Retirement, pension and other postretirement plans (Details 14) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011
Postretirement Benefit Plans United States [Member]
One percentage point change in the discount rate and assumed health care cost trend rate
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point increase	$ (628)
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point decrease	753
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point increase	(10,119)
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point decrease	12,871
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point increase	871
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point decrease	(688)
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point increase	11,804
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point decrease	(9,476)
Postretirement Benefit Plans International [Member]
One percentage point change in the discount rate and assumed health care cost trend rate
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point increase	(9)
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point decrease	11
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point increase	(135)
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point decrease	181
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point increase	19
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2011 ,1% point decrease	(14)
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point increase	174
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2011, 1% point decrease	$ (132)