Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 38,338	$ 45,897
Depreciation and amortization	7,969	7,315
Non-cash stock compensation	2,520	2,614
Deferred income taxes	795	107
Other non-cash expense	732	233
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(19)	253
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	(243)	(4,104)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(5,782)	3,605
Net cash provided by operating activities	44,310	55,920
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(8,644)	(5,530)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	78	53
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired		(21,296)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities		7,546
Net cash used in investing activities	(8,566)	(19,227)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	4	4,729
Repayment of short-term borrowings		(6,534)
Proceeds from long-term debt	32,500	25,500
Repayment of long-term debt	(27)	(33,500)
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(1,211)	(1,167)
Issuance of common shares	534	7,037
Purchase of treasury shares	(47,024)	(9,522)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	243	4,104
Dividends paid	(8,133)	(7,144)
Net cash used in financing activities	(23,114)	(16,497)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(555)	(1,403)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,075	18,793
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	37,408	42,329
End of quarter	$ 49,483	$ 61,122