SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RELATED DATA (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011 M	Oct. 31, 2010
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Maximum original maturity period of cash equivalents (in months)	3
Inventories
Percentage of total inventory valued under FIFO method (as a percent)	33.00%	33.00%
Inventories
Raw materials and work in progress	$ 94,176	$ 66,152
Finished goods and service parts	189,855	183,992
Total FIFO value	284,031	250,144
Less: adjustment to LIFO value	61,001	55,742
Total	$ 223,030	$ 194,402