Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 39,678	$ 45,333
Work-in-process	10,736	13,851
Finished goods	178,210	134,998
Deferred cost of goods sold	71,484	67,665
Inventories before provision	300,108	261,847
Provision for excess and obsolescence	(40,010)	(31,771)	(30,767)
Total inventories	260,098	230,076
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowance, beginning balance	31,771	30,767	24,002
Provisions	23,438	17,334	13,696
Disposals	15,199	16,330	6,931
Valuation allowance, ending balance	$ 40,010	$ 31,771	$ 30,767