Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Other Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 2,117	$ 5,396	$ 10,831
Gain (loss) on investments	(64)	3,846	(6,442)
Gain (loss) on assets related to deferred compensation plan	2,426	8,810	9,969
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss)	1,655	(1,514)	7,097
Other, net	136	(1,990)	3,364
Total	$ 6,270	$ 14,548	$ 24,819