SCHEDULE II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable reserves
Movement in allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable reserves and accrued advertising and marketing programs
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 3,904	$ 4,151	$ 2,726
Charged to costs and expense	6	666	1,811
Other	55	70
Deductions	1,925	983	386
Balance at the end of the period	2,040	3,904	4,151
Accrued advertising and marketing programs
Movement in allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable reserves and accrued advertising and marketing programs
Balance at the beginning of the period	43,095	45,298	48,412
Charged to costs and expense	190,021	191,799	187,724
Deductions	185,955	194,002	190,838
Balance at the end of the period	$ 47,161	$ 43,095	$ 45,298