Tax Loss and Credit Carryforwards Available to Offset Future Income Tax Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012
Federal
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	177,517
Credit carryforward	93,932
Federal | Minimum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward, expiration date	2018
Credit carryforward, expiration date	2017
Federal | Maximum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward, expiration date	2031
Credit carryforward, expiration date	2032
Foreign Tax Credit Used in Domestic Country
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Credit carryforward	15,598
Foreign Tax Credit Used in Domestic Country | Minimum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Credit carryforward, expiration date	2015
Foreign Tax Credit Used in Domestic Country | Maximum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Credit carryforward, expiration date	2021
California Research
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Credit carryforward	95,126
Credit carryforward, expiration date	Indefinite
Other State Research
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Credit carryforward	8,021
Other State Research | Minimum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Credit carryforward, expiration date	2013
Other State Research | Maximum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Credit carryforward, expiration date	2032
State Research
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	206,203
State Research | Minimum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward, expiration date	2013
State Research | Maximum
Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward, expiration date	2031