Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]
Cost	$ 692,661		$ 712,126
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses Less Than 12 Months
Gross Unrealized Losses 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value	692,661	[1]	712,126	[1]
Non-interest bearing cash (U.S. and International)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]
Cost	188,340		167,161
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses Less Than 12 Months
Gross Unrealized Losses 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value	188,340	[1]	167,161	[1]
Money Market Funds (U.S.)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]
Cost	205,000		155,000
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses Less Than 12 Months
Gross Unrealized Losses 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value	205,000	[1]	155,000	[1]
Cash Deposits And Money Market Funds (International)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]
Cost	287,678		378,221
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses Less Than 12 Months
Gross Unrealized Losses 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value	287,678	[1]	378,221	[1]
Classified As Current Assets, Total
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]
Cost	681,018		700,382
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses Less Than 12 Months
Gross Unrealized Losses 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value	681,018	[1]	700,382	[1]
Strategic Investments
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Line Items]
Cost	11,643		11,744
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses Less Than 12 Months
Gross Unrealized Losses 12 Months or Longer
Estimated Fair Value	$ 11,643	[1]	$ 11,744	[1]

[1] See Note 5 for further discussion of fair values.