CONSOLIDATED VALUATION ACCOUNTS (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	$ 10,672	$ 10,772	$ 12,466
Acquisitions	3,994	281
Charges to Costs and Expenses	20,396	14,239	23,072
Write-offs Net of Recoveries	(21,577)	(14,620)	(24,766)
Balance End of Year	$ 13,485	$ 10,672	$ 10,772