This item represents the gain (loss) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and any losses recognized thereon for impairments of other than a temporary nature.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 9

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph c, d

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c),9(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Name:	us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsRealizedGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009	Oct. 31, 2011 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due March 15, 2015 [Member]	Mar. 15, 2010 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due March 15, 2015 [Member]	Mar. 19, 2010 MEN Business [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contingent refund						$ 33,500,000
Interest on convertible notes				4.00%	4.00%
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on cost method investments	$ 7,249,000	$ 0	$ (5,328,000)