Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 45,333	$ 30,569
Work-in-process	13,851	6,993
Finished goods	134,998	177,994
Deferred cost of goods sold	67,665	76,830
Inventories before provision	261,847	292,386
Provision for excess and obsolescence	(31,771)	(30,767)	(24,002)
Total inventories	230,076	261,619
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowance, beginning balance	30,767	24,002	23,257
Provisions	17,334	13,696	15,719
Disposals	16,330	6,931	14,974
Valuation allowance, ending balance	$ 31,771	$ 30,767	$ 24,002