ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Switchcraft Inc [Member]
Assets acquired:
Goodwill	$ 73,405
Identifiable Intangible Assets	72,500
Inventories	13,086
Property, plant and equipment	10,884
Accounts receivable	6,123
Other assets	1,358
Total assets acquired, excluding cash	177,356
Liabilities assumed:
Deferred Income Taxes	30,244
Accrued Expenses	2,252
Accounts Payable	1,889
Other Liabilities	258
Total liabilities assumed	34,643
Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net	142,713
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Assets acquired:
Goodwill	18,607	49,575	12,972
Identifiable Intangible Assets	21,831	40,187	15,400
Inventories	4,587	16,847	3,184
Property, plant and equipment	1,353	10,206	573
Accounts receivable	4,393	9,072	6,685
Other assets	171	1,639	24
Total assets acquired, excluding cash	50,942	127,526	38,838
Liabilities assumed:
Accrued additional purchase consideration	11,984	5,738	910
Deferred Income Taxes	0	7,423	0
Accrued Expenses	645	7,634	1,553
Accounts Payable	445	7,555	1,489
Other Liabilities	0	5,184	0
Total liabilities assumed	13,074	33,534	3,952
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	3,918	5,921	0
Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net	$ 33,950	$ 88,071	$ 34,886