Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances for trade accounts receivable	$ 62,784	$ 60,912
Fixed assets, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 250,761	$ 251,150
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	285,000,000	285,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	173,781,295	172,579,182
Treasury stock, shares	2,885,200	2,885,200