Retirement, pension and other postretirement plans (Details 11) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Postretirement Benefit Plans United States [Member]
Summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss
Balance at beginning of year	$ 21,423	$ 21,291
Net (gain) loss arising during the year	14,410	1,326
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year		(1,171)
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year	(1,606)	(1,170)
Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year	1,147	1,147
Balance at end of year	35,374	21,423
Postretirement Benefit Plans International [Member]
Summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss
Balance at beginning of year	(203)	(146)
Net (gain) loss arising during the year	(62)	(53)
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year	8	5
Exchange rate effect during the year	(3)	(9)
Balance at end of year	$ (260)	$ (203)