Pension and other postretirement plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2012

Components of net periodic pension cost [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	U.S.						International
Three months ended January 31	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	1,741		$	1,668		$	380		$	520
Interest cost		2,941			3,008			756			725
Expected return on plan assets		(3,716	)		(3,858	)		(385	)		(359	)
Amortization of prior service cost		167			164			(25	)		1
Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,628			1,801			141			208
Settlement loss		682			—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	4,443		$	2,783		$	867		$	1,095

Components of net postretirement benefit cost [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	U.S.						International
Three months ended January 31	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	364		$	246		$	7		$	8
Interest cost		822			714			10			10
Amortization of prior service cost		(146	)		(287	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		670			375			(4	)		(2	)
Total benefit cost	$	1,710		$	1,048		$	13		$	16