Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 400,727	$ 417,461	$ 779,735	$ 776,881
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	178,837	181,909	349,124	346,547
Selling and administrative expenses	145,476	142,718	291,379	283,641
Total operating costs and expenses	324,313	324,627	640,503	630,188
Operating profit	76,414	92,834	139,232	146,693
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(4,313)	(3,532)	(8,402)	(7,107)
Interest and investment income	151	217	237	329
Other - net	(687)	(406)	(789)	(615)
Total other income (expense)	(4,849)	(3,721)	(8,954)	(7,393)
Income before income taxes	71,565	89,113	130,278	139,300
Income taxes	22,351	27,179	38,179	42,486
Net income	$ 49,214	$ 61,934	$ 92,099	$ 96,814
Average common shares	61,116	63,964	61,569	64,095
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, restricted stock, and deferred stock-based compensation	522	593	525	616
Average common shares and common share equivalents	61,638	64,557	62,094	64,711
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.81	$ 0.97	$ 1.50	$ 1.51
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.80	$ 0.96	$ 1.48	$ 1.50
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.22	$ 0.18	$ 0.44	$ 0.36