Stock Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2003
Share Repurchase Program
Number of shares purchased	4,000	7,000	23,000	26,000
Average price per share	$ 20.44	$ 18.89	$ 20.18	$ 19.48
Remaining authorization at July 31:	11,807,000	11,836,000	11,807,000	11,836,000	20,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program (Textuals) [Abstract]
Authorization to repurchase shares	11,807,000	11,836,000	11,807,000	11,836,000	20,000,000
Par value of common stock repurchased					$ 0.01