Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 1,542,921	$ 1,409,578	$ 1,233,159
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	676,777	584,249	484,727
Cost of sales - restructuring		2,040
Selling and administrative expenses	541,169	485,285	429,489
Severance and restructuring costs	1,126	2,524	1,589
Long-lived asset impairments			1,811
Total operating costs and expenses	1,219,072	1,074,098	917,616
Operating profit	323,849	335,480	315,543
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(14,841)	(11,153)	(5,069)
Interest and investment income	421	463	569
Other - net	1,694	1,463	3,518
Total other income (expense)	(12,726)	(9,227)	(982)
Income before income taxes	311,123	326,253	314,561
Income tax provision:
Current	84,184	91,596	91,481
Deferred	5,122	9,828	716
Income taxes	89,306	101,424	92,197
Net income	$ 221,817	$ 224,829	$ 222,364
Average common shares	64,214	64,407	67,616
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock-based compensation	694	696	809
Average common shares and common share equivalents	64,908	65,103	68,425
Basic earnings per share	$ 3.45	$ 3.49	$ 3.29
Diluted earnings per share	$ 3.42	$ 3.45	$ 3.25
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.630	$ 0.525	$ 0.440