Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowances for trade accounts receivable	$ 43,468	$ 48,670
Fixed assets accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 261,342	$ 255,267
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	285,000,000	285,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	168,664,496	168,053,744
Treasury stock, shares	2,885,200	2,885,200