Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interest - Summary of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 602,236	$ 622,622
Stock compensation expense			11,223	12,400
Exercise of stock options			3,275	220
Employee stock purchase plan			557	559
Transactions with non-controlling interest holders
Business acquisitions				1,440
Net loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income	(48,941)	(5,678)	(71,455)	(46,348)
Ending Balance	545,836	590,893	545,836	590,893
Quiksilver, Inc. [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			583,310	610,098
Stock compensation expense			11,223	12,400
Exercise of stock options			3,275	220
Employee stock purchase plan			557	559
Transactions with non-controlling interest holders			(44)
Business acquisitions
Net loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income			(72,137)	(48,756)
Ending Balance	526,184	574,521	526,184	574,521
Non-controlling Interest [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			18,926	12,524
Stock compensation expense
Exercise of stock options
Employee stock purchase plan
Transactions with non-controlling interest holders			44
Business acquisitions				1,440
Net loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income			682	2,408
Ending Balance	$ 19,652	$ 16,372	$ 19,652	$ 16,372