Stock-based compensation (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011
Summarized activity related to director deferred compensation shares
Number of Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	267
Number of Shares, Granted	2
Number of Shares, Restricted stock units vested	18
Number of Shares, Dividend equivalents	2
Number of Shares, Distributions	(32)
Number of Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	257
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$ 16.54
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 49.34
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted stock units vested	$ 16.55
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Dividend equivalents	$ 50.4
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Distributions	$ 15.06
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Ending Balance	$ 17.27