SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RELATED DATA (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted cash and short-term investments	$ 24,837
Inventory Valuations
Percentage of total inventory valued under FIFO method	33.00%	31.00%
Effect of LIFO inventory layers reduction on cost of sales	122	0	0
Inventories
Raw materials and work in process	87,668	91,465
Finished goods and service parts	217,796	223,459
Total FIFO value	305,464	314,924
Less: adjustment to LIFO value	65,375	63,807
Total	$ 240,089	$ 251,117