Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$ 77,665	$ 129,340
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization and depreciation	74,862	64,998
Stock compensation	36,853	27,914
Allowance for doubtful accounts	452	723
Write-down of long-term investments	0	999
Gain on sale of investments	(349)	(50)
Deferred income taxes	10,033	(939)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(11,516)	(28,904)
Prepaid and other current assets	(3,442)	(8,848)
Other long-term assets	(8,128)	(11,658)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(48,391)	(69,320)
Income taxes	(8,436)	(40,890)
Deferred revenue	(32,147)	(6,510)
Net cash provided by operating activities	87,456	56,855
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments	166,132	63,648
Purchases of short-term investments	(18,179)	(49,435)
Purchases of property and equipment	(19,585)	(20,600)
Cash paid for acquisitions and intangible assets, net of cash acquired	(564,528)	(3,520)
Capitalization of software development costs	(1,539)	(1,512)
Net cash used in investing activities	(437,699)	(11,419)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital leases	(1,888)	(1,310)
Proceeds from credit facility and term loan	250,000
Repayment of acquired debt	(21,156)
Issuances of common stock	111,180	108,843
Purchases of treasury stock	(40,000)	(234,985)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	298,136	(127,452)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(6,376)	641
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(58,483)	(81,375)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	855,077	775,407
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 796,594	$ 694,032

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).