Retirement, pension and other postretirement plans (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Pension plan, United States [Member]
Net pension benefit costs
Service cost	$ 6,058	$ 5,997	$ 4,177
Interest cost	12,008	11,883	11,897
Expected return on plan assets	(15,575)	(14,716)	(11,982)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	666	579	603
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	7,438	6,181	854
Settlement loss	0	8,022	1,629
Total benefit cost	10,595	17,946	7,178
Pension plan International [Member]
Net pension benefit costs
Service cost	2,097	1,632	1,315
Interest cost	2,973	2,791	2,625
Expected return on plan assets	(1,466)	(1,348)	(1,210)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	5	49	49
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	858	369	(19)
Settlement loss	0	190	287
Total benefit cost	$ 4,467	$ 3,683	$ 3,047