Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 3,353	$ 3,728	$ 3,067
Assumed from Acquisitions	22	6
Charged to Expense	977	607	1,998
Deductions	1,047	901	1,654
Currency Effects	6	(87)	317
Balance at End of Year	3,311	3,353	3,728
Inventory Obsolescence and Other Reserves [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Balance at Beginning of Year	16,802	15,740	13,133
Assumed from Acquisitions	8	187
Charged to Expense	3,982	4,233	5,654
Deductions	4,850	3,061	4,234
Currency Effects	108	(297)	1,187
Balance at End of Year	$ 16,050	$ 16,802	$ 15,740