594	29,507
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	26,921	26,144	25,379
Specialty Foods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	932,641	924,605	835,711
Assets	469,599	'	'	'	506,237	'	'	'	469,599	506,237	475,289
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,606	3,779	3,470
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,232	9,871	9,817
International & Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	448,181	363,348	338,501
Assets	361,038	'	'	'	224,847	'	'	'	361,038	224,847	196,957
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,973	2,794	1,145
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,906	1,437	1,387
Operating segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,751,654	8,230,670	7,895,089
Segment Operating Profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	828,818	781,192	773,275
Operating segment | Grocery Products	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,517,557	1,170,871	1,064,558
Segment Operating Profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	213,646	181,251	162,556
Operating segment | Refrigerated Foods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,251,515	4,222,752	4,189,224
Segment Operating Profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	232,692	228,665	292,624
Operating segment | Jennie-O Turkey Store	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,601,868	1,549,227	1,467,222
Segment Operating Profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	222,117	238,298	204,940
Operating segment | Specialty Foods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	932,533	924,472	835,584
Segment Operating Profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	88,873	83,089	76,905
Operating segment | International & Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	448,181	363,348	338,501
Segment Operating Profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	71,490	49,889	36,250
Intersegment sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	140,887	137,852	139,096
Intersegment sales | Refrigerated Foods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,359	12,144	14,101
Intersegment sales | Jennie-O Turkey Store	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	123,420	125,575	124,868
Intersegment sales | Specialty Foods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	108	133	127
Intersegment elimination	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-140,887	-137,852	-139,096
Corporate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	810,077	'	'	'	1,120,438	'	'	'	810,077	1,120,438	918,700
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,697	7,167	6,635
Depreciation and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$6,000	$5,943	$6,296
Precept Foods, LLC	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit and other financial information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage held by entity in joint venture	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.01%	'	'

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details_2

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 2) (Revenues)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Percentage of revenue by classes of products	'	'	'
Percentage of total revenues	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Perishable meat	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue by classes of products	'	'	'
Percentage of total revenues	50.90%	53.50%	55.10%
Shelf-stable	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue by classes of products	'	'	'
Percentage of total revenues	21.40%	17.60%	16.80%
Poultry	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue by classes of products	'	'	'
Percentage of total revenues	18.80%	19.30%	19.10%
Other	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue by classes of products	'	'	'
Percentage of total revenues	8.90%	9.60%	9.00%

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details_3

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Jul. 28, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Jan. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Jul. 29, 2012	Apr. 29, 2012	Jan. 29, 2012	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Revenues attributable to U.S. and Foreign countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$2,323,202	$2,159,525	$2,152,686	$2,116,241	$2,170,184	$2,008,188	$2,012,859	$2,039,439	$8,751,654	$8,230,670	$7,895,089
United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to U.S. and Foreign countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,193,730	7,739,826	7,431,798
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to U.S. and Foreign countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$557,924	$490,844	$463,291

SEGMENT_REPORTING_Details_4

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013
	segment
Revenues from major customer	'
Number of reportable business segments	5
Revenues | Customer concentration | Wal-Mart Stores	'
Revenues from major customer	'
Gross sales, less returns and allowances	1.33
Concentration risk (as a percent)	13.90%

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION2

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Jul. 28, 2013	Apr. 28, 2013	Jan. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Jul. 29, 2012	Apr. 29, 2012	Jan. 29, 2012	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$2,323,202	$2,159,525	$2,152,686	$2,116,241	$2,170,184	$2,008,188	$2,012,859	$2,039,439	$8,751,654	$8,230,670	$7,895,089
Gross Profit	385,516	330,306	352,801	344,193	351,779	307,056	335,607	337,409	1,412,816	1,331,851	1,334,113
Net Earnings	158,485	113,905	126,641	131,045	134,286	112,407	128,935	129,333	530,076	504,961	479,196
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$157,340	$113,635	$125,520	$129,716	$132,601	$111,167	$127,887	$128,395	$526,211	$500,050	$474,195
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.60	$0.43	$0.47	$0.49	$0.50	$0.42	$0.49	$0.49	$1.99	$1.90	$1.78
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.58	$0.42	$0.46	$0.48	$0.49	$0.41	$0.48	$0.48	$1.95	$1.86	$1.74

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Details) (Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2013	Oct. 28, 2012	Oct. 30, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	'	'	'
Change in valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000
Additions/(Benefits) Charged to Costs and Expenses	476	155	-149
Additions/(Benefits) Charged to Other Accounts Describe	0	0	0
Deductions-Describe, uncollectible accounts written off	497	169	233
Deductions-Describe, recoveries on accounts previously written off	-21	-14	-382
Balance at End of Period	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000