Operating segments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Sales information by geographic area
Net external sales	$ 312,255	$ 279,121	$ 902,141	$ 751,369
United States [Member]
Sales information by geographic area
Net external sales	77,883	71,953	227,456	197,337
Americas [Member]
Sales information by geographic area
Net external sales	26,510	21,146	72,528	56,556
Europe [Member]
Sales information by geographic area
Net external sales	97,620	81,925	285,927	243,374
Japan [Member]
Sales information by geographic area
Net external sales	26,663	26,864	81,895	67,041
Asia Pacific [Member]
Sales information by geographic area
Net external sales	$ 83,579	$ 77,233	$ 234,335	$ 187,061