Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interest - Summary of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 602,236	$ 622,622
Stock compensation expense			16,195	17,272
Exercise of stock options			4,990	224
Employee stock purchase plan			1,175	1,111
Transactions with non-controlling interest holders
Business acquisitions				(16,144)
Net loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income	(316)	(15,661)	(71,771)	(62,009)
Ending Balance	552,825	563,076	552,825	563,076
Quiksilver, Inc. [Member]
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			583,310	610,098
Stock compensation expense			16,195	17,272
Exercise of stock options			4,990	224
Employee stock purchase plan			1,175	1,111
Transactions with non-controlling interest holders			(44)
Business acquisitions				(11,110)
Net loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income			(72,206)	(64,266)
Ending Balance	533,420	553,329	533,420	553,329
Non-controlling Interest [Member]
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [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				(5,034)
Net loss and other comprehensive (loss)/income			435	2,257
Ending Balance	$ 19,405	$ 9,747	$ 19,405	$ 9,747