Employee Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Costs and payments related to supplemental retirement plans
Service cost	$ 97	$ 76	$ 291	$ 229
Interest cost	303	323	909	968
Amortization of prior service obligation	184	173	553	520
Amortization of unrecognized losses	17		50
Total costs	601	572	1,803	1,717
Benefits paid	$ 310	$ 34	$ 535	$ 96